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Girvan Arts Festival returns for 2025

Girvan Arts Festival returns for 2025

Daily Record19-05-2025
Organisers have announced the much-anticipated line up for the fourth Girvan Arts Festival which kicks off on Friday, June 6.
A weekend packed full of authors, artists, musicians, craftsmen, poets and even farmers will take place over three days.
Highlights include Denise Mina, talking about her stellar career as a crime-writer, and Preston Reed, world renowned guitarist, who will be talking about his life in music and playing some of his amazing back catalogue.
Opera is also coming to Girvan, with a selection of famous opera hits, a few songs from the musicals and some of Scots Opera's own work - Seal Woman.
Some of Ayrshire's finest poets will be joined by others from further afield in the spoken word event Words by the Sea and Jim English will be telling audiences all about his passion – making Olympic curling stones from Ailsa Craig Granite.
The Bookshop Band will bring the entertainment on the Saturday evening. Their last album was produced by Pete Townshend of The Who – who also played on it.
There are two events for children in the library, and a 'Festival Fringe' has been introduced for 2025 with CRAG and Girvan Youth Trust holding workshops and events.
There are Zentangle drawing sessions at the New Café Royale and the Tattie Fest is having a showcase of children's art leading up to their big weekend.
Rod McCance, the great nephew of a seminal Scottish artist who spent the latter part of his life in Girvan, will speak about his own colourful career as an artist.
He'll also be exhibiting his work in the McKechnie Institute, along with eight other talented artists.
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Hulk Hogan looked full of life delivering classic hype wrestling speech in last live TV interview weeks before death
Hulk Hogan looked full of life delivering classic hype wrestling speech in last live TV interview weeks before death

Scottish Sun

time8 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

Hulk Hogan looked full of life delivering classic hype wrestling speech in last live TV interview weeks before death

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HULK Hogan appeared full of life in one of his final TV interviews as he promoted an exciting new wrestling league. Hogan was in the midst of creating a huge project when he suddenly died at 71 years old on Thursday. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Hulk Hogan was full of energy when he gave one of his final TV interviews in May Credit: Fox News 6 The WWE star, seen in 2010, died on Thursday after suffering cardiac arrest Credit: Getty 6 First responders rushed to his mansion in Clearwater, Florida and desperately tried to save his life for 30 minutes Credit: AFP In May, the WWE Hall of Famer sat down with Fox & Friends to chat about his new league Real American Freestyle. The freestyle wrestling promotion, which was cofounded by the late star, combines the athleticism of the collegiate and Olympic sports with the entertainment of WWE, Hogan said. Hogan and his league partners looked bright-eyed as they chatted with the Fox morning hosts about the fresh talent they were introducing to viewers. The star was dressed in his iconic bandana with his bleach blonde hair peeking through and his horseshoe mustache shining bright against his tanned skin. The WWE legend gushed about the young wrestlers competing in the league and said they understood how to put on a good show. At the end of the interview, Hogan launched into one of his iconic promo speeches and said, "It's gonna be crazy brother!" "I'm in New York City. I got all lit up last night." By the end of the vibrant speech, Hogan had every Fox & Friends host vowing to tune in to the first match at the end of the summer. Real American Freestyle's events are set to stream exclusively on Fox Nation. When approached for comment, a Fox Nation spokesperson said the network was "deeply saddened" to hear of Hogan's death. Ric Flair in Tears: Wrestling World Mourns Hulk Hogan After Tragic Passing "Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and his many fans," the spokesperson said. A source inside the network confirmed they would move forward with two inaugural events for Real American Freestyle that will take place on August 30. Hulk Hogan career timeline 1977: Made his professional wrestling debut. 1979: Joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) and gained recognition. 1982: Appeared as "Thunderlips" in the film Rocky III, significantly boosting his mainstream exposure. 1984: Defeated The Iron Sheik to win his first WWF Championship, ushering in the "Hulkamania" era. 1985: Main evented the first-ever WrestleMania, teaming with Mr. T against Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff. 1987: Slammed Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III in one of wrestling's most iconic moments. 1993: Departed WWF for World Championship Wrestling (WCW). 1996: Shocked the wrestling world by turning heel and forming the New World Order (nWo) with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash at Bash at the Beach, becoming "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan. 2001: Returned to WWE after WCW was acquired. 2002: Had a memorable match against The Rock at WrestleMania X8. 2005: Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. 2005-2007: Starred in the reality TV show "Hogan Knows Best." 2012: Had his last official televised match for TNA Impact, though he made sporadic appearances in WWE afterward. 2020: Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame for a second time as a member of the nWo. HOGAN'S HEALTH Hogan had been suffering from significant health issues for the past several months. He was hospitalized last month as he recovered from a neck surgery that he underwent in May. In June, a series of downturns left him reportedly unable to feel his legs or walk without a cane. Some people feared that he was on his deathbed, though multiple friends close to the wrestler denied or downplayed his poor health. 6 Hogan looked full of life as he promoted his new league Credit: Fox News 6 Hogan was inducted to the WWE Hall of Fame twice after a historic career Credit: Getty 6 He gave a rousing speech at the Republican National Convention around one year before his death Credit: AFP Hogan suffered cardiac arrest at his $11.5 million Clearwater, Florida, mansion on Thursday morning, police confirmed. Paramedics rushed to the property after getting a frantic 911 call and spent a desperate 30 minutes trying to revive the wrestling legend before taking him to the hospital, where he was declared dead. Hogan's wife, Sky, broke her silence on his death Friday, and said, "I wasn't ready for this." She admitted that her husband had been "dealing with some health issues" but insisted she thought he would pull through. "I had so much faith in his strength. I thought we had more time," she said. Sky remembered Hogan as "my partner" and "my heart" and had faith that, as a Christian, he had been "welcomed home." "Please keep his family and all of us who loved him in your prayers as we try to navigate this new reality," she wrote.

