Latest news with #ParkHotel
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Kilmarnock Tartan Tea Party raises vital funds for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland
The Park Hotel and local peer support group, the Killie Heartmates, joined forces to host the event A popular Kilmarnock hotel and local cardiac exercise group throw a Tartan Tea Party to support Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS). CHSS's inaugural Tartan Tea Parties took place across the country on Wednesday, May 21 for International Tea Day, raising much-needed funds for people affected by chest, heart and stroke conditions, as well as long covid. The charity has encouraged as many people as possible in the region to take part in the Tartan Tea Party, from groups of friends and family, playgroups, nurseries and schools to sports clubs, community groups and businesses. The Park Hotel and local peer support group, the Killie Heartmates, joined forces to host their Tartan Tea Party to support Scotland's leading health charity, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, raising £1,283. Sheena Thomson, from Killie Heartmates, said: "Given Killie Heartmates is a peer group of CHSS, we value their advice and support and we try to do everything we can to return the support. "When the Tartan Tea Party was announced we felt we wanted to take part and try and give something back for all of the support we've had over the years. "We spoke with the Park Hotel and asked if we could do something together to raise important funds and the morale of those who depend on CHSS because they do a fantastic job. 'The day went really well. We had about 90 people there which was brilliant and everybody got into the spirit of things and enjoyed themselves. The Park Hotel were also first class with us and we want to thank them too." Gordon Anthony, the general manager of the Park Hotel, said: "We've been working with the Killie Heartmates for a few years now. "The group are regular users of the hotel and we're their t-shirt sponsor. "Sheena and John are an amazing couple. The Killie Heartmates is a fantastic group so we try to help them as much as we can." The event was supported by Scottish baker, author, GP and Great British Bake Off finalist, Dr James Morton. He said: "The Tartan Tea Party is such a wonderful opportunity to bring people together to support each other and to be there for those who have been through such hardship. "I believe we'll all know someone who has suffered from one of the many conditions that CHSS can help with, and this is our opportunity to talk about it, spread the word about the great work CHSS is doing and why you should support them." CHSS supports people across the country living with its conditions to live their lives to the full. The charity is on hand to provide advice and support through its free Advice Line service, stroke nurses, online health information, support groups, supported self management courses and much more. CHSS aims to reach 175,000 people living with its conditions by 2028 through its Community Healthcare Support Services. Funds raised through activities such as the Tartan Tea Party are essential in supporting this goal. Louise Macleod, Community Fundraiser at CHSS said: "We're delighted to see so many people, like Killie Heartmates and the Park Hotel, taking part in our inaugural Tartan Tea Party and hope everyone had an amazing day. "At CHSS, we say 'never underestimate the power of a cup of tea'. Living with or supporting someone with one of our conditions can be challenging and events such as the Tartan Tea Party are crucial to create time for people to get together, share support and advice as well as have fun."
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
8k police officials to be deployed for Yoga Day celebration in Vizag
Visakhapatnam: Authorities in Visakhapatnam are gearing up to host a record-breaking International Yoga Day , aiming to gather over five lakh people in the Port City. Initially, the plan was to bring 2.5 lakh people, but the target was reportedly revised upwards after a coordination committee meeting chaired by DGP Harish Kumar Gupta. The event, scheduled for June 21, is expected to feature Prime Minister Narendra Modi, although his visit is yet to be confirmed. To ensure the smooth conduct of the event, authorities will deploy 8,000 police officers, including personnel from Srikakulam to Chittoor. Lifeguards and divers will also be stationed along the entire stretch for safety measures. The main venue will be a 2km stretch from RK Beach to Park Hotel, and RK Beach to Rushikonda and Madhurawada via Panorama Hills, with people's participation in yoga planned along a 26.5 km stretch from RK Beach to Bheemili. In case of rain, the district authorities have planned alternative arrangements, including conducting the event at the Andhra University grounds with a rooftop. The DGP, along with senior officials, has been reviewing the arrangements and security aspects. To achieve the Guinness World Record, the district administration plans to place all participants on a single platform without losing connectivity. The main venue will be divided into 127 compartments, each accommodating 1,000 participants, along the 26.5 km stretch. The event is expected to be attended by several VVIPs, including CM Chandrababu Naidu, governor Ahmed, deputy chief minister Pavan Kalyan, and other ministers.
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Irish Independent
Home Help: I find choosing colours for my home overwhelming – are there any shades I should avoid using?
