Latest news with #MarkDavies
Scoop
7 days ago
- Sport
- Scoop
A Sporting Chance: NZCT Backs Special Olympics With $250,000 Grant
Press Release – NZCT The National Summer Games are more than just a sporting event theyre a celebration of ability, determination, and community. Grants like this wouldnt be possible without the responsible gaming partnerships we share with our local venues, says … New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has awarded a grant of $250,000 to Special Olympics New Zealand to fund event costs for the National Summer Games (NSG)— making it possible for more athletes with an intellectual disability to take part in what is to be the largest-ever iteration of the NSG this December in Christchurch. Mark Davies, Special Olympics New Zealand's Finance and Funding Manager, says the funding comes at a crucial time. 'Special Olympics operates within a four-year cycle, the pinnacle event of which is our National Summer Games. This year, from 10-14 December, 1,400 athletes plus 450 coaches and support workers will arrive in Christchurch to participate in the Games. 'Our athletes spend years qualifying for these Games by attending local and regional events that test their capacity to travel, compete, and stay away from home independently. Over the past few years, our qualifying events have seen a significant increase in participation and we're on track for the largest National Summer Games in history. 'From the moment team members arrive in Christchurch, we take care of all their needs, including (but not limited to) transport, accommodation, health screenings, meals, and scheduling. A significant part of this generous grant from NZCT will be used for transporting our athletes from their accommodations to (and between) different events.' This year's Games will feature ten sports across seven venues, including athletics, swimming, football, basketball, golf, equestrian, indoor bowling, ten pin bowling, bocce, and power lifting. Over 700 volunteers will help make it all happen — from running events to ensuring medical support is on hand. Special Olympics requires a 1:4 coach-to-athlete ratio to ensure all athletes receive the right level of care and support. Athlete Leader Ryan says, 'I enjoy the National Summer Games because there isn't the same level of pressure that you get in mainstream sport. It's all about smiles and everyone having fun.' Fellow Athlete Leader Chrissa says, 'For the first time in my life, I realised that those with disabilities can still hold strong opinions and compete enthusiastically, just like everyone else.' Athlete Leader Shanae, adds'Because of the Special Olympics programme, I was able to participate in sports for the first time ever when I was fifteen years old.' NZCT's GM of Grants, Marketing and Communications, Ben Hodges, says, ''We're proud to support Special Olympics New Zealand in delivering such a meaningful and inclusive event. The National Summer Games are more than just a sporting event — they're a celebration of ability, determination, and community. Grants like this wouldn't be possible without the responsible gaming partnerships we share with our local venues.'
Scoop
7 days ago
- Sport
- Scoop
A Sporting Chance: NZCT Backs Special Olympics With $250,000 Grant
New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has awarded a grant of $250,000 to Special Olympics New Zealand to fund event costs for the National Summer Games (NSG)— making it possible for more athletes with an intellectual disability to take part in what is to be the largest-ever iteration of the NSG this December in Christchurch. Mark Davies, Special Olympics New Zealand's Finance and Funding Manager, says the funding comes at a crucial time. 'Special Olympics operates within a four-year cycle, the pinnacle event of which is our National Summer Games. This year, from 10-14 December, 1,400 athletes plus 450 coaches and support workers will arrive in Christchurch to participate in the Games. 'Our athletes spend years qualifying for these Games by attending local and regional events that test their capacity to travel, compete, and stay away from home independently. Over the past few years, our qualifying events have seen a significant increase in participation and we're on track for the largest National Summer Games in history. 'From the moment team members arrive in Christchurch, we take care of all their needs, including (but not limited to) transport, accommodation, health screenings, meals, and scheduling. A significant part of this generous grant from NZCT will be used for transporting our athletes from their accommodations to (and between) different events." This year's Games will feature ten sports across seven venues, including athletics, swimming, football, basketball, golf, equestrian, indoor bowling, ten pin bowling, bocce, and power lifting. Over 700 volunteers will help make it all happen — from running events to ensuring medical support is on hand. Special Olympics requires a 1:4 coach-to-athlete ratio to ensure all athletes receive the right level of care and support. Athlete Leader Ryan says, 'I enjoy the National Summer Games because there isn't the same level of pressure that you get in mainstream sport. It's all about smiles and everyone having fun.' Fellow Athlete Leader Chrissa says, 'For the first time in my life, I realised that those with disabilities can still hold strong opinions and compete enthusiastically, just like everyone else.' Athlete Leader Shanae, adds 'Because of the Special Olympics programme, I was able to participate in sports for the first time ever when I was fifteen years old.' NZCT's GM of Grants, Marketing and Communications, Ben Hodges, says, ''We're proud to support Special Olympics New Zealand in delivering such a meaningful and inclusive event. The National Summer Games are more than just a sporting event — they're a celebration of ability, determination, and community. Grants like this wouldn't be possible without the responsible gaming partnerships we share with our local venues.'
