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Irish Independent
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
See photos as Wicklow RNLI hosts fun-filled open day
Attendees of all ages enjoyed a range of insightful demonstrations and displays by local emergency services, which showcased their life-saving skills and equipment, while children took the opportunity to pose for a photo with the RNLI mascot, Stormy Stan. There was tea and cake for everyone, face painting, musical performances, water safety education thanks to John Hayden and Jimmy Myler, and a raffle to raise funds for the lifeboat station. Thanking all those in attendance and the Wicklow community for the continued support, an RNLI spokesperson said: 'There was a great turnout, only possible by all the amazing supporters we have, both volunteers within the RNLI and supporters within the community who gave their time or services to us. 'We had demonstrations by Wicklow Fire Brigade, Wicklow Coast Guard, Wicklow Civil Defence, Medicall, An Garda Síochána and a rescue display by the RNLI. 'Wicklow Boathouse C.C.E. (Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann) and performers Ross Doyle and Rory McCall provided the music throughout the day, while Wicklow Regatta Queen, Nicola Moran, who was only recently crowned, stopped by, and we were delighted to have her. 'We had kids' entertainment, including outdoor games provided by Wicklow Sports Partnership, face painters Jara Braidwood and Aisling O'Neill, and entertainment from Fire and Circus Performers, who all gave up their time to entertain the crowds. 'We gratefully received donations, but the day is really about giving back to the community, opening our doors and welcoming everyone in and getting the other emergency services to join us. 'It's always a big community day. We hope everyone had a great time, and we would like to thank everyone for attending. 'We extend our thanks also to the Fishman, the Irish popcorn company, SuperValu Wicklow, Byrnes Gifts, Wicklow Sailing Club, Kelly's Fruit and Veg, Pier artist Pat, Rathnew Community Centre, Coffee at Peggy's and all the wonderful bakers who provided delicious treats throughout the day.'
Daily Mail
01-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE We're trapped in caravan site hell: Couple reveal how pitch for their £36,000 home keeps flooding - but site bosses say their only option is to pay £75,000 to move
A family who have been left 'trapped' living in a flooded caravan park claim they've been told their only option is to pay £75,000 for a new pitch – after the salesperson who enticed them to buy it did a runner. Beauty salon owner Alicia Mearns and her partner, John Hayden, who owns a building business, wanted to split their time between the UK and sunny Spain. To make their dream a reality, the couple, aged 41 and 48, who have two children, needed an easy base near to work when coming back to Britain. After doing their research, they decided to invest in a Park Lane Holiday Homes caravan, which offered year-round accommodation in Wirral. While in the process of selling their house, they snapped up a mobile home for £36,000, with plans to temporarily live there while they figured out their move abroad. All was going well – until a bout of heavy rainfall, where their pitch on Park Lane Holiday Homes was completely flooded. 'Whenever there are heavy rains, our pitch floods, which is often, due to the British weather,' Alicia, from Birkenhead, told 'The water depth can be such that we find it extremely difficult to get in and out of the caravan. '[In our opinion], it's clearly dangerous, especially when the electric meter is immersed in deep water.' The mum says that while the caravan hasn't flooded inside, the water does cover the bottom of the mobile home, causing damp – which she claims has made the family quite ill. John said: 'They [the park] told us a new water pump was installed to keep water levels down in future. 'But the flooding is actually worse now. 'It has flooded badly a total of seven times since we moved in.' The couple, who bought the caravan in 2023, were allegedly told by a salesperson from Park Lane Holiday Homes that the caravan was the only plot left – and that someone else was interested. To avoid losing out, Alicia and John committed right away and put down a £500 deposit. The rest of the money was pulled from bank loans, which they paid off after selling their family home and part-exchanging their 2013 touring caravan. Alicia says they were then billed with a £4,600 site fee charge and a further £300 a few weeks later. Due to the flooding, they asked the salesperson if they could move to a higher pitch – and were reportedly given the go-ahead to do so if they paid an additional £1,400. The couple agreed and arranged for the move to be done on their behalf while they were home shopping in Spain. But the move never happened. She said: 'It didn't happen. 'While we were in Spain, we got messages from people we know on the site telling us [the salesperson] had robbed the owners and done a runner. 'We have been told outright that they will not be moving [it]. 'A new salesperson said the only way to move to a more flood-proof location is to upgrade to one in a more preferable location for £75,000.' Alicia and John were served another blow when they were told their new kitchen, which cost £10,000, 'devalued' their home as they built it themselves. The mum said, 'Apparently, this had devalued the caravan. '[We were] told this, plus the fact it was 20 years old, which we had no idea about until this point, rendered it worthless. 'We are probably biased, but we feel that the caravan looks objectively better after John's lovingly installed kitchen replacement.' Refusing to pay for the upgrade, the pair tried to sell the caravan privately. But even though two of their friends expressed interest, the sale was hindered by the park putting the ground rent up from £4,600 to £10,500 for any new owners. Because of the caravan's age, the couple say no other park will accept the mobile home. Alicia added: 'We never would have paid so much money for a caravan if we had known the limitations caused by its age. 'We are now stuck living on a pitch that continues to flood, resulting in our electricity tripping out as our washing machine and dryer are located outside. 'The tumble dryer is now ruined due to water damage. Currently, we are in limbo. 'The park keeps sending us a new lease to sign, and we daren't sign it because it states a caravan age limit of 10 years.' The couple's dream of moving to Spain is now on hold for the foreseeable future. Greg Wilson, CEO of European Consumer Claims, which is helping the family, said: 'Alicia and John are a hard working couple trying to get on in life and do what is best for the family. 'The issues they are reporting here are sadly rife across the British holiday park industry, and many people who bought these caravans or lodges are in need of assistance.'
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kraken Re-Sign Defenseman Josh Mahura To A Two-Year Extension
May 30, 2025 — SEATTLE — The Seattle Kraken have signed defenseman Josh Mahura to a two-year, one-way contract extension worth an average annual value of $907,500, General Manager Jason Botterill announced Friday. Mahura, 27, played 64 games for the Kraken during the 2024–25 season, posting nine assists, 89 hits (fifth on the team), and 54 blocked shots. @Seattle Kraken PR The six-foot, 193-pound defenseman was originally drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in the third round (85th overall) of the 2016 NHL Draft. He has appeared in 255 NHL games combined between the Kraken, Florida Panthers, and Anaheim Ducks, recording 54 points (10 goals, 44 assists) and 110 penalty minutes. He was part of the Florida Panthers' 2024 Stanley Cup-winning roster and has 21 career playoff appearances. Advertisement Related Kraken Re-Sign Forward John Hayden To A Two-Year Deal Kraken Re-Sign Forward John Hayden To A Two-Year Deal Seattle, WA - The Seattle Kraken have signed veteran forward John Hayden to a two-year, one-way contract extension worth $775,000 annually, beginning with the 2025-26 NHL season, General Manager Jason Botterill announced. Stay updated with the most interesting Kraken stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News or Join the discussion with others in your hockey community on the Seattle Kraken Forum. **Cover Photo by Caroline Anne | The Hockey News
Associated Press
28-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Kraken sign forward John Hayden to a 2-year contract extension
SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Kraken signed forward John Hayden to a two-year, one-way contract extension Wednesday. The 30-year-old Hayden had a goal and an assist in 20 games for the Kraken last season. He also had 11 goals and 16 assists in 44 regular-season games for Coachella Valley in the American Hockey League, and added two goals and an assist for the Firebirds in six playoff games. 'John has been an important player in our organization over the past three seasons, making an impact at both the NHL and AHL level,' Kraken general manager Jason Botterill said in a statement. 'He's a strong leader who brings a terrific work ethic and physical presence.' The 6-foot-3 center Hayden has 18 goals and 21 assists in 269 career NHL games with Chicago, New Jersey, Arizona, Buffalo and Seattle. He played four seasons at Yale. ___ AP NHL:
Dublin Live
22-05-2025
- Dublin Live
Man admits assaulting ex-partner and publishing intimate images of her
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A Midlands man has admitted publishing intimate images of his ex-partner and attacking her in a hotel. The man, in his 20s, who is not being named for legal reasons, appeared at Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court where he entered guilty pleas to the two offences. Judge Kenneth Connolly remanded him in continuing custody pending sentence. He was accused of assault causing harm to the woman and publishing intimate images of her, at the same location, over two dates earlier this year. He replied "guilty" when arraigned on the two counts, under sections 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act and 2 of the Harassment and Harmful Communications Act. John Hayden SC, defending, said his client had been "in the throes of heavy cocaine and ketamine addiction". Mr Hayden said the man had been in employment from a young age, but during the Covid pandemic and when he was out of work, he started abusing cocaine and was under pressure. The court heard he had been in a relationship with the woman but had taken steps to self-rehabilitate and was attending psychological counselling and a drug treatment programme. The defence said the man is now drug-free and asked the court to order a probation report for more insight into him. Judge Connolly agreed to seek the pre-sanction report and also a spousal assault risk assessment, as well as a victim impact statement. The facts of the case will be heard later. He will appear again in July. Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
