Latest news with #Stanhope


CBC
29-05-2025
- General
- CBC
Summer at P.E.I. National Park comes with some upgrades — and a ban on pool inflatables
The P.E.I. National Park is set to welcome visitors for the 2025 summer season with some new infrastructure and cultural experiences, as well as strengthened safety measures — including a full ban on pool inflatables at its beaches. At Stanhope Cape, Parks Canada has completed a $180,000 upgrade that includes 50 additional parking spaces and a new set of wooden stairs to channel people across the dunes to the beach. "It gives a dedicated path to the beach... to make sure we're maintaining our good ecological integrity," said Joel McKinnon, who is the visitor services co-ordinator for the park. Kim Gamble, the park's resource conservation manager, said all sand dunes in the park will continue to remain closed to foot traffic, with a minimum fine of $150 for violations. "The park is in a very dynamic coastal ecosystem, and we rely on sand dunes for protection of inland lands and also, you know, habitat for some of the local wildlife here," she said. It's been nearly three years since post-tropical storm Fiona hit the Island, demonstrating how fragile dunes can be. Yet Parks Canada staff have since seen how quickly they can grow back. "We see a lot of regeneration of the dunes," Gamble said as she showed a visitor from CBC News an example. "You can see some of the vegetation growing up in front of the dunes, and that's what we call embryonic dunes, or baby dunes, and those are the building blocks of regenerating the dunes." Parks Canada officials are continuously assessing dune conditions, identifying areas damaged by human activity and carrying out restoration efforts across the national park, she said. Pool floaties banned An important safety initiative this summer is a complete ban on pool floaties across all P.E.I. National Park beaches. "Ever since 2019, we've seen 50 per cent of the rescues that our surf guards do are attributed to pool floaties that are meant to be in pools and not in open ocean environments," Gamble said. To help educate visitors this year, the park has created a tool that outlines which items are permitted and which are not. "What we want to make people aware of is that inflatables that are meant for pool use, such as inflatable mattresses, unicorn floaties,... inner tubes, are things that pose a great risk to being taken offshore by offshore winds," Gamble said. "This ban does not include things like personal flotation devices, water wings, puddle jumpers, so as long as children wearing these devices are within arm reach of a parent. Those are welcome and encouraged for visitor safety." Violating the ban on large inflatables is considered an offence under the Canada National Parks General Regulations, with a minimum fine of $150. Beaches will be monitored this year and in the future by surf guards, Parks Canada's compliance team and park wardens. New program at Green Gables Meanwhile, visitors to Green Gables Heritage Place can look forward to a new cultural experience based on the writings of famed Island author Lucy Maud Montgomery this summer. Kassandra McKinnon, the interpretation co-ordinator at Green Gables, said a new art exhibit will feature local artist Susan Christensen, who will be painting on site in the visitor centre from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from June 3 until the end of October. "She's going to be using Montgomery's poetry as inspiration for her paintings, and then her paintings will be followed by a literary response from a local author this year, starting with Deirdre Kessler," McKinnon said. "Green Gables celebrates L.M. Montgomery and her national historic significance, and it's so interesting to see the ways that different artists with different methods of expression can take what Montgomery has already created and make it their own," she added. "And to celebrate a local artist is just a bonus." The site will also offer a full slate of summer programming, including costumed interpreters, heritage gardening demonstrations, storytelling and musical performances during the peak season, she said. McKinnon said there will be two open houses where the public can learn more about what to expect this season and meet some of the staff. These will be held June 4 at the Stanhope Campground and June 5 at the Cavendish Campground.


