Latest news with #KeithTaylor
Forbes
5 days ago
- Forbes
Lindblad Names Two New Ships And Launches ‘Explorers-In-Training'
It's been a busy month for National Geographic–Lindblad Expeditions, which named its two new ships, National Geographic Gemini and National Geographic Delfina, in an elaborate christening ceremony in the Galápagos Islands on July 9, 2025, and launched its new 'Explorers-in-Training' programming for kids and teens at the end of July. Anchored in Academy Bay, the two new ships were joined by their sibling vessels, National Geographic Islander II and National Geographic Endeavour II. Onboard the Gemini, the crew were joined by several members of Lindblad Expeditions' executive team, including CEO Natalya Leahy and Interim Chief Maritime Officer, Rear Admiral Keith Taylor, plus several local partners, community members and their families. 'Today, we celebrate not just an event, we're celebrating a story that started in February 1967, when Lars-Eric Lindblad led the very first non-scientific expedition to the Galápagos Islands,' said Leahy. 'Today's naming is done in honor of the Galápagos community. We will continue our hard work right by your side and never forget that we are just visitors to your home.' Two New Ships: Gemini and Delfina Designed to hold just 48 guests in its 27 outward-facing staterooms, National Geographic Gemini strikes a perfect balance between small-ship and large-ship cruising, with plenty of activities, space to stretch out on the deck and enough peace to relax in the library or lounge. Ideal for intimate group sailings, National Geographic Delfina holds just 16 guests in its eight artfully designed guest rooms, all of which provide access to an outer deck or private balcony. Both ships come equipped with a whirlpool hot tub to unwind in after a long day of sightseeing, and you can expect educational talks by onboard naturalists and an elegant dining experience featuring locally sourced food and wine. To cut down on food waste, passengers are encouraged to note their dinner preferences ahead of time, while coffee, tea, and tasty Ecuadorian snacks are available 24/7 in the lounge, just in case. You can experience the Gemini on the 10-day Exploring Galápagos sailing (from $5,556 per person) or the Delfina during the 10-day Galápagos by Catamaran: An Intimate Voyage itinerary (from $7,900 per person). Both trips also offer a longer 16-day version that adds time in Peru and a trip to Machu Picchu. New 'Explorers-In-Training' Programming for Kids The cruise line also recently revamped its National Geographic Explorers-In-Training programming, which features hands-on activities geared toward younger guests aboard select sailings to Antarctica and Iceland, and all trips to the Galápagos Islands, Alaska, and Baja California. Originally created in 2017, the newly expanded program is meant to keep kids and teens inspired by science, curiosity and conservation as they encounter new landscapes, flora and fauna throughout the cruise. Activities vary based on the itinerary and destination but generally include opportunities to learn to drive a zodiac, participate in educational games and scavenger hunts, conduct experiments and mark the unique creatures they've seen in region-specific field notebooks. At the end of the sailing, their accomplishments are celebrated during a shipboard presentation where they'll receive a certificate and patch to remember their trip by. While these immersive experiences—led by some of National Geographic's best photographers, naturalists, undersea specialists and certified field educators—are intended for children and teens, all ages are invited to participate. What to Know Before You Go Instead of following a set schedule, National Geographic–Lindblad Expeditions sailings are more fluid, with loose itineraries based on daily traffic within Galápagos National Park. You'll be given a rough idea of the types of activities you'll be doing ahead of time so you know what to pack, and once onboard, the details of the next day's plans are shared during nightly presentations by expedition leaders. That way, everyone is prepared and with the Galápagos National Park Service directing ship traffic, the UNESCO World Heritage site doesn't get too overwhelmed by visitors. This type of flexibility also gives ship captains the ability to veer slightly off schedule and turn the vessel around if, for instance, a blue whale is spotted and the team of onboard naturalists wants to turn the rare sighting into an educational moment. Itineraries for the cruise line's two new ships are packed with only-in-Galápagos experiences like visits to the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island, epic hikes on lava fields, and scenic nature walks through endemic bird habitats. You'll also have many, many chances to swim alongside Galápagos sea lions and penguins, view blue-footed boobies from a zodiac and see other rare creatures—like Galápagos marine iguanas—in the wild. Remember to pack a good pair of waterproof hiking sandals for wet landings, hiking boots for dry landings, reef-safe sunscreen, and your best camera or a new Go-Pro for underwater videos. Pack plenty of 'Expedition Chic' attire like lightweight khaki pants and hiking shirts to avoid getting sunburned—you'll be sailing along the equator, after all, and the sun is strong. While the total cost of your Galápagos cruise aboard either of the two new ships doesn't include international airfare, gratuities or spa services, it does cover all your meals and beverages, educational presentations by National Geographic photographers and naturalists, access to kayaks and stand-up paddle boards, shore excursions aboard zodiacs and use of snorkeling equipment (masks, fins, and shorty wetsuits—bring a full-body diving skin to wear under it if you're wary of swimming in cooler waters). Cruise fares also include domestic flights to Baltra Island (GPS) from Guayaquil (GYE) or Quito (UIO), two nights' accommodations in either city (one before your sailing and one after), port taxes, the Galápagos Islands National Park entrance fee ($200 per adult, $100 per child) and the Tourist Transit Card fee ($20 per person). Pre- and post-cruise extensions are also available if you want to spend more time exploring Ecuador.
