free webpage hit counter

admin

DepEd: Recovery efforts mobilized for San Francisco High School

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday assured the public that the government has already begun recovery efforts for San Francisco High School (SFHS) in Quezon City, following a fire that destroyed one of its main buildings. The DepEd made the pronouncement after President Marcos himself visited the school to inspect Dao

Read More »

The £4.50 B&M flower that makes your garden smell gorgeous – it comes back bigger & more beautiful every year

IF you want to make your garden look and smell gorgeous, you’ve come to the right place.

And don’t worry if your purse is feeling emptier than ever before, as thanks to this stunning flower, you won’t have to break the bank.

B&M Bargains retail shop exterior with merchandise displayed outside.
Getty
IF you want to give your garden a glow up, you’ll need to check this B&M buy out[/caption]
Pink lily in a purple pot.
Facebook/ExtremeCouponingAndBargainsUK
This £4.50 flower will not only make your outside space smell fresh, but it’ll come back bigger every year too[/caption]
Pink lily in a lavender pot.
Emma Williams took to social media to share her love of the Red Oriental Lily plant
Facebook/ExtremeCouponingAndBargainsUK
£4.50 red Oriental Lily in a purple pot.
You can buy it for less than a fiver from B&M
Facebook/ExtremeCouponingAndBargainsUK

But that’s not all, as not only is it affordable, but it’ll grow back bigger and more beautiful every year – yes, you heard that correctly. 

It comes after one shopper took to social media to share her rave review of her favourite B&M buy, leaving many totally stunned. 

Posting on Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK, a private Facebook group with 2.6 million members, Emma Williams uploaded snaps of her Red Oriental Lily plant – and we and many others think it looks beautiful. 

Alongside pictures of her bargain buy, which was less than a fiver, Emma wrote: “Lilies from B&M. They also had white.”

Thrilled with her high-street plant which cost her just £4.50, Emma then added: “I get one every year and they also come back every year.”

Thanks to these iconic Lily plants, which are known for their vibrant blooms and strong fragrance, your garden is sure to glow this summer.

The perennials are a striking addition to any garden and are said to be relatively low-maintenance, often returning year after year. 

Such plants thrive in sunny to partially shaded locations, with well-drained soil.

Gardening enthusiasts should note that Lily bulbs are recommended to be planted about 12 cm deep and 20 cm apart. 

And in order to keep your Lily plants looking good, deadheading faded blooms and ensuring proper watering is recommended. 

Emma’s post has clearly impressed many, as it has quickly amassed 221 likes and 50 comments in just 21 hours. 

Not only were many stunned by the “pretty” plants, but others were desperate to bag themselves some.

How pretty

Facebook user

One person said: “Beautiful.” 

Another added: “I’ve had mine for 4/5 years now. They always come back beautifully every year.”

8 must-have plants to brighten up your garden

Nick Hamilton owner of Barnsdale Gardens has shared his favourite plants and flowers you should consider adding to your garden, borders and pots.

Tricyrtis

A spectacular plant that gives a real exotic feel to any garden with its orchid-like, spotted flowers giving the impression that this plant should be tender but it is “as tough as old boots!”.

Penstemon

I love this plants genus of because most will flower all summer and autumn. They’ll grow in sun or semi-shade in a well drained soil and produce a non-stop display of tubular flowers in an array of colours and colour combination to suit all tastes.

Luzula sylvatica ‘Marginata’

With the evergreen leaves edged with yellow it’s great asset is that it
will grow in sun or shade in any type of soil and is great as groundcover in the hardest spot to fill – dry shade.

Eryngium x zabelii ‘Big Blue’

A stunning, nectar-rich plant that will feed the beneficial insects in your
garden. Leave the flowerheads once they have turned brown because they look stunning with winter frost and snow, extending the plant’s interest period.

Sarcococca hookeriana ‘Winter Gem’

If you need winter scent then look no further than this compact, evergreen shrub. The scent is stunning and the evergreen leaves create an excellent backdrop for the summer flowers.

Cornus sanguinea ‘Anny’s Winter Orange’

A dwarf version of ‘Midwinter Fire’ the very colourful stems create a stunning winter display, particularly on sunny days.