Still, she isn't afraid to admire a more fearless approach. 'I'll always have a soft spot for how Lucinda Chambers (former British Vogue fashion director) uses colour – her saturated yellow kitchen is iconic. There's so much joy in colour when it's used with confidence.' When it comes to decorating, few decisions feel as high stakes as choosing colour. With thousands of options in paints, wallpapers and finishes – from matte to high gloss, hand-painted to digitally printed – the sheer volume of choice can leave even the most decisive among us overwhelmed. So, what colours should you steer clear of? It's not about avoiding particular hues altogether, she says, but more about understanding context and the role colour plays in a room. 'As a former interior designer, I was often asked if small rooms should be light and big rooms dark – but it's not that prescriptive. Deep, rich tones like velvety green, aubergine or wine can actually add luxury and warmth to smaller spaces. In contrast, pale shades in small rooms often fall flat – they can feel cold and lifeless.' In larger rooms, there's more flexibility. 'Light colours can really open up a space, but darker hues bring character and warmth. I always look at where the light is coming from. North-facing rooms, for instance, naturally feel cooler, so trying to 'brighten' them with cool greys or icy blues can make them feel even colder. Warmer tones work far better.' There are shades Healy returns to time and again. 'Sage green is a classic – it's grounding and soft, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. And I'm loving the return of soft, romantic pinks – they bring a lovely sense of calm without being too sweet.' Function matters, too. 'Bedrooms should be cocooning and restful – that's where deeper, muted shades shine,' she advises. 'Living spaces benefit from tones that are soothing and not too loud. Bright reds and oranges can be quite jarring in everyday life. Red is especially tricky – pair it with green and you're suddenly in festive territory!' Her advice? 'If you're going bold, let one colour take the lead and support it with restraint elsewhere. Homes are for living, so create a space that makes you feel good every day.' Ultimately, Healy believes our homes should offer a sense of peace. 'The world is noisy enough — our interiors should be the antidote.' Doireann Healy's live event series A Colourful Life, which will spotlight some of Ireland's most creative women, begins on June 14 at the Park Hotel, Kenmare, Co Kerry. Tickets are €55 and can be bought on
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Tourism hopes rise as Narrow Water Bridge takes shape one year on
With an estimated cost of about €100m (£84.3m), the Narrow Water Bridge aims to kickstart a new era of cross-border tourism on Carlingford Lough. The bridge is being fully funded by the Irish government's Shared Island Unit and will link south Down in Northern Ireland with north Louth in the Republic. It aims to create a new tourist destination, incorporating the Mourne, Cooley and Ring of Gullion mountain ranges. But for this to happen, private investment must follow the Irish government's huge financial commitment. There is already an early litmus test for how the bridge scheme is changing the tourist outlook for the area – the planned sale of the former Park Hotel in Omeath. The hotel, which sits on an 85-acre site a stone's throw from the bridge on the Republic of Ireland side, has been closed for nearly 20 years. But, according to the man responsible for finding a buyer, the bridge development has already changed the outlook for sites like the Park Hotel. "So far we're getting great interest so it's looking good," said Newry-based property agent Garry Best. "We had discussions with the owner for the last three or four years but his preference was to wait until at least the bridge was started." And it's hard to miss that building work. In the water, there are more than 20 huge metal columns piled into the river bed where the bridge will be constructed. Meanwhile, access roads are being created and improvements made to the road network on both the north and south sides. Construction began 12 months ago and it is thought it will be completed by late 2027. The sight of the work starting – and the promise of a completed bridge – is helping fuel investment in the area, the president of the Warrenpoint, Burren and Rostrevor Chamber of Commerce said. Colleen Dowdell, who also helps run her family's pub in Warrenpoint, the Victoria, said people are hopeful it will lead to a number of eyesore sites in the town being upgraded. There are some projects under way - an upgrade of the town's promenade and work on a building on Cole's Corner, which Ms Dowdall said has "probably been vacant since I was a child". "But to see investment in the likes of the old Osborne Hotel on the seafront would be huge," she added. "There's also not one person in this region who doesn't want to see the old Baths on the seafront revitalised. That's what people hope will happen." Meanwhile there have been other public investments on both sides of the border, which, while not necessarily connected to the bridge, are certainly complimentary. These include public realm schemes on Warrenpoint and Omeath seafronts; the greenway linking Newry to Carlingford, which is nearing completion; and funding from the Irish government to develop a network of trails and water access points around Carlingford Lough. There was also the recent news that the £44m Mourne Gondola project could be relocated to Kilbroney Park in Rostrevor – a move that would represent a significant tourism investment, albeit one that has received a mixed response in the region. For those in favour, the project could help drive hundreds of thousands of visitors to the region each year but others hold environmental and economic concerns, as well as questions over whether Rostrevor's roads and car parking could handle an influx of visitors. That, in essence, is the big challenge – how to develop tourism in the area while being respectful to residents and the surrounding landscape. Californian landscape artist Lauren Taylor, who owns a gallery in the centre of Rostrevor, said many tourism-facing businesses like hers have high hopes for the bridge. "The ability to go all around the lough and visit Carlingford, Warrenpoint and Rostrevor in one day is really beneficial for the area," she aid. "It'll not only drive tourism but will attract small businesses like mine to settle into the area. "It would be lovely to see more galleries, more boutiques, more small shops – all those things that tourists and locals want as well." For many around Carlingford Lough, the bridge represents a