Latest news with #Millard
The Herald Scotland
16 hours ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
'You won't find Starbucks here': Trader on positive Barras evolution
The shop owner over the road? He's a talented poet she reveals when pointing out that people drawn to the East End are either 'salt-of-the-earth or arty'. Oh, and the Italian place nearby? That's where she was first introduced to a cappuccino that would flame a lifelong love affair with all things coffee. There's a lot to take in. But then again, it's hardly surprising that running a family business which has stood strong on London Road for 65 years makes for a cracking collection of stories. Pictured: Anne Shiels and Cathie MacSween at work in the Loch Fyne Shellfish Bar at the Barras (Image: Robert Perry) 'My dad's line of work was carpet stores, and he had no background in how to procure, cook or store shellfish before my Papa bought the shop for him to run' Millard says of her father, Allan, a man whose passion and eccentric flair was the beating heart of the Loch Fyne Shellfish Bar until his death in January this year. 'They had to learn all of that very quickly, and when they did, they got up to some wild stuff in here. 'Don't ask me how, but there used to be a windmill in the shop, and a hula bar, and at one point it was set up with a sound system playing noises to make it feel like you were experiencing a shipwreck. 'In essence, my dad was a bit of a frustrated entertainer, so he used the business as a stage which was pretty good for getting customers in. 'Yes, that started with the shellfish, but it was also because of Dad. He was so good with kids that he unknowingly established the next generation of customers, and the next, and the next.' This multi-generation customer base means that these days, even while The Barras Markets adapts and evolves into a thriving foodie hotspot on the streets adjacent to them, Millard and her team still serve cups of mussels and garlic sauce to children who will devour them faster than a pick and mix, having learned the habits from their parents, or grandparents. They're open Thursday and Friday too, which gives regulars the chance to stock up on what they need for the week, or just pop in for a natter before the weekend crowds descend. Asked how she has noticed footfall change over the years, Millard continues, 'I feel like there are very distinct eras when it comes to The Barras. 'You know, the 60s were different to the 70s which was different again to the 80s. 'I would say across those decades were the high times, it was chocka: and we were huge. 'So many places benefited from the area being absolutely full. We used to have six members of staff on a Saturday and between eight and ten on a Sunday. 'We now have three on a Saturday and four on a Sunday which shows you the sheer volume of people we were getting in. 'Then, in the 90s, the market sort of went into the doldrums.' Though a strong community of shops and traders still worked in the area, Millard recalls a dip in energy and the buzz surrounding The Barras, which would later be remedied by the development of two key assets that attracted crowds back to the East End once more. 'The first big things to bring about changes for The Barras were events and food. 'There was St Luke's which opened around 2015 and meant that more people were coming to the East End for gigs. 'And Norrie Innes had BAaD where the A'Challtain Seafood restaurant opened in 2016. 'I think everyone was a bit unsure as to whether people would come rather than stay in Merchant City, where there were a lot more established food businesses. 'But they did. 'People started to invest in The Barras because they could see that there was more happening. 'The sheds were repainted, upgrades were made, and the events started.' As explored by The Herald this week in our Barras Reborn series, recent years have seen an enormous transformation for the market, which has stealthily become one of the best places to eat in Glasgow thanks to a refreshingly different blend of world cuisine and independent vendors. 'Back in the 60s, when my dad started the shop, you would have bacon rolls and chips or…bacon rolls and chips,' Millard continues. 'I remember when US v Them, which is now Thomsons, opened, I could have cried with happiness because I'm a massive coffee fan, but also because for me that was the first really noticeable change. Now there's so much diversity.' As the custodian of one of the area's longest-established food businesses, Millard firmly believes that these changes are for the better and that through a carefully curated lineup of vendors, the Barras management team is succeeding in keeping the original market spirit alive. 'You won't find Starbucks here, or a Subway, which is fantastic. 'I would fight like hell if that happened because it would be the beginning of the end for this age. 'There's a guy doing gyros, which are hugely popular, and my 14-year-old nephew, who works in the shop, will go to spend £9 of his salary for the day on one at lunchtime. 'You might think that's insane, or a rip-off, but it's a bloody good lunch. 'It's so tasty, and the quality is there.' 'It's like when Scran, who are amazing, opened on London Road and were charging prices that were essentially in line with the West End for morning rolls. 'My father would have been the first one to say that would fail, but it didn't because there's a completely different clientele.' As to what the future holds for the area, Millard - who previously pursued a career in events management before taking over the family business – feels that 'without a shadow of a doubt' there's more room for festivals and celebrations like the annual Hong Kong Market or the 'brilliant but bonkers' Moulin Rouge night. 'This is the kind of place that can stomach it. It's not twee, it's not trite, but it's so quirky that within reason almost anything would work here. 'But you never want to get so big that you lose the essence of what makes this area special. 