Latest news with #QueenVictoria
BBC News
9 hours ago
- Business
- BBC News
Minister says Victorian marine lake repairs 'uneconomical'
The future of a marine lake built to mark the diamond jubilee of Queen Victoria is in doubt after the minister responsible labelled it a "diminishing requirement".Victoria Marine Lake on St Helier's waterfront was marked as needing "comprehensive work" after an inspection last year, a decade on from a £300k repair in 2014. A written question was submitted earlier this month by Deputy Inna Gardiner, who asked for details on how the pool would be maintained and kept safe in the response, Constable Andy Jehan, minister for infrastructure, said plans to improve sea defences in the area meant it would be "uneconomical to repair the marine lake". "Given the exciting plans under development for the waterfront and the need to improve shoreline management and coastal defence, it is anticipated that there will be a diminishing requirement for this feature," he well as highlighting repairs made to the lake's retaining wall in January, Constable Jehan referenced the £356,000 work done at Havre des Pas."It should be noted that there has been a considerable investment in the Havre des Pas pool wall and sluices to provide the facility for sea swimming at low tide, the function originally conceived for the marine lake."
Telegraph
7 days ago
- Telegraph
Sidmouth might be vanilla, but at least there are no arcades
Some 250 million years ago, displays at the excellent little Sidmouth Museum inform me that dinosaurs roamed this area. To suggest not much has changed might be a little unkind – but maybe only a little. The grey pound reigns in Sidmouth, a Devon town sometimes dubbed 'God's waiting room', particularly outside school holidays. 'Watch out for belligerent mobility scooter owners,' one local warned me, 'or they'll mow you down.' Wedged in the narrow cleft of the Sid Valley, midway along the Jurassic Coast, Sidmouth was a modest fishing village before Napoleon curtailed continental travel, bringing 'persons of quality' flocking. Hotels sprang up alongside stately Georgian houses – the oldest, Fortfield Terrace, dating from the 1790s, still gazes across impeccable and bustling croquet lawns, tennis courts, bowls greens and a cricket pitch. A distinctly genteel brand of tourism boomed, attracting notables from Jane Austen to the future Queen Victoria, who briefly stayed in Woolbrook Cottage (now the Royal Glen Hotel) in 1819. Sidmouth's star rose through the 19th century and sailed through the 20th – perhaps because of its determinedly old-fashioned flavour. Preserved in aspic or simply chilled? What's Sidmouth really like? Gleaming and pristine. There are no amusement arcades or pantos on the pier – no pier, in fact – no kebab vans or dodgy sports bars. Buckets and spades, yes: help yourself from the pin-neat Sidmouth Beach Toy Library. The only donkeys live in pampered bliss at a huge (and hugely engaging) sanctuary. Change may be glacial, but it's afoot. In recent years Town Beach gained a swathe of sand after breakwaters were installed. (To the west, shingly Jacob's Ladder Beach is family rockpooling heaven.) Inland, old-school galleries and antiques shops are increasingly interspersed with newer independent outlets, and traditional tearooms augmented by modern cafés like Kapes kiosk, thronged by under-50s sipping specialist coffees. Another welcome update is the grassroots arts explosion sparked by Sidmouth Coastal Community Hub, seeding pockets of creativity across town. 'There are lots of artists here,' explains SCCH powerhouse Louise Cole, 'and public art is helping raise Sidmouth's cultural profile.' Their multi-generational Sea Fest (May) augments an impressive roster of events celebrating jazz and blues, science, sailing, walking, while August's renowned Folk Festival launched 70 years ago. Accommodation is slower to catch up, though the more contemporary stylings of Harbour Hotel (B&B doubles from £135), recently body-doubled as a luxury cruise ship in Bollywood comedy whodunnit Housefull 5, released in June. What's not to love? Sidmouth can feel a little… vanilla – and not just the whitewashed Regency architecture. The over-70s who throng cafés and shops during daylight hours evaporate after sundown, so not much opens late. When I asked one youthful server where to go for a lively evening, he mused for a moment, then replied: 'Catch the number 9 bus to Exeter.' 'The night-time economy needs a boost, with more for young people to do, in particular,' affirms Coco Hodgkinson of SCCH. The resort's other main audience, families, is highly seasonal. Outside school holidays, many attractions reduce opening hours or days. And though there are plenty of big, long-established hotels and self-catering properties, B&Bs are dwindling. 'There's a distinct lack of car parking, and creating more is challenging because of the geography,' observes Tom Seward, owner of Kapes. In truth, though, grumbles are minor. 'The seagulls can be annoying, and of course it can get busy in summer, but really there is not much not to like,' says Ian Gregory, a retired resident who's visited regularly since the Sixties. 