Latest news with #RichardStewart
Sydney Morning Herald
03-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
Waxing lyrical about a bottler of a time
'Such memories of the '60s with dinner party wines (C8),' says the progressive Richard Stewart of Pearl Beach. 'Thank you, Bill Yonge: Sparkling Rhinegolde, Mateus, Ben Ean Moselle proudly on the dinner table. And then, next dinner party, the same bottles, now empty, proudly stuck with a lit candle providing a sophisticated ambience.' Adrian Bell of Davistown remembers an even classier move: 'Sophisticated C8-ers will recall when the way to a girl's heart was to present her with the empty bottle in the basket woven cane covered Chianti bottle, used as a candleholder in the cool Beatnik era.' For George Baias of Summer Hill, that other oft-mentioned fizzer, Porphyry Pearl, was a 'drink of high sophistication' from the 1960s [John Frith of Paddington calls it an 'awful wine'] and recalls that it 'was advertised by Graham Kennedy on In Melbourne Tonight - made by the 'méthode champenoise' and only eight shillings and sixpence for a 'large' bottle.' Peter Snowden of Orange fancies a switch from lavish wine to swanky beer: 'I recall all the fancy wines and romantic tipples shared by C8 devotees of late, but gee I long for a crisp, chilled, twenty-six ounce bottle of Reschs DA. 'Dinner Ale, the perfect accompaniment to any setting'.' Shut the gate! Jack Munro of Concord West thinks that 'Surely the world's first big scandal (C8) took place in the Garden of Eden and should be known as Applegate.' 'A switch to get reserve fuel (C8)? Luxury!' says Peter Cole of Narrabeen. 'In VW Beetles, one had to use a foot-operated lever (remember them?) to access the last gallon or so of fuel. This was a great relief until you discovered that your partner had done that days before. Time to find the nearest public phone (remember them?)' It was the same deal for John McIntyre of Port Macquarie who says the lever 'turned the petrol intake pipe onto its side' to get to that final drop. Jane Howland of Cammeray has a sartorial update for Greg Baker (C8): 'I haven't noticed the disappearing breast pockets in men's suits, but I have noticed that young men wear blue suits at least a size too small.' It's the absence of pockets in the shirt that has Brian Kidd of Mount Waverley (Vic) shirty: 'It was a handy place to put the mobile phone when not in use. Shirtmakers – bring back the pockets!'
The Age
03-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Age
Waxing lyrical about a bottler of a time
'Such memories of the '60s with dinner party wines (C8),' says the progressive Richard Stewart of Pearl Beach. 'Thank you, Bill Yonge: Sparkling Rhinegolde, Mateus, Ben Ean Moselle proudly on the dinner table. And then, next dinner party, the same bottles, now empty, proudly stuck with a lit candle providing a sophisticated ambience.' Adrian Bell of Davistown remembers an even classier move: 'Sophisticated C8-ers will recall when the way to a girl's heart was to present her with the empty bottle in the basket woven cane covered Chianti bottle, used as a candleholder in the cool Beatnik era.' For George Baias of Summer Hill, that other oft-mentioned fizzer, Porphyry Pearl, was a 'drink of high sophistication' from the 1960s [John Frith of Paddington calls it an 'awful wine'] and recalls that it 'was advertised by Graham Kennedy on In Melbourne Tonight - made by the 'méthode champenoise' and only eight shillings and sixpence for a 'large' bottle.' Peter Snowden of Orange fancies a switch from lavish wine to swanky beer: 'I recall all the fancy wines and romantic tipples shared by C8 devotees of late, but gee I long for a crisp, chilled, twenty-six ounce bottle of Reschs DA. 'Dinner Ale, the perfect accompaniment to any setting'.' Shut the gate! Jack Munro of Concord West thinks that 'Surely the world's first big scandal (C8) took place in the Garden of Eden and should be known as Applegate.' 'A switch to get reserve fuel (C8)? Luxury!' says Peter Cole of Narrabeen. 'In VW Beetles, one had to use a foot-operated lever (remember them?) to access the last gallon or so of fuel. This was a great relief until you discovered that your partner had done that days before. Time to find the nearest public phone (remember them?)' It was the same deal for John McIntyre of Port Macquarie who says the lever 'turned the petrol intake pipe onto its side' to get to that final drop. Jane Howland of Cammeray has a sartorial update for Greg Baker (C8): 'I haven't noticed the disappearing breast pockets in men's suits, but I have noticed that young men wear blue suits at least a size too small.' It's the absence of pockets in the shirt that has Brian Kidd of Mount Waverley (Vic) shirty: 'It was a handy place to put the mobile phone when not in use. Shirtmakers – bring back the pockets!'
Belfast Telegraph
07-07-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
‘One of the crown jewels of our coastline': NI strand named UK's beach of the year
Portstewart Strand has been crowned the best beach in the UK in this year's Sunday Times guide, with judges noting the sense that it is 'loved and cherished by the local community'. The renowned guide also gives a shout out to beaches in Cushendall, Ballycastle, Ballintoy and Runkerry, all of which are in Co Antrim. Some 50 top beaches across the UK have been selected for the guide, showcasing the remarkable beauty of our seaside. Chris Haslam, chief travel writer at The Times and Sunday Times, personally visited and inspected 756 beaches during a month-long campervan tour of the UK's coasts in order to compile the list. The beaches were evaluated through an 11-point inspection checklist, with criteria including water quality, cleanliness, dog-friendliness and accessibility. Causeway Coast and Glens deputy mayor Richard Stewart said the accolade is a 'true testament to the breath-taking natural beauty, exceptional water quality, and warm community spirit that defines Portstewart Strand'. 'Whether it's surfers and swimmers enjoying the water, families taking in the spectacular views, or visitors relaxing at the renowned Harry's Shack, Portstewart Strand has something for everyone. 'It is one of the crown jewels of our coastline and a place we as a community are incredibly proud of,' he said. 'To be recognised not only as Northern Ireland's best beach but as the top beach across the entire UK is no small achievement. 'This honour reflects the hard work and dedication of the National Trust, our local businesses, lifeguards, council teams, and the many volunteers and visitors who help keep the Strand clean, accessible, and welcoming year-round. 'Whether it's surfers and swimmers enjoying the water, families taking in the spectacular views, or visitors relaxing at the renowned Harry's Shack, Portstewart Strand has something for everyone. 'The ability to drive onto the beach, making it more accessible to all, only adds to its unique appeal. Mr Stewart took the opportunity to invite visitors to experience the 'magic of Portstewart Strand for themselves'. Causeway TUV councillor Allister Kyle said the community will be 'delighted' with the recognition. 'We're very privileged here on the north coast to have so many Blue Flag beaches, whether that's the West Strand, East Strand or at Portrush,' he said. 'But I suppose for Portstewart in particular, it's the stunning scenery that adds to it, as well as the great effort the council and National Trust go to when it comes to keeping the beach clean. 'We're very fortunate to have such amazing facilities. I suppose it's just maybe a pity we don't get more super weather just to enjoy it, but we can't do anything about that, unfortunately.' In his description of Portstewart Strand, Chris Haslam said: 'Yes, you can drive onto the beach, and will you look at the size of it? 'Backed by dunes, it would run all the way to Magilligan Point, were it not for the salmon-rich Bann River cutting it in two miles west. 'Surfers, paddleboarders, kayakers and especially wild swimmers come to play here, while others come simply to stare at the sea: some sitting in their cars, others on the cocktail deck of Harry's Shack.' He added: 'If beauty was all it took to win Beach of the Year then Ballycastle, Whitepark, Tyrella or almost any other Northern Irish beach could have taken the crown. Watch: Portstewart has been named best place to live in Northern Ireland 'But being the best takes more: excellent water quality, clean sands, lifeguards, a cracking cafe and the sense that the beach is loved and cherished by the local community. 'Being allowed to drive onto the strand is an added bonus that makes all the difference for families and those less mobile. Portstewart has it all.'
