Latest news with #Nic
West Australian
3 days ago
- West Australian
Memorial service to be held for Nicholas Parsons who was killed volunteering in Ukraine
A memorial service for an Australian who died volunteering with a humanitarian and mine clearance charity in Ukraine will be held this week. Nicholas Parsons, 28, was working in the country's war-torn east with Prevail Together, a US and UK-based group that sends volunteers into Ukraine. He was killed alongside the charity's co-founder Chris Garrett, as well as another team member who was severely injured in an incident near Izyum on May 6. Mr Parsons heartbroken friends have been raising money to help his family 'give him the send off he deserves' at a service in Townsville on Thursday. Lachie Romer organised the fundraiser, which has seen people donate more than $22,000, saying on the tribute page they had lost their beautiful mate far too soon. 'It still doesn't feel real, and it's hard to find the right words to say,' he said. 'Nic was one of those people you just loved being around — always up for a laugh, always there when you needed him, and someone who made life better just by being in it. 'Let's come together and do this for Nic — for the good times, the laughs, and the memories we'll never forget. Rest easy, legend. We'll miss you forever.' A funeral will be held for Mr Parsons at the Morley Funeral Home, followed by a wake at the Townsville RSL.
7NEWS
3 days ago
- Politics
- 7NEWS
Tributes for Australian veteran lost in Ukraine landmine blast
Family and friends will gather this week to honour a 28-year-old Australian veteran killed clearing landmines in Ukraine. Nick Parsons was working with UK-based humanitarian group Prevail Together when he suffered fatal injuries near the city of Izyum in eastern Ukraine last month. The blast also claimed the life of British co-founder Chris Garrett and left a third person critically injured. Known affectionately as 'Nic' among friends, Parsons was remembered by close mate Lachie Romer as someone who brought light and laughter wherever he went. 'Nic was ... always up for a laugh, always there when you needed him, and someone who made life better just by being in it,' Romer wrote in a fundraiser to support Parsons' family and help cover funeral expenses. The campaign has seen an outpouring of support nationwide, raising over $20,000 in its first 15 hours. 'Let's come together and do this for Nic — for the good times, the laughs, and the memories we'll never forget,' Romer said. 'Rest easy, legend. 'We'll miss you forever.' A funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 5, at Morleys Funeral Home in Townsville, Queensland,followed by a memorial gathering at the Townsville RSL, where loved ones will share stories and celebrate Nicholas' life. Following the tragedy, Ukraine's ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, praised Parsons' courage and selflessness. 'Demining is one of those areas where your life is 50/50 — you can live or you can die. 'We are very thankful to him and for his courageous work in Ukraine.' Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also offered his condolences, confirming Parsons had been engaged in humanitarian work and not in combat. 'The situation is extremely dangerous and we continue to strongly advise all Australians not to travel to Ukraine under any circumstances,' Albanese said. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is currently providing consular support to Parsons' family, while Prevail Together works alongside Ukrainian authorities to investigate the incident. Meanwhile, in a significant military development, a on Sunday. The operation, personally overseen by President Volodymyr Zelensky, reportedly took more than 18 months to plan. The attack came just one day ahead of new direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul, as Russian forces continued to bombard Ukrainian cities with missiles and drones.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
LIZ JONES: There have been a lot of 'if onlys' in my life. Now, after a traumatic year, I've swallowed two citalopram tablets. So are antidepressants the answer?
I've swallowed two citalopram tablets. I keep waiting for my personality to change: I will be confident and arrogant and not answer emails for days, even weeks. I thought I might feel more relaxed on round two of my bid to assuage my stress by taking Teddy on a long walk. So, on Thursday, Nic and I chose a route in what I think is the most beautiful valley in the Dales. She brought her beagle, Boris, who is hugely strong. It didn't go well. We saw a spaniel, and while Nic tried to contain Teddy, almost riding him in the process, Boris tried to back out of his harness. Crossing a field, I was worried it might contain cows with calves. 'We need to run,' I told Nic.
The Courier
25-05-2025
- Health
- The Courier
Errol's Lass O'Gowrie delivers gluten-free dining without the drama - and with a showstopping cheesecake
In the quietly beautiful village of Errol, between Perth and Dundee, something quite special is happening in a friendly little restaurant called Lass O'Gowrie. Known for its charm, excellent food, and warm welcome, this cafe and bistro has been winning hearts with its monthly themed dinners – and in February, it was gluten-free night. For those of us who live gluten-free not by choice, but by necessity, this was more than just a night out. It was a celebration of inclusion. I went along with my husband, my cousin John, and his wife Nic – like me, Nic has to eat gluten-free – and we were buzzing with anticipation. May is Coeliac Awareness Month, so it feels fitting to share how rare and refreshing it was to attend a dining event where, for once, we didn't have to quiz the waiter, interrogate the ingredients, or brace for disappointment. Everything on the menu was safe and made without compromise. That's something people without dietary restrictions often take for granted, but for those of us with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance, it's a rare luxury. Lass O'Gowrie is the kind of place that makes you feel at home before you've even stepped through the door. Dog-friendly, family-friendly, wheelchair accessible – and just plain friendly – it's a hub of good food and good vibes. Owned by Ali and Bob Abercrombie, Lass O'Gowrie has been based out of the village's old Victoria Hall for three years and has gone from strength to strength. Their special nights feature a set menu (with two choices per course), themed around different dietary or culinary focuses. February's theme was all gluten-free, with plenty of vegan and dairy-free options as well. The menu, sent out in advance, had us drooling before we even arrived. For starters, the standout was a velvety butternut, coconut, and peanut butter soup – gluten-free, vegan, and utterly sensational. It was, hands down, the best soup