Latest news with #StevePeters
CTV News
25-05-2025
- CTV News
‘Real-life history': St. Thomas train returns to track after being dormant for 68 years
This is the first time since 1957 that the London and Port Stanley Rail Car 14 is transporting passengers. CTV London's Brent Lale reports. It's like stepping back in time. 'This is the first time since 1957 that the L&PS (London and Port Stanley Rail) Car 14 is downtown St. Thomas, and going on a trip to Port Stanley,' said Rose Tisdale, general manager of the Elgin County Railway Museum (ECRM). Car 14 was built in Newark, Ohio in 1917. After running until 1957 as a passenger train, it was donated to the Canadian Railway Museum in 1962 by the London Railway Commission. It has been in the possession of the ECRM since 1999 and has been fully restored. ST. THOMAS TRAIN CAR 14 London and Port Stanley Rail Car 14 has been fully restored and is back on the track from St. Thomas, Ont. to Port Stanley for the first time since 1957, seen on May 24, 2025. (Brent Lale/CTV News London) 'It's glorious,' said Steve Peters, a St. Thomas city councillor and historian. 'It's a palace like car and with the King (Charles) coming to Canada, he could ride in this. Car 14 is finally in its rightful place. Outside the walls of the museum and back on the track.' 'It's great for the museum and it's great for St. Thomas,' said Gord McOuat, who has worked for hours restoring the air brakes and performing test runs on the train. Peters called this inaugural run 'special.' 'It's real-life history,' he said. 'It's not something that's just static and sitting there. We have to preserve our past for our future.' The train cost $33,665.70 in 1917 and was the best design money could buy. The L&PS was a prototype for a line envisioned by Sir Adam Beck, which would have seen electrified lines across Ontario. With those lines no longer in place, Car 14 was towed along the track. ST. THOMAS TRAIN CAR 14 Train enthusiast Bradley Roberts, 13, expresses his love for London and Port Stanley Rail Car 14 on May 24, 2025. (Brent Lale/CTV News London) 'I just love how it's like, a very old, electric-train car and that even though it can't run on its own power, we still have this diesel to help us,' said Bradley Roberts, 13, who is a train enthusiast. 'This is probably one of my favorite days ever.' Louisa Savitz and Jennifer Kirby decided to go back to the turn of the century by dressing up in historical clothing. An era when St. Thomas got the nickname 'The Railway City.' 'We all remember our parents talking about riding [the train] all the time, so there's a lot of history here,' said Kirby. Peters hopes this is just the beginning when it comes to reigniting St. Thomas' rail history. ST. THOMAS TRAIN CAR 14 Louisa Zavitz (left) and Jennifer Kirby dressed in turn-of-the-century costume on May 24, 2025 for the first ride on London and Port Stanley Rail Car 14 since 1957. (Brent Lale/CTV News London) 'We've got a little bit of a connection here about 2000 feet to the north,' said Peters. 'That is that link to London that is not there. That's what we've got to accomplish in the long term.' That may be years away. Until that happens, train and history lovers can enjoy the upcoming rides in the historic car. 'It's emotional and it's exciting seeing everyone's positive, happy reactions,' said Tisdale. 'It's a local piece of history and it's just really important to us. In museums, you have a broad spectrum of artifacts and our collection spans North America and western Ontario. But having something that's local to us right in St. Thomas, it's just really fun.'
Daily Mail
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
CHRISTOPHER STEVENS reviews Change Your Mind, Change Your Life: The BBC's dire new therapy series is worse than rubbish - it's dangerous
Change Your Mind, Change Your Life (BBC1) We no longer, in these sensitive and enlightened days, use phrases such as, 'Pull yourself together,' or, 'For God's sake, stop feeling so sorry for yourself'. But apparently, it's completely fine to tell someone who is paralysed by anxiety to switch to 'automatic pilot' and go through life like 'a little robot'. That advice was offered by Professor Steve Peters to 39-year-old former amateur athlete James, on Change Your Mind, Change Your Life. I'm struggling to see how it's very different from telling a person with depression that what he needs is 'a good kick up the backside'. James's nerves were so bad following a stroke that he was sometimes unable to work. The prof's remedy for getting out of bed in the morning amounted to a simple computer code: 'Number one, sit up, Number two, put your feet on the floor. Number three, stand up. Number four, start walking.' At best, that sounds like the sort of instruction a no-nonsense parent might use to rouse a reluctant teenager on the first day of school term. The thought that people will actually pay good money for this 'therapy' makes my head spin. The show is presented by married couple Matt and Emma Willis, a pair of all-purpose telly faces lately seen presenting a gimmicky dating show called Love Is Blind: UK while also appearing together on Cooking With The Stars. They'll do anything, basically. Apparently, it's completely fine to tell someone who is paralysed by anxiety to switch to 'automatic pilot' and go through life like 'a little robot' Their only qualification for this show is that both of them have undergone therapy. Matt, a recovering alcoholic and drug addict, says he has been beset by anxiety for years. Emma told us she didn't believe she needed therapy until she saw a therapist. Probably, she's the sort of person who doesn't know she needs new windows until the double glazing salesman calls. They've got all the patter, though: 'How does that make you feel?' 'What's going through your mind?' The first two episodes of this dire series were dumped in a double bill close to midnight. But it's worse than rubbish — it's dangerous. Viewers suffering from grief, anxiety or the trauma of being bullied are effectively being told that they can't get better on their own. They have to open their wallets and get therapy. Legal constraints mean that, when writing about therapists, I am not allowed to use words like 'charlatans', 'hokum', 'pretentious bilge' or 'money for old rope'. But some of the cod psychology doled out to clients was simply breathtaking drivel. Here's the prof again: 'Let's understand that you and your brain are separate. You've got a mind here, and then there's you. And your mind has got these compulsions, you haven't. You're independent of that.' One question: If my brain and I are separate, what's doing the thinking? My heart, my soul, my kidneys? I'm starting to suspect that Prof Peters and his backside are separate entities: he has a mouth and a rear end, and it isn't his mouth that's doing the talking.
