Latest news with #TheEcho
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Irish Times-owned Irish Examiner and The Echo newsrooms to merge
The newspapers are owned and operated by the Irish Times, which bought them in 2018. At the time it said that the deal provided opportunities for consolidation, but that the core identity and independence of the news titles would be retained. Tom Fitzpatrick has been editor of the Irish Examiner since 2019. It is understood that he has decided not to apply for the new combined role. In an email to staff today Karen O'Donoghue, managing director of the Irish Examiner and The Echo, said that as part of a three-year change programme, the new position would be publicly advertised on Friday. 'The leadership role is a key pillar of the plan to combine the editorial operations,' she said. 'In creating a single editorial department, we will improve teamwork and our ability to target key audiences, streamline decision making, and grow both digital subscriptions and digital advertising revenues, enable by a cohesive editorial vision across our titles.' Sources familiar with the change programme pointed out that other areas of the two newspapers, apart from editorial, are already merged. The change marks a further consolidation within the Irish newspaper industry, which is dealing with the twin threats of declining print circulation and reduced advertised spend. In 2019, the Evening Echo became a morning newspaper and was rebranded The Echo. Produced for almost 130 years, and synonymous with Cork, it is now printed at the same time as the Irish Examiner. Its website was redesigned at The newspaper was founded as a broadsheet in 1892, and went tabloid in 1991. Two years ago the newspaper got its first female editor, with Grainne McGuinness taking over from Maurice Gubbins. In her role as managing director of the Irish Examiner and The Echo, Ms O'Donoghue reports to the Irish Times group managing director, Deirdre Veldon. Since her appointment in November 2022, Ms Veldon has put a new leadership team and strategy in place in order to return the company to profitability. As well as the two Cork newspapers, the Irish Times group owns a number of regional titles, such as the Waterford News and Star. It has a majority share in the Waterford-based radio station WLR, and last year bought the death notices site causing a controversy last December when it introduced a €100 charge for listings.
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Irish Times owned Irish Examiner and The Echo newsrooms to merge
The newspapers are owned and operated by the Irish Times, which bought them in 2018. At the time it said that the deal provided opportunities for consolidation, but that the core identity and independence of the news titles would be retained. Tom Fitzpatrick has been editor of the Irish Examiner since 2019. It is understood that he has decided not to apply for the new combined role. In an email to staff today Karen O'Donoghue, managing director of the Irish Examiner and The Echo, said that as part of a three-year change programme, the new position would be publicly advertised on Friday. 'The leadership role is a key pillar of the plan to combine the editorial operations,' she said. 'In creating a single editorial department, we will improve teamwork and our ability to target key audiences, streamline decision making, and grow both digital subscriptions and digital advertising revenues, enable by a cohesive editorial vision across our titles.' Sources familiar with the change programme pointed out that other areas of the two newspapers, apart from editorial, are already merged. The change marks a further consolidation within the Irish newspaper industry, which is dealing with the twin threats of declining print circulation and reduced advertised spend. In 2019, the Evening Echo became a morning newspaper and was rebranded The Echo. Produced for almost 130 years, and synonymous with Cork, it is now printed at the same time as the Irish Examiner. Its website was redesigned at The newspaper was founded as a broadsheet in 1892, and went tabloid in 1991. Two years ago the newspaper got its first female editor, with Grainne McGuinness taking over from Maurice Gubbins. In her role as managing director of the Irish Examiner and The Echo, Ms O'Donoghue reports to the Irish Times group managing director, Deirdre Veldon. Since her appointment in November 2022, Ms Veldon has put a new leadership team and strategy in place in order to return the company to profitability. As well as the two Cork newspapers, the Irish Times group owns a number of regional titles, such as the Waterford News and Star. It has a majority share in the Waterford-based radio station WLR, and last year bought the death notices site causing a controversy last December when it introduced a €100 charge for listings.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New tenant lined up for takeover of closing Post Office unit, owner Aldi confirms
A new tenant is being lined up to take over Yarm's closing Post Office unit at Healaugh Park, its owner Aldi has confirmed. Earlier this week, the 3D Leven Park Newsagents branch announced it would be closing the branch in late September after its operator resigned. This left a question mark over the future of the unit, which The Northern Echo can now confirm is still owned by supermarket giant Aldi, which has a store nearby. A spokesperson told The Echo that Aldi still owns - and has for many years - the Healaugh Park complex as a whole, which is also home to Whitworth Pharmacy, Presto Pizza, and Chinese takeaway Yarm Fast Food. They also said that, now the newsagents has given up its lease altogether, the chain is 'working on formalising an agreement' for a new unknown tenant to move in. It is not known when the newsagents will close. Meanwhile, the Post Office previously said it has received interest in taking on a branch from an unknown retailer. The Aldi supermarket in Yarm (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO) A statement from Aldi said: 'Aldi has owned the Healaugh Park site for many years including the Aldi store and the four retail units. 'The Post Office/Newsagent has recently given up its lease due to the postmaster retiring from the Post Office. Aldi is currently working on formalising an agreement for a new tenant to occupy this unit." This week, The Echo reported how Aldi was looking to extend its shop at the complex, and had been considering it 'for some time'. A number of options are being explored on how this can be done - but no formal plans have been submitted to Stockton Council as of yet. The Post Office at Healaugh Park in Yarm (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO) Read More: Teacher who had sex with 'vulnerable' ex-pupil banned from classroom Darlington hair salon forced to pay ex-staff member £2k after docking pay Mum of boy, 7, killed in house explosion says her 'entire world was shattered' Chinese takeaway Yarm Fast Food confirmed on Wednesday it has received "no official notification" regarding an Aldi expansion as of yet - and the site remains open as normal. A Post Office spokesperson previously said: 'We have received a resignation from the operator of Healaugh Park for late September and the date is currently being finalised. 'We know how important a Post Office is to a community and the vacancy is currently being advertised on and we have had interest expressed by a retailer.'
