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The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Inside dark history of abandoned asylum that starred in blockbuster Hollywood thriller as it plans £22m transformation
A SINISTER abandoned asylum which has starred in several blockbuster films is set to receive a massive £22million make-over. The creepy Medfield State Hospital was Advertisement 13 The abandoned asylum Medfield State Hospital has starred in several films Credit: Getty 13 The eerie asylum has been abandoned for years Credit: Jam Press/@places_forgotten 13 It housed thousands of psychiatric patients Credit: Jam Press/@places_forgotten 13 The island was used as a filming set for an iconic 2010 thriller starring Leonardo DiCaprio (R) Credit: Handout And the When it was cosigned to the The But that was until its Advertisement READ MORE WORLD NEWS The deserted asylum featured in Hollywood blockbuster Shutter Island, starring The The blockbuster film chilled viewers to the core - and the striking effect was only possible with the help of the historical site. In the film, Ashecliffe Hospital is the fictional asylum used to house the Criminally Insane. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Exclusive So Medfield Hospital, with its Brit explorer Ben Stevens travelled to the long-abandoned hospital - which used to be known as the Medfield Insane Asylum. Shutter Island He ventured there after learning it was used as the shooting location for Shutter Island. The Brit told What's The Jam: "It felt very cool to be there as I'm a very big film fan. Advertisement "I found out about it because I wanted to know where they filmed Shutter Island." He added: "Obviously, they dressed up a lot of the building as a set for the movie. "But I just liked the whole feel of the place, it felt very New England with the red buildings and the leaves." And the list of Medfield's big screen appearances doesn't stop there. Advertisement The sinister island has provided ambient filming locations for movies such as The New Mutants and The Box. Chilling images of the historical hospital, which once accommodated as many as 2,200 patients, have also been revealed by Stevens. 13 One of the beds in the haunting asylum Credit: Jam Press/@places_forgotten 13 The exterior of the abandoned asylum Credit: Jam Press/@places_forgotten Advertisement 13 Wheelchairs seen rotting inside Credit: Jam Press/@places_forgotten 13 The eerie site is set to receive a massive £22million make-over Credit: Getty After entering the former infirmary's haunted walls, Stevens came across lots of old equipment which were abandoned along with the hospital. Dusty wheelchairs stood motionless in corridors, alongside derelict beds which hadn't been used for years. Advertisement Stevens, 31, detailed: 'I even found a patient's shoes. The whole place was very sinister because I know they conducted a lot of experiments on their patients. "They also had a very high security wing, which apparently mobsters were sent to, which is pretty cool." Medfield State Hospital opened in 1896 and was the first of its kind to adapt a cottage-style design - which ironically maximised daylight, fresh air, exercise and socialistion. This image stands in stark contrast to its haunted and silent reputation today. Advertisement The location was used by local dog walkers - as well as film crews from across the country. Its destiny is set to be reshaped again - as a local nonprofit is hoping to transform the site into a hub for music and education. Seemingly unable to escape the entertainment industry, Medfield State Hospital is facing plans to become a brand new venue. The nonprofit has already hosted a variety of live music and festivals on the hospital grounds. Advertisement The town of Medfield purchased the property in 2014, with discussions over what to do with it already ongoing. There were also concerns over how to handle a contaminated portion of the location. 13 The derelict hospital was set up in the 19th century Credit: Jam Press/@places_forgotten 13 It was used for over a hundred years Credit: Jam Press/@places_forgotten Advertisement 13 The island featured in Shutter Island (2010) Credit: Handout After four years of collecting public input, the town completed a master plan in 2018. And in 2020, the Bellforge Arts Center secured a 99-year lease with the town on two signature buildings at the core of the new campus. Bellforge Arts Center programme director Paul Armstrong said: 'We're not here to copy what's being done, we're here to surprise, challenge expectations of a suburban art center and try to create something truly different for both the artists, the audiences, and the community.' Advertisement The nonprofit is still raising funds for the £22million megaproject, which will involve renovating the Lee Chapel and Infirmary, linking two buildings with a glass annex, and developing surrounding green space for outdoor performances and community events. The groundbreaking performance venue will also feature a 300-seat auditorium for music, theatre, and dance. The flexible space will accommodate lectures, films, readings, community and business meetings, as well as special events like weddings. It will also hold indoor art exhibits, a kitchen and office space. Advertisement The construction is starting this summer and is set to last about 16 months. Aside from the two buildings that will become an arts centre, the other 25 are set to become apartments. 13 Aerial view of the creepy asylum which holds 27 buildings Credit: Jam Press/@places_forgotten 13 The site is going to be converted into an arts centre and apartment buildings Credit: Jam Press/@places_forgotten Advertisement
