Latest news with #Meldrum
Global News
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Global News
Canadian Golf Hall of Fame inductee opens indoor development centre
A new indoor golf development centre has opened up in Montreal and it's being dubbed as one-of-a-kind in the country. After playing golf for decades, Lisa Meldrum, a Canadian Golf Hall of Fame inductee, co-founded the centre in hopes of inspiring more females to join the sport and to teach the younger generation. 'For the youngsters, there's not a lot of spaces where they can go and learn the game, so my goal here — and our goal as a team — is to make sure everybody has access and an opportunity to learn in the game,' Meldrum said. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Total Golf Performance offers cutting-edge technology, dedicated training spaces and personalized coaching. The centre is aimed at offering both traditional golf and innovation to help players improve their skills. It has space for up to 125 members, but it also offers private lessons for players of all ages. Story continues below advertisement Meldrum says the goal is to attract, inspire and develop more players. For the full story, watch the video above.
Press and Journal
17-05-2025
- Business
- Press and Journal
How Merchant Antiques in Inverness has become unlikely venue for countless wedding proposals
Entering the Merchant Antiques shop in Inverness is like stepping through a portal into the past. Located on Greig Street, it opened 12 years ago and is now the only antique shop left in the Highland capital. Owner Moira Meldrum told The P&J she and husband Colin 'have always been interested in antiques.' Mrs Meldrum was running a cafe and working 'far too many hours' when she decided it was time to fulfil her dream. She explained: 'We were soon to have grandchildren and wanted a little bit more time with them. 'We kept coming past here and seeing the building was still empty, so we just went ahead and decided to open the shop because that's our passion.' Now the couple's lives consist of going to auctions, people's homes and doing house clearances to find lost 'treasures.' She said the best thing about her job is 'going and finding items every day.' Both floors at the Inverness store are packed with thousands of antiques, while the couple also keeps three containers full of stock. 'You don't know what you're going to find. As my husband says, it's like Christmas every day,' she said with a smile. There is something rather magical about the Merchant that leaves you fascinated as soon as you enter the store. The shop even seems to cast a particularly strong spell on some couples. Mrs Meldrum told us she sees between four and five proposals a year. 'I just have some nice rings. I'm always buying, always, always buying lots of rings,' she said. The owner explained that although it is not often possible to do so, she likes to find out about their history and who used to wear them. The 59-year-old said she has already had three proposals this year. She said: A few months ago, an American couple came in and he just got an engagement ring, went down on one knee and proposed straight away. 'Another Dutch couple came in, picked their ring, and then I said 'congratulations'. 'He then said, 'Oh, not yet, I have to go and ask for her father's permission.' 'I had an English couple in last week. It was slightly different because she bought the engagement ring, she's going to propose to him, but she'll be wearing the ring herself. 'She didn't buy him a ring. She bought herself a ring.' Haggling is not an uncommon practice in antique shops. However, Mrs Meldrum has a reputation for being quite tough. She explained: 'I'm quite firm, because I've been on the Antiques Road Trip three times and I find that ever since I was on that, people have been quite cheeky. 'They come in and take something up to the counter at £60 and say, I'll give you 20 for it. 'So, I got really fed up with it. I just decided my prices are good anyway, I don't overprice just to give a discount, which a lot of antique dealers do. 'I would rather just offer people a fair price.' Mrs Meldrum said she has had 'so many' great items over the year. However, she believes the 'most interesting and valuable' was a ceramic ice bucket from the 19th Century. She and her husband got it as part of a container they bought in Inverness. She said: 'It was absolutely stunning. It was a huge, big ice bucket. 'It was all intricately carved and had a separate ceramic piece inside. 'I sold it for £2,000.' Mrs Meldrum explained she has 'a mix' of clients, both older and younger as well as locals and tourists. 'It has to be mixed because if I just relied on tourists, I wouldn't be here after 12 years,' she said. Born and bred in Inverness, the businesswoman insists the Highland capital has been 'a good city' to run a business. She describes the majority of people in the city as 'nice and friendly.' When asked what the worst thing about Inverness is, she replied: 'The internet. It has ruined all the shops that are closing in the town.' 'I don't go into town anymore because there's nothing to go in for.' Mrs Meldrum added she would like to 'go back to traditional ways.' She concluded: 'Have lots more small shops. Get rid of the majority of the big supermarkets. 'Go back to the butcher, the baker, the fishmonger. 'We have a choice of one of each whereas when I was growing up, in the Victorian Market, there were three butchers and two or three fish shops. 'There's just not enough choice anymore.'
