Latest news with #Woodies
Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Tots to Teens: Bugs and beasties for nature lovers
Get in touch with nature by taking part in the Wild Garden Adventures series at the National Botanic Gardens. These interactive events start tomorrow, July 23, and continue weekly until August 27. First up is a 'Biodiversity — Bugs & Beasties', which will introduce children to the bugs and creatures found in various habitats in the gardens. Next is the 'Budding Botanist', which will involve an expedition through the gardens and learning how to identify and collect various plant specimens. They will then press these plants in a flower press that they construct themselves. The third event is 'Pond Dipping', which will teach children about the weird and wonderful diversity of insects that live in and around the ponds in the gardens. The fourth event is the 'Bird Safari', during which the bird author Glynn Anderson will bring children on a guided walk through the gardens, pointing out all the different birds he spots along the way. There's another 'Biodiversity — Bugs & Beasties' event on August 20 and a 'Budding Botanist' one on August 27. All of these tours are suitable for children aged eight and up. Tickets, €5, can be booked online via Woodies fundraiser Woodies' Heroes. Woodie's has announced the return of Woodie's Heroes, its annual fundraiser in aid of Irish children's charities. The DIY, home and garden store has held this fundraiser since 2015 and has raised over €4.1m in that time. This year, the Woodie's Heroes campaign will run from now until August 9, and every cent raised will be donated to Childline by ISPCC, Down Syndrome Ireland, Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland, and the Cancer Fund for Children. Supporting the campaign is easy. All you have to do is donate at the till in any Woodie's store or contribute online at Adventuring in Ireland My Irish Adventure My Irish Adventure is a great book to pack in the suitcase if you're planning on taking a trip anywhere in Ireland this summer. It was written by five-year-old Eoghan Corrigan and his mum Carol, and reading it will encourage children to discover more of what this country has to offer. The book follows Eoghan as he journeys across Ireland. Each page is devoted to a different county and features colourful illustrations as well as Eoghan's favourite facts about that particular part of the country. On the page devoted to Cork, for example, he mentions the Blarney Stone, Cobh and its association with the Titanic and how Spike Island was once the world's biggest depot for convicts. My Irish Adventure is widely available and costs from €10. Summer schooling Top of the Class The Irish summer can be hit or miss weather-wise. One minute, the kids are happy playing outdoors in the sunshine. The next torrential rain can force them back indoors, where they are likely to complain of having nothing to do. The 'Top of the Class' board game is a great thing to have on hand when such complaints arise. It's an Irish general knowledge and trivia game suitable for all ages from six and up. To win, participants must answer questions based on English, maths, history, science, geography and general knowledge they will have learned at school. They must also avoid hazards, handle the principal's instructions, and pass their summer tests. This board game can be purchased from for €34.95. M&S back-to-school It's never too early to plan for the children's return to school, especially if there are special offers available. Marks & Spencer has announced that it is keeping its prices locked at 2021 levels for another year and is currently offering 20% off its back-to-school range. Parents can now avail of deals like two cotton unisex polo shirts for €6. Offer lasts for a limited time only. Read More What is myopia and can it be caused by children spending too much time on screens?
The Sun
13-07-2025
- Climate
- The Sun
Revellers don fancy dress for booze-fuelled Otley Run as Brits to bask in 30C temps TODAY – but it won't last for long
REVELLERS have donned fancy dress for the Otley Run as the UK is set to bask in 30C temperatures. Cowgirls, union jack dresses and even cardboard ketchup bottles were spotted as boozy revellers took to the streets for a pub crawl with pals. 7 7 7 Some only donned a movie t-shirt for their costume, while multiple "devils" were also spotted as many had leftover horns from Halloween. The two-and-a-half-mile rite of passage happens multiple times a year. The historic Otley Run starts at Woodies pub in Far Headingley and finishes at The Dry Dock at the edge of the city centre. The aim of the game is to have a drink in each of the 17 pubs along the way. Participants begin at Woodies before swilling snifters at 15 other watering holes during the challenge, which takes place several times a year. Drinkers sup a final brew at the aptly named Dry Dock - a narrow boat-turned-pub. It comes after Brits spent yesterday basking in temperatures as high as 33C as thousands flocked outside to enjoy the glorious sunshine. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all saw their hottest day of the year so far with sunseekers in England soaking up the scorching heat well into the evening. wimmers and sunbathers spent the day in Bournemouth and Brighton as they enjoyed an ice cream and a dip in the cooling water. Along the coast, many celebrated Bourne Free pride parade amid the soaring temperatures. And many watching Wimbledon were grateful for Iga Swiatek's flawless clean sweep victory in the women's singles final. Under the sweltering conditions, the Pole remained focused and brushed aside Amanda Anismova in straight sets - letting the SW19 revellers get off early. What counts as a heatwave? DESPITE many Brits spending the past few days basking in the sunshine we are not officially in a heatwave. A heatwave in the UK only comes around when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days of temperatures meeting or exceeding the temperature thresholds for a heatwave. Across the north and west of the UK this is set at 25C. In Greater London and the Home Counties, this rises to a whopping 28C. Spectators were advised to slap on the sunscreen and stay hydrated as "classic summer conditions" were forecasted for the tennis final. This is the third period of high heat the UK has experienced this year, leaving many Brits chuffed with the continued warm weather. The previous two were officially noted down as heatwaves with this one yet to officially meet the threshold despite it coming close. Large swathes of the UK have met the heatwave criteria, according to the Met Office. Temperatures hit 30.8C in Aboyne and Aviemore in Scotland, while in Wales, a high of 32.4C was recorded at Usk in Monmouthshire. The Met Office had announced much of Britain should look forward to a "fine and hot day". Temperatures are set to remain warm throughout Sunday. Amber and yellow heat health alerts are still in place for the Midlands and southern and eastern England until 9am on Monday when the weather is expected to last until. Today, for the Men's Wimbledon final, where Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz will face Jannick Sinner, the mercury will dip slightly. This may come as a relief to many revellers, and players alike, with slightly more cloud cover later in the day. But it will still be a hot day for those down south, with some areas predicted to reach 29C in the afternoon. The heat alerts, issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Met Office, mean older and vulnerable people are at greater risk due to the temperature. This is because in the heat people are more likely to suffer dehydration, heat exhaustion, and potentially deadly heatstroke. Hot weather can also worsen asthma symptoms for some people, including increased breathing difficulties, wheezing, and coughing. It warns of a possible rise in deaths among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions. Younger age groups could also be affected. There is also a higher risk for vulnerable individuals living alone or in care homes due to overheating indoors 7 7 7
The Irish Sun
09-07-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Woodie's launches ‘big' garden furniture sale with prices slashed by up to 50% off just in time for Irish 28C heatwave
IF you're looking to spruce up your garden this summer, you may be in luck as a major store has launched a huge sale just in time for the heatwave. Woodie's Ireland has slashed the prices of a range of garden furniture so you can make the most of the weather. Advertisement 7 The Cali Rattan Lounge Set is down to €699.99 Credit: Woodies 7 The Steel Polywood Bench is just €99.99 Credit: Woodies 7 The Steel Garden Gazebo Grey is €174.99 Credit: Woodies Prices have been discounted by up to 50 per cent, meaning you can furnish your garden without breaking the You can pick up a range of different furniture sets for less, including the Seville 6 Seater Garden Set. This is reduced from €299.99 to just €199, meaning The set is made from durable steel, with a rectangular table that has a tempered glass top along with six UV-resistant stacking texteline chairs. Advertisement READ MORE IN MONEY Or, pick up the Palma 4 Seater Patio Set, which originally cost €349.99. Shoppers can The set is made from durable steel and includes a sleek round table with a glass top and four UV-resistant folding texteline chairs. Shoppers can also pick up the Rattan Trinity 4 Seater Recliner Dining Set for €799. Advertisement Most read in Money Exclusive This is a saving of €200 - as it originally cost €999.99. The pieces are made from aluminium frames and premium-quality rattan. LOUNGE SETS The table is finished with a glass top and there are four chairs with soft cushions that recline. The set is complete with a parasol to ensure you're shaded from the sun. Advertisement Or, you can get the same set with six pieces for €1,299.99. Woodies has also slashed the price of the Riviera 4 Seater Lounge Set to €159.99. It originally cost €199.99 - which means shoppers can save €40. It includes two two-seater sofas, two armchairs and a coffee table, all made from resin. Advertisement Shoppers can get the Cali Rattan Lounge Set which is down to €699.99. This is a saving of €300, as it's down from €999.99. HUGE SAVINGS The set is made from premium quality rattan and includes a polywood dining table, two ottomans, two armchairs and one sofa that fits three people - all of which is height adjustable. The Barcelona 6 Seater Garden Patio Set is reduced to €399, down from €499.99. Advertisement Shoppers can save €100.99 on this set, which includes a round glass top table with a lazy susan and 6 reclining chairs that fold for easy storage