Latest news with #Nigel
Edinburgh Reporter
a day ago
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
East Lothian woman ‘knocked sideways' by rejection of house bid
A grandmother who accused East Lothian Council of robbing her husband of the chance to spend his final years in their dream home has been 'knocked sideways' after losing the latest appeal against the decision. Pat Sharp and her husband Nigel bought a former bank building on Westgate, North Berwick, seven years ago for more than £550,000 after it was put on the market by the Royal Bank of Scotland. The move was intended to allow them to retire to an accessible home for Nigel, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, and carry on precious memories built with their granddaughters , who lost their mother at a young age, in the seaside town. But their attempts to turn it into a house were repeatedly knocked back by the local authority planners who said it had to remain a commercial property. Now Scottish Ministers have rejected an appeal over a decision not to grant Listed Building consent for a house on the site – despite the bank hall itself not being listed. Despite the Scottish Government Reporter acknowledging that there was no issue in demolishing the bank hall and that Historic Environment Scotland did not consider it was a listed building, he ruled the proposed new two storey home would impact on neighbouring listed properties. He said the new house would appear 'crammed' into the gap between the neighbouring homes which he said added to the character of the conservation area. Refusing the appeal, the Reporter said: 'I have found that the loss of the former banking hall would be acceptable, and certain elements of the proposed design are not inappropriate. 'However, I find that the most powerful factors in this case would be the harmful effects on the settings of 12 and 14 Westgate as viewed from Westgate and the damage to the character of the North Berwick Conservation Area. I therefore dismiss the appeal.' Mrs Sharp last month told the Local Democracy Reporting Service how she and her husband hoped to create a home in the town where they had honoured their daughter Cheryl's memory with holidays with her daughters over the years. Pat said: 'Cheryl passed away after being diagnosed with CUP (Cancer of Unknown Primary) when her girls were very young and made us promise not to just buy them things but to build memories with them and given them precious experiences. 'We bought a flat in North Berwick and it was a favourite place for the girls and us when they were young. When I saw the bank hall was for sale I thought it would be perfect for our retirement and Nigel, who could no longer cope with the stairs in the flat.' Sadly for Pat and Nigel, who is 78, his condition has now deteriorated to the point he has had to move into a care home to receive the support he needs. Pat said: 'He has been robbed of the chance to spend his final years in what we wanted to be our dream home, looking out over the North Berwick coast and remembering all our wonderful times here. it is devastating.' Planners have rejected several application to turn the building into a home and dismissed claims by Pat and her team that attempts to sell it as a commercial venture have been unsuccessful after describing the £595,000 price tag put on it as 'excessive'. The appeal to Scottish Ministers over Listed Building consent was the latest in a series of attempts to persuade planners to allow the house. Councillors will hear a separate appeal on behalf of the couple over the latest refusal of planning permission at a meeting of the local authority's Local Review Body next week. Pat said: 'We have been knocked sideways by the Reporter's decision. HES had no objection to our plan so this was completely out of the blue. 'Basically he states our site isn't wide enough. This is a completely new objection after seven years.' By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter Like this: Like Related
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Ekurhuleni's first female city manager retires after decades of service
Speaking during her farewell ceremony, city manager Dr Imogen Mashazi reflected on a career marked by both triumphs and challenges. While her tenure included many successes and memorable moments, she also faced serious trials, including political interference and what she alluded to as a possible poisoning attempt. The farewell ceremony was held on July 17 at the Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre in Kempton Park. Guests, including friends and senior officials from the administration and council, gathered to honour her legacy and wish her well. Mashazi, affectionately known as uMama, joined the City of Ekurhuleni over three decades ago. She rose through the ranks from operational staff member to heading the Health and Social Development Department. She also served as acting CEO for Nigel, became Chief Operations Officer, and was ultimately appointed city manager in 2016. She holds the distinction of being the first woman to serve as Ekurhuleni city manager and the first in the city's democratic history to complete a five-year fixed term and retire in office. She is also the fourth city manager since the dawn of democracy. Although she was serving a second consecutive term set to end in 2027, her time in office was cut short this month after reaching the agreed retirement age of 65. She is set to officially leave office on July 31. During the event, which also marked her 65th birthday, Mashazi made a shocking revelation: she believes she may have been poisoned. 'My health took a toll on me in March. All my organs were failing, and I spent two weeks in ICU. Even today, we don't know if it was poison or what,' she said. 