Latest news with #MarkLewis
Washington Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Washington Post
He builds sand sculptures for joy. A huge carving of Crocs put him on the map.
Holding plastic toy shovels and buckets, Mark Lewis and his son were ready to get serious on their beach vacation. They built a huge mound of sand, poured water from the Atlantic Ocean over it, then jumped onto it and chipped away at it with shovels. The result was their first ambitious sand sculpture: a copy of Minas Tirith, a fortified city from Lord of the Rings.
The Sun
30-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Australia wheat harvest outlook improves after July rains
MELBOURNE: Rainfall across Australia's grain-growing regions in July has improved the outlook for the nation's 2025 wheat harvest, with traders now forecasting around 33 million tons. The revised estimate was discussed at Wednesday's Australian Grains Industry Conference, where experts noted the precipitation could help Australia match or exceed last year's 34 million-ton production. Benchmark Chicago wheat futures remain near 2020 lows due to ample global supply, and a large Australian crop would maintain downward pressure on prices. Early June forecasts from the agriculture ministry had projected just 30.6 million tons, but recent rains have transformed the outlook. Mark Lewis, COO of Riordan Grains, observed that weather patterns have shifted favorably. 'It feels like the weather patterns have changed and spring looks a lot more positive than it did,' Lewis said. While some regions like South Australia and Victoria had dry starts, soil moisture levels have improved, with the weather bureau predicting above-average rainfall for most farming areas through October. Industry consensus now points to stronger production. Cargill director Sam Napier told conference attendees the crop 'has to be bigger' than 33 million tons, a view supported by audience polling where over 50% expected final yields to exceed current projections. Analysts revised estimates to 31-34 million tons, with CBH's Paul Smith noting, 'The potential has would definitely have been different in mid-May.' Australia has recorded consistently large harvests this decade, with 2019-2024 production averaging 33.8 million tons annually - a 58% increase over the previous five-year average. The combination of favorable weather and advanced farm management continues to strengthen the country's position as a top wheat exporter. - Reuters
Wales Online
12-07-2025
- Climate
- Wales Online
Emergency services descend on Welsh beach as witness hears screams for help
Emergency services descend on Welsh beach as witness hears screams for help One eyewitness said she heard screams for help coming from people in the water off Ogmore on Saturday night There was a heavy emergency services presence at Ogmore beach on Saturday night (Image: Mark Lewis ) A heavy emergency services presence descended on a beach in south Wales on Saturday evening. Eyewitnesses reported South Wales Police officers, the Welsh Ambulance Service, the coastguard and the RNLI were all in attendance at Ogmore beach in the Vale of Glamorgan. Footage seen by WalesOnline showed a helicopter circling the coast at Ogmore above emergency vehicles at the beach which had flashing lights on. Eyewitnesses reported people had been washed out to sea sparking the heavy emergency services presence. One eyewitness said she heard someone who she believed had come off a vehicle in the sea shouting for help. It later emerged that two swimmers had got into difficulty in the water and are now ashore. Lifeboats have since headed back to station having also had to attend two paddleboarders in similar difficulty off Newton. It comes two days after Porthcawl's RNLI volunteer crew had to launch lifeboats to five separate incidents during the afternoon and evening of Thursday, July 10. Four of the launches were to people using stand up paddleboards (SUP's). Launch authority Mike Cinderby said: "Nearly all of the launches on Thursday were to paddleboarders. At least three of those launches were to paddleboarders who were struggling in strong tidal currents and were taken to safety onboard our lifeboats. Article continues below "If you're visiting the coast check conditions and tide times before you go using a trusted online source, such as the Met Office. The Bristol Channel has the second largest tidal range in the world. "We are currently experiencing spring tides which increases the speed the tide comes in and causes fast moving tidal currents. This puts the public at great risk of being cut off or getting into difficulty in fast moving tidal currents." On Saturday, which at 33.1C in places was the hottest day in Wales on record since July 2022, the RNLI issued advice to people getting in the water. Article continues below They reminded swimmers of the "float to live" technique which saves lives and which involves the following: Tilt your head back with your ears submerged Relax, breathe normally, and use gentle movements with your hands and legs to stay afloat Don't worry if your legs sink, we all float differently Once you've calmed your breathing and are stable, call for help or swim to safety if you can If you see someone else in trouble in the water, remember: Call, Tell, Throw Call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard Tell them to float on their back Throw them something that floats, such as a life ring or inflatable