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Inside 'exceptional' country pub with top food that's 'like a little community'
It's a pub that attracts diners from 'far and wide' for its 'exceptional' food - but at its heart is a 'family feel' where customers and regulars 'see each other as friends'. For 17 years The Bay Horse in Hurworth has built up a stellar reputation, regularly scooping top awards for its seasonally-changing "five star" food and ambience. And while the luxurious dining, suntrap beer garden, and traditional charm are certainly big draws, it's not the only thing that keeps customers coming back time and time again. 'It is like a little community, everyone looks out for each other', long-time staff member Chloe Wilson explained on The Northern Echo's trip to the picturesque pub. The 26-year-old, from Darlington, actually said it was 'like a little family': 'We get a lot of regulars and we all get along with them. I class them as friends!' Located on The Green, The Bay Horse has been a feature of the village as far back as the 15th century, when it first operated as a coaching inn. The Bay Horse in Hurworth (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) But for the last 17 years, the upmarket gastropub has been the 'baby' of business partners Marcus Bennett and Jonathan Hall. It was 2008 when the pair first teamed up, with dad-of-two turned chef-patron Marcus saying they searched around for their first venue together while asking the question: 'Why can't fine dining be mixed with pubs?' The 54-year-old, who started off at The Cleveland Tontine before going on to work in top end restaurants in Canada and the Caribbean, said: 'We spent a month driving round the North of England and found The Bay Horse, which ticked every box. 'It was old fashioned and we wanted to modernise it.' Inside The Bay Horse, in Hurworth (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Inside The Bay Horse in Hurworth (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Business partner and Yarm resident Jonathan, 53, had also long been in the industry at the time of the team up, having opened and run Hide on Yarm High Street. And after The Bay Horse, the pair went on to open Muse Continental Cafe in Yarm in 2012, sister venue Cena in 2014, and then The Devonport, at Middleton One Row, in 2018. But what's the secret to success? Marcus, from East Harsley, says it is never giving up and never letting go. Marcus Bennett, of The Bay Horse in Hurworth (Image: THE BAY HORSE) 'We listen to customers, work hard at our problems, and are always involved with staff', he said. 'I'm very much conscious that they feel happy and have got a great working environment. 'I want them to feel it is theirs. I want them to have some pride in their job.' And as he spoke to The Echo, Marcus was preparing menus, gearing up for a meeting with the chef to discuss future dishes, and preparing for his weekly grass cut in the garden. He added: 'You never let go of it. Too many people let go, but we don't, we just carry on.' Regulars Eric and Mandy Kiddell were enjoying a drink in the sun with their miniature Yorkshire Terrier Rosie when they told The Echo just how special the venue was to them. Eric, 72, explained: 'It's the hospitality, the food, the surroundings, and the staff are lovely. It's the feel and presence of the pub too and the ambience.' Regulars Eric and Mandy Kiddell (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) The duo, who have been visiting the pub for around 15 years, hail from Thornton in Middlesbrough - but the 25 minute drive is 'worth it'. 'We were here last Saturday and we're here today,' Mandy, 63, explained. 'It is beautiful. Nothing is a bother to the staff. I have a disability and they are absolutely brilliant with me. There's a personal touch, and that's what I love.' Former British Steel pipe fitter Eric described staff as 'like friends' - saying that 'you don't get places like this' very often. Mandi, a former Cleveland Council worker, added: 'The little things they do are just exceptional, and it makes me feel better. 'There's a lovely ambience - and they are dog friendly in the garden!' Mandy is right - the walled garden is a key feature of the pub. It allows customers to dine outside amongst heaters and wrap up warm with a blanket by fire pits when the summer nights turn cold. The garden is a popular feature (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) General manager Katie Thirkell, who started as a waitress when she was just 16-years-old, said there had been a 'huge investment' in it by the owners over the years. 'Marcus is always out on the lawn mower', the mum-of-three said. 'He really cares about it.' The pub itself has also seen many changes over the years, with the owners recently investing in a quaint country cottage attached to the building so two guests can stay overnight. Katie, 36, explains: 'When I first started, it was a very different building to what it is now. General manager Katie Thirkell (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) 'There's been some little refurbs and main refurbs. 'Covid then changed everything for us, as we had a private dining room upstairs and we couldn't use that anymore. We changed it around and now have nine tables upstairs.' But despite the pandemic, and the ongoing struggle for the hospitality industry as a whole, Katie's colleague Chloe, who has worked at the pub for 10 years, said it's still hugely busy. She said: 'You'd think during the week we wouldn't be but it's like it is the new weekend! It's been like that for quite a while, on Tuesday we were fully booked.' The outdoor dining area of the garden (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) The suntrap beer garden (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) GM Katie has been at The Bay Horse for an impressive 14 years, having previously worked at several spots in Yarm, including Hide and The Keys. And she said only a few staff have left in that time - which 'means something' is right. She also touched on the personal relationship between staff and customers: 'We have regulars who come in for drinks and regulars for food. 