'The doctor told me that had I delayed another hour in seeking medical attention, I wouldn't be standing here. The poison was already moving to my brain. As a woman of prayer, I dedicated my healing to the Almighty God, and I'm truly grateful to still be alive. I never thought I would reach 65.' She shared how Psalm 23:4 gave her comfort during the ordeal: 'Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.' Mashazi also used the platform to address political interference in administrative affairs. She urged accounting officers, heads of departments and managers to resist being manipulated by politicians. 'Yes, respect your principals (MMCs), but remember that your accounting officer, the city manager, is your boss,' she said. 'It's important for city officials not to play politics. Focus on fulfilling your contract, not on pleasing politicians, because ultimately, you are accountable for your department, not to a politician.' Speakers paid tribute to Mashazi's firm leadership and her unwavering commitment to good governance. They described her as an iron lady who remained resilient in the face of adversity. She consistently resisted outside influence that could have compromised service delivery. Mashazi said that despite the difficulties, she never considered giving up. 'I have witnessed first-hand the resilience and dedication of this team. I'm proud of how we have grown together and what we've achieved.' During her term, the City of Ekurhuleni achieved several notable successes, including back-to-back clean audits from the Auditor-General of South Africa. Under her leadership, the city was once ranked the top-performing municipality in the country for governance. Cape Town later overtook Ekurhuleni, placing it in second position. Mashazi was also recognised with the Public Sector Leader Award at the 2020 Virtual Top Empowerment Awards. Through her leadership, many city officials, especially women, were empowered to grow professionally. 'Although it has not been an easy journey, it has been a good challenge. I was able to fulfil my passion for building and professionalising the institution. There was a time when women were stuck at the same level, but we've seen many climb the ladder.' 'I brought you all together today to say goodbye after serving for almost a decade. While I'm excited about the next chapter, I'm deeply grateful for the journey we have shared. I want to thank my husband and family for lending me to you. I lost so much time and excitement with them because of my commitment to building this institution,' she said. 'Thank you for playing a role in my life and career. You have each placed a brick on this monument, and for that, I shall be forever grateful.' Acting city manager Kagiso Lerutla thanked Mashazi for her years of sacrifice and mentorship. 'We want to thank you, Mama, for the sacrifices you made to build this institution. Some of us know what you've endured and the extra miles you travelled to develop others, even outside of your profession. Whatever is said in the media that is not true must never affect you. Those who know, know. Your record speaks for itself. You were the best city manager.' He added, 'Now is the time to give to yourself. You must be selfish now. Invest in yourself. Rest assured, your legacy, especially the women empowerment programme, will be honoured. That's our commitment.' Mashazi leaves behind a mixed legacy as Ekurhuleni's first female city manager and the first to complete a full term in office. Her time in office was not without controversy, including recent rumours that she was reluctant to step down. She denied the claims and said she was puzzled by the decision to place her on special leave ahead of her retirement. The city is expected to begin the process of appointing a new city manager to fill the post.
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Health
- Irish Independent
Wicklow adventurer to take on 750km cycling challenge for charity
Nigel Jenkinson of Redcross got back into cycling in 2022 after training with a friend for a Quest event, which consisted of a mixture of running, cycling and kayaking. He then decided to partake in the Ring of Clare 2022 160km cycle challenge. Now he has set himself a new challenge, involving a 750km cycle across France. 'A few years ago I got back on my bike and set myself a challenge of cycling 160km event. I applied to take part in the Ring of Clare and was hooked, I decided to raise money for a local charity and I called into Wicklow Cancer Support and raised over €2,000 for them. 'Now this September, I'm trading my comfy couch for a bike seat and embarking on a six-day cycling odyssey from Paris to Nice, because why not go big or go home,' said Nigel. The charity ride starts on September 6, and Nigel is under no illusions over just how challenging the venture will prove, from both a mental and physical perspective. 'I'll be tackling everything from the charming streets of Montargis to the legendary climbs of Mount Ventoux. It's a journey that promises to test my legs, my resolve, and my ability to pronounce French town names correctly. 'But this isn't just about proving I can survive on energy gels and questionable French pastries. I'm pedalling for a purpose: raising funds for the Alzheimer's Society of Ireland. This cause is close to my heart, as my family, like many others, has been touched by the challenges of Alzheimer's.' In Ireland, approximately 64,000 people are currently living with dementia. This number is projected to more than double by 2045, reaching an estimated 150,131, due to the increasing and aging population. Nigel has established an idonate page to help raise funds for the Alzheimer's Society of Ireland and will be covering all the costs associated with the trip from his own pocket. He added: 'I'm covering all my own costs, so every euro you donate goes straight to supporting vital services and research for those affected by dementia in Ireland. With 11,000 new cases diagnosed each year, and numbers expected to rise, your support is more important than ever.' Nigel will be sharing regular updates on his training progress, and once he sets off on his journey, he will also provide daily updates from the event itself.
