Latest news with #SimonMurdoch
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Yahoo
Peruvian Navy tall ship spotted on Thames near Southend for first time
THE largest sail training ship in Latin America was spotted sailing near Southend at the weekend. Peruvian Navy tall ship Bap Union has been visiting ports around the UK for the first time this summer, and was seen moored on the Thames Estuary near Mulberry Harbour on Saturday. The vessel is primarily used for training naval cadets, but also plays the role of ambassador, promoting Peru during voyages around the world. Camera club member Simon Murdoch hailed it a "rare sight" on the Thames near Southend. Bap Union is the first sail training ship of the Peruvian Navy and was launched in 2015 after a three year building project that took place in Spain. Its visit came as Nao Santa Maria, an authentic replica of Christopher Columbus' famous flagship from his 1492 voyage, was docked at Southend Pier last week welcoming visitors aboard for a tour of the iconic vessel. Sadly, the decision was taken for the ship to leave Southend ahead of schedule on Saturday, prioritising the safety of both crew and visitors due to challenging weather conditions at the end of the pier. The early departure disappointed many ticket holders who had planned to visit the historic ship during its stay in the city, however a spokesman insisted safety must always come first when dealing with maritime conditions.
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Photos show packed Southend seafront as mini-heatwave sweeps the UK
PHOTOS taken on Southend seafront yesterday show the thousands of sun-seekers making the most of the UK's mini-heatwave. Temperatures reached as high as 28C in Southend yesterday, with today's conditions set to be similarly sweltering. Packed - Sun-seekers filled Southend's beach yesterday (Image: Simon Murdoch) The seafront has been packed over the weekend, as south Essex residents and visitors from further afield flock to soak up the sun. We're now on WhatsApp! Join our new channel at to get all the latest breaking news and exclusive stories delivered straight to your phone. Yesterday, rail operator c2c issued safety advice to passengers travelling amid the mini-heatwave, urging them to carry water and avoid boarding carriages if they felt unwell. Crowds - Residents and visitors alike are making the most of the sun (Image: Simon Murdoch) The high temperatures are expected to carry through to Monday before cooling as the week goes on. Read more Seafront traders brace for a bumper weekend as mini-heatwave hits Southend The five best south Essex restaurants to take your dad to this Father's Day Classic car enthusiasts praised after problem-free Southend seafront meet Busy - Seafront traders have welcomed the soaring temperatures (Image: Simon Murdoch) Business owners and seafront traders have welcomed the heat, which has seen visitor numbers skyrocket in recent days.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pictures show resurfaced Miller and Carter amid project to reopen Lakeside restaurant
A HALF-SUNKEN restaurant at Lakeside Shopping Centre has been resurfaced after more than two years out of action. The Miller and Carter restaurant boat has been closed since it began sinking in December 2023. Resurfaced - The first stage of the restoration is now underway (Image: Simon Murdoch) Ahead of works to restore and reopen the restaurant, the landmark venue has been brought back to the surface and emptied of its damaged furnishings. We're now on WhatsApp! Join our new channel at to get all the latest breaking news and exclusive stories delivered straight to your phone. Residents had been left wondering about the future of the unique Miller and Carter restaurant after resurfacing and restoration work repeatedly stalled. Sunken - The boat began to slip below the water in December 2023 (Image: Newsquest)Last month, a demolition firm moved onto the site around the boat, and has kick started works to bring the beloved restaurant back into use. Damage - The water-damaged parts of the boat have now been stripped out (Image: Simon Murdoch) Photos now show the early results of that work, with the boat back on the surface and with the damaged components and furnishings removed. Speaking after winning the contract to strip the venue of its water damaged parts, firm Mead Demolition said its team was working to prepare the vessel for its pre-opening refit. Unique - The eye-catching restaurant has been out of action for more than two-years (Image: Simon Murdoch) Residents will likely be welcoming works to return the Miller and Carter restaurant boat to use - last year, Labour's deputy leader of Thurrock Council, Lynn Worrall, branded it "an eyesore". A spokesman for Miller and Carter said: "We are working with our landlords with a view to reinstating the vessel."