The Irish Sun
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘Like you never left', cry fans as RTE star Jennifer Zamparelli shares ‘grateful' post after first radio show back
RTE star Jennifer Zamparelli was flooded with praise after stepping back behind the mic this morning. The host is taking over from Dave Moore on Today FM this week - marking her first time back on air since she left 2FM. 3 Jennifer was back on air this morning Credit: Instagram 3 The former 2FM host is stepping in for Dave Moore Credit: Instagram 3 Jen revealed she's 'grateful' Credit: Instagram / @bprdowling The mum-of-two took to her The Irish star was glowing as she posed for a smiling snap in her car wearing a white and blue striped shirt and a pair of sunglasses. She wrote: "Show one down covering for @davetodayfm. First hour was a total blur. I think I was so nervous! READ MORE ON JENNIFER " So grateful for the opportunity to get back on air for a week! And thanks for all your messages throughout the morning ." Fans and friends flocked to the comment section with love and support for Jen. Virgin Media star Jade commented: "It was great to hear you back on the radio Jen." MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN Bernie gushed: "Like you never left radio Jennifer great show." Darren said: "You smashed it no doubt!" Jennifer Zamparelli starts rehearsals on huge West End show Another added: "Amazing to hear you back on the radio! Wish you were back full time." The in May 2024 after ten years hosting her 2FM show. She made the tough decision to leave 2FM to spend more time with her husband Lauterio and their two kids - daughter Florence and . Jennifer has described her ON AIR She told the "And because I've never worked in that organisation. I'm doing seven shows in total. I can't do any more." When asked if she'd ever consider taking on a full-time radio role again, Jen admitted: "Ah, listen, right now? No. I don't think so. I don't think I'm in that head space." Meanwhile, the popular presenter recently The The 45-year-old jetted over to last week for her first rehearsal in the famous New Wimbledon Theatre.
The Irish Sun
09-06-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
Shoppers go wild for privacy fence on Amazon that's easy to install, sturdier than bamboo and costs less than £30
WHILE we enjoy getting on with our neighbours, there are times when we don't want to talk to them. And the perfect way to tell neighbours to leave you alone while outside in your garden is with a privacy fence. 2 Shoppers are loving a privacy fence from Amazon Credit: Supplied 2 It comes in various colours and lengths to suit any fence or balcony Credit: Amazon Now shoppers are praising an Amazon buy that quickly adds some extra The The The makers also add that they are windproof and made with tightly woven PVC with 1-2 mm spacing. READ MORE ON GARDENS The small spacing means the panels are spy-proof so no nosy neighbours can look in. The fences are also waterproof and mildew resistant so no mould will grow on them. UV rays will also fail to penetrate the sheets, meaning the colouring won't fade. They are also super easy to install and the length can be adjusted by folding any excess over and fixing it together with the straps which are included. Most read in Fabulous The panels come in multiple sizes to fit any garden fence or balcony screening and come in various colours. The best part is that the fencing cost starts at just £25.99. I hate my new build garden being overlooked so found a 5 METRE privacy fence to block out nosy neighbours for under £30 Shoppers who have already tried the fence panels have praised how easy it is to install, the sturdiness and look of it. One person wrote: "Very happy. Bought 3m for the balcony to protect my plants from wind. It was very easy to attach to the rails using the cable ties provided. Seems sturdy so far." Another commented: 'Exactly as described, good quality sturdy fencing. Purchased more for another section of the garden would highly recommend this product." "Better than bamboo," penned a third. What are your rights over a fence row? IT'S very important to know your rights if you are embroiled in a fence row with a neighbour. How do I know which side I own? A The only way to know for certain who owns what side and to avoid any neighbour disputes, is to refer to the title plan or Land Registry. In this, the T mark is used to indicate who the boundary belongs to and therefore who is responsible for its upkeep, say pros at Larger developments tend to have some indication provided by the builder, but there are no hard and fast rules People often think they are responsible for the left (or right) hand boundary wherever they live, but there isn't any legal basis for this. You can check with HM Land Registry to see which boundary feature you are responsible for. Often households can't get hold of the paperwork but experts say they shouldn't panic. Homeowners can guess who owns the fence by checking where the Pros say: "The fence is typically facing away from their property so that their neighbour gets the 'good' side. 