Latest news with #StephenReynolds
BBC News
21-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Four months of major Penzance roadworks begin
Multi-million pound changes to the main shopping street in Penzance will make the area a nicer place for people to come and linger, the town's mayor has Jew Street is closed to traffic for most of the day on weekdays for the next four months while the work crossings, green areas with trees, and traffic calming measures are being put in there to make the area safer and more pleasant for pedestrians and scheme is part of Penzance's Town Deal, with £21m being spent on various projects with the aim of transforming the town centre. Martin Tucker, chair of Penzance Town Deal Board, said: "These essential works mark an important step forward in delivering the long-term vision for a greener, more accessible, and better-connected Penzance. "We're investing in a town centre that works better for everyone: residents, businesses, and visitors," he received a total of £21.7m as part of the previous Conservative government's Towns Fund initiative. Other projects include a "park and cycle" facility at Ponsandane, repurposing the iconic Market House, and creating a bouldering centre in an empty shop unit on Market Jew Street. The work on Market Jew Street means it will be closed to all traffic except emergency vehicles from Monday to Friday, between 7.30am and 5pm, until the end of November. Mayor of Penzance councillor Stephen Reynolds conceded there was concern from traders about the disruption the roadworks that would cause over the summer tourism season. He explained: "One of the reasons for timing it the way we did was that at least all the works will be finished for Christmas and for local traders Christmas is really important. "The visitors will come in the summer anyway even if there's a little bit of disruption. We hope there will be long-term gain."He said it would be for future generations to decide if the project had been a success. "If people who are now growing up look back and say, 'Yeah, I was around when Penzance was transformed, and it's made it a better place for my kids to grow up in'."It'll just be, I hope, a nicer place for people to stop, linger, chat and really enjoy the feel of being in their high street."
BBC News
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Telford carnival returns with procession and family fun day
A town is ready for the return of a "beloved" carnival which features free children's activities and a colourful procession, said organisers. People can line the streets for Oakengates Carnival in Telford on Saturday and enjoy a parade with performers and vintage vehicles between 11:30 BST and midday. The procession, which involves some road closures, is followed by a family fun day at Hartshill Park until 19:00. Attractions include alpacas, circus skills, an inflatable assault course and entertainment on the music stage, said Shropshire Town Council said it asked the group to run the event again after the success of its last carnival in 2023. "Shropshire Festivals delivered a fantastic event back in 2023, which attracted thousands of visitors, said the town's mayor, councillor Stephen Reynolds. He added "excitement was building in the town" ahead of the return of the "beloved Oakengates Carnival". "We can't wait to host a free, family day of fun for our community and show visitors just how much our great little town has to offer," Reynolds said. He added it was a chance for the community "to celebrate the summer together". Last summer, due to financial considerations and redevelopment in the area, the town council said it decided to support businesses with an "enhanced high street celebration", instead of a carnival. This year's music stage includes entertainment from choirs, community groups and local bands - Something 4 The Weekend, Wired 2 Party, and Groove Dynamite. Beth Heath, from Shropshire Festivals, said they had lined up free activities for "a full day of entertainment for the whole family" and thanked the event's sponsors, including Kraft Heinz in Telford. Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
South Wales Argus
02-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Newport's Slipping Jimmy's pub closes with immediate effect
Slipping Jimmy's opened on High Street in Newport over a decade ago and since became a thriving hub for live music, food, and even more. Its closure has come as a shock to many, with its well-stocked bar, happy hour offers and freshly baked pizza from a custom built woodfired oven drawing many loyal customers in. Slipping Jimmy's was famous for their woodfired pizza oven (Image: NQ) A statement from owner Stephen Reynolds said: 'With great sadness and immediate effect, I have had to take the tough decision to close the business. It has become clear over the past few months with ever increasing costs the business is no longer viable. I have tried to keep the bar going but financially no longer able to do so. 'I would like to thank all the staff past/present and customers that have made Slipping Jimmy's what it is and have shared with us what has been an incredible 10 years. 'I know all of you will miss the bar as much as I will.' Customers from far and wide have shared their support on social media for owners Stephen and Suzanne Reynolds. The consensus is that Slipping Jimmy's closure marks 'a very sad day for the port' and it 'will leave a big hole' in Newport's live music scene. Several bands and artists also shared how much they truly loved taking to the stage at Slipping Jimmy's, marking it as a 'favourite' among venues across South Wales and that playing there was always a 'privilege' thanks to the incredible hospitality from staff and lively customers. For many customers, Slipping Jimmy's was more than just a bar and a music venue. Couples met there, tears were shed, and 'countless memories' were created within its walls. The Western themed bar was a staple for a Newport night out (Image: NQ) Staff member Kelly Olsen said: 'It's incredibly hard to put into words what this place meant to us. 'The laughs and late nights are memories we'll cherish forever. Through it all, we were more than just colleagues — we were a loud, slightly unhinged, beer-scented (and proudly dysfunctional) family. 'What made this place extraordinary was our incredible loyal, wonderfully weird, and downright unforgettable customers. You made this pub what it was. 'Closing this chapter feels like losing a part of ourselves. This place wasn't just where we worked — it was where we laughed, argued, celebrated, and sometimes cried together. 'It was our second home, our family, and saying goodbye is truly heartbreaking. We leave with heavy hearts, but also with countless memories that have shaped us in ways words can't fully capture. Every conversation, every shared laugh, every moment behind the bar — they meant everything. 'The memories (and the hangovers) will stay with us forever.' Slipping Jimmy's closure means one thing for certain: 'Saturdays are not going to be the same'.
