Latest from Addiyar
Courier-Mail
16 minutes ago
- Courier-Mail
Review: APT Solara, a river ship that stands out from the crowd
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. To be or not to be a river ship – that is the question. When Australian-owned travel company APT approached the ambitious build of its new twin ships the Solara and Ostara, the brief was to create something dramatically different and see Europe through an Australian's eyes. Designed for the continent's busiest route from Amsterdam to Budapest, the luxurious Solara certainly stands out from the crowd. Despite having to adhere to the Danube's strict ship dimensions – there are 68 locks to navigate along the Rhine-Main-Danube route – the Solara offers surprising variety, and is contemporary and stylish with subtle nautical touches, including a chic French-navy exterior. X SUBSCRIBER ONLY Set the scene Checking into the airy atrium is a dreamy experience. High ceilings and a skylight open up the all-white space. There is a marble water station, a circular marble table and a tiled floor centrepiece in the dimensions of a compass. A dramatic macramé-like hanging rope sculpture descends from the ceiling into the softly curved stairwell, and the walls showcase original landscapes by artist Greg Wood and pieces curated by Melbourne gallery Otomys. The design was conceived by renowned Melbourne firm Hecker Guthrie (their first project on a ship), and influenced by APT's co-owners and siblings Lou Tandy and Rob McGeary. The designer furniture is whimsical and elegant but comfortable – think Gervasoni and Casini – and it has instant wow factor. If money was no object, this is how I'd love my home to look. We took a canal tour through Amsterdam. The itinerary While the Solara's 15-day itinerary will traverse the Netherlands, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary, I'm only on board for four nights for the christening and 'shakedown' cruise. This is a test run of sorts, and we embark at Rotterdam under the Erasmus Bridge before sailing past green pastures and fields of wild yellow canola flowers to Kinderdijk to tour the idyllic working windmills (dating back to the 16th century). We dock overnight at quaint Dordrecht (one of the oldest cities in Holland), visit Lisse to catch the vivid annual spring tulip festival Keukenhof, and take a canal tour through Amsterdam, which is celebrating 750 years. Although the friendly crew is busily readying the final touches to the ship, and pumping out countless espressos from the shiny new La Marzocco coffee machine in The Salon, the whole thing feels flawless. With Solara's capacity for 154 guests (and 60 crew), no cabin feels like you are missing out. Picture: Supplied. The cabins There are three categories of suites: the plush Owner's Suites, the Balcony Suites and the wood-panelled Twin Window Suites, and each has a colour scheme inspired by the seasons. Thick carpets range from sage green for spring to dusky pink for autumn. Original prints of signature European shore excursions by Australian photographer Nick Wilkins (available to buy) adorn the walls and lend an antipodean lens. The bathrooms have an abundance of storage, enormous shower heads, floor-to-ceiling tiling and marble sink tops. Toiletries by sustainable Amsterdam brand Marie-Stella-Maris were sourced by Tandy herself. With Solara's capacity for 154 guests (and 60 crew), no cabin feels like you are missing out. Solara has seven bars and eateries, each of which feels like a top-notch restaurant or wine bar. Picture: Supplied. Food and drink Solara has seven bars and eateries, each of which feels like a top-notch restaurant or wine bar. Catering to Australian travellers who have curious palates and want variety and quality, APT engaged hospitality guru Monique Lane of Fellow Hospitality (collaborating with chef Stephen Seckold of House Made Hospitality). From the fare at Bistro Saison, to the degustation paired with top-notch wine in the Owner's Cellar, and the laid-back eats at Annie's Table (named for the owners' mother), the offerings are impressive. The Grüner Bar & Dining, which rises on hydraulics so it elevates above other ships in dock, is a surprising hit, with dishes such as pretzels with whipped ricotta and moreish focaccia with butter that melts in your mouth. All bread and pastries are baked on board daily, and the delicious ice-cream and gelato are handmade. It has a circular conversation pit around solar lanterns to resemble a campfire, a nod to APT's outback touring heritage. Picture: Supplied. The extras Along with a jewel-coloured spa/salon, gym, and daily shore excursions that are included, e-bikes for guests who want to explore independently are provided. The roof has a small circular heated pool and two levels for guests to enjoy, and the Daystar Deck is a standout. It has a circular conversation pit around solar lanterns to