BBC News
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Renowned therapists announced for Change Your Mind, Change Your Life with Matt and Emma Willis
(Image: Twenty Twenty productions) Matt and Emma Willis bring Change your Mind, Change your Life to BBC One and iPlayer later this month. The duo bring together a team of leading therapists who've agreed to open the doors to their work. From Bristol-based Twenty Twenty Productions (known for the award-winning A House Through Time and the BAFTA-winning First Dates) and co-produced by The Open University, the series will follow people across the UK as they confront the problems they face, exploring if therapy can help transform their lives. Full of tips on how to tackle everyday challenges, Change your Mind, Change your Life reveals the power of opening up. The renowned therapists involved in the show are - Owen O'Kane A highly respected psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience, Owen O'Kane is known for his expertise in addressing a variety of psychological disorders including depression, anxiety, trauma, and stress and is a best-selling author and regular podcast guest. Julia Samuel MBE With 30 years of experience, Julia Samuel is a leading figure in the field of psychotherapy, specializing in grief and loss. As the author of three best-selling books, Julia has helped countless individuals navigate the complexities of bereavement. Professor Steve Peters Professor Steve Peters, a Consultant Psychiatrist, is one of the most recognised names in the field of mental health and human performance. Known for his best-selling book, Steve is celebrated for his work with elite athletes such as Olympian Chris Hoy and World Snooker Champion Ronnie O'Sullivan. Dr. Fatoumata Jatta A principal clinical psychologist and transformational life coach, Dr. Fatoumata Jatta brings a wealth of knowledge to the series. With experience in both the public and private sectors, Dr. Jatta works with individuals facing a wide range of challenges, including stress, trauma, anxiety, and relationship difficulties. The series (4x40) will premiere on BBC One and iPlayer from Tuesday 13th May and will be a key part of the BBC's Wellbeing week, which aims to bring audiences a range of mental health and wellbeing content across the breadth of BBC services (TV, iPlayer, Radio, BBC Sounds, News, Social Media) that highlight stories of those who have faced mental health struggles, as well as helping audiences understand how to look after their mental health, and where to go for further support. Change Your Mind, Change Your Life was commissioned by Clare Sillery, BBC Head of Commissioning, Documentaries. The Exec producers are Ruth Kelly and Lucy Morgan for Twenty Twenty. The Series Producer is Ian Osprey and the Series Director is Nick Hardie. The BBC commissioner is Beejal-Maya Patel. It is co-produced by The Open University. Read more: Matt and Emma Willis explore the power of therapy and opening up in Change Your Mind, Change Your Life - "We've both experienced first hand the effects that it can have" Latest from the Media Centre All news Show more
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Work starts on airport's new passenger terminal
Work has begun to build a new passenger terminal at Blackpool Airport as it continues with its expansion plans. The new hub, which was granted planning permission in September, will include an enhanced arrivals and departures area able to handle up to 45 passengers as well as a larger security checkpoint. It is the latest development in the airport's plans to upgrade as it continues to increase private corporate and executive and commercial aircraft charter flights. Airport director Steve Peters said it was "exciting to take the next step in our journey to a brighter future for aviation in Blackpool". The new terminal will also enable the accommodation of larger cabin class corporate aircraft, the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Mr Peters said: "The new passenger handling facility and administrative building will mean we can continue with our growth plans both in terms of the number of flights and the size of corporate aircraft we can accommodate." The airport used to have a full commercial passenger terminal used by airlines such as Jet2 when they operated holiday flights from Blackpool. But it was demolished in 2016 to make way for construction of the Energy College on the site. A planning application for a new road and hangars was revealed last year and future plans for the airport include new general aviation and executive hangars, a maintenance and repair hangar, proposed solar farm and a new sustainable fuel farm. Development costs are being met from £54m set aside by Blackpool Council. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. New passenger handling building for Blackpool Airport Five new hangars planned for resort airport Blackpool Airport bought back by council Blackpool Airport Blackpool Enterprise Zone Local Democracy Reporting Service
BBC News
16-04-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Blackpool Airport: Work starts on new passenger terminal
Work has begun to build a new passenger terminal at Blackpool Airport as it continues with its expansion new hub, which was granted planning permission in September, will include an enhanced arrivals and departures area able to handle up to 45 passengers as well as a larger security checkpoint. It is the latest development in the airport's plans to upgrade as it continues to increase private corporate and executive and commercial aircraft charter flights. Airport director Steve Peters said it was "exciting to take the next step in our journey to a brighter future for aviation in Blackpool". The new terminal will also enable the accommodation of larger cabin class corporate aircraft, the Local Democracy Reporting Peters said: "The new passenger handling facility and administrative building will mean we can continue with our growth plans both in terms of the number of flights and the size of corporate aircraft we can accommodate."The airport used to have a full commercial passenger terminal used by airlines such as Jet2 when they operated holiday flights from Blackpool. But it was demolished in 2016 to make way for construction of the Energy College on the site. A planning application for a new road and hangars was revealed last year and future plans for the airport include new general aviation and executive hangars, a maintenance and repair hangar, proposed solar farm and a new sustainable fuel costs are being met from £54m set aside by Blackpool Council. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