Wales Online
02-07-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Long-running high street bar announces immediate closure 'with great sadness'
Long-running high street bar announces immediate closure 'with great sadness' The bar's owner said: 'I have tried to keep the bar going but financially I am no longer able to do so.' Locals have said that the announcement is "absolutely gutting." (Image: Jonathon Hill ) A long-running bar on a Welsh high street has announced its closure, leaving its community saddened by the news. Slipping Jimmy's opened on Newport's High Street over a decade ago with business owner Stephen Reynolds admitting he opened the pub on a bet with a friend who'd moved from Newport to west Wales. On Wednesday Mr Reynolds took to Facebook to announce his bar will close with immediate effect. He said: "With great sadness and immediate effect I have had to make the tough decision to close the business. Never miss a Newport story by subscribing to our newsletter here "It has become clear over the past few months with ever increasing costs, the business is no longer viable. "I have tried to keep the bar going but financially I am no longer able to do so. "I would like to thank all of the staff, both past and present, and customers that have made Slipping Jimmy's what it is, and have shared with us what has been an incredible ten years. "I know all of you will miss the bar as much as I will. Article continues below "I am absolutely heartbroken having to put up this post, but we had to do what was best for us and it is for good, personal reasons. "Thank you so much to my hard working staff, doormen and the customers that have supported us over the years you were truly amazing. "And thank you to all the bands singers duo's that have played over the years and I'm so sorry that the ones that are booked in over the next few months we are sorry that you will no longer be playing here again . "There will be a lot of speculation over this post and many saying give it a few weeks it will open back up under a different name, if that happens then good to whoever wants to open back up as another bar, but I can honestly say it will not and never will be us." Mr Reynolds' statement was met with local people saying they are "absolutely gutted." Darren May replied to the post saying: "Absolutely gutted. Had some great nights in there and some all day drinking sessions when the rugby was on. "We always had our annual meet up for Wales v England and my mates would come from London just to be there. "Good luck Steve and Sue for whatever the future holds. Such a sad day for Newport." Alison Edwards added: "Gutted for you both, unless it's what you both want. Article continues below "Gutted for Newport - another great pub going. Thank you to you both for making it a fantastic pub. "Best of luck for your future, time to put your feet up and chill. I don't go to town often but will miss you when I do."
BBC News
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Thousands of people attend Golowan Festival in Penzance
Tens of thousands of people filled the streets of a Cornish town to celebrate an annual event. Penzance Council said the theme for the 35th year of Mazey Day on Saturday was 'On the Crest of a Wave' which "honours the power of the Cornish coast and seas, the unique sea life and love of the ocean".The council said the event was one of the largest street parties in the UK and highlighted Golowan - the week long festival of arts, performances, culture, and year saw the introduction of a new event area in Penlee Park, organised by PZN Youth, which included entertainment and activities for all ages. It also included food stalls, a bar, craft stalls and a new Tree Lounge hang out space for young people, the council said: "After Penzance's ancient Feast of St John midsummer celebrations stopped happening at the end of the 19th century, the tradition was revived in 1991 as the one-day celebration - Mazey Day. "With the continuing support of Penzance Council, Golowan has grown over the years into a week-long festival, with Mazey Day still at its heart and now attracting tens of thousands of people to the town." The procession began at 10:00 BST on the Civic Parade and featured speeches by the Mayor of Penzance Stephen Reynolds and the Mock Mayor of Penzance, a head on a of participants from schools and community groups took park in the main parades during the day where they showcased their giant wicker models to the sound of the marching band. Penzance Council said it was proud to support Golowan through partnership and funding of Golowan Festival CIC who won the tender to run the festival and is contracted to deliver it until 2027.