'There's only one PCSO – that says a lot about the town.' What to do Sunny? Head up to High Peak (if you've the stamina) for sensational views along the cliffs and over Sidmouth. For a more sedate stroll, pass the early 19th-century Old Toll House ('the prettiest council house in England') and amble the Byes, an alluring path meandering through a ribbon of shady riverside greenery. Alternatively, ride the waves aboard a SUP, surfboard or kayak hired from Jurassic Paddle Sports. Rainy? The Toy & Model Museum is a nostalgic Aladdin's cave crammed with Matchbox cars, Steiff bears, vintage board games, model railways and boats, plus Star Wars, James Bond, Sylvanian Families, and Dr Who and Harry Potter collections to appeal to younger visitors. Where to eat The Clock Tower, in maze-like Connaught Gardens, between the beaches, is legendary for its voluptuous wedges of cake. Surprises lurk inside the retro-looking Dairy Shop deli and café. Sure, you can indulge in a lush Devon cream tea served on floral bone china, or pick up a range of seaweed-flavour beers, Sidmouth Gin, and Ebb Tides vegan Seaweed Caviar – 'great on blinis, avocado or crab', says founder and owner John Hammond. Generations of the Bagwell family have dispensed fresh fish from Sidmouth Trawlers, tucked away at the eastern end of the front. Today, genial Val sells cooked and prepared crab, prawns, mussels, lobsters, whelks and cockles. What not to do Chunks of rock frequently cleave from the cliffs at the eastern end of Town Beach – beware. Don't neglect to check tide times: Town Beach's sandy stretches vanish at high water. 'The pebbles are large and hard to walk on, so you do this embarrassing, ungainly walk back to your towel,' says Sarah McPherson. 'It's a good idea to wear water shoes' – which also protect against weever fish stings. Don't wander between rock islands when the tide's going out, either – the rip can be vicious. And don't plan a big night out, unless your idea of a pumping gig is watching the (well-respected) Sidmouth Town Band playing Connaught Gardens on a Sunday evening. From a local… 'We've got a phenomenal cricket ground with a cheeky little clubhouse, so you can get a pint and watch the cricket from your deck chair – old school but quite relaxing and enjoyable,' says John Crouch, who moved here from London 20 years ago. 'But young people here need a really groovy pub, which Sidmouth hasn't got yet. It does die slightly out of season, too.' From a tourist… 'Sidmouth's managed to avoid becoming a tacky seaside tourist town,' says Sarah McPherson. 'It's so well kept: there are flowers everywhere, the sea front still has a lovely Regency feel – no arcades or anything like that – and there are nice loos.' 'It's kind of old fashioned and traditional, like nothing's changed much,' say Ian and Jane Johnstone from Ayrshire. 'Though we were just saying we prefer Brixham and Dartmouth.' How to get there Sidmouth's branch line fell victim to Beeching's axe – so there's no rail service. Frequent 9 and 9A buses reach Exeter in about 45 minutes; number 9 also serves Honiton, which is about 30 minutes away and offers the nearest train station.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
6 overrated wedding traditions, according to wedding planners
In the US, common wedding traditions include the bride wearing white and guests throwing rice. However, some traditions have lost their appeal in modern times. Wedding planners told BI they think garter and bouquet tosses are overrated. It's no secret that weddings are expensive. In 2025, the average cost of a wedding in the US is $36,000 — a 24% increase from 2023's $29,000, reported Zola, an online wedding registry, planner, and retailer. With these costs, many couples are choosing to rethink their wedding-day priorities, forgoing tradition in the name of comfort and cost. Business Insider spoke with three wedding planners to learn which traditions have lost or are losing their appeal. Here are six traditions they think are overrated. Sleeping apart the night before the wedding The tradition of spending one's wedding eve apart stems from marriage's roots as a contractual obligation rather than a romantic one, Brides reported. Keeping the couple apart until the wedding was a way to ensure the bride's virginity and create some mystery before the ceremony, as many unions were arranged. But in 2019, the Pew Research Center reported that nearly half (48%) of adults in the US believe couples who live together before marriage have a better chance of having a successful relationship. With more couples living together before tying the knot, the tradition has lost some appeal. "You don't need to change that dynamic of your relationship for one day," Lara Mahler, founder and owner of The Privilege Is Mine, told BI in 2024. "So it's like, wake up next to your partner. Also, why pay $1,000 for a hotel suite, you know, so that one person can stay in there?" "Eat breakfast the way that you do together. If you like to work out together, go work out," she added. "Do those things that will make you feel comfortable and give you that sense of security." Brides feeling forced to wear white The white wedding dress tradition was popularized nearly two centuries ago when Queen Victoria married Prince Albert in 1840. Before her fashion statement, most brides wore colorful dresses that could be worn for other occasions, Vanity Fair reported. Conversely, brides who wore white did so as a symbol of wealth because it denoted their dresses could be cleaned. Although white remains the primary color for bridalwear, more brides are beginning to favor color or other traditional variations like ivory and blush. "We'll see a lot of white dresses, which I think is a nice tradition," said Jennifer Taylor, founder and creative director of A Taylored Affair. "But if someone says that they don't really wear white ever and it just doesn't feel like them, wearing white, I say, 'Then don't wear white. Let's find something fabulous that you feel amazing in.'" She estimated in 2024 that about 15% of brides she works with choose a color other than white. Bridesmaids wearing matching dresses Bridesmaid dresses can be a major point of contention when planning a wedding, especially