resemble a campfire, a nod to APT's outback touring heritage. A marble cooktop space functions as an outdoor bar and barbecue, lending an Australian touch. The Grüner Bar & Dining has a great menu and sitting in a vibing wine bar while enjoying the view is a highlight. Picture: Supplied. What's hot The Grüner Bar & Dining has a great menu (the fish finger sambo is the hot ticket) and sitting in a vibing wine bar while enjoying the view is a highlight. What's not The square pillows on my bed were uncomfortable, although I learned later they were delivered by mistake and had been replaced before the first guests arrived. Checking into the airy atrium is a dreamy experience. Picture: Supplied. The verdict - 10/10 While I didn't sail the full itinerary, it's impossible to fault Solara. It's the most stylish river ship I've set foot on – the combination of Australian design, food and thoughtful inclusions is impeccable. The writer was a guest of APT Luxury Travel. Its 15-day Magnificent Europe cruise on Solara and Ostara, sailing Budapest to Amsterdam, starts at around $8495 twin share. Originally published as Review: APT Solara stands out from the crowd
The Independent
16 minutes ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Ukraine-Russia war latest: One dead and fourteen injured after Moscow launches overnight drone strike on Odesa
One person has died and 14 people left wounded after a Russian drone attack hit several high-rise apartment blocks in the Ukrainian port city of Odesa. Footage showed emergency services battling fires at one apartment block as they rushed to rescue civilians. They reported at least 10 drone strikes overnight. Odesa governor Oleh Kiper said there was damage to residential buildings, a higher education institution, a gas pipeline and private cars. Ukrainian state railways Ukrzaliznytsia reported that Odesa railway station was damaged during the attack, with power wires and rails damaged. Ukraine 's air force said Russia fired a total of 86 drones at Ukraine in its latest aerial attack, 70 of which were either shot down or lost. Officials in Ukraine's northeast city of Kharkiv also reported damage. Ukrainian politicians urged Kyiv 's western supporters to put more pressure on Russia to agree to a ceasefire in light of the latest attacks. 'With no meaningful consequences, Russia feels free to escalate. Every delay, every diluted sanction, every excuse for inaction is taken in Moscow as permission,' economics minister Yulia Svyrydenko wrote on X, sharing footage of the attack in Odesa. Moscow's defence ministry, meanwhile, claimed that Ukraine fired 61 drones at targets across Russia. North Korea will send 5,000 military construction workers to Russia, Kremlin says North Korea is sending 5,000 military construction workers and 1,000 sappers to Russia 's Kursk oblast, where Moscow is repairing widespread damage from a Ukrainian incursion, according to a top Kremlin official. Presidential security adviser Sergei Shoigu said the workers would help rebuild the strategic border region, which was invaded by the Ukrainian military last August and retaken by Russian forces earlier this year. The dispatch of the workers was discussed in Mr Shoigu's meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, state media outlet KCNA reported on Wednesday. North Korea will send 5,000 military construction workers to Russia, says Kremlin Sergei Shoigu says North Korean workers will help repair damage from Ukrainian incursion in Kursk Tom Watling20 June 2025 10:00 In pictures: Russia launches drone attacks at Kharkiv Earlier, we reported that six people had been wounded, including a 12-year-old, in the northeast Ukrainian region of Kharkiv. Below, you can see some pictures of the aftermath of those attacks. Tom Watling20 June 2025 09:24 Tried and tested in war: For European drone manufacturers, Ukraine is the place to be About once a month, French drone manufacturer Henri Seydoux makes what has become a necessary pilgrimage for many in his business — he goes to Ukraine. Because for drone technology, there is no harder place to survive than the frontlines of the war against Russia's invasion, where both sides are using unmanned aerial machines of all shapes and sizes to kill and to observe, reshaping modern warfare. Tried and tested in war: For European drone manufacturers, Ukraine is the place to be For European drone manufacturers, being able to say that their equipment has been tried in war by Ukrainian forces is becoming a sales pitch Tom Watling20 June 2025 09:00 At least six people, including 12-year-old, injured in Ukraine's Kharkiv While footage continues to come out from Ukraine's port city of Odesa following a large Russian drone attack, we bring you news from Kharkiv, where there have been additional casualties. The northeastern Ukrainian region, which borders Russia, is one of the most frequently bombed areas of the country. Its eponymously named capital is also home to some 1.3 million Ukrainians, making it the second largest city in the country behind Kyiv. Local officials said Russia launched at least eight strikes overnight on the region, injuring three people, including a 12-year-old and 17-year-old girl, in the city. At least six apartment blocks were damaged. Another three people were injured in villages outside the city but within the region. 20 June 2025 08:38 Olena Zelenska: Russia is turning our nights into a nightmare Olena Zelenska, the wife of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, has accused Russia of 'turning our nights into nightmares' with the latest aerial attacks. Russia has ramped up its assaults on Ukraine in recent weeks, even as Vladimir Putin has repeated claims he is interested in ending the war. Moscow says it is only striking military targets but footage last night showed civilians fleeing a residential apartment block after drones damaged the property and caused fires. 'Russia is deliberately turning each of our nights into a nightmare, trying to break our spirit. But Ukraine will persevere,' Ms Zelenska wrote on X. 'The future belongs to those who save, rebuild, and never give up.' Tom Watling20 June 2025 08:19 Putin sends warning to Germany over Ukraine supplies: 'Serious damage' Tom Watling20 June 2025 08:03 Mapped: Russia's invasion of Ukraine Below we have a map of the frontline in Ukraine after more than three years of Russia's full-scale invasion. Tom Watling20 June 2025 07:48 Russia downs two drones that tried to attack Moscow, mayor says Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Friday that air defence systems had downed two drones en route to Russia's capital. He posted twice on Telegram, first at 4.55am GMT and secondly at 6.07am, claiming two separate attacks. He said emergency services were working at the site of the fallen debris. Earlier, Moscow's defence ministry claimed that Ukraine fired 61 drones at targets across Russia overnight. Tom Watling20 June 2025 07:37 In pictures: Russian drone attack hits high-rise in Odesa Earlier, we told that you an overnight Russian drone attack on the Ukrainian port city of Odesa had killed at least one person and left 14 more wounded. The Russian attack hit several high-rise apartment blocks, setting them on fire. Below, you can see pictures from the scene. 20 June 2025 07:31 Russia fires 86 drones at Ukraine overnight Ukraine's air force said on Friday that Russia had launched 86 drones on Ukraine overnight. The military noted its air defence units shot down 34 drones while another 36 drones were lost - in reference to the Ukrainian military using electronic warfare to redirect them - or they were drone simulators that did not carry warheads. Tom Watling20 June 2025 07:20
Sunday World
17 minutes ago
- Sunday World
Jail for cleaner who caused more than €2k of damage to neighbour's car
Betco Aurelia (55) had denied the charge, saying she was not holding her keys, and she was simply trying to manoeuvre her bike in a narrow space between two cars. A cleaner scraped the side of a neighbour's car with a key, causing over €2,000 worth of damage, as she struggled to bring her bicycle into her apartment, a court heard. Betco Aurelia (55) had denied the charge, saying she was not holding her keys, and she was simply trying to manoeuvre her bike in a narrow space between two cars. Judge David McHugh said that what Aurelia did was 'despicable' and he jailed the defendant for 28 days. Aurelia was found guilty of criminal damage at Tory Square, Waterville, in Blanchardstown on September 3, 2024. Blanchardstown Courthouse News in 90 Seconds - June 20th The victim told Blanchardstown District Court that her car was damaged shortly after 10pm, and CCTV of the incident was shown to the court. The victim identified Aurelia, who was her neighbour, as the culprit from the CCTV footage. The victim said Aurelia approached the apartment complex holding her bike and walked the bike between two cars. The victim claimed Aurelia scraped the side of the vehicle with a key, causing €2,268 worth of damage. In her evidence, Aurelia denied damaging the car. She said it was very hard to walk between the two cars holding the bike. She said she did not have any keys in her hand, and the CCTV did not show her damaging the car. Aurelia said the CCTV showed her moving her bike, so as to avoid hitting the car. Judge McHugh said he was satisfied from the CCTV that Aurelia had an object in her right hand and she had run it along the area of the car. The court heard that the defendant, a divorced mother of two, had never been in trouble before. She worked as an office cleaner, and was a stranger to the courts system, her lawyer said, asking the judge to be as lenient as possible. Judge McHugh said what Aurelia did was 'despicable'. Recognisances were set for an appeal.