West Australian
15-05-2025
- West Australian
Shire of Augusta-Margaret River offers warning to unregistered works after builder prosecuted
The local government has put builders and homeowners on notice after a successful prosecution in court last month. A $53,000 penalty was handed down to an unidentified builder on April 16 for breaches of the Building Act. Shire of Augusta-Margaret River president Julia Meldrum said the builder was successfully prosecuted for undertaking unauthorised building works without the necessary permits. The incident, which followed a similar prosecution in 2022, was a timely reminder for builders to adhere to requirements, she said. 'I'd like to stress the importance of obtaining the necessary permits before commencing any building works,' Cr Meldrum said. 'Our team is committed to enforcing building regulations and protecting the community from the risks associated with unauthorised construction.' The shire president said the region's growth rate had let to skyrocketing building applications and permits. She said the Sshire was dedicated to ensuring building rules were followed to keep residents safe and to protect the environment.
The Courier
09-05-2025
- Business
- The Courier
The Pillars: A look back at iconic Dundee pub with history on tap
The Pillars is one of Dundee's oldest surviving pubs and has been serving drinks to successive generations since 1864. The traditional old boozer is a window into Dundee's past. It recently celebrated its 160th anniversary. The B-listed building dates back to the construction of Crichton Street. It was used for various purposes over the years. Robert Meldrum was trading from 9 Crichton Street in April 1845. He was selling the 'largest assortment of parasols and umbrellas, both in silk and cotton, in the north of Scotland, and at unprecedented low prices'. It became the Gutta Percha Company's depot. Gutta percha was the gum of a tree from East Asia. It was used for many domestic and industrial purposes. Meldrum made arrangements for a 'constant supply of their various patented products' including 'boot and shoe soles', 'driving belts and bands' and 'water pipes'. Grocer John Archbold succeeded Meldrum. In December 1849 he was selling wines and spirits. The sale of alcohol was of the 'finest quality' at the 'lowest renumerating prices'. By 1855 it was operated by Thomas Skene as a working men's coffee and reading rooms where steaks, chops, hot meats and potatoes were served. By 1859 the 'coffee, dining and reading rooms' was serving soups, steaks, chops, ham, beef tongue, haddock, pies, oysters and 'fancy biscuits'. All washed down with tea, coffee, ginger beer, lemonade, porter and ales. In June 1864 the 'spirit business' together with the fixtures and fittings was put up for sale at public auction at the British Hotel after Skene was made bankrupt. Robert Stewart opened a 'new wines and spirit business' there in 1867. He was formerly assistant at the Royal Hotel. He fitted up the premises 'in the most modern and improved style'. Stewart sold 'best quality' liquor at 'moderate rates'. In March 1882 William Parker took over as landlord. He succeeded publican Andrew Donald who retired through ill health. It was known as The Lyceum. It was advertised as the 'finest snuggery in the city'. There was an oyster bar. Parker also made his own whisky and sold it exclusively from his pub. Willie's Blend was the 'leading whisky in the city'. In April 1891 you could buy a bottle of Willie's Blend for two shillings and 10 old pence. The licence was transferred to John Graham in June 1892. In Dundee Pubs, author Brian King charted the history of the Pillars during his tour of 50 of the city's most interesting, oldest and famous watering holes. He highlighted how the pub got its name. 'It is difficult to imagine that pub being called anything other than The Pillars but in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was The Lyceum,' said Brian. 'The Pillars name commemorates Dundee's Town House which was built in 1732 and stood where the City Square is today. 'It was known locally as 'the pillars' because of its colonnade which was a popular meeting place and contained many shops. 'It was demolished in 1932 and the same year a commemorative copper model was installed above the door of the pub at 9 Crichton Street. 'The model contained 1,105 pieces of copper and 1,754 rivets and used eight ounces of silver solder. 'It contained a working clock and lit up at night. 'When the new City Chambers were being built nearby, concerns were raised as to the number of projecting signs on Crichton Street leading to them all being taken down with the exception of the one at The Pillars. 'It was recognised as being something exceptional.' 