'We need to keep that alive, and if we can avoid the multi-national chains moving in, then I think we can do that because so many of the characters who make the place special are still here. 'And when they retire, then hopefully they'll pass it on to one of their family members who is going to have just as much character.' Pictured: The shop celebrates its 65th anniversary this year (Image: Robert Perry) At Loch Fyne Shellfish, the next generation of savvy business brains is already rolling up their sleeves to help run the family shop, with Millard's nephews and nieces all pitching in to assist with everything from social media content creation to weekend shifts behind the counter. And, as they inch closer to the official 65-year anniversary mark in November, there are some well-earned celebrations of life around the market past and present on the horizon, with staff members from across the decades invited to join in. Looking back on her own journey with the shop, Millard says, 'One of our regular customers who has been coming in with her family every week for years recently said to me: 'You're so like your dad, not just in looks but in mannerisms and your voice'. 'And I thought, oh, I suppose I am. In this environment, I feel like I've almost become him. 'My husband, Jonathan, calls me Susie Shellfish because that's all I've known all my life. It's been a constant right from when I was growing up. 'There are loads of new stallholders at The Barras, but the ones at Danny's Donuts or Jim 'Woodcraft' McCallum still know me as Wee Susie. 'I love it that. It's part of my DNA, and this place is home to me.'
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Flood watch issued for northeast Kansas counties
SHAWNEE COUNTY (KSNT) – The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Flood Watch for Shawnee County as rain rates of over an inch an hour are likely. On Monday, June 2, the NWS reported that conditions will be favorable for flooding. The NWS advised travelers to plan ahead and be prepared for rapidly developing storms. 'Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm related hazard,' the NWS said in a press release. 'Floods can strike at any time, often with little notice.' The NWS said excessive runoff could result in rivers, creeks and streams flooding. 27 News Meteorologist Ely Millard said a round of storms will develop midday into the afternoon and evening. He said some of the storms could be strong to severe. Millard said that along I-35 and towards the southeast of Topeka is where the most rainfall will happen. Those areas could see 3-4 inches of rain. The following counties will be under a flood watch through Wednesday morning: Anderson Coffey Douglas Franklin Lyon Morris Osage Shawnee Wabaunsee Brown Jackson Jefferson Nemaha Pottawatomie Strong storms continue into the afternoon In 1951, Northeast Kansas had a devastating flood that some call 'Black Friday'. Last year 27 News looked into infrustructure in Topeka and Manhattan that was built to protect the cities against another flood at 1951 levels. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
South Wales Argus
09-05-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Blaenau Gwent residents raise concerns over wind turbines
The project's approval has sparked alarm among residents who have voiced their concerns about the impact on the landscape and the potential disruption to their daily lives. The proposed turbines will have a maximum tip height of 180 metres, which is roughly the same height as the Gherkin building in London. Cwm resident and psychologist, Dr Robert Edmunds, is amongst those arguing that the turbines will dramatically alter the area, potentially casting shadows over residents' gardens and generating noise. Much of the residents' concern extends beyond the mere presence of wind turbines, but rather the scale of the project and the proximity to residential homes. They highlight the potential impact the turbines could have on local lives, which they feel has been dismissed. "I do not feel most people realise the scale of the project," expressed Dr Edmunds. "It is a scandal that people can just have this foisted upon them by a government initiative, and there is very little we can do," Dr Edmunds explained. Similarly concerned over the practicality and proximity of the project is Steven Millard, who said, "The siting of such large structures, so close that they cast flickering shadows over hundreds of homes, a special school and hospital, should not be allowed." "Some homes are only 450m away from these 180m high structures," explained Mr Millard. Residents are particularly concerned about the potential side effects of large turbines, such as noise and shadow flicker, which they say have been documented in other areas throughout the Valleys. Residents have expressed confusion as to how the project has been approved despite widespread objections, and continue to question the suitability of the location. "It is odd that, in order to protect our climate and the natural world upon which we depend for our future, businesses and governments wish to destroy large swathes of our upland green spaces, our dog walking spaces, even though there are less destructive options and less disruptive places to place them," Mr Millard concluded. In response to the concerns, the company running the project, Cenin, said, "CENIN is engaged in discussions with Blaenau Gwent CBC about a local energy network." Cenin went on to explain how the renewable energy generated by the project could be used throughout the county and how it is likely to create vital employment. "There are no major negative effects of noise and shadow flicker that could bring disruption as suggested. "CENIN will engage with local people who are concerned about such matters and give detailed responses," they said. "CENIN will continue to listen to the community. "Certain political parties want to see the introduction of a Social Local Tariffs for Energy. "CENIN would certainly look at these proposals and if they work in practice, support them, especially to those needing support and in poverty," they finished.