Sunday World
17 minutes ago
- Sunday World
Van ram man jailed for punching driver and smashing her partner's car vows to clear name
Attacker claimed someone slashed tyres and scraped vehicle before he was beaten by woman's partner and another man after vicious assault A man jailed for repeatedly punching 'Ulster's angriest driver' and ramming her partner's car through a fence has vowed to clear his name. Paul Dunstan was pictured arriving at Downpatrick courthouse on Friday where he launched his appeal against his conviction and seven-month jail sentence for assaulting his former neighbour Tammy Sparkes. Sparkes was dubbed the country's angriest driver earlier this year when she appeared in court to face her THIRD shocking road rage attack – none of which had anything to do with Mr Dunstan. Those hat-trick of separate incidents saw the 29-year-old mum tear clumps of hair from a terrified woman, punch a police officer, repeatedly kick-a-car causing almost £2,000 worth of damage and grab a neighbour by the hair while driving her car – dragging the woman along. Paul Dunstan News in 90 Seconds - June 20th But last month she gave evidence as the victim of an attack by Paul Dunstan of Drumglass Avenue in Bangor after the 43-year-old went berserk after someone slashed the tyres of his van and scraped the side of the £40,000 vehicle. The pair lived beside each other for three years in Loverock Close in Bangor and had not got on well together. Dunstan, who had 17 previous convictions, claimed he reacted after discovering someone had stabbed his tyres and keyed his car – something Tammy Sparkes and Stephen Elliott say had nothing to do with them. Footage was shown to the judge at Ards Magistrates' Court which showed Dunstan, who ironically runs a car body repair business, repeatedly ramming Stephen Elliott's Peugeot 208 car – forcing it back over 30 yards through a corrugated iron fence and into the back garden of another house. CCTV captures the altercation between Paul Dunstan, Stephen Elliott and Tammy Sparkes CCTV footage CCTV footage Dunstan is seen in an altercation seconds later with Tammy Sparkes who went over to the van to remonstrate with him. During the tussle he's seen swinging and connecting with several punches on Sparkes. Her partner Stephen Elliott, who owned the car rammed by Dunstan, then intervenes and is seen repeatedly punching Dunstan in what he told the court was an act of self-defence and sticking up for his partner. The Sunday World obtained the full video footage, taken by a neighbour across the road, which Mr Dunstan believes shows he was not the only person who should have been in court. 'Look, I know what I did was very wrong,' said Paul Dunstan on the steps of Downpatrick Court. 'I shouldn't have rammed the car like that but I was under major stress at the time because both my parents had been in and out of hospital and I needed the van for work and to go to hospital. 'When I discovered someone had slashed my tyres and scraped the van – causing thousands of pounds of damage – I lost it. 'But what happened afterwards was not all one-sided. I never wanted a fight. Tammy grabbed me out of the van and had me by the throat. I couldn't get free. I was swinging to get free. I know that part of the video didn't look good but there's context to it all. I'm not a violent person.' He says he accepts he was guilty of careless driving but say he was beaten excessively before the police were even called. 'Watch the video – Stephen Elliott punches me repeatedly until I hit the pavement. I'm knocked unconscious and then both of the them continue to kick and punch me. I had no idea what was going on. I'm lying there for ages. 'Watch the video – Tammy comes back and can be seen taking photos of me lying there on her phone then she starts hitting me with her phone.' Paul Dunstan And the video shows two more males, who appear to arrive from the back garden Dunstan has just deposited Beattie's car, who remonstrate with a prone Dunstan. One of these men is then seen delivering a sickening kick to the head of Mr Dunstan who is still lying on the ground. 'There was no need for that level of violence against me. The man who kicked me in the head – I have no idea who he was – wasn't even arrested even though I made a statement to the police,' says Paul Dunstan. 'I have a new legal team and I want the judge to see all of the video. I feel I was discriminated against by the PSNI and the PPS. 'When I was first arrested the police told me they had seen the video and they said it looked like I was the victim in this. I made statements but never heard anything back. 'All I'm saying is I shouldn't have been the only one standing in court. That's why I am going to try and get this overturned.' Speaking to the Sunday World last month, Tammy Sparkes said: 'It was around 9.30pm when I heard all this revving and screeching and went out to see Paul Dunstan reversing his big van into Stephen's car over and over again. 