Latest news with #AndyWilliams
BBC News
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Shropshire dads humbled by response to autism podcast
Two dads who make a podcast about the experience of raising an autistic child have said the response has been "phenomenal" and "humbling".Andy Williams and Gaz Hitchin from Shropshire released the first episode in May and said they wanted to connect with other dads, share the ups and downs, and tell them everything will be its first five weeks the Autism Dadcast Instagram channel has picked up 31,000 followers and had 2.3m views. The pair have been approached by national charities asking for their support with Williams said the feedback from other dads had made the duo "realise that there are so many men out there who were feeling exactly what we were until we opened up". The pair first met each other at a fundraising marathon in Paris in Williams said: "We did the run, raised some money, and got talking about where are the dads in this journey? Why aren't there any dads openly discussing what it's like to suddenly become a parent to an autistic child?"They then resolved "just to become the voices and do a podcast".Both men have young children who are profoundly autistic and non-verbal and the podcast features stories from day-to-day life, from filling in forms to cleaning up agreed to "say things as they are" and talk about grief, resentment and isolation, but also include some humour. Mr Hitchin said a lot of parents of children with autism will have experienced "real deep sadness, like you've lost a child even though [what] we've actually lost is the expectation of a child, not the actual child itself".He said he wanted to tell other parents "you're going to be ok". Mr Williams said another important part of the podcast was explaining the experience from a man's said: "Throughout my adult life, if there's a problem around the house or something at work, I'll sit down, I'll think about it and I'll try and find a way to fix it and I think a lot of men could probably relate to that." He added that he believed men often struggled on receiving an autism diagnosis for their child and found themselves having to make practical adjustments to their lives - which he called a "mental shift of epic proportions"."Now I need to do the best I possibly can to ensure [my child] reaches her potential, whatever that looks like," he said. Encouraging dads to 'get stuck in' Neither of the men had any background in podcasting before they started and they made clear they were learning about autism as they went Williams said mums had traditionally "shouldered the weight" and added: "It seems to be the case that they're the most vocal, they're the most active out there."He said he hoped the podcast might encourage more dads to "roll their sleeves up" and get involved in autistic children's lives."A tag team of two parents that are completely on the same page and pushing for what's right for their child ultimately has the best results," he included, he added, getting to grips with the benefits system, schools and Education, Health and Care Plans at a time when all were coming under political Hitchin said both of them recognised they had to "get stuck in" and Mr Williams admitted he found the work "draining and time consuming"."You have to almost become a law expert and advocate all rolled into one, as well as trying to be a parent to a neuro diverse child," Mr Williams said. The two men joked that they thought only their friends and family would listen to their podcasts, but Mr Hitchin said: "It's turning into something we've never imagined."The podcast has brought them the attention of national charities such as the Disabled Children's Partnership, the National Autistic Society and Mencap, who all want to work with them, according to the have been invited to a lobbying event at parliament in September and Mr Williams said they were starting to feel the "weight of expectation".But he said they also saw the opportunity to "stand up for fellow parents" and "get some real opinions out there and hopefully influence some decisions that could be made". Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dads humbled by response to autism podcast
Two dads who make a podcast about the experience of raising an autistic child have said the response has been "phenomenal" and "humbling". Andy Williams and Gaz Hitchin from Shropshire released the first episode in May and said they wanted to connect with other dads, share the ups and downs, and tell them everything will be ok. In its first five weeks the Autism Dadcast Instagram channel has picked up 31,000 followers and had 2.3m views. The pair have been approached by national charities asking for their support with campaigns. Mr Williams said the feedback from other dads had made the duo "realise that there are so many men out there who were feeling exactly what we were until we opened up". The pair first met each other at a fundraising marathon in Paris in March. Mr Williams said: "We did the run, raised some money, and got talking about where are the dads in this journey? Why aren't there any dads openly discussing what it's like to suddenly become a parent to an autistic child?" They then resolved "just to become the voices and do a podcast". Both men have young children who are profoundly autistic and non-verbal and the podcast features stories from day-to-day life, from filling in forms to cleaning up poo. They agreed to "say things as they are" and talk about grief, resentment and isolation, but also include some humour. Mr Hitchin said a lot of parents of children with autism will have experienced "real deep sadness, like you've lost a child even though [what] we've actually lost is the expectation of a child, not the actual child itself". He said he wanted to tell other parents "you're going to be ok". Mr Williams said another important part of the podcast was explaining the experience from a man's perspective. He said: "Throughout my adult life, if there's a problem around the house or something at work, I'll sit down, I'll think about it and I'll try and find a way to fix it and I think a lot of men could probably relate to that." He added that he believed men often struggled on receiving an autism diagnosis for their child and found themselves having to make practical adjustments to their lives - which he called a "mental shift of epic proportions". "Now I need to do the best I possibly can to ensure [my child] reaches her potential, whatever that looks like," he said. Neither of the men had any background in podcasting before they started and they made clear they were learning about autism as they went along. Mr Williams said mums had traditionally "shouldered the weight" and added: "It seems to be the case that they're the most vocal, they're the most active out there." He said he hoped the podcast might encourage more dads to "roll their sleeves up" and get involved in autistic children's lives. "A tag team of two parents that are completely on the same page and pushing for what's right for their child ultimately has the best results," he said. That