Irish Independent
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Drogheda making ‘moves' to create a night-time cafe culture
Out of 1,238 respondents, 908 (73pc) expressed a desire to see late-night cafés, while 670 respondents called for additional non-alcoholic or alcohol-light options in the town centre. In response, a pilot programme titled Night Moves will see four local cafés – The Coffee Box, Il Forno, Loaf'd and The Bare Food Café – extend their opening hours on Friday, May 30 and Friday, June 20. These venues will host free, curated evenings of live music, poetry and spoken word performances, creating welcoming, relaxed spaces where people can enjoy the town differently. These cafés are championing a more diverse night-time offer and helping trial what a more balanced evening economy might look like. The initiative is part of a wider cultural programme produced by Droichead Arts Centre and curated by singer-songwriter SJ McArdle, in collaboration with Drogheda's Night-Time Economy Adviser and supported by the local Purple Flag group. 'This is an inspiring step forward, and it's coming straight from what people told us,' said Mark Davies, Night-Time Economy Adviser for Drogheda at Louth County Council. 'It's not about replacing anything - our pubs and bars are a vital part of Drogheda's nightlife - it's about adding to the mix and creating the kind of town centre where more people want to spend time.' The idea builds on a smaller trial during Night Moves Culture Night 2024, when two cafés opened late with artistic performances. One, Il Forno, hosted a pop-up opera night, and people stayed long after the last note was sung. The other, The Coffee Box, has continued to trial later events. Collette Farrell, Director of Droichead Arts Centre, said: 'There's something special about seeing familiar places take on a new energy after dark. These events are about working with local businesses and artists to bring warmth, creativity, connection, and a sense of possibility to the town at night.' Drogheda is one of a small number of towns nationally piloting new approaches to the Night-Time Economy under a government-supported initiative. Across Ireland, Night-Time Economy Advisers are testing ways to help towns adapt and thrive between 6pm and 6am. Cafés are increasingly being viewed as flexible, familiar and accessible venues, full of potential for cultural experiences. The Night Moves cafés are supported by the Drogheda Purple Flag group – a vibrant local partnership that brings together businesses, artists and public sector teams. It includes hospitality venues, Drogheda and District Chamber, Love Drogheda BID, Droichead Arts Centre, and various departments within Louth County Council, who host and support the work of the Night-Time Economy Adviser. This energetic collaboration is helping shape a more welcoming, diverse and inclusive town centre after dark. 'We're not just testing ideas, we're seeing real signs that a more varied evening economy will benefit everyone,' said Mark Davies. 'Drogheda is helping lead the way, showing that when you listen to people, back local businesses, and bring in creativity, good things happen. We'd love people to come out, enjoy the cafés, and be part of it.' In addition to the late-opening cafés, the Night Moves programme will also feature events like Night Tones and The Stowaway Sessions throughout May and June. Organisers hope the model will inspire other venues and help lay the foundation for a more vibrant, sustainable evening culture - one that perhaps feels a little more eclectic and continental, where people meet to eat, chat, listen to music, and enjoy their town well into the evening. ADVERTISEMENT Night Moves is an innovative and dynamic programme designed to provide new and engaging night-time cultural experiences across Drogheda and East Meath. Produced by Droichead Arts Centre and delivered with a range of curators, promoters, and alternative venues, it is supported and funded by the Night-Time Economy Adviser in Drogheda, Louth County Council, and the Arts Council. The programme encapsulates a shared vision of expanding cultural offerings, fostering partnerships, and creating diverse opportunities for artists and audiences. More information about events under the Night Moves programme is available at Results of the Drogheda by Night 2025 survey will shortly be available at To get involved as a late-opening café, contact
RTÉ News
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Drogheda businesses taking part in trial late-night hours
