Latest news with #SandraThompson
BBC News
6 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Very, very stressful months - static caravan owner from Coventry
The last few months have been "very, very stressful", according to Sandra Thompson, after she and husband Mark bought a static caravan at a park near York was purchased in 2019 and the price was £66,000 including site fees for the Thompsons, from Coventry, were free for the first year and then £3,995. But in just three years, Mr Thompson said they were facing a demand for £7, Golf and Country Park said fee increases reflected its increased costs and enhanced offering. The couple eventually asked the site to buy back their lodge and now have a £40,000 Thompson said: "You feel embarrassed in one way that you've done this and why didn't you think about it more?"But you look at the dream and think 'no, this is what we want to do, we're at that time in our life where we can do it'. "But then you think 'we did read all the contracts, we did everything that we thought... was right'." In September 2024, the couple asked the site to buy back their sales manager offered £23,000 – little more than a third of what they had Thompson has said they had no choice but to accept: "I just said, yeah, let's move on. It is making you ill."But soon after leaving, they were shocked to see their lodge back up for sale, in exactly the same lakeside spot, for £110,000 - £87,000 more than they had been been paid for Thompson stated that at one point "Mark... I don't think he slept for weeks"."It was just, you know, taking his toll on it. He didn't wanna go up there and have the discussions all the time, so that was the last straw."Mr Thompson said: "I was driving up there sometimes and all I was thinking about is what I'm gonna say to the manager when I get there, not 'oh, I can't wait to get there to sit on the decking to have a few drinks and enjoy the sunshine'." Mrs Thompson said the couple had "taken a mortgage out to fund it in the first place"."We've still got that debt now."Their story began with wanting to be closer to their son in Leeds."We thought it'd be nice, lovely part of the country, to see York," Mrs Thompson said."Our son has now had our first grandchild, so that was even better, so we thought we'd spend lots of time having our grandchild there and meeting up with our family."We did. We used it for a long time and friends joined us there and family joined us there."Allerthorpe Golf and Country Park said site fee increases "reflect the growing cost of operations" and "the significantly enhanced offering".It strongly rejected any suggestion of deception, saying "the final decision on whether a caravan remains on park is a business and operational matter and the listing price reflects significant upgrades and premium location, not simply the original unit value". Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Daily Mail
02-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Bali bomb maker sparks outrage with new business venture: 'I was known for hurting the world, but now I choose another way'
The chief explosive maker in the 2002 Bali bombings that killed more than 200 people - including 88 Australians - has launched a new business after his early release from prison. Convicted terrorist Umar Patek, who helped build the devastating car bomb that was positioned outside two nighspots in the tourist hub of Kuta Beach, was released from jail in 2022. Having been released after serving 11 years of a 20-year sentence, Patek uses his part in the deadly attacks as part of his marketing for a new coffee roasting business. 'I was known for hurting the world, but now I choose another way,' he said in a video posted on the company's social media. 'The bitter taste used to destroy, now the bitterness heals. 'It's not just coffee, its change, choosing a new life.' The move has angered loved ones including Sandra Thompson who lost her son Clint Thompson. The promising rugby league player was a president of the Coogee Dolphins rugby squad that was caught up in the bombings while on an end-of-season trip. Six of them never came home. 'Has this man repented? Does he still think what he did was morally right? Or has he just served a sentence then moved on?' his mother Sandra Thompson told China Today. 'Two hundred and two lives plus an unborn baby and survivors still living with the effects of their injuries. Has he paid for that? Never, if he has no remorse.' Ms Thompson says she cannot forgive the atrocities of that day. 'I thought I had forgiven, then another one is allowed to live a normal life,' she said. 'A life he took from all those families. My life has never been the same.' Once the world's most wanted men, Patek left Bali just before the attacks and spent nine years on the run across Indonesia, the Philippines and Pakistan. He was released despite strong objections by Australia and a plea to the Indonesian government to make him serve his full sentence. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described him as 'abhorrent' and said his release would cause further distress those Australians who endured the trauma of the bombings Indonesian authorities have said Patek was successfully reformed in prison and they will use him to influence other militants to turn away from terrorism. Australian Jan Laczynski, who lost five friends in the bombings, spoke of his anger after Pateks early release. 'This guy gets his life back again. For a lot of us we'll never get our lives back again,' he said at the time. 'It's appalling. It's dreadful. It's wrong.' 'I've seen him in jail, I've seen him close up. He didn't seem de-radicalised to me.... I don't buy that at all.' Patek claims he initially struggled to find work due to his past as 'no one wanted to hire a convicted criminal'. However, after mentioning his desire to own a business in an interview with Indonesian media the owner of Hedon Estate restaurant reached out. 'I was donated the equipment that I needed to make the coffee and they said they would stock my products in the cafe,' he said. 'I thought it was so humanitarian of them to help me, particularly as the owner of the cafe is not Muslim. I hope that my new business will be a success and I will be able to be independent again.' The launch of his new coffee beans is planned for Tuesday in a small cafe in Surabaya in East Java around 400km from Bali. Patek said his brand's name Ramu is both a reversal of his own first name and a word which also means 'to concoct' in Bahasa Indonesia. He also addressed the backlash around his supposed reformation and release. 'If I apologise, people say that I am pretending and being strategic,' he said. 'If I don't apologise people will say I am arrogant and don't care. So everything is always wrong. 'This is not just about coffee. It is about change. It is about me choosing a new life.' The Bali boming attackers targeted a busy tourist strip on a Saturday night. The first explosion at Kuta was caused by a suicide bomber in Paddy's bar and the second by a bomb in a van parked outside the Sari Club. The victims were citizens of more than 20 countries, with Australia suffering the largest loss of life. Thirty-nine Indonesians, including many who worked in the tourism industry, also died. Hundreds more people were wounded.