Edinburgh Live
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
'Powerfully moving' war film on Amazon Prime with 'tragic end' left viewers in tears
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Journey's End, a British war film based on the 1928 play by RC Sherriff, draws from the playwright's personal experiences in the trenches during his military service where he was severely wounded in 1917. The film is available for streaming on Amazon Prime and initially premiered on 8 September 2017, before receiving a broader theatrical release in spring 2018 - marking the centenary of the German Spring Offensive, upon which the film is based. Saul Dibb directed the film with Simon Reade penning the screenplay, introducing a dozen new characters for the screen adaptation. Despite grossing a mere $970,809 at the global box-office, Journey's End received high praise from critics, earning a 91 per cent score on review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes. The film provides a chilling account of the days leading up to Operation Michael, the first phase of the German Spring Offensive targeted at the British Front. It offers viewers an intimate glimpse into the attacks that ravaged the Western Front and the psychological toll endured by those on the frontlines. Featuring Asa Butterfield, Sam Claflin, Paul Bettany, Toby Jones, Stephen Graham, and Tom Sturridge, Journey's End focuses on a group of British soldiers led by Captain Stanhope (Claflin), a deeply troubled young officer grappling with the psychological effects of extended combat, reports the Express. (Image: (Image: Publicity Picture)) When young Lieutenant Raleigh (Buterfield) arrives, the challenges mount for the protagonist. The fresh-faced and idealistic new recruit is also his fiancée's brother and once looked up to Stanhope, compelling him to face his inner turmoil in a poignant on-screen depiction as he grapples with the burdens of expectation. Journey's End has captivated critics, with one describing it as "a powerful and moving tribute to the men who fought in the trenches". Another said: "War is hell but we've seen that story before. Journey's End manages to reaffirm the message in a tale that is both harrowing and heartbreaking." A reviewer expressed considerable admiration for the cast, saying: "The actors are superb at impressing some humanity onto this ugliness." Praise was also lavished on the film's stirring representation of conflict, with one critic writing: "This taut, emotionally wrenching snapshot of both the mythologies and grim realities of war possesses useful reminders about self-deception and abuse of power, especially at a time when bellicose rhetoric and war cabinets seem to be the order of the day." (Image: (Image: Publicity Picture)) The director's work was hailed by a review which said: "Saul Dibb's World War 1 tale of British soldiers in the trenches is a bleak, sobering experience that puts audiences through a wringer. It's also an emotional powerhouse you will not forget." Viewers were equally moved, with one audience member adding: "Such a tragic end It had a profound effect on me! Making me study operation Micheal in great detail. 5 star film." A poignant review from another viewer described Journey's End as "a beautiful film, focuses more on the interactions between the different officers, their psychological state and each one's reaction to their situation. A well crafted homage so the memories of the ones who have suffered so much will not be forgotten, from the writer of the original play as well as to his comrades." Other audience members praised the film, with one calling it a "riveting movie" with "superb acting", stating it was "one of the best antiwar movies that I have seen". Another reviewer noted: "Superb study of PTSD and the massacre and hopelessness of war. Best adaptation of a play I can think of. Much of it relies on the excellent acting and close ups. So hard to see how this could work on stage."


Daily Record
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
'Harrowing' war film with five star rating and incredible A-list cast
Asa Butterfield stars in 2017 British war film Journey's End, which is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. The movie is based on a play and is set in 1918, during the First World War. Journey's End is a British war film, adapted from the 1928 play of the same name by playwright RC Sherriff. Having been severely wounded in 1917 during his military service, Sherriff drew upon his personal experiences in the trenches to craft the play. The film, available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video, initially premiered on 8 September 2017, but it was more widely released in cinemas in spring 2018 - marking the centenary of the German Spring Offensive, the attacks that form the basis of the plot. Under the direction of Saul Dibb and with a screenplay by Simon Reade - who introduced an array of new characters for the screen adaptation - Journey's End had a disappointing worldwide box-office return of $970,809. However, it was highly praised by critics, earning a 91 per cent score on review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes. The film provides a chilling depiction of the days leading up to Operation Michael, the initial phase of the German Spring Offensive targeted at the British Front. It offers viewers a close-up view of the assaults that ravaged the Western Front and the psychological trauma suffered by those on the frontlines. Featuring Asa Butterfield, Sam Claflin, Paul Bettany, Toby Jones, Stephen Graham, and Tom Sturridge, Journey's End focuses on a band of British soldiers led by Captain Stanhope (Claflin) - a deeply disturbed young officer grappling with the psychological effects of extended warfare, reports the Express. The young man's trials intensify when Lieutenant Raleigh (Buterfield) arrives. The enthusiastic yet naïve new recruit also happens to be his fiancée's brother and was once an admirer of Stanhope. This pushes Stanhope into a confrontation with his own internal struggles, resulting in a deeply affecting onscreen depiction as he grapples with the pressures thrust upon him. 'Journey's End', by casting a critical eye over the pointlessness of war, left critics enchanted, with one describing it as "a powerful and moving tribute to the men who fought in the trenches". An additional critic wrote: "War is hell but we've seen that story before. Journey's End manages to reaffirm the message in a tale that is both harrowing and heartbreaking." One reviewer was particularly impressed with the cast, saying: "The actors are superb at impressing some humanity onto this ugliness." Meanwhile, another critic lavished praise on the poignant illustration of warfare: "This taut, emotionally wrenching snapshot of both the mythologies and grim realities of war possesses useful reminders about self-deception and abuse of power, especially at a time when bellicose rhetoric and war cabinets seem to be the order of the day." Praises were also directed towards the director, with one review noting: "Saul Dibb's World War 1 tale of British soldiers in the trenches is a bleak, sobering experience that puts audiences through a wringer. It's also an emotional powerhouse you will not forget." Audience reactions were equally positive, with one viewer saying: "Such a tragic end It had a profound effect on me! Making me study operation Micheal in great detail. 5 star film." Another heartfelt review from an audience member read: "A beautiful film, focuses more on the interactions between the different officers, their psychological state and each one's reaction to their situation. A well crafted homage so the memories of the ones who have suffered so much will not be forgotten, from the writer of the original play as well as to his comrades." One viewer described Journey's End as a "riveting movie" with "superb acting", going as far as to call it "one of the best antiwar movies that I have seen". Meanwhile, another review stated: "Superb study of PTSD and the massacre and hopelessness of war. Best adaptation of a play I can think of. Much of it relies on the excellent acting and close ups. So hard to see how this could work on stage."