'This is the most secure way of facing fencing so there are no rails for anyone to use to climb into your garden. 'This is then repeated with the neighbour on the other side to ensure that each home has both a 'good' and 'bad' fence side.' Walls and fences are often built on the land of the boundary's owner with the edge of the wall marking the limit. While professionals agree a glimpse at the fence can give you a hint, it's not foolproof - so you can't be certain. Fines and punishment It is recommended to always check legal documents before making changes to avoid There is no law that the neighbour has to get the good side of the fence, so it's completely up to whoever owns the fence. Fencing pros have suggested: 'It may be worth selecting a double-sided panel with no 'bad' side as both sides look the same and rails are concealed within the fence panel.' If one boundary backs onto a road or footpath you can install the panels with the rails on the inside But if it's installed on the outside, it can provide an 'easy ladder for burglars to enter your garden'. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Property Litigation Association have created a mediation service to help neighbours resolve disputes over their property boundaries without resorting to court action. RICS also provides a list of surveyors who could assist in boundary disputes. If a dispute continues, it is ultimately a court that makes decisions, but they do not like such disputes being put before them. Changing a boundary If you want to change an existing boundary, such as replacing an old fence with a new one, we always recommend discussing with your neighbour first and making sure it is all agreed. The registered titles can help you to reach an agreement, but only if this information has been added. In terms of decorations on a fence legal advisers recommended asking around over who actually first installed it. But they also urged caution before getting to work on amending the fence without getting more certainty yourself - since there is a danger of actually being prosecuted for criminal damage. How high can a garden fence be? The height of the fence is measured from your ground level, this can have an impact when, due to slopes in the ground, your garden may be at a higher level than your neighbours'. A garden fence can be as high as 100m but you need to get planning permission if it's over than 2m. However, there are some complications to this. If you are thinking about front You would need to get planning permission for putting a trellis on a fence of 2m. But, if any plant that you grow on that trellis exceeds 2m, you do not need to obtain a permit for the Meanwhile a fourth said: "Great product, does the job." "Looks good and easy to fit,' claimed a fifth. Someone else added: 'Works well to cover areas you do not want to see or for privacy." Fabulous will pay for your exclusive stories. Just email: fabulousdigital@ and pop EXCLUSIVE in the subject line .
The Irish Sun
04-06-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Huge €2k lump sum boost for thousands of Irish TOMORROW after €150 increase – here's 3 eligible groups & rule exception
THOUSANDS of Irish people will receive a €2,000 social welfare payment boost straight into their accounts tomorrow. The lump sum, which The The payment, previously called the Respite Care Grant, can be used in whatever way a person likes - meaning they don't have to use it for a temporary respite break. The grant is paid out automatically to carers getting This year, the payment will land into accounts on June 5. READ MORE IN MONEY There are You can qualify for the payment if you are aged over 16, ordinarily resident in Ireland and caring for the person a full-time basis for at least six months - including the first Thursday in June. You must also be living with the person being cared for, or meet certain criteria. In a situation like this, where the carer and person being cared for live separately, an investigation is conducted by a MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN During the six-month caring period, a person cannot work or take part in an education course for more than 18.5 hours weekly, get Jobseeker's Allowance or Benefit, sign on for credited contributions or live in a hospital, convalescent home or similar institution. New online application system opens for €360 or €180 Domiciliary Care Allowance applications The carer also must be providing full-time care and attention and carer's personal circumstances must be suitable to allow them to provide full time care and attention. ARE APPLICATIONS STILL OPEN? The Carer's Support Grant is not a means-tested payment and only one can be paid for each