BBC News
10-07-2025
- BBC News
'It was either my leg or my life,' recalls Norfolk motorcyclist
A motorcyclist who spent two months in hospital after landing 185ft (about 505m) away from his bike in a crash has relived the moments that saved his Taylor was airlifted to hospital following the early-hours collision with a car near his south Norfolk home, and the severity of the injuries to his left leg meant surgeons had to amputate it above the Taylor had been riding motorbikes for more than 30 years, but his passion nearly proved was given blood transfusions at the scene, and Mr Taylor recalls: "They told me it was either my leg or my life." It happened on the A143 near Needham on Thursday, 17 February 2022, shortly after 05:30 GMT, which was Mr Taylor's usual time to leave was 59 at the time and working as a machine operator."I can remember the whole accident," he said. "My arm and leg were caught in the wheels of my motorbike."The East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) crew sent to the scene sedated Mr Taylor and gave him pain relief so they could work on his leg, but the damage was too following the accident, he learned to walk again during four and a half months in a rehabilitation centre."They told me I'd never walk again," Mr Taylor explained. "It was very emotional. I was in tears when I took my first steps." With the left side of his body taking the brunt of the traumatic impact of the crash, he was unable to continue in his car driver, a man in his early 40s, was sentenced in July 2023 to three years in prison after admitting causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He was also banned from driving for five Taylor, now 63, no longer rides motorcycles but has recently been able to retake his driving is sharing his story to raise awareness of the crucial donations required to keep the air ambulance running."The EAAA crew said they used almost every piece of equipment they carried on the helicopter to save my life," he said."If it wasn't for the air ambulance and the charity's supporters who fund this life-saving service, I wouldn't have made it."The EAAA, which covers Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, says each incident it is called to costs an average of £4, care paramedic Rod Wells, who was part of the crew that tended to Mr Taylor, said: "It's a privilege to do the job that we do, but it's thanks to kind donations and fundraising from the communities that we serve that critically injured and unwell people can have the best possible chance of survival."Lives, like Keith's, can be saved." Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Volunteer's award for 40 years of treating MS
A volunteer has dedicated more than 40 years of his life to helping ease the symptoms of patients with multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions. Keith Taylor, 84, from Yatton in Somerset, co-founded the West of England MS Therapy Centre in Bristol after his wife developed the autoimmune disease in 1973. The centre treats patients with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which increases the delivery of oxygen to the body. Mr Taylor was recently awarded a British Empire Medal in the 2025 King's Birthday Honours for his work. "I'm one of these folk that needs a role, a purpose, and this has provided me with that," he said. More news stories for Bristol Watch the latest Points West Listen to the latest news for Bristol When his wife Pat Taylor was diagnosed with the lifelong condition, "there was virtually nothing available to help", he said. "We eventually heard about hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the States," Mr Taylor said. "When people breathe almost pure oxygen under increased pressure, like a diving chamber, that increases the amount of oxygen that can go into the body – it helps with healing and comfort." The first centre opened in Nailsea, Somerset, in 1985 and in 2012 it moved to The Brightwell in Bradley Stoke. Mrs Taylor died in 2010, so was not able to see the new centre open – but Keith continued volunteering there. Mr Taylor said he "couldn't believe it" when he heard his community and local church had put him forward for the British Empire Medal. "It really did knock me back on my feet, everyone has said it's well deserved, but I've just done things I enjoy doing and I find very rewarding. "It never occurred to me anything like his would ever happen – it's absolutely fantastic," he added. Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. 'This chamber transformed my fight with long Covid' 'Pride meant I didn't discuss my MS diagnosis' Women with MS call for change to benefits criteria The Brightwell
BBC News
08-07-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Volunteer is awarded after 40 years of treating MS patients
Jasmine Ketibuah-Foley BBC News, West of England John Darvall BBC Radio Bristol BBC Keith Taylor said volunteering at the therapy centre he co-founded has given him "a purpose" A volunteer has dedicated more than 40 years of his life to helping ease the symptoms of patients with multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions. Keith Taylor, 84, from Yatton in Somerset, co-founded the West of England MS Therapy Centre in Bristol after his wife developed the autoimmune disease in 1973. The centre treats patients with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which increases the delivery of oxygen to the body. Mr Taylor was recently awarded a British Empire Medal in the 2025 King's Birthday Honours for his work. "I'm one of these folk that needs a role, a purpose, and this has provided me with that," he said. When his wife Pat Taylor was diagnosed with the lifelong condition, "there was virtually nothing available to help", he said. "We eventually heard about hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the States," Mr Taylor said. "When people breathe almost pure oxygen under increased pressure, like a diving chamber, that increases the amount of oxygen that can go into the body – it helps with healing and comfort." The first centre opened in Nailsea, Somerset, in 1985 and in 2012 it moved to The Brightwell in Bradley Stoke. Mrs Taylor died in 2010, so was not able to see the new centre open – but Keith continued volunteering there. Mr Taylor said he "couldn't believe it" when he heard his community and local church had put him forward for the British Empire Medal. "It really did knock me back on my feet, everyone has said it's well deserved, but I've just done things I enjoy doing and I find very rewarding. "It never occurred to me anything like his would ever happen – it's absolutely fantastic," he added. Related internet links
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Table 33 chef reflects on brush with the Dayton Accords and history
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — Keith Taylor is the executive chef at Table 33. But he also shares a special connection to NATO. Thirty years ago, Taylor was a line cook at the four-star l'Auberge when the restaurant served people from Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and the U.S. moments after they had negotiated what are now commonly known as the Dayton Accords. 'To be a part of something like that, it feels special to me even at the time, even though I'm a carefree 25-year-old just wanting to have fun and trying to learn cooking,' said Taylor. 'So, this was a significant, significant thing in my life.' Taylor said he had always wanted to be a chef, so he was very excited to be serving people from different countries back in his 20s. For the NATO Parliamentary Assembly this weekend, Taylor served members of the Swedish delegation, along with people from Finland, Latvia and other countries. You can see photos of the prepared food below. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