Four businesses with a café offering in Drogheda are to trial keeping their doors open late into the night as part of an initiative to promote and diversify the town's late-night entertainment offering. It comes as the initial results of a survey conducted by Louth County Council have shown that people want more choice in how they spend their evenings. Over 73% of the 1,238 people who responded to the Drogheda by Night 2025 public consultation have said they would like to see more late-opening cafés. Meanwhile, 670 respondents said they would welcome more non-alcoholic or alcohol-light options in the town centre at night. As a result, four local businesses with a café offering will stay open late into the night on Friday 30 May and Friday 20 June. The local businesses are The Coffee Box, Il Forno, Loaf'd, and The Bare Food Café. Each venue will host a free, curated evening of live music, poetry, spoken word, and conversation. A spokesperson for Louth County Council has said: "These cafés are championing a more diverse night-time offering and helping trial what a more balanced evening economy might look like. They added each business will create "welcoming, relaxed spaces where people can enjoy the town differently." The 'Night Moves' initiative forms part of a new cultural programme led and produced by Droichead Arts Centre - curated by singer-songwriter SJ McArdle - in collaboration with Drogheda's Night-Time Economy Adviser and supported by the Purple Flag partnership group. Purple Flag is an international accreditation programme that aims to reward those who "help create safe and thriving locations at night for all users." The idea builds on a smaller 'Night Moves' trial that took place on Culture Night last year, when two cafés opened late with artistic performances. Il Forno hosted a pop-up opera night while The Coffee Box has continued to trial late-night events. The Night-Time Economy Adviser for Drogheda at Louth County Council, Mark Davies said the move was an important step forward in further developing the town's night-life and was based on the feedback they had received from the public. He said: "It's not about replacing anything - our pubs and bars are a vital part of Drogheda's nightlife - it's about adding to the mix and creating the kind of town centre where more people want to spend time. "We're not just testing ideas, we're seeing real signs that a more varied evening economy will benefit everyone. Drogheda is helping lead the way, showing that when you listen to people, back local businesses, and bring in creativity, good things happen. We'd love people to come out, enjoy the cafés, and be part of it," he added. Meanwhile, Collette Farrell, Director of Droichead Arts Centre, said: "There's something special about seeing familiar places take on a new energy after dark. These events are about working with local businesses and artists to bring warmth, creativity, connection, and a sense of possibility to the town at night." Organisers hope the model will inspire other venues in the town to come on board and help lay the foundation for a "more vibrant, sustainable evening culture." The 'Night Moves' cafés are being supported by the Drogheda Purple Flag group - a local partnership that brings together businesses, artists and public sector teams. The group also includes other hospitality venues, Drogheda and District Chamber, Love Drogheda BID, Droichead Arts Centre, and various departments within Louth County Council, who host and support the work of the Night-Time Economy Adviser. Drogheda is one of nine towns and cities across the country piloting new approaches to the night-time economy through a Government-funded initiative with Night-Time Economy Advisers testing ways to help these places adapt and thrive between 6pm and 6am.
BBC News
13-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Residents mark 200 years of 'lovely' and 'ever-changing' Jericho
Events are being held to celebrate a "vibrant", "mad" and "lovely" 200-year-old suburb of throughout the month will mark the bicentenary of the city's Jericho neighbourhood, which can be traced back to residents told the BBC the suburb was "very Oxford, diverse, ever changing, bit of a mystery, bit mad, but lovely". On Tuesday historian Mark Davies will lead a walk through the suburb, organised by The Jericho Living Heritage Trust. Reflecting on the anniversary, another resident described the area as "fantastic"."It feels super safe, it is such a lovely, vibrant part of the city and [there is] lots of fantastic food and lovely people around," he said."I've had a great time living here."One local woman said she had moved into her house with six of her seven children and had lived there for 26 years. "All my children love Jericho, went to St Barnabas School and a couple of them went to saint Barnabas Church," she said, adding that she liked the proximity to Port Meadow, the University Parks and museums. Mr Davies, who is chair of the heritage trust, said 1825 was when the meadows bounded by the Oxford Canal, Walton Well, Walton Street, and Worcester College "began to be transformed into the residential suburbs of Jericho and Walton Manor"."This process of urbanisation had begun in 1824 with the decision of St John's College to allow house building on Walton Closes: an area of meadow immediately to the north of Worcester College," he said."This was followed in 1825 to 1829 by the sale of the meadows belonging to Peter Wellington Furse which comprise all of modern Jericho."He added that the area next to the Oxford Canal had been known as "Little and Great Bear Meadow" as "Furse also owned The Bear Inn in central Oxford". Mr Davies said he wanted the trust to be "the catalyst" for marking the said his walk would include "Jericho's rich literary and artistic associations, and will end inside the imposing church of St Barnabas". There will also be guided walks and a talk at the Museum of Oxford later in the trust has also encouraged residents to promote events in Jericho and elsewhere to celebrate the bicentenary throughout the year. You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