for couples with large wedding parties. That's why Lauren Zizza, founder of Lauren Zizza Events, recommends letting bridesmaids choose dresses they feel most comfortable in. "I think that women especially are self-conscious about their bodies, and no woman would look the same in any dress that a bridesmaid would have to wear," she said. Instead, she recommends letting bridesmaids choose their own shape or style, perhaps in a color selected by the bride. "It photographs really well, too," Zizza added. "Everyone has different personalities and different styles and that shows through in a wedding party." Walking down the aisle with only your father In line with marriage's roots, fathers walking their daughters down the aisle once represented a transfer of ownership. While some brides still follow tradition, others have looked for ways to reinvent that portion of the ceremony by walking in with their mothers and fathers, other family members, or alone. "It's a nice tradition when you have a good relationship with your father," Taylor said. But those who don't can "end up with a lot of guilt." "It's turmoil, having to think, 'Do I have him walk me down the aisle anyway? Do I not? What do I do?' So again, it's to each their own," she said. Another untraditional option couples are beginning to favor is walking into the ceremony together. Mahler said, "The symbol to that is we are walking — we are making this decision — together. They're walking down the aisle together." Tossing the garter There's a lot to unpack with this wedding tradition. Per The Knot, a bride's garter has been a symbol of good luck since the Middle Ages, so it became customary to throw it to guests. However, since garters were traditionally worn to keep up stockings, they could also represent a bride losing her virginity. Over time, the garter toss has become the male equivalent of the bouquet toss, but both have largely lost their appeal, with some couples now viewing the traditions as unnecessarily gendered, and even embarrassing. "People don't even usually bring it up as an option. They don't even have any interest in doing it," Taylor said. "But if I have a client say they want to do a garter toss, I say, 'OK, let's make it happen,' because it's about them and what they want. If a client says, 'Do I need to do a garter toss?' I say, 'Absolutely not. You absolutely do not need to do a garter toss. If you'd like to do one, I'm happy to facilitate that, but it's totally not something anyone's gonna miss, or you're gonna think that you wish you should have done in 25 years,'" she added. Tossing the bouquet Similarly to the garter toss, a bride's bouquet was considered good luck, so she'd throw it to the unmarried women in attendance with the idea that whoever caught it would be the next to wed. However, in modern times, the tradition has faded. Mahler estimated in 2024 that she'd only done five bouquet tosses in her eight years as a wedding planner. Zizza said, "I think nowadays, especially in a post-COVID world, people don't go according to order or according to plan. So implying that catching the bouquet would make you the next one to get married is just very, very silly." Taylor agreed that it was an outdated tradition. "To me, it feels like singling out single women who are already getting asked all the time when they're going to find 'the one,' or when they're going to get married, which they're probably thinking about all the time anyway," she said. "So to put the pressure on these women, it seems … yeah, it's not my favorite." The most important thing, though, is the couple's happiness. "It is not my job to judge or make assumptions," Mahler said. "I'm not going to be the wedding planner that's like, 'No, don't do that, that's stupid,' but I also just want to let people know that there are alternative ways of doing things so if they're opting to do this because they don't know any other way, then it's my job to tell them what those other ways are," she said. Taylor added, "It's putting a spin on some of these traditions that can make it fun." Read the original article on Business Insider
The Courier
11-06-2025
- Business
- The Courier
Victorian Aberfeldy mansion with planning permission for 8 flats put up for sale
A Victorian mansion in Aberfeldy with planning permission for eight flats has been put up for sale. Dunolly House, on the corner of Kenmore Road and Taybridge Drive, dates back to 1890. Councillors unanimously approved a plan for eight holiday apartments at the C-listed mansion in 2024. The approval came despite complaints that Aberfeldy is crying out for permanent homes for locals. In recent months, Dunolly House has undergone building improvements in preparation for redevelopment. However, now it has been put on the market. Built in 1890 by Duncan MacDougal, a champion piper to Queen Victoria, the property was later used by Breadalbane Academy as a hostel for female pupils. Set across three floors, Dunolly House has traditional architectural features throughout and nine generously sized bedrooms. A striking tower leads to a roof terrace, and the current layout has two kitchens, two function rooms and two officers. Boasting an elevated position overlooking the River Tay, agent DM Hall describes the mansion as offering a 'rare development opportunity'. The building previously hit the market for £300,000 in 2023 prior to planning permission being granted. Dunolly House is now back up for sale for offers over £475,000. Elsewhere, a Kinross-shire home with 15 acres of land and equestrian facilities has hit the market for £1 million. And in Fife, a former church in Dysart is going to auction – offering an 'incredibly rare chance' to buy the historic building.