included, he added, getting to grips with the benefits system, schools and Education, Health and Care Plans at a time when all were coming under political scrutiny. Mr Hitchin said both of them recognised they had to "get stuck in" and Mr Williams admitted he found the work "draining and time consuming". "You have to almost become a law expert and advocate all rolled into one, as well as trying to be a parent to a neuro diverse child," Mr Williams said. The two men joked that they thought only their friends and family would listen to their podcasts, but Mr Hitchin said: "It's turning into something we've never imagined." The podcast has brought them the attention of national charities such as the Disabled Children's Partnership, the National Autistic Society and Mencap, who all want to work with them, according to the duo. They have been invited to a lobbying event at parliament in September and Mr Williams said they were starting to feel the "weight of expectation". But he said they also saw the opportunity to "stand up for fellow parents" and "get some real opinions out there and hopefully influence some decisions that could be made". Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. MPs say fix Send system or face 'lost generation' 'Why does my daddy look so sad?' Pub meet-ups for SEND dads 'help tackle loneliness' 'Dads need to get involved with our SEND children' Autism Dadcast
Business Wire
17-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Lodge2A, a First-of-Its-Kind Member Club With a Sporting Twist, to Launch in Nashville
NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Lodge2A today announced plans to open its inaugural private member club in one of Nashville's most iconic buildings, Cummins Station. Designed as a first-in-class destination, Lodge2A combines high-touch hospitality, immersive technology, and a strong sense of community, centered around a dynamic, activity-driven experience unlike anything else in the private club space. Spanning 16,000 square feet, the club will offer members a place to gather, recharge, and engage through exceptional cuisine, curated events, and cutting-edge virtual sport. Lodge2A plans to open its inaugural private member club in Nashville. Designed as a first-in-class destination, Lodge2A combines high-touch hospitality, immersive technology, and a sense of community, centered around an activity-driven experience. Share 'Lodge2A is first-and-foremost a private social club where our members can connect and unwind with incredible food and beverages in a completely comfortable environment. Whether it be a lunch, an afternoon drink after work, a dinner, or a night out, our club will be a captivating retreat,' said Andy Williams, Co-Founder and CEO of Lodge2A. 'From the moment you walk through the door, you will be transported to an alluring destination complete with luxury-level, personalized service featuring premium food curated by noteworthy chefs.' Designed by renowned HLGStudio, Lodge2A's design will be bold and elevated, featuring a dining room with private dining and meeting space options, speakeasy style nooks, and a stage for live entertainment. The company is assembling a world class food and beverage team to dynamically build and update menus in the club. Added Williams, 'Lodge2A is designed to foster camaraderie and forge connections, reigniting the essence of the American spirit in an unparalleled atmosphere.' These offerings are taken to the next level through utilization of the world's most exclusive simulated shooting technology. Not often accessible to the public, this technology offers a variety of constantly evolving scenarios for patrons to partake in – from shooting scenarios and target practice to hunting and skeet shooting. 'In addition to the many perks of the club, members of Lodge2A will have special access to eight simulated shooting bays,' added Williams. 'We are leveraging previously inaccessible technology to provide a realistic and stimulating shooting experience that will appeal to everyone from novices just looking to have fun to advanced shooters looking to train and improve their real-world skills.' A Competitive Virtual Shooting Experience Lodge2A technology will adapt to a variety of simulated variables, including target distances, delivering a hyper-accurate, interactive experience that challenges members at every skill level. To ensure a cutting-edge offering, Lodge2A has assembled a team of in-house developers focused on creating custom shooting simulations that push the boundaries of realism. With stunning graphics and dynamic scenarios, these simulations will continually evolve, providing an immersive and engaging experience for all. As Williams puts it, 'There's innovation in every shot.' Lodge2A's technology will offer gamification including leaderboards and competitive events amongst members and guests. Using an app, members can track their progress and performance metrics, earn badges and achievements and more. Over time, members can see how their skills improve and gain valuable insights into their shooting habits. Continued Williams, 'Lodge2A offers the safest possible environment for people to learn how to shoot. There is no live ammunition, it is all virtual. The simulation erases any risk that can be associated with shooting, leaving only the fun, the training, and the competition.' Lodge2A does not utilize fire-able weapons in its simulation bays or allow any outside guns to be brought in, and it will strictly enforce safety standards that promote best practices in real shooting situations. Experience Center Previews and Founding Members This summer, Lodge2A will open an Experience Center within Cummins Station, allowing potential members to get a first look at the opulent technology behind its shooting simulation. The 2,000-sq-ft preview space will offer a shooting bay, culinary program tastings, a preview of Lodge2A's décor and renderings, and a technology showcase to prospective partners and members. As part of the enlisting phase, a select number of early enrollees will be recognized as Founding Members. This elite circle will receive premium perks including private hosting ability, waived fees, and referral bonuses. Lodge2A is targeting a Q2 2026 opening in Nashville. To learn more about joining and becoming a founding member, visit About Lodge2A Lodge2A is a private membership club founded by serial entrepreneurs, Founder Tyce Miller and Co-Founder Andy Williams, with the goal of creating a premier membership experience in the United States based around an exciting activity: the top shooting simulation technology in the world, previously reserved for military and law enforcement, and now available exclusively to Lodge2A members. Lodge2A combines top-end developers to create the ultimate sportsman scenarios, fun progress tracking, competitive scenarios, and leading chefs to curate a menu that will provide guests a reason to come back for any occasion, any day. Lodge2A is launching its inaugural club in Nashville, Tennessee, and evaluating future markets such as Charlotte, Tampa, Austin, Houston, Scottsdale and Atlanta.