any of us had ever tasted. Creamy, nutty, slightly sweet and warmly spiced, it was a dish that turned me from a soup sceptic into a convert. The alternative starter – a zingy salad of feta, orange, mint, and oatcakes – was light, fresh, and a perfect counterbalance. My husband polished it off with glowing praise. For mains, the options were a hearty beef lasagne or a parmigiana di melanzane. I went for the parmigiana, despite normally avoiding it when dining out. As someone who makes it often at home, I have high standards. But Lass O'Gowrie nailed it – tender layers of aubergine, perfectly seasoned tomato sauce, and just the right amount of golden, bubbling cheese, all served with a bright, crunchy salad. It was both indulgent and light, a tough balance to strike. The lasagne looked equally appetising, with gluten-free pasta and a rich, meaty ragu. By dessert, we were already full but far from finished. This course was where the gluten-free magic really shone. I chose the baked raspberry cheesecake – something I rarely get to enjoy in restaurants due to the dreaded biscuit base. Not here. Made with gluten-free biscuits, this cheesecake was satisfyingly indulgent, creamy, fruity, and came with a layer of passion fruit mousse. It was divine. My husband opted for the apple and blackberry crumble with custard, and we shared desserts. The crumble was like something your mum would make, but with a restaurant's polish – warm, comforting, and every bit as satisfying as a glutenous version. One of the many lovely touches of the evening was the drinks offering. We were served a choice of two pre-mixed cocktails – one alcoholic, one not – and both thoughtfully crafted. The dangerously delicious raspberry rose fizz, with a hint of mint, was so good John and I ended up having three or four – while the drivers at our table stuck with the non-alcoholic version, which was just as delightful). It was yet another element that showed how much care and creativity had gone into the night. Beyond the food and drink, it was the atmosphere that made this evening feel so special. The service was relaxed but attentive, the kitchen staff cheerful and visible through a hatch, and the surroundings rustic and cosy. You could tell that everyone at Lass O'Gowrie genuinely enjoys what they do. We were the last to leave, lingering over cocktails and blethers while the staff wiped down tables with smiles still on their faces. What struck me most, though, was the sense of ease. There was no stress, no food envy, no awkward substitutions. For once, Nic and I didn't feel like the 'difficult' diners. The team had also accommodated Nic's additional dietary needs in advance, ensuring she could enjoy the evening fully and without fuss. At £29 per person, including three courses and a cocktail, it was remarkable value. Booking and paying ahead helped streamline the evening, and the limited menu allowed the chefs to focus on quality over quantity. It's a model that works for both the business and diner. Lass O'Gowrie's gluten-free night was a joyous, inclusive experience. And I have no doubt I'll be back – not just for another themed night, but for that soup alone. In a world where eating out can be fraught with anxiety and disappointment for those with dietary restrictions, Lass O'Gowrie offers something truly refreshing: peace of mind – and a damn fine cheesecake. Address: The Victoria Hall, High Street, Errol PH2 7QP Telephone: 01821 684960 Website: Disabled access: Yes Dog-friendly: Yes Scores: Food: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Surroundings: 5/5 Price: £29 per person for 3 courses and a cocktail/mocktail
Daily Record
21-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Record
Simple three-ingredient salad dressing recipe is perfect for summer
A quick and easy salad dressing recipe that requires just three store cupboard ingredients has gone viral, and people are desperate to try it out for themselves. Salad is an essential fixture of the summer dining table, and everyone has their preferred way to savour it. For some, a fresh garden salad complements the main dish well, whilst others make a hearty meal of it by packing in fats, proteins, and carbs— for instance, with dishes like chicken Caesar or salad Niçoise. One widely accepted notion is that salad is elevated with a splash of dressing, yet many off-the-shelf dressings tend to go off before you've had the chance to use up the bottle. A straightforward concoction of three pantry staples might just solve your issues of eating undressed greens. According to Simply Recipes, this luscious dressing involves merely three ingredients and takes no longer than five minutes to create from scratch. It's quite adaptable, suitable for dressing simple salads, notably those containing chicken, and ideal as well for whipping up homemade coleslaw. Rachel Knecht from Simply Recipes mentions she often whips up this sweetened dressing "on repeat" to complement her preferred salad made of grilled chicken, white rice, crisp iceberg lettuce, and thin carrot strips, reports the Express. The base formula is quite simple: just blend together rice vinegar, sugar, and mayonnaise. Rachel points out: "Sometimes you'll find sesame oil or poppy seeds added. I add salt, but again, you could skip it if you want to." For the serving size, Rachel's recipe yields about half a cup, which suffices to nicely cover a full head of iceberg lettuce, making roughly four portions. Creamy salad dressing recipe Ingredients 1/4 cup rice vinegar Two tablespoons sugar 1/4 cup full-fat mayonnaise 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (optional) One teaspoon sesame oil (optional) 1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional) Method Rachel points out that the simplicity of this recipe allows for easy adjustments according to personal taste preferences. She describes her original version as "more tangy than sweet" but suggests increasing the sugar incrementally by one teaspoon if needed, allowing for flexibility in flavour. For best results, using full-fat mayonnaise is encouraged, as it helps prevent the mixture from curdling when it meets the vinegar. This also grants the added benefit of making the sauce ahead of time and storing it in the refrigerator for as long as two days, without compromising texture. The first step in creating the dressing is combining the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt into a small container and whisking until smooth. You can stop whisking once the sugar and salt have dissolved. Then, incorporate the mayonnaise by whisking, ensuring the dressing's silky texture. You may also whisk in sesame oil and poppy seeds at this time if you decide to use them. If desired, season with pepper for extra flavour. Now, pour the dressing gently into a bowl containing your freshly washed salad before tossing the mix to blend all the ingredients together.