'You ask about where they're from and they ask about your news. 'It is lovely to have that relationship and we're always asking for their updates. It is like a little community, everyone looks out for each other. 'We have seen many people go through the highs and lows of life'. Katie said Marcus and Jonathan both put a lot of emphasis on the menu, with one of the pub's standout dishes being a slow-cooked daube of beef with beef medallions, truffled mustard leeks, Alsace bacon, truffled pomme puree winter root vegetables, and sticky red wine gravy. Just the sound of it is enough to get the mouth watering. But Katie, from Darlington, said it's key to make sure customers don't feel intimidated by the luxurious menus at the pub, which can seat around 60 diners at one time. 'Nobody should feel out of place or second class', she explained. 'I emphasise to the staff to make people feel comfortable. This is something restaurant manager Luke Conroy agrees with: 'Sometimes people can be intimidated coming as we do have a great reputation. Luke Conroy and Chloe Wilson (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) 'And there is nothing better than seeing a friendly face and someone that can get on their level. 'It's about being able to deliver that service and I think that's why the front of house is the most important bit.' Luke, 36, who has worked at the restaurant for five years, said the aim was to make the customers almost 'feel at home' - and try something they don't normally have. Inside The Bay Horse, in Hurworth (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) The Bay Horse in Hurworth (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Read More: Jaw-dropping bird's nest arena to be built at new Bishop Auckland theme park La Piazza to open restaurant 'very soon' on Yarm High Street Popular Darlington nightclub confirms permanent closure Get more from The Northern Echo with a digital subscription. . He added that it was a credit to the owners that the pub was still going as strong today, attracting people as far as London and continuing to rack up five-star reviews. He said: 'The Bay Horse has been here for 17 years and the fact that a pub like this is still up and running, and flourishing, proves everything we do is a testament to the place as a whole. 'Not a lot of restaurants stay open for 15 years and are still doing as well as we are, and that's something to be proud of.'
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
The Northern Lights are going to be visible again in the UK - here's where
The Met Office has said the Northern Lights may be visible across the UK this weekend. The Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis, is caused by charged particles from the sun and some areas may be able to see the light display over the next few days. Forecasters at the Met Office have updated the forecasts for the Northern Hemisphere suggesting there is a chance to see the Northern Lights. The Met Office said the display may be seen on on Saturday (March 8) and Sunday (March 9) where skies are clear, and some may even have a chance to see the lights until March 11. The aurora is likely only going to be visible in some parts of the UK, mainly areas of northern Scotland. The best chance to see the aurora will be on Sunday (March 9) but the solar flares are not expected to be strong. READ MORE: LIVE Denton police incident as witnesses report large emergency services response READ MORE: Residents spotted men coming and going at a small shop, and then a huge conspiracy started to unravel The best places to see the Northern Lights are rural open areas, usually on high ground. Open areas not polluted by light with a clear view of the northern horizon are best for aurora sightings when it gets very dark. The full forecast from the Met Office said: "There is a chance of aurora sightings later on 8 March into 9 March across northern Scotland and similar geomagnetic latitudes where skies are clear. "High latitudes are likely to see the aurora overnight 9 March into 10 March and to a lesser extent on 10 March into 11 March. This is due to the onset of fast winds. Otherwise, background levels expected." The stunning display has lit up the sky across the country and South West a number of times in recent months, with residents in Bristol capturing the light display last November. Just a few months ago the Northern Lights were visible in South Gloucestershire and North Somerset in an incredible display. Pictures taken by residents showed the impressive colours of red, pink and purple across the sky. The Northern Lights appears as a large area of bright colour in the sky. Pinks, greens, reds, yellows and even blue and violet may by be seen, more powerful auroras will be brighter and have more colours and display in a distinct arc. Aurora displays are visible when charged particles collide with gasses in the Earth's atmosphere around the magnetic poles. As the particles collide, light is emitted and different wavelengths creating the colourful displays in the sky. They can be seen when charged particles hit gases in the Earth's atmosphere around the magnetic poles. Most of the activity in the northern hemisphere happens in a band known as the aurora oval which covers latitudes between 60 and 75 degrees. The Echo reports the potential sighting of the Northern Lights this weekend comes in a month that will be packed with plenty of space activity. A rare blood moon will appear over the UK during a partial lunar eclipse on March 14. On the same date, the month's full 'Worm Moon' will also appear in the night sky.