Winnipeg Free Press
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Tragedy of festival deaths hangs over vote in British Columbia
VANCOUVER – British Columbians are going to the polls today amid an outpouring of grief over an attack at a Filipino festival in Vancouver where 11 people were killed and dozens more were hurt on Saturday. Mourners and politicians, including NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, attended a vigil Sunday night for the victims, who ranged in age from five to 65. Singh said he had attended the Lapu Lapu Day festival but left just minutes before a man in an SUV mowed down people on a street lined with food trucks. The three main political parties head into the federal election mostly balanced in B.C., but an expert says there could be a shakeup in the province at the end of the night. There are 14 Liberal seats, 14 Conservatives, 12 NDP, a lone Green Party member and one vacant seat, but cratering poll numbers for the New Democrats mean many B.C. seats are up for grabs, and two federal party leaders could be out of a job by the end of the night. Greg Millard, part of the political science faculty at B.C.'s Kwantlen Polytechnic University, says the province could be important in this election, perhaps not in deciding the overall winner, but in giving a government majority versus minority power. Millard estimates there are more than a dozen tight races in the province that could 'flip' as Singh's NDP dropped in the polls amid an emerging narrative that this election was a choice between Mark Carney's Liberals and the Conservatives led by Pierre Poilievre. All three major party leaders spent a significant amount of time campaigning in B.C., something Millard says is common for an area that is considered a battleground. He says the ballot issues in the province were similar to the rest of the country, including a focus on anxiety around U.S. President Donald Trump's threats against Canada. High housing costs were also a focus of those looking for votes, particularly in the expensive Lower Mainland, as well as concerns about crime in other voter-rich areas. Both Singh's Burnaby riding and Green Party Leader Elizabeth May's Saanich—Gulf Islands seat are far from a sure thing. During Elections Get campaign news, insight, analysis and commentary delivered to your inbox during Canada's 2025 election. 'That is probably one of the big B.C. stories. Are these leaders going to survive? Jagmeet Singh, his riding is absolutely not safe at this point. Neither are many traditionally safe NDP seats,' Millard said in an interview Friday. 'I think Elizabeth May, a long-standing party leader, she too is in some jeopardy in Saanich—Gulf Islands. So, I think that's a big story. Will B.C. be the end of the line for two of the leaders of two smaller parties?' Advance voting turnout in B.C. was among the strongest in Canada, with about 30 per cent of the province's electors casting ballots early, based on registration numbers for last year's provincial vote. More than 1.1 million people in B.C. voted in advance polls, up about 35 per cent from 2021. This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 28, 2025.
BBC News
15-04-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Coroner concerns over Reading woman's death after 111 call
An ambulance service has changed its call procedures after the death of a woman in her 80s who called 111 and said she was unable to move from her Millard, 81, from Southcote Lane, Reading, was suffering from sepsis, infected leg ulcers as well as heart and kidney disease in May Robert Simpson said after her initial call a clinician tried to call her back four times, but Ms Millard's phone was engaged and no ambulance was Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) said it had changed its procedures so in the future all immobile patients would be asked the same questions. Mrs Millard was found dead the day after she called 111 by a a prevention of future death report Mr Simpson said he had "matters of concern" and there was "a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken".He said when SCAS call takers use the NHS Pathways triage tool, which indicates that if a person is lying on the floor with no reported injuries, they are prompted to ask additional include whether someone else is with them and if they can provide the number of a next of kin, who may be able to attend the caller while they wait for an the same procedure is not applied when someone reports they are stuck in situ, for example they are unable to move from their Simpson said: "My concern is that the additional risks of a long lie, for example rhabdomyolosis, may well apply when someone is unable to move from any position.""I am pleased that they have agreed to amend their procedures swiftly," he added.A spokesperson for the ambulance service said: "We would like to reiterate our sincere condolences to the family of Sandra Millard."South Central Ambulance Service is dedicated to ensuring that we provide a safe service to our patients."Following the inquest into the sad death of Mrs Millard, we have committed to amend our local standard operating procedures to address the concerns raised by HM Coroner. "This will ensure the same detailed questions asked of patients who are unable to get off the floor are asked if a patient is unable to move from any position."NHS England has been contacted for comment. You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