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Watch shocking moment cow brings Irish Rail services to a HALT in Dublin during morning rush as emergency team deployed
THIS is the shocking moment a cow brought a busy train station to a HALT during morning rush hour. Tattooist Shane, who posts under 5 The cow at the Irish train station halted the morning rush services Credit: tiktok/@lineworkbyshane 5 The cow was seen enjoying their adventures Credit: tiktok/@lineworkbyshane 5 Irish Rail summons the team to help resolve the situation Credit: He said: "Never a dull day. Don't think you're supposed to be there pal." The bizarre footage shows a cow strutting long the platform, having a look around. The cow was spotted being happy and curious as she watched the commuters wait for their morning train to the However, the cow's adventures beyond the field have caused a lot of mess for READ MORE ON NEWS Irish Rail took to The busy 07.40 M3 Parkway to Docklands service was delayed and ran 18 minutes behind schedule, while the 08.16 service proceeded "at reduced speed" to Hansfield. The bizarre incident forced the national railway company to summon their infrastructure teams to resolve the situation. The crews were joined by a horse to attempt to move the cow from the lines, in an unusual animal presence at the station. Most read in Irish News Posting an update online for passengers the rail bosses confirmed the cow was safely removed and services had resumed as normal. They said: "All in a day's work for our great Infrastructure teams. Watch shocking moment water rushes down street in Irish city after heavy rain batters Ireland "Bulling to get to work at Hansfield but staying behind the yellow line, and Nigel is a horse of a man helping another stray from the line near Leixlip. "Men and beasts safe and well. Apologies for resulting delays." Images shared alongside the update show CCTV footage of crews attempting to move the cow and their horse helper. 'NORMAL DAY IN HANSFIELD' Many people rushed to comment under Shane's video and shared their thoughts about the bizarre incident, with a few making jokes of the situation. One user said: "She has a free travel card, she's as entitled to use it as anyone else." Another person commented: "Normal day in Hansfield I swear to god." The third person added: "My mother-in-law going to get the messages." Another user said: "Can't park there mate." 5 A horse was also brought to the scene to help move the cow Credit: 5 Irish Rail resumed their operations after it was quickly resolved Credit:
Extra.ie
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Moo-vement disrupted: Irish Rail 'not talking bull' about train chaos
Irish Rail made sure to tell passengers that they weren't bulling them when a number of trains were stopped due to a cow on the tracks. The bovine was clearly late for its morning commuter train and forgot about train etiquette (perhaps they were born in a barn) as they proceeded to get on the line between Dunboyne and Hansfield. Iarnród Éireann confirmed shortly before 8am that the M3 Parkway to Docklands service was delayed after the cow went on the line, and after a staggering nine updates which included delays on several routes. Irish Rail made sure to tell passengers that they weren't bulling them when a number of trains were stopped due to a cow on the tracks. Pic: Irish Rail/X In its final update, Iarnród Éireann said that a 9am journey between Docklands to M3 Parkway was cancelled, with the services between Hansfield and Clonsilla resuming shortly before 10am, albeit at least 16 minutes delayed. While most wouldn't believe such a story of a cow on the line causing such chaos, someone at Iarnród Éireann had the great idea to help those who may have been late to work as a result; sharing a photo of the cow on the line. 'In case you thought we were talking bull…' they joked alongside a photo of the aforementioned cow. @lineworkbyshane Never a dull day. Don't think your supposed to be there pal#fyp #train #travel #ireland #dublin ♬ Jet2 Advert – ✈️A7-BBH | MAN 🇬🇧 It turned out, however, that they wouldn't have even needed to get a photo of the cow, as someone on TikTok managed to grab a video of the bovine intruder on the platform (to the tune of Nothing Beats a Jet2 Holiday, of course). Amazingly, this wasn't the only animal on the line at the same station; as a horse got on the line at the same time as the cow. Unfortunately, there was no chicken to really make people believe it was a cock and bull story. All in a day's work for our great Infrastructure teams 🐂🐎Bulling to get to work at Hansfield but staying behind the yellow line, and Nigel is a horse of a man helping another stray from the line near Leixlip. Men and beasts safe and well. 🦺👍 Apologies for resulting delays.