The Sun
10-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
New alert as cases of typhoid that kills 1 in 5 hit record high in UK – are you at risk of the Victorian disease?
TYPHOID fever, a disease that notoriously claimed the life of Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, has hit record levels in Britain. With most new cases linked to travellers returning to the UK, health officials are urging Brits to get vaccinated when visiting countries where the disease is rife. 2 Some 702 imported cases of typhoid and paratyphoid fever, deadly bacterial infections that can kill one in five if untreated, were reported in 2024, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). This marks an eight per cent increase from 645 cases the previous year, and the highest ever recorded. Typhoid is a bacterial illness that, without swift treatment, can lead to fatal complications such as internal bleeding or ruptured organs. It is caused by salmonella bacteria, typically spread through food or water contaminated with infected urine or faeces. Most British cases are linked to travel to South Asia, including India, Bangladesh, or Pakistan, which has poor sanitation and limited access to clean water Officials have also raised concerns over a troubling rise in antibiotic-resistant typhoid in Pakistan. The mutant strain known as XDR, resistant to standard treatments, has been spreading since 2016, heightening the risk of severe complications. Globally, around a fifth of typhoid cases are fatal, though deaths are less common in countries like the UK. Symptoms of typhoid infection typically appear one to two weeks after exposure. Early signs include flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, fatigue, cough, and constipation. As the illness progresses, symptoms worsen, with nausea, diarrhoea, and occasionally a rash. At this stage, the risk of life-threatening complications increases significantly. With prompt treatment, such as antibiotics, the infection usually resolves within three to five days. While the NHS offers a free typhoid vaccine for travellers to high-risk countries, no vaccine exists for paratyphoid, which is caused by a related but distinct bacteria. "It is important that travellers remain alert and plan ahead of going abroad – even if you're visiting friends and relatives abroad or it's somewhere you visit often," Dr Philip Veal from UKHSA said. He urged people to visit the Government's Travel Health Pro website for information on what vaccines or medications tourists may need before travelling to an overseas destination. Dr Philip added this was especially important for pregnant people or those hoping to have one in the near future as they could be at heightened risk. 2 "If you are pregnant or trying to conceive there are special precautions you should take, so please speak to a healthcare professional before planning your trip," he said. Though most cases are now imported, typhoid was a serious public health crisis in 1800s Britain, claiming around 16,000 lives annually. The disease struck people from all walks of life, from overcrowded slums to royal palaces. Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's husband, succumbed to typhoid fever at just 42 years old. 'Typhoid Mary' This isn't the first time typhoid has long crossed borders. It's most infamous carrier, Irish cook Mary Mallon, infected hundreds when she emigrated to the United States in 1884 and settled in New York. She was detained after unknowingly infecting the American families she cooked for through the food she served them. It was believed she carried the disease silently, with no symptoms, infecting between 51 and 122 people with the disease - three of which died. Dubbed "Typhoid Mary," she spent 26 years in quarantine until her death. The nickname has since become a term for someone who spreads disease or other misfortune. How to avoid typhoid fever To protect yourself from typhoid, make sure to see your GP at least two weeks before travelling to find out if you need a vaccine. Even if you were born or raised in countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, or India, or have travelled there before, you may still need a vaccination. The vaccine offers protection for around three years. As there's no vaccine for paratyphoid, be cautious with food and drink. Follow the rule: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it! Eat only freshly prepared, piping hot food, or fruit you've peeled yourself, like bananas or mangoes. Stick to bottled or cooled boiled water, ensuring bottles are sealed or opt for sparkling water to avoid refills. Use bottled or boiled water to brush your teeth, and avoid tap water entirely. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially before eating, drinking, or preparing food, and after using the toilet. Avoid uncooked foods, including: Salads Raw or undercooked shellfish Buffets (unless dishes are steaming hot) Unpasteurised milk and cheese Ice cubes Tap water Ice cream Cold desserts in restaurants Leftovers Taking these precautions can significantly reduce your risk of infection. Source: UKHSA