second chance for the region to establish itself. In decades past, trains and trams connected many of the towns around the lough - until 1965 trains ran to Warrenpoint, while Carlingford and Omeath were connected by rail until 1951. There was also the Red Star Ferry, which ran regular services between Warrenpoint and Omeath. But it wasn't just the demise of railways that damaged the region's appeal for tourists – sitting flush on the border during the Troubles did little to entice visitors. In August 1979, Narrow Water was the scene of an IRA double bomb attack which led to the deaths of 18 British Soldier, while a civilian, William Hudson, was also killed by Army gunfire following the attack. As a result, the bridge project has long been met with a sense of unease for some in the unionist community. But the growth in popularity of Carlingford village as a destination over the past 20 years saw the campaign for the bridge revitalised. It was not until the launch of the Irish government's Shared Island Unit in 2021, that things took a major step forward leading to an official turning of the sod in June 2024. Cable car plan may move to Kilbroney Forest Park A bridge across the border 'will benefit all of us' A5 and Casement Park get share of €800m funding from Dublin
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Tourism hopes rise as Narrow Water Bridge takes shape one year on
With an estimated cost of about €100m (£84.3m), the Narrow Water Bridge aims to kickstart a new era of cross-border tourism on Carlingford Lough. The bridge is being fully funded by the Irish government's Shared Island Unit and will link south Down in Northern Ireland with north Louth in the Republic. It aims to create a new tourist destination, incorporating the Mourne, Cooley and Ring of Gullion mountain ranges. But for this to happen, private investment must follow the Irish government's huge financial commitment. There is already an early litmus test for how the bridge scheme is changing the tourist outlook for the area – the planned sale of the former Park Hotel in Omeath. The hotel, which sits on an 85-acre site a stone's throw from the bridge on the Republic of Ireland side, has been closed for nearly 20 years. But, according to the man responsible for finding a buyer, the bridge development has already changed the outlook for sites like the Park Hotel. "So far we're getting great interest so it's looking good," said Newry-based property agent Garry Best. "We had discussions with the owner for the last three or four years but his preference was to wait until at least the bridge was started." And it's hard to miss that building work. In the water, there are more than 20 huge metal columns piled into the river bed where the bridge will be constructed. Meanwhile, access roads are being created and improvements made to the road network on both the north and south sides. Construction began 12 months ago and it is thought it will be completed by late 2027. The sight of the work starting – and the promise of a completed bridge – is helping fuel investment in the area, the president of the Warrenpoint, Burren and Rostrevor Chamber of Commerce said. Colleen Dowdell, who also helps run her family's pub in Warrenpoint, the Victoria, said people are hopeful it will lead to a number of eyesore sites in the town being upgraded. There are some projects under way - an upgrade of the town's promenade and work on a building on Cole's Corner, which Ms Dowdall said has "probably been vacant since I was a child". "But to see investment in the likes of the old Osborne Hotel on the seafront would be huge," she added. "There's also not one person in this region who doesn't want to see the old Baths on the seafront revitalised. That's what people hope will happen." Meanwhile there have been other public investments on both sides of the border, which, while not necessarily connected to the bridge, are certainly complimentary. These include public realm schemes on Warrenpoint and Omeath seafronts; the greenway linking Newry to Carlingford, which is nearing completion; and funding from the Irish government to develop a network of trails and water access points around Carlingford Lough. There was also the recent news that the £44m Mourne Gondola project could be relocated to Kilbroney Park in Rostrevor – a move that would represent a significant tourism investment, albeit one that has received a mixed response in the region. For those in favour, the project could help drive hundreds of thousands of visitors to the region each year but others hold environmental and economic concerns, as well as questions over whether Rostrevor's roads and car parking could handle an influx of visitors. That, in essence, is the big challenge – how to develop tourism in the area while being respectful to residents and the surrounding landscape. Californian landscape artist Lauren Taylor, who owns a gallery in the centre of Rostrevor, said many tourism-facing businesses like hers have high hopes for the bridge. "The ability to go all around the lough and visit Carlingford, Warrenpoint and Rostrevor in one day is really beneficial for the area," she aid. "It'll not only drive tourism but will attract small businesses like mine to settle into the area. "It would be lovely to see more galleries, more boutiques, more small shops – all those things that tourists and locals want as well." For many around Carlingford Lough, the bridge represents a second chance for the region to establish itself. In decades past, trains and trams connected many of the towns around the lough - until 1965 trains ran to Warrenpoint, while Carlingford and Omeath were connected by rail until 1951. There was also the Red Star Ferry, which ran regular services between Warrenpoint and Omeath. But it wasn't just the demise of railways that damaged the region's appeal for tourists – sitting flush on the border during the Troubles did little to entice visitors. In August 1979, Narrow Water was the scene of an IRA double bomb attack which led to the deaths of 18 British Soldier, while a civilian, William Hudson, was also killed by Army gunfire following the attack. As a result, the bridge project has long been met with a sense of unease for some in the unionist community. But the growth in popularity of Carlingford village as a destination over the past 20 years saw the campaign for the bridge revitalised. It was not until the launch of the Irish government's Shared Island Unit in 2021, that things took a major step forward leading to an official turning of the sod in June 2024. Cable car plan may move to Kilbroney Forest Park A bridge across the border 'will benefit all of us' A5 and Casement Park get share of €800m funding from Dublin