The Age
16-06-2025
- General
- The Age
Epitaph leaves a great impression
'Now moving into my sunset years, I'm wondering what would be appropriate on my headstone, remembering Spike's 'I TOLD YOU I WAS ILL',' says Richard Stewart from the pearly gates of Pearl Beach. 'As one constantly reminded that I get things wrong, I reckon 'HE STOOD CORRECTED' will do it. Others?' 'Reading Richard Glover's column in Spectrum about courtesy merging in traffic reminded me of the New Zealand traffic proposal to 'merge like a zipper',' writes Ross Coleman of Glenbrook. 'Sage Kiwi advice.' 'Can the fairies who erected the fence near Epping Station, its ownership having been denied by Transport for NSW and Parramatta Regional Council, please pop over to my place?' asks Donald Hawes of Peel. 'While growing up and spending time making cubbies and exploring the bush, I didn't blow anything up or fire at anything (C8),' admits Michael Payne of West Pymble. 'Am I normal?' 'The harmless and jovial character of C8 has been undermined by tales of homemade weapons and improvised explosives,' suggests Meri Will of Baulkham Hills. 'In a world where there is far too much violence, this is quite disturbing. Could we please move on to topics more peace-promoting and harmonious?' To therefore keep things Meri, Granny scoured the C8 inbox for something suitably wholesome and stumbled across the good-natured Viv Munter of Tumbi Umbi: 'I have a new-found respect for the much-maligned native plover. I've watched a pair nesting for a month. The female barely left the nest, despite cold days and rainy nights, while the male stood guard. Finally, I witnessed the joy of the first chick to emerge, a little puffball wobbling on toothpick legs. To my dismay, that same night a fox gobbled the chick and remaining eggs despite the loud protestations of the parents. A pox on the fox, I am now a committed plover lover.' Dang. It started out OK. George Zivkovic of Northmead takes it up to 11: 'Surely I wasn't the only one reminded of This Is Spinal Tap when reading about how Sabrina Carpenter's new album cover has sparked an uproar?' Perhaps she consulted the good folk of Springfield (the animated ones, not the ones eating the pets). After all, Ms Carpenter is the niece of Nancy Cartwright, the voice of Bart Simpson, and Spinal Tap's Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer) is the voice of Ned Flanders, Montgomery Burns, Waylon Smithers, Principal Skinner and Reverend Lovejoy!
Sydney Morning Herald
16-06-2025
- General
- Sydney Morning Herald
Epitaph leaves a great impression
'Now moving into my sunset years, I'm wondering what would be appropriate on my headstone, remembering Spike's 'I TOLD YOU I WAS ILL',' says Richard Stewart from the pearly gates of Pearl Beach. 'As one constantly reminded that I get things wrong, I reckon 'HE STOOD CORRECTED' will do it. Others?' 'Reading Richard Glover's column in Spectrum about courtesy merging in traffic reminded me of the New Zealand traffic proposal to 'merge like a zipper',' writes Ross Coleman of Glenbrook. 'Sage Kiwi advice.' 'Can the fairies who erected the fence near Epping Station, its ownership having been denied by Transport for NSW and Parramatta Regional Council, please pop over to my place?' asks Donald Hawes of Peel. 'While growing up and spending time making cubbies and exploring the bush, I didn't blow anything up or fire at anything (C8),' admits Michael Payne of West Pymble. 'Am I normal?' 'The harmless and jovial character of C8 has been undermined by tales of homemade weapons and improvised explosives,' suggests Meri Will of Baulkham Hills. 'In a world where there is far too much violence, this is quite disturbing. Could we please move on to topics more peace-promoting and harmonious?' To therefore keep things Meri, Granny scoured the C8 inbox for something suitably wholesome and stumbled across the good-natured Viv Munter of Tumbi Umbi: 'I have a new-found respect for the much-maligned native plover. I've watched a pair nesting for a month. The female barely left the nest, despite cold days and rainy nights, while the male stood guard. Finally, I witnessed the joy of the first chick to emerge, a little puffball wobbling on toothpick legs. To my dismay, that same night a fox gobbled the chick and remaining eggs despite the loud protestations of the parents. A pox on the fox, I am now a committed plover lover.' Dang. It started out OK. George Zivkovic of Northmead takes it up to 11: 'Surely I wasn't the only one reminded of This Is Spinal Tap when reading about how Sabrina Carpenter's new album cover has sparked an uproar?' Perhaps she consulted the good folk of Springfield (the animated ones, not the ones eating the pets). After all, Ms Carpenter is the niece of Nancy Cartwright, the voice of Bart Simpson, and Spinal Tap's Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer) is the voice of Ned Flanders, Montgomery Burns, Waylon Smithers, Principal Skinner and Reverend Lovejoy!