Scottish Sun
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
One of England's most popular children's playgrounds is about to get MUCH better
Plus, the award-winning English attraction with a 'one-of-a-kind' indoor play zone and its own campsite PLAY TIME One of England's most popular children's playgrounds is about to get MUCH better ONE of the most famous and loved children's parks in the country, will soon be getting a £3million upgrade. The Princess Diana Memorial playground in Kensington Gardens, London, which is regularly named among the best play parks in England, is having some of its most popular parts replaced. Advertisement 4 The Princess Diana Memorial playground in Kensington Gardens will get a £3million upgrade this year Credit: The Royal Parks/Timberplay 4 It will include a new treehouse encampment and tunnel slide Credit: The Royal Parks/Timberplay 4 There will also be greater accessibility in the park Credit: The Royal Parks/Timberplay According to Royal Parks - who manage the playpark - the improvements will retain "the characteristics of the existing Peter Pan-inspired playground". The much-loved Galleon will be replaced will be a new ship in the centre of the park with an additional lookout platform and a tunnel slide. The Galleon will also feature interactive play elements such as a 'Captain's Wheel', and musical and sensory features. There will also be a new treehouses encampment, with three climbable towers, talk tubes, a tunnel slide and a see-saw bridge. Advertisement The Treehouse Encampment will include social and interactive features such as musical equipment. The park's Mermaid Fountain will also get a redesign, with a sand play area and dams and gates for kids to play with in the water. The new equipment will be made out from timber from sustainably managed forests. The site will also have improved accessibility, with wheelchair-friendly spaces in both the Galleon and the Treehouse Encampment. Advertisement Andy Williams, park manager for Kensington Gardens, said: "This free-to-access playground has a special place in millions of children's hearts across the globe, and it's about to get even better. "Working with play specialist providers, our own landscape teams, and the local community we have developed proposals that will continue to make this playground an experience like no other. Lilidorei is the biggest adventure playground in the UK "The planned accessibility improvements will mean that the playground is open and welcoming to all children." Work will start in autumn of this year, and is expected to be complete by spring 2026. Advertisement The park originally opened in 2000 to commemorate Princess Diana, who once resided in Kensington Palace nearby. In total, the park welcomes over one million visitors a year. There is also the National Trust's largest adventure playground that mums say is 'a day trip in itself' and is also a Hollywood film set. Plus, the award-winning English attraction has 'one-of-a-kind' indoor play zone and its own campsite. Advertisement
The Irish Sun
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
One of England's most popular children's playgrounds is about to get MUCH better
ONE of the most famous and loved children's parks in the country, will soon be getting a £3million upgrade. The Princess Diana Memorial playground in Kensington Gardens, London, which is regularly named among the best play parks in England, is having some of its most popular parts replaced. 4 The Princess Diana Memorial playground in Kensington Gardens will get a £3million upgrade this year Credit: The Royal Parks/Timberplay 4 It will include a new treehouse encampment and tunnel slide Credit: The Royal Parks/Timberplay 4 There will also be greater accessibility in the park Credit: The Royal Parks/Timberplay According to Royal Parks - who manage the The much-loved Galleon will be replaced will be a new ship in the centre of the park with an additional lookout platform and a The Galleon will also feature interactive play elements such as a 'Captain's Wheel', and musical and sensory features . There will also be a new treehouses encampment, with three climbable towers, talk tubes, a tunnel slide and a see-saw bridge. Read more on playparks The The park's Mermaid Fountain will also get a redesign, with a sand play area and dams and gates for kids to play with in the water. The new equipment will be made out from timber from sustainably managed forests. The site will also have improved accessibility, with wheelchair-friendly spaces in both the Galleon and the Treehouse Encampment. Most read in News Travel Andy Williams, park manager for Kensington Gardens, said: "This free-to-access playground has a special place in millions of children's hearts across the globe, and it's about to get even better. "Working with play specialist providers, our own landscape teams, and the local community we have developed proposals that will continue to make this Lilidorei is the biggest adventure playground in the UK "The planned accessibility improvements will mean that the playground is open and welcoming to all children." Work will start in autumn of this year, and is expected to be complete by spring 2026. The park originally opened in 2000 to commemorate Princess Diana , who once resided in In total, the park welcomes over one million visitors a year. There is also the Plus, the 4 It is expected to be complete by spring/summer 2026 Credit: The Royal Parks/Timberplay