'Meet me at the Pillars' became the tag line which appeared in the local press. It was situated conveniently 'near trams, trains and entertainment'. The pub became known for its service and 'friendly atmosphere within its walls'. In 1947 the pub's licence was extended to cover the shop at 15 Crichton Street. It became known as the Pillars Lounge. The lounge was used to serve three-course lunches from 12pm-2pm. It was connected to The Pillars by a passage and staircase. The pub gained something of a reputation for its lunches. These included shepherd's pie, grilled sausage and beans, and curried rabbit. The building's storied history has never been far from the surface. The remains of a poster for Willie's Blend was found behind a wall during renovation work in the 1970s and is displayed in the bar today. It enjoyed a regular and faithful clientele. They were charitable too. There were six whisky bottles on the bar to raise money for good causes. Regulars also walked from Dundee to Perth for children's charities in February 1986. On tap back then was McEwan's 80 Shilling, Tartan Export, Tartan Special, Harp Lager, Blackthorn Cider, Guinness and Younger's Pale Ale. You could also snack on filled rolls, pies and bridies in the bar. The Pillars Lounge became the Auld Steeple Lounge in December 1986. The name was chosen by licensee Gilbert Wilson 'to present a new image while still keeping the premises traditional links with Dundee's past'. The Evening Telegraph said: 'Gone is the old Victorian look, and in its place is a lounge in Tudor style, with sparkling fresh white walls and black timbering, an effect which gives an impression of spaciousness and light. 'The black wooden tables are in a Jacobean theme, and are complimented by tapestry upholstery on the wall seating and the stools, and the toning patterned carpet. 'Mr Wilson is also very conscious of the bar's history, and the black and white of the walls and ceiling is enhanced by two oil paintings of old Dundee scenes. 'The centrepiece, though, is an intriguing illuminated diorama of Dundee's Auld Steeple, which of course gives the lounge its name.' Bar meals were introduced in August 1987. Mine host Bert Wilson dreamed up a special offer. Food at 1952 prices were offered to the first 20 customers. But only if they paid in old money. He opened at 11am and found a queue of over 30 people standing outside with pockets jingling with pre-decimalisation pennies to take advantage. The idea stemmed from a 1952 menu found during the revamp. The Pillars and the Auld Steeple Lounge remained a fixture over the decades. But Dundee was in danger of losing this classic boozer in January 2011. The Pillars closed suddenly. Scottish and Newcastle Breweries approached John Justice. The Dundee publican agreed to take it over. The Auld Steeple Lounge name was changed to The Salty Dog. John and his son Thomas have elevated its Victorian origins since taking charge. The Pillars is decorated with historic paintings and artefacts. The Victorian bar itself remains largely unchanged since the 19th Century. Walking through the door is like stepping back in time and the history of the Pillars is part of its continuing appeal which sets it up well for the future. The Dundee Town House from which the pub took its name stood for 200 years. The Pillars pub may yet surpass that.
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
OC board talks land, equipment purchase
Feb. 12—The Odessa College Board of Trustees in a Wednesday workshop agreed to bring the purchase of a small piece of land and of a Festo 3-Phase Separator. The land is at 2809 Halley Ave. and covers .5799 of an acre, Vice President for Administrative Services Ken Zartner said. It will be used for future growth. The Property Committee also approved the purchase of a $196,716 Festo 3-Phase Separator. Gene White, dean of the School of Business and Industry, said the 3-Phase Separator includes all the components and three days of training. It will be funded by funds given to the college by Chevron. White said OC has other Festo equipment on campus and they are always in support with their Festo partners and they provide great support. The separator will be used in three classes — process instrumentation 1, process instrumentation 2 and also in the capstone class at the end where they get a chance to use it. The equipment will be housed in the Electronics Technology Building near the networking lab. They had a separator previously but didn't have all the components, White said. Vice President for Academic Partnerships Jason Meldrum said they have about 400 students in the Wrangler Promise Program from the high school class of 2024. Meldrum said they started off with about 450 in the fall. He added that the total financial investment in that group is just under $600,000. "A lot of them were already reciting other scholarships or receiving the Pell grant," Meldrum said. The Wrangler Promise is "a last-dollar-in scholarship opportunity that will cover the cost of tuition and fees," the OC website said. Meldrum said they are at well over 700 pledges for the class of 2025. The goal is is around 1,700 pledges. "The pledge is simply that students are ... making a commitment to do something with their education beyond high school," Meldrum said. One of the differences between this year and last is that schools are reaching out to them, Meldrum said. On a separate item, at noon Feb. 14, the Odessa College Board of Trustees will meet in Room 202 of the Wood Health Sciences Building to consider and take action on calling a bond election for May 3. Voters defeated a $355 million bond in November which would have raised taxes. Unofficial totals had the proposition getting 20,542 against and 19,137 for. The proposed bond was designed to fund essential projects, including new facilities for programs in welding, automation, technology, and safety, aimed at strengthening the local workforce.