person getting care. If you are getting Carer's Allowance, Carer's Benefit or Domiciliary Care Allowance, you do not need to apply for the money. Instead, you will automatically get it in June. However, those not getting one of the above payments should fill in the Carer's Support Grant application form (CSG1) for each person they are caring for. Applications for the Carer's Support Grant are open from April until 31 December of the following year - meaning those eligible who haven't applied won't miss out on the cash payment. And those who were eligible for the payment last summer but didn't receive it can still apply. For example, you can apply for the Carer's Support Grant for 2024 at any time from April 2024 up until 31 December 2025. And you can apply for the Carer's Support Grant in 2025 at any time from April 2025 up until 31 December 2026. €250 & €500 INCREASE COST MINISTER for Social Protection Dara Calleary last week confirmed that increasing the grant would set the government back millions more each year. When asked by Sinn Fein Deputy Louise O'Reilly what the full-year cost of increasing the grant to €2,250 and €2,500 would be, Calleary said it could amount to as much as €76.8m. He explained: "The current Carer's Support Grant rate is €2,000 per year, following an increase of €150 announced in Budget 2025, payable in June 2025. "The estimated annual cost of increasing the Carer's Support Grant to €2,250 per year is €38.4 million. "The estimated annual cost of increasing the Carer's Support Grant to €2,500 per year is €76.8 million. "These costings are based on the estimated average number of recipients in 2025, and are subject to change in light of emerging trends and subsequent revision of the estimated number of recipients." 'IMPROVEMENTS' FOR CARERS Calleary also last week told how there have been "significant improvements" made in the supports available to carers recently. Responding to Independent TD Barry Heneghan, Calleary said the government is "fully committed" to supporting carers. He added: "The main income supports for carers provided by my department include Carer's Allowance, Carer's Benefit, Domiciliary Care Allowance, and the Carer's Support Grant. "Spending on these payments in 2025 is expected to exceed €1.9 billion." Carer's Allowance is the main income support scheme for carers in the community, with 101,426 recipients at the end of April. And Calleary said the Programme for Government commits to "significantly increasing" the income disregards for Carer's Allowance in each Budget, with a view of He added: "There have been a number of significant improvements made in the last number of years to the means test for Carer's Allowance. "From 3 July, the weekly income disregards will increase further. "For single carers this will increase from €450 to €625. For carers with a spouse or partner, this will increase from €900 to €1,250. "This will make the scheme more accessible to people who previously did not qualify. "As a result, a carer in a two-adult household with an income of approximately €69,000 will retain the maximum payment. The same carer with an income of €97,000 will retain a partial payment." 1 The payment will land into thousands of accounts tomorrow Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
02-06-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
B&M shoppers can get a £20 dupe of The White Company's ‘iconic' £110 table lamp
B&M shoppers are snapping up a dupe of The White Company's iconic table lamp - priced nearly £100 less. The lamp features a sleek white concrete base with a large matching shade and sells for just £20 at the popular British discount retailer. Advertisement 4 B&M is selling a dupe of The White Company's iconic table lamp Credit: Getty 4 The White Company's Clayton Table Lamp currently costs £110 Credit: bmstores 4 The B&M dupe sells for £20 Credit: bmstores The White Company's The upmarket home brand advertises the lamp as a versatile piece made from natural linen, ideal for bedside tables, consoles and sideboards. B&M claims to offer a knockoff of the sought-after lamp. The discount chain shared a Advertisement Read more B&M news The post drew comments from shoppers tempted by the bargains displayed in the video. One user wrote: "I've got to stop looking at these posts, too much temptation." Meanwhile, B&M shoppers can buy B&M is selling the Advertisement Most read in Fabulous North Face's Offering a similar capacity, the more expensive model is described as water-resistant, breathable and lightweight. B&M launches their children's outdoor range which is perfect for summer - there's a £2 bargain that'll easily keep the kids entertained B&M shoppers have also recently spotted a chair originally priced at £100 now selling for just £30. The Louise chair, available in cream and green, measures 58cm wide, 72cm high and 68cm deep, and supports up to around 100kg. Advertisement Meanwhile, a The The lamp is 21cm tall and has a rechargeable battery, making it an affordable way to light up an outdoor space on summer nights. It emits a soft, warm white LED light. Advertisement 4 B&M offers a range of budget-friendly products Credit: bmstores