The diet traps and 6 other common ‘triggers' that make my ADHD worse – plus the expert tips that help me cope
The diet traps and 6 other common ‘triggers' that make my ADHD worse – plus the expert tips that help me cope

The Sun

time10 hours ago

  • The Sun

The diet traps and 6 other common ‘triggers' that make my ADHD worse – plus the expert tips that help me cope

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I'm in my element catering for 15 or more at Christmas yet the thought of a quiet afternoon with nothing on my list brings me out in the sweats. Being told I had attention deficit hyperactivity disorder at age 46 only semi surprised me. I have the inattentive hyperactive - or combined type. As a woman in her 40s, I'm in the biggest diagnostic age category in the UK right now. I'm also in the top six per cent of fidgeters in the country apparently, according to a computer screening tool and I'm not sure whether that's something to brag about or be ashamed of. Strictly and OnlyFans star John Whaite opens up on health struggle, saying 'it makes life almost unbearable' I'm not alone in my middle aged diagnosis though; Jessie J, 37, spoke about her diagnosis last summer, and Lily Allen, 40, Sheridan Smith, 44, and Paloma Faith, 43, have all been diagnosed recently too. Since my diagnosis, I've done plenty of research. And while I don't want to take medication for it at the moment, it's all still pretty new to me, I've learned there are certain triggers where my neurodivergence looms large. They're not new to me as feelings but the cause of them is. 9 9 Dr Paul Wallang is a consultant psychiatrist and healthcare director at Clinical Partners and has over 20 years' experience in assessing and managing neurodevelopmental conditions. He says ADHD is often misunderstood and triggers can make the condition much more visible. 'ADHD is a complex neurodevelopmental condition,' he tells Sun Health. 'In many cases, medication is a key part of treatment and therapy can help unpack the emotional fallout of years of struggling. 'It's not about 'fixing' someone – it's about supporting focus, emotional balance and quality of life.' While diet doesn't cause ADHD, certain foods can significantly influence symptoms like hyperactivity, inattention, mood regulation, irritability, restlessness and brain fog Dr Paul WallangPsychiatrist The dictionary definition says ADHD is 'a mental condition, beginning in childhood and often persisting into later life characterised by persistent difficulty in maintaining attention and concentration'. 'It is also frequently accompanied by hyperactive and impulsive behaviour,' it adds. Having been diagnosed with both the inattentive and hyperactive kind, I'm the neurodivergent definition of feast or famine – I'll plan trips away with military precision yet forget my passport before I leave. I'll go to make a cake only to find myself putting out the washing instead five minutes later because the ingredients are next to the washing machine. Dr Wallang says there are seven identifiable triggers that make ADHD symptoms worse - from overstimulation to excessive screen use. So how do they manifest with my experience of living with ADHD so far? 1. NO SNOOZE, YOU LOSE THIS is something I relate to a lot. I joke that my sleep tracker is gaslighting me because it always tells me my sleep was too short to be effective. I struggle to quieten my mind when my head hits the pillow and when I wake early or in the middle of the night with a racing mind, I cannot silence it. It's never anything important, it simply won't shut down and I toss and turn because of it. 9 Dr Wallang says: 'Sleep is fundamental for cognitive functions like attention, memory and emotional regulation – the very areas ADHD disrupts. 'Poor sleep magnifies inattention, impulsivity and mood swings, creating a vicious cycle. 'People with ADHD often have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling rested, which worsens symptoms. 'While good sleep hygiene is helpful, including consistent routines, reduced screen time and avoiding late caffeine, it's not always enough. 'In such cases, tailored strategies like relaxation techniques, CBT for insomnia or reviewing medication timing may be more effective.' 2. DIET TRAPS I EAT plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and little to no processed food, but I do struggle with impulse control when it comes to unhealthy foods. If I break the seal on cheese, crisps or chocolate, I'll finish it all, which is why I try to stay away from it. I have the occasional wine, but I do experience food crashes, and I struggle with being 'hangry' when I'm really hungry. My emotional regulation seems better when I have a full belly and I've noticed I can't problem solve as well if I'm hungry. The rise in ADHD in women in their 30s and 40s MOST women with ADHD don't get diagnosed until their late 30s or early 40s, according to WedMD. And the numbers are rising. Between 2020 and 2022, ADHD diagnoses nearly doubled in women aged 30 to 49. Among them is Lily Allen, 40, who in 2023 said she had been diagnosed with ADHD. The Smile singer said: "I've had to completely switch off social media because as soon as I look at it, it can be hours of my day gone." Meanwhile Sheridan Smith, 44, said her diagnosis had helped her understand her 'brain's background noise'. "I never know what to say and I overthink," she said, adding that she found herself "overanalysing" little things, like the "mums' WhatsApp group" at her son's school. "[I'm called] Shadow Sheridan because all I do is lurk," the Oliver award-winning actress said. Paloma Faith, 44, was in a similar position. She said she spent her "whole life struggling with certain things" which began to take on new meaning after she received the eye-opening diagnosis in 2023. "Lots of things start to add up," the singer said. "When you go through the assessment process you're like, 'Oh my God, that's part of it as well!' "They start asking you these questions and you're like, 'I didn't even think that was part of it'." Jessie J, 37, who was diagnosed after having her son Sky in 2023, said motherhood 'exposed' her ADHD, but she now considers it her 'superpower'. "It's made me re think about my whole life," she added. "The way I've been, the way I deal with things. The relationships I have had. How I work and how I love. "It's empowered me and honestly sometimes has overwhelmed me all at the same time." Dr Wallang says: 'Impulse eating and 'food crashes' are common in ADHD. 'Binge eating often stems from the impulsive drive for instant gratification, leading to overeating in short bursts. 'While diet doesn't cause ADHD, certain foods can significantly influence symptoms like hyperactivity, inattention and mood regulation. 'Highly processed foods and excess sugar can trigger irritability, restlessness and brain fog. 'There's also growing evidence connecting gut health to brain function via the gut–brain axis, suggesting an imbalanced diet could impact focus and emotional regulation. 'Regular, balanced meals can help maintain energy and mood, and people with ADHD should avoid long gaps between meals, limiting high-sugar or highly processed foods too.' 3. OVERSTIMULATION TYPICALLY I thrive in and love a busy and loud environment. But when I was on holiday last year, it all just got a bit too much and I had to sit away from noise and crowd. It just felt like I was being talked to too much and asked for too many opinions or thoughts on things with not enough space. Dr Wallang says: 'The ADHD brain struggles to filter out irrelevant stimuli. 'When there's too much going on – be it noise, visual clutter or background distractions – individuals can become overstimulated, making it even harder to focus, stay calm or complete tasks. 'Even for those used to high-energy settings, overstimulation can lead to mental fatigue. 9 'Creating dedicated 'optimal stimulation' spaces can help. 'These might include a tidy, low-clutter environment or noise-cancelling headphones. 'Regular quiet breaks also allow the brain to recover and stay regulated.' 4. DOOMSCROLLING I CAN be found falling into a real worm hole on even my busiest days with a big 'to-do' list being ignored. My screen time goes up when I'm busy and down when I'm quiet, which I don't quite understand either. Dr Wallang says: 'Dopamine is a key player in ADHD – and social media delivers constant, rapid hits of it. 'This can lead to compulsive scrolling, difficulty sustaining focus and worsened self-esteem through comparison. 'It's these quick dopamine hits which make social media especially appealing during busy or stressful times. 'Excessive screen time may add to mental overload though, so replacing digital input with healthier dopamine sources – like movement, creativity or face-to-face connection – supports better emotional balance.' 5. TIMES OF LIFE I'M of an age where perimenopause is a thing, yet I'm still having regular periods. While I never know when my time of the month is coming, my partner always gets a sense of it because of a mood shift. I can see it afterwards but never at the actual time. 9 9 Dr Wallang says: 'Hormones like oestrogen and progesterone interact with neurotransmitters that influence ADHD symptoms. 'This is especially relevant for women in times of hormonal fluctuation – such as puberty, pregnancy, the menstrual cycle, and menopause. 'Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause can significantly impact mood and ADHD symptoms. 'Tracking your cycle to spot patterns is helpful. 'Discussing hormone-sensitive treatment options with your GP or specialist, alongside lifestyle adjustments and targeted support during hormone dips, can make a meaningful difference.' 6. ROUTINE FLUNKY I'M a feast or famine kinda gal when it comes to routine. You can either set your watch by my training and gym time or I turn into a sloth. I hate being told what to do and I thrive without routine more than with it. That said, I have three children and three dogs, so routine is inherently part of my day! The 9 'hidden' signs of ADHD in adults ADHD has long been associated with naughty schoolkids who cannot sit still in class. And that is part of it. Fidgeting, daydreaming and getting easily distracted are all symptoms of the behavioural condition, which is why it is often spotted in children. However, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is far more complex than simply having trouble focusing. Henry Shelford, CEO and co-founder of ADHD UK, says: 'If it isn't debilitating, it isn't ADHD.' In recent years, social media has given rise to trends which conflate specific personality traits or single behaviours with ADHD. You might be thinking, 'I'm always losing my keys, forgetting birthdays and I can never concentrate at work — I must have ADHD'. But it's not as simple as that. Though these may all point to the condition, Dr Elena Touroni, a consultant psychologist and co-founder of The Chelsea Psychology Clinic, says: 'The key distinction lies in how much a behaviour impacts a person's daily life. 'Genuine ADHD symptoms affect multiple areas of life - work, relationships and emotional wellbeing - whereas personality traits are typically context-dependent and less disruptive.' ADHD UK's Henry, who has the condition himself, adds: 'Having ADHD is hard. One in ten men with ADHD and one in four women with ADHD will at some point try to take their own lives.' So how can ADHD manifest in someone's life? While hyperactivity is a common indicator, here are nine other subtle signs: Time blindness - losing track of time, underestimating how long tasks will take, regularly being late or excessively early Lack of organisation - a messy home, frequently misplacing items, forgetting deadlines Hyperfocus - becoming deeply engrossed in activities for hours Procrastination - feeling overwhelmed by to-do lists and struggling to determine what needs your attention first so focusing on less important tasks Heightened emotions - emotional struggles can manifest in angry outbursts, feeling flooded with joy or shutting down because you feel too much at once Being a 'yes man' - agreeing to new projects at work or dinner dates with friends when you're already busy (a desire to please) Impatience - interrupting people mid-conversation, finding it painful to stand in a queue, being overly-chatty Restlessness - tapping, pacing, fidgeting or feeling restless on the inside Easily distracted - by external things, like noises, or internal things like thoughts Dr Wallang says: 'People with ADHD often thrive on structure, even if they resist it. 'A lack of routine creates unpredictability – and that's when disorganisation, missed deadlines and emotional overwhelm can spiral. 'While some may seem to thrive without strict routines, many benefit from simple, repeatable daily habits. 'Even small anchors – like a walk with the dogs or cooking a family dinner - can reduce decision fatigue and help the brain feel more grounded. 'These healthy habits also support physical and mental wellbeing, which is especially important for managing ADHD.' 7. GLASS HALF EMPTY A NEGATIVE mindset is something I relate to a lot. I constantly feel like I'm the problem, like things are my fault, like I'm too much or I've done something wrong. I always worry that any given consequence is because of something I've done or not done, even when the sensible part of me knows that can't be the case. I worry a lot about things that might go wrong, lack confidence and doubt my success too. Dr Wallang says: 'Self-criticism, shame and a belief that you're 'lazy' or 'not good enough' are sadly common in adults with ADHD – especially those diagnosed later in life. 'This kind of thinking triggers stress responses and avoidance, fuelling the very behaviours people want to change. 'Being kind to yourself is essential; ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, not a character flaw or failure. 'Learning to replace blame and guilt with understanding and self-compassion can ease emotional burden.' How to get help UNFORTUNATELY, a GP cannot formally diagnose ADHD but they can refer you for a specialist assessment. Be warned, the wait can be long. Data suggests there are at least 196,000 adults on waiting lists across the UK. And a BBC investigation found in many areas it would take at least eight years to clear the backlog. For an adult to be diagnosed with ADHD, the NHS says their symptoms should have a moderate effect on different areas of their life, such as underachieving at work or having difficulties in relationships, and the person has been displaying symptoms continuously for at least six months. There must also be evidence symptoms have been present since childhood - it's thought that the condition cannot develop for the first time in adults. After a diagnosis, treatment can include psychological therapies, psychotherapy, social skills training and medication. For many, a diagnosis can be a relief, but also unravel mixed emotions and feelings of 'being different'. ADHD UK has information on considering diagnostic pathways and can offer support.

CHRISTOPHER STEVENS: His real name was Terry and his parents hoped he would be an accountant. Life had other plans!
CHRISTOPHER STEVENS: His real name was Terry and his parents hoped he would be an accountant. Life had other plans!

Daily Mail​

timea day ago

  • Daily Mail​

CHRISTOPHER STEVENS: His real name was Terry and his parents hoped he would be an accountant. Life had other plans!

Donald Trump revered him. 'How about the Hulkster, how good was he?' the President demanded to a cheering rally crowd last year. Terry Bollea, alias Hulk Hogan, stood to acknowledge the praise. 'I know about entertainment,' bragged Trump, 'but when he used to lift a 350lb man over his shoulders and bench-press him two rows into the audience – there aren't a lot of entertainers that can do that, right? He is one strong son-of-a-gun.' Former wrestling superstar Hogan, who died yesterday at his home in Florida from cardiac arrest, aged 71, campaigned hard to earn Trump a second term in the White House. Often hinting he had ambitions for a career in politics himself – as the President's fitness tsar, perhaps. He could certainly match Trump for outrageous political statements. While promoting his own brand of 'Real American' beer during last year's presidential election campaign, he asked a raucous crowd in Ohio if they wanted to see him 'body slam Kamala Harris ', the Democratic nominee. But it was for his decades in the US wrestling scene that he was internationally famous, once boasting, 'In Mozambique and Malaysia, they know Hulk Hogan – the parents, the grandparents and the kids. It's amazing how many homes I have been into around the world on a consistent basis for 40-plus years'. Bursting out of his trademark leotards, and with a swathe of bandana knotted across his bulging, bald forehead, he was instantly recognisable. To a European audience, his massive chest and peroxide horseshoe moustache made him look like a modern-day Obelix the Gaul, as though he'd fallen into a cauldron of magic potion as a baby. To American fans, with his reputed 6ft7 physique and arms like an Olympic cyclist's legs, he seemed to be a rubber action figure brought to life. He won six championships with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), counted Andy Warhol among his celebrity fans, and held the record for drawing the spectacle's largest TV audience, 33million viewers – still the most-watched wrestling match in American television history – tuning in to see him fight 7ft4 Andre the Giant in 1988. WWE was not so much a sport, more a violence-fuelled soap opera, and Hogan understood the largest ego would dominate its storylines. At first he played the all-American hero, taking on a succession of wrestler villains in protracted feuds. When the public began to tire of that, he reinvented himself as the king of the villains, Hollywood Hulk Hogan, leader of the New World Order. His movies, including Mr Nanny and Suburban Commando, were commercial failures, though he also appeared in Rocky III with Sylvester Stallone. Despite announcing he was retiring on several occasions, he remained a beloved figure on the wrestling scene until 2015, when online celebrity gossip site Gawker released a video of Hogan – who was married to his second wife, Jennifer, at the time – having sex with a woman, with her husband's encouragement. Hogan sued Gawker for invading his privacy and won, settling for $31million (£23million). Gawker, run by a former Financial Times journalist named Nick Denton, went bankrupt. But during the trial, an audio recording was played of Hogan unleashing a racist diatribe at the idea of his daughter Brooke sleeping with a black man. Repeatedly using the 'N-word', he declared: 'I am a racist, to a point.' He was suspended from the WWE, but then reinstated in 2018. Born in Augusta, Georgia, in 1953, his mother Ruth was a dance teacher and his father Peter a construction worker. His parents wanted him to be an accountant, and it wasn't until they saw him fight at Madison Square Garden in 1984 that his father admitted that wrestling could be a worthy career. 'That was the greatest night for me,' Hogan said. In recent years, he claimed to have stopped drinking and abusing prescription drugs, and found God – calling himself, 'a meat suit filled with the spirit of Christ'. He leaves two children, his daughter and a son, Nick, as well as his third wife, Sky. Hulk Hogan, he said, was always just a persona, a character he played. 'The moment I walk out the front door, the world doesn't want Terry. They say, 'Hey Hulk!' So I say, 'Hey brother, how are you doing!' They expect it. 'But the moment I come home, the headband comes off the bald head, and it's just Terry, dad, father, husband and friend. It's not just a job, but I have learned to separate myself.'

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