Wales Online
02-07-2025
- General
- Wales Online
Cosmeston Lakes Aqua Park staff 'intimidated' and 'harassed' by opponents of controversial scheme
Cosmeston Lakes Aqua Park staff 'intimidated' and 'harassed' by opponents of controversial scheme 'All the hard work done by the group and the members of the community so far cannot be discredited by this behaviour and it does not align with any of our values' - the group in charge of organising opposition to the park has said The plans have sparked a backlash (Image: Mark Lewis ) People have been warned not to harass and intimidate staff at the controversial Cosmeston Lakes Aqua Park. Plans to move the Cardiff Bay Aqua Park to the eastern lake at the park near Penarth were unveiled in May with an opening date set for July 5. A trial of the inflatable water course is set to last eight weeks over the summer months. But the plans have sparked fierce backlash from local residents, environmentalists and conservation groups who argue it poses a threat to both public safety and sensitive wildlife habitats. Cosmeston Country Park spans over 100 acres and is home to a range of rare species, including the critically endangered water vole. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here Since the plans were announced, a number of peaceful protests have been organised by opponents, including on June 14 when hundreds gathered to form a "human chain" around the lake. Protesters gathered around the lake against the proposals (Image: Mark Lewis ) Then, on June 25, just 10 days before the scheduled opening, a demonstration was planned outside the Senedd in Cardiff Bay. Article continues below However, the group involved in organising peaceful action against the aqua park has condemned members of the public who "intimidate", "embarrass" or "insult" staff who have been on site setting up the attraction. Save Cosmeston and the Vale shared a statement on Facebook implying that young workers were among those targeted, adding: "We do not condone this." The statement reads: "Just a reminder here that we are not here to intimidate staff of the aqua park or embarrass them, they are not the issue in this battle. "They are merely people trying to earn a living and should not be made uncomfortable in any sort of way. "Especially young people who are just expanding their skill set. We do not condone any harassment / insults / embarrassment to any of the aqua park staff. "Any members of the public that have been known to, or will in the future engage in actions that do this, should know that we do not condone this and will not be associated with the group further. "All the hard work done by the group and the members of the community so far cannot be discredited by this behaviour and it does not align with any of our values or the messages we have put out at any protest. "We believe in legal, respectful and viable methods of opposing the aqua park. Thank you." Article continues below WalesOnline has contacted Aqua Park Group for comment but received no response.
Wales Online
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Wales Airshow 2025 full display run times including Red Arrow flypast
Wales Airshow 2025 full display run times including Red Arrow flypast There are 16 different displays in the line-up this year People come in hundreds of thousands to witness daring displays of aerial prowess (Image: Mark Lewis ) One of Swansea's biggest events each year is the Wales Airshow, and it is set to return this weekend. The airshow attracts over 200,000 locals and visitors from across Wales and beyond that come to see spectacular aerial displays. People also come in to enjoy other festivities on the ground including live music performances, trade stalls and other activities for people across ages. To be held over the course of two days, the event will take place on July 5 and July 6. The site for the airshow will open at 10am until 6pm on both days. The Red Arrows have dazzled audiences in the past (Image: Mark Lewis ) Like previous editions of the Wales Airshow, the famed Red Arrows, known for their aerial prowess, will once again be making an appearance as the headliner along with other popular groups. Never miss a Swansea story by signing up to our newsletter here The organisers have now released the schedule of the Air Show, announcing who will be performing, and when: Article continues below Saturday, July 5 The Starlings: 1.25pm Rolls Royce Spitfire: 1:43pm Firebirds: 1.54pm Fairey Swordfish & Wildcat: 2.11pm Fairey Swordfish: 2.18pm Wildcat: 2.29pm Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers: 2.40pm RAF Tutor Display Team: 2.58pm Battle of Britain Memorial Flight: 3.10pm Break: 3.28pm Melanie Astles 300: 3.58pm Team Raven e Gazelle Squadron: 4.10pm Gazelle Squadron: 4.15pm Team Raven: 4.25pm RAF Typhoon: 4.42pm RAF Red Arrows: 5pm Sunday, July 6 RAF Red Arrows: 12pm Melanie Astles 300: 12.32pm Battle of Britain Memorial Flight: 12.45pm Firebirds: 1.06pm Fairey Swordfish & Wildcat: 1.23pm Fairey Swordfish: 1.31pm Wildcat: 1.41pm Break: 1.50pm Rolls Royce Spitfire: 2.35pm The Starlings: 2.46pm RAF Tutor Display Team: 3.04pm Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers: 3.16pm Team Raven e Gazelle Squadron: 3.34 Pm Gazelle Squadron: 3.39 pm Article continues below Team Raven: 3.49pm RAF Typhoon: 4.06pm