and can fit six people. Or pick up the Steel Polywood Bench for just €99.99 to make your garden look a bit more exciting. This is reduced by €50, as it originally cost €149.99. The bench is made from a steel frame, paired with a polywood seat and can fit up to three people. Advertisement GAZEBO OPTIONS Woodie's are also selling a range of different gazebo options to keep you covered during your parties. Shoppers can get the steel gazebo, which reaches 3.6m for €174.99. The gazebo is reduced by €175, and originally cost €349.99. It comes with a sturdy, powder-coated steel frame with a PA-coated polyester roof and coordinating side walls. Advertisement Or, pick up the Steel Garden Gazebo Grey for €174.99 which measures 3m x 3m. This is reduced from €349.99, meaning shoppers can save €175. The gazebo has a powder-coated steel tube creating a sturdy structure and is complete with a small roof as an air vent. Or, get the Steel Party Tent that measures 3m x 6m for €149.99. Advertisement This tent is reduced from €249.99, which is a saving of €100. BBQ Essentials The rainproof tent is made from thick PE, and features a weather resistant canopy and side walls with plastic windows. If you're hosting a The Steel BBQ Gazebo is selling for €99.99. Advertisement Shoppers can save €80, as it originally cost €179.99. It features two shelves for resting utensils or food while cooking and a bottle opener attached to the frame. It is made from a durable iron frame, and features a double layer canopy cover. 7 The Steel Party Tent is €149.99 Credit: Woodies Advertisement 7 The Steel BBQ Gazebo is selling for €99.99 Credit: Woodies 7 The Barcelona 6 Seater Garden Patio Set is reduced to €399, down from €499.99 Credit: Woodies 7 The Rattan Trinity 4 Seater Recliner Dining Set is €799 Credit: Woodies
The Irish Sun
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Wimbledon star, 31, cleaned boats and delivered flyers because he didn't want to step foot on a tennis court
AUSTRALIA has always had a love affair with Wimbledon. The likes of Rod Laver, Margaret Court, Roy Emerson, John Newcombe and Evonne Goolagong all reigned at the All England Club. 8 Chris O'Connell's tennis career has not been as exciting as some of his Australian compatriots Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 8 Pat Cash lifted the Wimbledon title in 1987 Credit: PA 8 The Sydney star loves surfing, art and sushi Credit: Pat Cash won the hearts of the British public with his win in 1987 while Lleyton Hewitt was the champion in 2002. Add in the Woodies - Mark Woodforde and Todd Woodbridge - teamed up to claim six doubles crowns together. Then in recent times READ MORE ON TENNIS So it is easy to see why Chris O'Connell slips under the radar among Australian tennis names. After all, the 31-year-old has reached a career-high ranking of No53, pocketing £2.5million in prize money and never been beyond round three in a major. He reached that stage at the 2022 Australian Open, 2023 Wimbledon and 2024 US Open. But while his tennis story is really rather ordinary, his life away from the court is anything but - with stint cleaning boats and handing out junk mail. Most read in Sport CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Sydney's O'Connell was raised in the Northern Beaches area of the Emerald City. It means as well as being one of the world's best tennis players, he is also a highly accomplished surfer. Former Wimbledon champion resurfaces in viral ad with Rafael Nadal three years after bombshell retirement Interestingly, though, he supports FA Cup winners And he has certainly had to get creative during his working life with pro tennis far from his only career. Australian No4 O'Connell suffered a back stress fracture in 2012 which sidelined him for 18 months then contracted pneumonia in 2017. But it was knee tendinitis in 2018 that saw him fall out of love with tennis - and he didn't even want to step foot on the court. So rather than go into coaching, O'Connell took up his brother Ben's invitation to clean boats. The Aussie said in 2020: "At that stage, I was thinking that I'm having too many injuries and wanted to get away from tennis. 'I was thinking to coach kids and maybe do clinics, but I didn't want to step on a tennis court anymore. 'I decided to do something completely weird. 'I lived on a little bay in Sydney and my brother Ben was there too. He invited me to come clean boats with him. I think back on times like that when I was working back home, to see where I am now... I can't really believe it Chris O'Connell 'I was thinking, 'Sweet, I don't have to teach anyone to hit a forehand and I can just clean boats and relax.' 'That's what I did for the morning and afternoon and I'd ride my bike down to the bay. I did that from February to June. 'It was terrible money and everyone thought I was crazy because I could get more money coaching. 'It was incredibly frustrating, because I was 23 at the time and life was going so quickly. I felt like I hadn't gotten anything from the game yet and hadn't reached my potential. 'But I always had in the back of my mind that I was going to get back out there once I was healthy and ready. When I decided to come back in 2019, I had a breakthrough year. 