Globe and Mail
29-05-2025
- General
- Globe and Mail
Desert Kids Dental Continues to Provide HealthyStart® Program for Long-Term Pediatric Wellness in Las Vegas
"Dr. Sandra Thompson at Desert Kids Dental in Las Vegas, NV." Desert Kids Dental, a trusted kids dentist serving Las Vegas communities has long offered the HealthyStart® program to support children's oral development and overall health. Desert Kids Dental, a trusted kids dentist serving Las Vegas communities including Providence, Skye Canyon, Summerlin, and Centennial Hills, has long offered the HealthyStart® program to support children's oral development and overall health. Under the experienced care of Dr. Sandra Thompson, this non-invasive treatment continues to help children achieve better sleep, healthier airways, and properly aligned smiles—all without braces or surgery. What Is the HealthyStart® Program? The HealthyStart® system is a series of soft, comfortable oral appliances designed to address sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in children. Worn primarily at night, the appliance gently guides the growth of the jaws, expands the airway, and aligns teeth as they develop. This early intervention can prevent the need for future orthodontic treatment while also improving sleep and behavior. Dr. Sandra Thompson and her team have successfully used HealthyStart® to support children struggling with mouth breathing, snoring, grinding, bedwetting, or signs of ADHD—all of which are often linked to undiagnosed sleep issues. By identifying these concerns early, Desert Kids Dental provides families with effective tools to promote both oral health and overall well-being. Why Families in Las Vegas Choose HealthyStart® Non-Invasive & Drug-Free: No surgery or medications—just gentle guidance through custom-fit oral appliances. Better Sleep = Better Behavior: Improved breathing at night can lead to better focus, mood, and learning during the day. Supports Natural Tooth Alignment: Guides teeth into their ideal position during growth, often eliminating the need for braces. Addresses the Root Cause: Focuses on airway development and jaw positioning, not just symptoms. Leading Care from a Dedicated Kids Dentist Dr. Sandra Thompson is known throughout Las Vegas as a compassionate, knowledgeable kids dentist who focuses on preventive care and whole-child wellness. Her commitment to offering advanced solutions like HealthyStart® reflects the clinic's broader mission—to give every child the healthiest start possible. At Desert Kids Dental, families find a supportive environment where concerns are heard, children feel safe, and early intervention is always the goal. Whether it's a routine checkup or a comprehensive evaluation for airway health, Dr. Thompson ensures each treatment plan is tailored to the child's needs. Serving Providence, Skye Canyon, Summerlin, and Centennial Hills Located conveniently in Northwest Las Vegas, Desert Kids Dental continues to be a trusted choice for families across Providence, Skye Canyon, Summerlin, and Centennial Hills. Parents looking for a reliable kids dentist who offers innovative, child-friendly solutions find peace of mind knowing their child's growth and development are supported at every stage. Desert Kids Dental also offers a wide range of pediatric dental services—from cleanings and fluoride treatments to sealants and restorative care. The integration of the HealthyStart® program reflects the clinic's belief in treating the root causes of dental and developmental concerns, not just the symptoms. Book Your Child's HealthyStart® Evaluation If your child shows signs of restless sleep, difficulty breathing at night, or crowded teeth, it may be time to schedule a consultation. Desert Kids Dental offers comprehensive evaluations to determine if the HealthyStart® program is right for your child. For families searching for a trusted kids dentist in Las Vegas, Desert Kids Dental remains a leading provider of expert pediatric care and early developmental support. Media Contact Company Name: Desert Kids Dental Contact Person: Media Relations Email: Send Email Phone: 702-660-7099 Address: 9859 W Deer Springs Way STE 110 City: Las Vegas State: NV 89149 Country: United States Website:
