Latest news with #King'sAward
Daily Record
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Paisley people celebrate 30 years of community spirit with King's Award
The Tannahill Centre has received royal recognition following its opening in 1995. The people of Ferguslie have marked the 30-year anniversary of the Tannahill Centre with royal recognition – just as they did in 1995. The centre on Paisley's Blackstoun Road – which has become a beacon of community empowerment – was formally opened on July 5, 1995, by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip. Now, three decades later, their son has bestowed those who dedicate their time to the centre's many projects with the King's Award for Voluntary Service – the highest honour a voluntary group can receive in the UK. Earlier this month, King Charles also welcomed two Tannahill stalwarts, Mandy Chappell and Elaine Carter, to Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, for his summer garden party. It has a wonderful moment for Elaine, who still has great memories of the Queen opening the centre 30 years ago. She said: 'The biggest achievement of the Tannahill Centre is the way it has supported so many volunteer organisations to get off the ground in Ferguslie. 'And that volunteer spirit is what makes Ferguslie what it is; the willingness to help your neighbour and your community. 'The King's Award was recognition of that and a thank you to all the volunteers over the years who have worked hard to make a difference. 'There was great fan fare when the Queen and Prince Phillip came in 1995 and King Charles came with them when they visited in 1994 after the floods so it was nice to cap this year off with a royal award.' Elaine was chosen to attend the garden party on behalf of the Tannahill volunteers as a former employee and long-time volunteer with Ferguslie Seniors. Her companion Mandy has also been a long-serving member of the influential Darkwood Crew. It is a group established to look after the environment and green spaces in Ferguslie but has morphed into an organisation that also tackles food insecurity and social isolation. And it is among more than a dozen groups and charities which use the Tannahill Centre as a hub to bring about positive change. The Tannahill Events Team, Ferguslie Community Choir, Own Yer Bike, No Substitute For Life Mens Group, Youth Voice, Ferguslie Youth Club, Ferguslie Community Church, Pachedu, Ferguslie Seniors, Ferguslie Women's Group and Community Together have all found a home in the building at various points in time. Terry McTernan, former chairman of Ferguslie Park Community Council and leading figure in the Darkwood Crew, said the role of the Tannahill Centre in the recent rejuvenation in Ferguslie cannot be understated. Terry, who now works as the volunteer coordinator at the centre, said: 'This award helps capture the partnership working and anchor-type organisation that exists at the Tannahill Centre. 'Certainly, since the pandemic, the Tannahill Centre has worked in partnership with the likes of Ferguslie Seniors, Darkwood Crew, No Substitute for Life Men's Mental Health, so there's a whole caboodle of them and the Tannahill Centre has been happy to showcase them. 'Ferguslie Park is a unique community in terms of volunteering and it's bred into our culture, so it's lovely to have that recognised by the King in this 30th anniversary year.' The birthday year has been celebrated with a series of events at the Tannahill Centre, with a party, the presentation of the King's Award for Voluntary Service by the Lord-Lieutenant of Renfrewshire, Colonel Peter McCarthy and the royal garden party. Paul Irwin, community development manager of the Tannahill Centre, said: 'Both Mandy and Elaine are tireless champions for our community. Whether it is addressing isolation, promoting dignity or helping Ferguslie flourish – they embody the very best of us. 'This award belongs to every volunteer, past and present, who has put in hours of selfless dedication to make our centre a safe, welcoming, and inspiring place for everyone. 'This includes all of the volunteer-led groups that have established themselves over the years, who do so much to directly address issues within the area.' Paul added: 'The hard work and resilience of all Ferguslie volunteers have made a lasting difference in the lives of so many and we couldn't be prouder of what we've achieved together.'
Scotsman
21-07-2025
- Scotsman
Scottish couple's love affair with remote coastal village famous for sunsets immortalised in innovative eco memorial bench
Scottish couple's love affair with remote coastal village famous for sunsets immortalised in innovative eco memorial bench Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Angus and Eileen McFazdean both passed away in 2020 after nearly 60 happy years together. During their long marriage they brought their family to Portmahomack on many summer holidays after falling in love with the East coast Highlands village in 1975. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Now the couple's family have immortalised their story through an innovative memorial bench featuring a QR code which can be scanned via mobile phone by anyone who passes by. The memorial bench on the beach at Portmahomack The memorial bench – made by King's Award winning Derbyshire company TDP Ltd – has been made from entirely recycled plastic along with a planter also made by the company commemorating the couple. Now the family are delighted that the bench has been placed so that passers-by can sit there and enjoy the sunsets for which Portmahomack is well known. Angus and Eileen's son Andy said: 'My parents used to go away on holiday to Portmahomack for two weeks in the summer and as kids we made a lot of friends in that area. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'It's one of the greatest things that my mum and dad did for us. We went back to visit all the time. The memorial bench on the beach at Portmahomack 'My parents had a great life and Portmahomack is where they were happiest. We put their ashes amongst pebbles and compost in the planter and have added alpines, daffodils, lilies and other colourful flowers. 'Portmahomack is the only East coast village in Scotland that faces west. The sun sets in front of the bench. The setting is quite dramatic – it's a beautiful place.' As well as a QR code allowing passers by to remember the McFazdeans, the planter features a special engraving with the co-ordinates of Portmahomack, along with 'Dolphin View' – the area where the family used to stay which is still there today. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Andy, who now lives in Birmingham but travels regularly to Portmahomack to visit his parents' bench and keep the planter topped up, said: 'The QR code feature is a great idea. People can read my parents' story. It's there for generations to come and for us as a family to come back to that place. Angus and Eileen McFazdean 'For me, one of the most important things is the quality of the materials, the fact they are recycled and they last a long time is just brilliant. They make a bench that is going to be durable and meant a tree didn't have to be cut down.' Angus and Eileen McFadzean first met in Johnstone in 1963. Angus was a truck driver for WH Malcolm Ltd and Eileen Hanlon was a florist for James Jack. When the couple married, it was at the time known as a 'mixed marriage' as Angus was Protestant and Eileen Catholic. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The McFazdeans and their family first set eyes on Portmahomack when visiting friends in Clashmore near Dornoch. Andy and Adam McFazdean on the memorial bench After falling in love with the village they booked a holiday the following year at a caravan site owned by the Smart family, and 'The Port' remained the place they were happiest over many years. Kym Barlow, commercial director at TDP, said: 'Memorial benches are a core part of our service at TDP. We are very proud of how we have been able to help people grieve and remember loved ones with our benches. 'Recycled plastic is a great material for a memorial bench because it is very durable. Our customers tell us that our benches are looking as good as new year after year and this adds to the comfort we are able to provide through our products. It's very sad for families when tributes to the memories of loved ones start to fade. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We offer bespoke engraving on our benches as well as traditional plaques and we are seeing a remarkable rise in demand this year. We are told by customers that having a memorial bench helps with the grieving process, enabling them to sit in peace and remember the happy times they spent together. 'We are so happy that the McFazdean family appreciate their memorial bench and planter and the beautiful spot where they are placed forever.' TDP has reported nearly double the demand for its memorial benches this year from families who want long-lasting and personal tributes to their loved ones. The award-winning company, which makes outdoor furniture entirely from recycled plastic, is seeing a steep demand in memorial benches and is on track to see around twice as many orders as last year. Its unique 'My Place and Story' QR code service can also be used in parks and open spaces, allowing visitors to read about the place they are in by scanning the code.
Business News Wales
20-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Brand Hatchers Wins King's Award for International Trade
Brand Hatchers has been awarded the King's Award for Enterprise in International Trade. Founded by Emily Griffiths and her father Chris Howarth, Cardiff-based Brand Hatchers has grown from a family-led startup into a global business, now selling products in more than 36 countries. Its flagship brand Brain Blasterz is the leading sour candy brand across Europe and the Middle East, while its fast-growing e-commerce brands – Nurture by Nature (self-care and wellness) and Guitar Lab (musical accessories) – are category leaders on Amazon UK, US, and EU. 'Winning the King's Award is a huge moment – not just for us as a business, but for the people and values behind it,' said Emily Griffiths, co-founder and CEO. 'We built this company with an international mindset from the start, and to now be recognised at this level is an incredible honour. 'I'm incredibly proud to lead a company that proves ambition, and compassion can go hand in hand. Our flexible workplace policies don't just support our team – they make it possible for me to juggle leadership and family life too. We're showing that you can grow internationally without compromising on people, culture or purpose. 'This award is also a testament to the hard work, creativity and dedication of our amazing team in Cardiff. Every success we've had has been driven by their energy and belief in what we're building – I'm incredibly grateful to work alongside such talented and passionate people. 'Working with such a wide variety of markets and clients is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do,' Emily said. 'It keeps us learning, evolving, and pushing forward.' The King's Awards for Enterprise, formerly known as the Queen's Awards, are the highest official UK awards for British businesses. As a recipient, Brand Hatchers will now be entitled to use the King's Awards emblem for the next five years – a mark of outstanding achievement in international trade.
The Irish Sun
06-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Exotic English gardens lost for centuries is named one of the best in the UK
THE Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall has been named one of the best in the UK. The gardens after 'lost' as a result of World War I - but has just won a King's Award. Advertisement 5 The Lost Gardens of Heligan is one of the best gardens in the UK Credit: Alamy 5 There are hundreds of species of plant and flower in the gardens Credit: Alamy The Lost Gardens of Heligan was first developed in the mid-18th century and were cultivated by the Tremayne family, with the creation of rides for horses, walled flower gardens, and a melon yard. It was thriving up until World War I, when the Heligan gardens were left to ruin. The 'lost years' were between 1914 and 1990 when they were rediscovered and the restoration project became one of the biggest garden transformations in Europe. The year 1991 marked the restoration of the Italian Garden, and the Lost Gardens of Heligan officially opened to the public on Good Friday in 1992. Advertisement Read More on UK Gardens In 1994, the Flower Garden was restored and in 2024, The Lost Gardens of Heligan welcomed its eight millionth visitor. The Lost Gardens of Heligan is split into three parts and is home to the UK's only outdoor jungle which has exotic plants. In the jungle are four ponds, giant rhubarb, banana plantations, bamboo forests and avenues of palm trees. The jungle has a microclimate which is at least five degrees warmer than gardens in the north of the UK . Advertisement Most read in News Travel It's where you'll also find one of the longest Burmese Rope Bridges in Britain, stretching 100 feet above ancient tree ferns. The Pleasure Grounds were first laid out 200 years ago - they have historic pathways and plants. The seaside town of Newlyn in Cornwall has been dubbed as one of the 'coolest' places to relocate 5 The gardens were 'lots' after World War I Credit: Alamy 5 But were rediscovered and became a huge renovation project Credit: Alamy Advertisement Some plantings are over 150 years old, and are home to the national collection of camellias and rhododendrons which were introduced to Heligan pre-1920. Like many gardens in Cornwall, Heligan reaps the benefits from a mild climate. The Productive Garden has 300 varieties of fruit, vegetables, salad and herbs which supply the on-site kitchen and are incorporated within the daily lunch menu. The Lost Gardens of Heligan is now one of the best gardens in the UK and in May 2025 was honoured with a King's Award for Enterprise. Advertisement Laura Smit-Chesterfield, managing director of The Lost Gardens of Heligan, said: "The team at The Lost Gardens of Heligan are delighted, honoured, and proud to receive a King's Award for Enterprise." That's not the only award it has won - over the years, The Lost Gardens of Heligan has been named Britain's Finest Garden and the Best Garden in the UK. Tickets for The Lost Gardens of Heligan for adults are £28, children between 5 and 17 are £12.50, and children under five go free. Here's another Advertisement And six exotic UK gardens you can visit year round where it feels like the Caribbean - even in winter. 5 The Lost Gardens of Heligan has a tropical garden with a pond Credit: Alamy
Scottish Sun
06-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Exotic English gardens lost for centuries is named one of the best in the UK
It has the UK's only outdoor jungle PLANT IT Exotic English gardens lost for centuries is named one of the best in the UK Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall has been named one of the best in the UK. The gardens after 'lost' as a result of World War I - but has just won a King's Award. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 The Lost Gardens of Heligan is one of the best gardens in the UK Credit: Alamy 5 There are hundreds of species of plant and flower in the gardens Credit: Alamy The Lost Gardens of Heligan was first developed in the mid-18th century and were cultivated by the Tremayne family, with the creation of rides for horses, walled flower gardens, and a melon yard. It was thriving up until World War I, when the Heligan gardens were left to ruin. The 'lost years' were between 1914 and 1990 when they were rediscovered and the restoration project became one of the biggest garden transformations in Europe. The year 1991 marked the restoration of the Italian Garden, and the Lost Gardens of Heligan officially opened to the public on Good Friday in 1992. In 1994, the Flower Garden was restored and in 2024, The Lost Gardens of Heligan welcomed its eight millionth visitor. The Lost Gardens of Heligan is split into three parts and is home to the UK's only outdoor jungle which has exotic plants. In the jungle are four ponds, giant rhubarb, banana plantations, bamboo forests and avenues of palm trees. The jungle has a microclimate which is at least five degrees warmer than gardens in the north of the UK . It's where you'll also find one of the longest Burmese Rope Bridges in Britain, stretching 100 feet above ancient tree ferns. The Pleasure Grounds were first laid out 200 years ago - they have historic pathways and plants. The seaside town of Newlyn in Cornwall has been dubbed as one of the 'coolest' places to relocate 5 The gardens were 'lots' after World War I Credit: Alamy 5 But were rediscovered and became a huge renovation project Credit: Alamy Some plantings are over 150 years old, and are home to the national collection of camellias and rhododendrons which were introduced to Heligan pre-1920. Like many gardens in Cornwall, Heligan reaps the benefits from a mild climate. The Productive Garden has 300 varieties of fruit, vegetables, salad and herbs which supply the on-site kitchen and are incorporated within the daily lunch menu. The Lost Gardens of Heligan is now one of the best gardens in the UK and in May 2025 was honoured with a King's Award for Enterprise. Laura Smit-Chesterfield, managing director of The Lost Gardens of Heligan, said: "The team at The Lost Gardens of Heligan are delighted, honoured, and proud to receive a King's Award for Enterprise." That's not the only award it has won - over the years, The Lost Gardens of Heligan has been named Britain's Finest Garden and the Best Garden in the UK. Tickets for The Lost Gardens of Heligan for adults are £28, children between 5 and 17 are £12.50, and children under five go free. Here's another pretty 'secret' garden in England that is more like going to China and Egypt. And six exotic UK gardens you can visit year round where it feels like the Caribbean - even in winter.