'I do think back on times like that when I was working back home, and to see where I am now, I can believe it, but I can't really believe it. I hope to stay here for a lot longer still.' Then in 2023, during his run to the third round at the All England Club, O'Connell revealed boat cleaning was not his only unusual hustle - and he did end up doing a stint teaching others. The self-confessed late bloomer said two years ago: 'This time last year, getting to the top 100 was a huge goal of mine. 'So to be sitting here a year later, looking at top 50, that's awesome. 'All the odd jobs I've worked at. 'Boat cleaning, working in clothes shop, tennis coaching, delivering flyers… I think back on those, and I'm like, 'Wow, now I'm here.'' 8 O'Connell stepped away from tennis due to injury and cleaned boats Credit: PA 8 His best result at Wimbledon was round three in 2023 Credit: Getty 8 The Aussie supports Crystal Palace Credit: X 8 Nick Kyrgios reached the final in 2022 Credit: The Times 8 Ash Barty is the last singles champion from Down Under - and did so in an Evonne Goolagong Cawley-inspired dress Credit: Getty
Daily Mirror
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Iconic band set to hit Glastonbury in surprise set dropped major hint weeks ago
Haim are set to perform a secret set at Glastonbury Festival later today, the Mirror can reveal - but the band dropped hints to fans weeks ago Haim are set to perform a secret set at Glastonbury Festival later today - but actually revealed the news fans weeks ago. The American rock band, made up of sisters Este, Danielle and Alana Haim, last performed at Glastonbury in 2022 on the Pyramid Stage. But the girls will be performing on The Park stage this evening at 7.30pm, under the TBA slot – their favourite stage. Speaking to BBC Radio presenter Jo Whiley two weeks ago, Haim teased their fans about the not so secret slot. "We love The Park Stage," Alana said. "The Park Stage is our favourite, 'cause that was like the first time we came to Glastonbury, we got to play The Park Stage. It felt like a movie." She went on to add: "It was like, 'What is going on? How did we get here?' And also just like… you never forget the first time you step onto the farm. And it's the most insane feeling, I think, that you'll ever have. But it was incredible, it's the best festival in the world." Royal songstress Lorde graced the Woodsies stage on Friday morning, with a secret set being played to a crowd which was so packed festival bosses had to close off the area. A source told the Mirror: "It's sweltering inside the tent given the amount of people crammed inside. Bosses are urging people to stand up off the floor to make room. Some people are leaving as it's so intense." However, as the crowd spilled outside the tent, the source added: "Bosses have now shut down Woodsies as crowds are so big with a festival-wide message saying: 'Woodies is now full'." Lewis Capaldi also made a surprise appearance at Glastonbury on Friday - two years after he last performed at the festival. Back then the 28-year-old struggled to finish his set. His voice faltered as he told the crowd: "Glastonbury, I'm really sorry. I'm a bit annoyed with myself." The crowd soon took over the vocals of his hit Someone You Loved. Announcing he was taking a break from music to focus on his health, Lewis - who suffers from Tourette's and anxiety - told fans: "I feel like I'll be taking another wee break over the next couple of weeks. So you probably won't see much of me for the rest of the year, maybe even. But when I do come back and when I do see you, I hope you're still up for watching us." In an emotional comeback performance, Lewis cried as he began to sing his new song Survive, which he released yesterday. He said his one goal was to get back on stage at Glastonbury as he paid tribute to the fans. Other big acts who are rumoured to be performing at Glastonbury are 90s rock band Pulp, who have just completed the UK leg of their latest tour. Frontman Jarvis Cocker has already performed a sneaky DJ set from inside a tree in the Greenpeace Field. But there are rumours the whole band could make an appearance as the mystery act billed only as Patchwork, who are due to hit the stage Saturday at 6:15pm. A source shared an exclusive photograph of the boxes – one of which is labelled with the band name Pulp. The source told us: "I spotted the sound engineer box with Pulp's name on as they were setting up during the Kaiser Chiefs set." Robbie Williams has also been dropping hints he could play three decades after he first crashed the festival as a newly-solo star. At first, fans got excited when he changed his Facebook photo to a 1995 backstage snap, but with tour dates abroad, people assumed it was off the cards. Though he has since posted two photos on X captioned simply '30 years later…' One showed a plaque reading: 'Robbie Williams entered this area without accreditation, authorisation, or alignment with prevailing taste. His presence was uninvited, unofficial and ultimately inevitable.' The second was the iconic 'Welcome to Glastonbury' sign. Good Luck, Babe! singer Chappell Roan also sparked a frenzy of speculation she could be performing a secret set. Posting a snap clutching a patchwork quilt with the caption 'insane vibe" fans wondered if she was teasing she was the Patchwork act. Fans only have a few hours to wait until all is revealed - and if you weren't lucky enough to get a ticket to this year's Glastonbury Festival you can still tune into all the coverage on BBC iPlayer.