BBC News
15-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Plans to replace Cambridge office block named after rebel
Designs for a new office block that would replace one named after a famous East Anglian rebel have been House, on Station Road in Cambridge, is due to be demolished after developers said the 1960s building had a weak structure and could not be honours the family of Robert Kett, who led a rebellion in 1549, and contains a prominent wall sculpture of the oak tree where the plotters new building planned for the site would mostly consist of offices but could have shops on the ground floor, the developers added. Kett House was built near the site of James Rattee and George Kett's stone carving works on Station Kett was a descendant of the 16th Century Norfolk rebel, Robert.A sandstone sculpture by Wilhelm Josef Soukop of Kett's Oak, under which Kett and his followers would meet, appears on a wall of the office block was bought in 2017 for £21.6m. According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the developer, Stanhope, had considered keeping and adapting the existing it said due to the tight floor-to-floor height and the relatively weak structure of the building, it would not be possible. The final design for the replacement has not been selected, but Stanhope Foundation shared some ideas at a city council briefing on Fisher, from architect Bennetts Associates, said timber would be used within the frame structure, as it would have a lower carbon impact than other building methods. The building would be set further back so wider pavements could be created and there would be more space for tree developers said they were "keen to move at pace" and hoped to submit formal plans in the late summer or early autumn. Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.


Business Mayor
30-04-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
Wealth manager Stanhope Capital plans Saudi expansion
Unlock the Editor's Digest for free Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter. Stanhope Capital, a London-centred wealth manager with $40bn of assets, is expanding into the Gulf in a partnership with a bank owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). Stanhope is establishing a 'strategic partnership', rather than a joint-venture structure, with Gulf International Bank (GIB), which does not currently offer wealth management services. Target clients include families with more than $100mn in investable assets and institutional clients such as charities and sovereign wealth fund-linked entities. Daniel Pinto, Stanhope chief executive, said: 'Many foreign banks and many wealth managers have tried to do it on their own in the region and usually have failed, and we felt that the odds of succeeding were much higher if we had a local partner with local expertise and local access to our target client base.' Daniel Pinto: 'We felt that the odds of succeeding were much higher if we had a local partner with . . . access to our target client base' © Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg Pinto said GIB would sign clients within Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, and Stanhope would sign those in the rest of the world, but they would all be managed by a 'hybrid' team from the two businesses. Stanhope will not establish an office with employees in the region for now but will run its side of the partnership from its offices in London, Geneva and the US. The PIF has about $940bn of assets under management, according to the latest government data, but the country has struggled to attract foreign investment. Inbound FDI was down 19 per cent year on year to $20.7bn last year, the lowest since 2020. Authorities have been keen on luring major financial institutions to establish a strong presence in Riyadh as competition intensifies with other business hubs in the Gulf, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The World Wealth Report 2024 from consultancy Capgemini showed the number of 'high net worths' (defined as those with more than $1mn in investable assets) in the Middle East was 0.9mn in 2023, up from 0.6mn in 2016. They had $3.5tn in assets in 2023 compared with $2.4tn in 2016. 'The whole purpose of the partnership' was to foster wealth management expertise within Saudi Arabia, Pinto said, but he also envisaged directing more investment into the country if opportunities arose, for example in infrastructure. The kingdom has over the past decade launched several so-called gigaprojects as part of a larger plan by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to diversify the economy away from its dependence on oil revenues. Spending on infrastructure is expected to accelerate as the country prepares to host a series of major events in the coming years, including Expo 2030 and the Fifa World Cup in 2034. Pinto said Stanhope had looked to the Gulf, rather than Asia, to expand because 'this is a client base that understand the benefit of wealth management. The Asian market is very much driven by products, not services.' The partnership will cover global asset classes, including hedge funds, private equity and real estate, and will offer sharia-compliant products. GIB is established in Bahrain, with a Saudi subsidiary and branches in the UAE and Oman, and had $42.9bn of assets at the end of 2024. It declined to comment.