'He just kept going, the car alarm was going off, and the car was getting forced backwards towards this metal fence. 'He was out of his mind. When I went out he got out of his van he just sat down on the pavement and then he got up and started punching me repeatedly in the head. It was really scary. 'I had a black eye and a concussion as well as cuts and bruises.' Stephen Elliott told this paper he admitted he punched Dunstan when he came out and saw him attacking Tammy. 'I decked him, of course I did, what else could I do? But then some people came from over the fence from when he'd rammed my car into and they gave him a bad doing.' The video footage shows only one other man attack Dunstan – the thug who kicked him in the head while he was already on the ground. Dunstan had contested a charge of dangerous driving but his lawyer said the defendant was admitting careless driving. He was convicted at an earlier court sitting of charges of dangerous diving, assault, and failing to provide a breath sample. Judge Magill said at a previous hearing, 'It is obvious that he (Dunstan) launched a determined assault upon the woman. He struck her multiple times with both fists to her head and face'. The judge said it was 'ludicrous' for the defendant to claim the driving had been careless driving as it was 'obviously dangerous driving' and convicted him of the charges. A defence barrister said the defendant runs a car body repair shop and the loss of his licence would impact on the business. She said the defendant said his vehicle had been 'attacked' and he reacted. He had 'acted in self-defence'. Judge Magill said it had been 'utterly appalling behaviour'. He jailed Dunstan for seven months and banned him from driving for two years as well as issuing a two-year restraining order before releasing him on bail so he could appeal both conviction and sentence. On Friday at Downpatrick County Court Paul Dunstan had his appeal adjourned until October 17th for contest. Tammy Sparkes with her partner Stephen Elliott speaking to reporter Steven Moore In March Tammy Sparkes was handed a three-month sentence, suspended for two years, as District Judge Peter Magill said her behaviour was 'utterly unacceptable' but spared her jail because of her child. He gave her a year to compensate her latest victim, whose car cost £1,868 to fix, warning that if she did not make a significant hole in the debt, she would go to jail. Last year, in an unrelated attack, she entered guilty pleas to six offences arising from a minor shunt including careless driving, causing actual bodily harm, causing criminal damage, using disorderly behaviour, assaulting a police officer and breaching a suspended jail sentence. The driver of a Jaguar, which Sparkes had driven into, told police how she pulled up at the junction but was struck by Sparkes' Audi. When they got out to swap insurance details, Sparkes 'began assaulting her by grabbing her by the hair and pulling out clumps of hair'. 'Officers at the scene looked down and could see a large clump of hair lying on the ground,' the court heard, adding that at the time Sparkes was subject to a suspended sentence imposed in a different court but for a similar offence. In July 2022 at Newtownards Magistrates Court, Sparkes was handed a four-month prison sentence suspended for three years along with a £400 compensation order after she entered guilty pleas to careless driving and causing actual bodily harm to a woman on May 6, 2021.
Sunday World
17 minutes ago
- Sunday World
Teen ‘foolishly' drove car before sorting out licence and insurance
Rory Cox (18) asked a judge not to ban him from driving, saying he was an apprentice mechanic and he needed his licence for his job. A teenager got tax back, bought a car and foolishly drove it before getting his driving licence and insurance in order, a court heard. Rory Cox (18) asked a judge not to ban him from driving, saying he was an apprentice mechanic and he needed his licence for his job. Judge William Aylmer said Cox was a very foolish young man, but he would give him a chance. The judge fined him €50 and did not ban him from driving. The defendant, of Hastings Green in Balbriggan, admitted uninsured and unlicenced driving at Station Road in Lusk on April 27, 2025. Swords District Court heard Cox made a U-turn before a garda checkpoint on Rathmore Road in Lusk. He was followed by gardaí, and he pulled over. Cox told gardaí he'd never had a driving licence. He was also found with a small amount of cannabis. Defence lawyer Annette Kealy said Cox was an apprentice mechanic. She also said Cox had been smoking to alleviate anxiety. She asked the judge to be lenient, saying a drug conviction and a driving ban would both have a detrimental impact on his future prospects. Judge Aylmer told Cox to take the chance he was being offered by the court.