Rosa ‘Noisette Carnee’

A very well-behaved climbing rose that is perfect for training over an arch, pergola or gazebo. The small, “noisette” flowers are blush-pink and produce the most amazing clove scent constantly from June to November.

Sanguisorba hakusanensis ‘Lilac Squirrel’

I’ve never seen a squirrel with a drooping, shaggy lilac tail, but this variety will give your garden an unusual and different look throughout summer. It does need a moisture retentive soil but will grow in sun or semi-shade.

A third commented: “I need some!” 

Meanwhile, someone else beamed: “They’ll grow back every year.” 

At the same time, another gardening enthusiast wrote: “How pretty.” 

While another user thought the lilies looked “gorgeous”, she also shared a stern warning for cat owners, as she advised: “Don’t forget to cut the stamen out so you don’t poison your kitties.” 

Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club

Read More »

Gavin and Stacey star Ruth Jones reveals 26-year marriage to producer husband is over – and he’s already moved on

GAVIN and Stacey star Ruth Jones has revealed she’s split from her husband of 26 years.

The actress and writer legally separated from producer David Peet 18 months ago.

Ruth Jones and her husband David Peet at a George Michael performance.
Ruth Jones with her now estranged husband David Peet
Rex

He is now living in Canada where he has moved on with someone new.

In a statement, the couple said: “We amicably went our separate ways 18 months ago and are now legally separated. We remain good friends.

“Since our separation, Ruth is living in London and David is living in Canada, where he is in a new relationship.”

Ruth was a step-mum to David’s three children from a previous marriage.

They met while filming a BBC pilot comedy in the 1990s. David was married at the time.

Ruth later said: “Affairs cause a lot of pain; they’re not something one aspires to do.

“You don’t aspire to cause pain to people in their life.”

Read More »

Seb Quirk says one Zoom call sealed Sligo Rovers move as ex-Everton man set for League of Ireland switch

SEB QUIRK revealed it took one Zoom call for him to fly to Ireland and sign for Sligo Rovers. 

Midfielder Quirk, 23, will officially join the Bit O’Red on July 1 from Accrington Stanley having signed a pre-contract agreement. 

Versatile midfielder Seb Quirk has signed a pre-contract agreement with Sligo Rovers and will officially join the club on July 1st subject to international clearance, the club can confirm., , The 23-year-old will join Rovers on an 18 month contract., , Quirk is primarily a central midfielder but can operate as a full-back on either side., , The Liverpool native joins Rovers after two and a half seasons with Accrington Stanley where he played over 40 league games., , Quirk came up through Everton’s academy where he first signed at the age of 11., , He joined Accrington Stanley in January 2023, and departed the club this summer when his contract expired., , As an Everton fan, Quirk has always kept a close eye on the Bit O’Red particularly in recent years when he played alongside former Rovers man Seamus Conneely at Accrington Stanley. -Social Media collect
Versatile midfielder Seb Quirk has signed a pre-contract agreement with Sligo Rovers and will officially join the club on July 1st subject to international clearance
SLIGO ROVERS

A former Everton trainee, he has been at Stanley for the past two years and made 40 appearances for the League Two club. 

He said: “I jumped on a Zoom call with John Russell a few weeks ago, spoke to him and I liked what he had to say so it seemed like a good place for me to come.

“It’s been really good, I’m really enjoying it. I’m in a house with two of the lads, they’re really sound. 

“I’ve always known about Sligo Rovers and always kept an eye on them a little bit. 

“I’m a big Everton fan, one of my favourite players growing up was Séamus Coleman so I’ve always kept an eye on Sligo Rovers. 

“The last couple of years my captain at Accrington was Séamus Conneely and he’d speak about the club so I did keep an eye.”

Read More »

€2 buy changed Dolores McNamara’s life but dark side forced Ireland’s most famous Lotto winner to hire security

MUM-of-six Dolores McNamara was on a night out with friends back on July 30 2005 when she realised her life had changed forever.

The Limerick native had just become Ireland’s first EuroMillions winner, nabbing a €115million prize.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Shutterstock (538037c)..Dolores McNamara celebrating her win in the Euromillions lottery in her local pub...DOLORES MCNAMARA CELEBRATING HER EUROMILLIONS WIN IN HER LOCAL PUB, THE TRACK BAR, LIMERICK, IRELAND - 29 JUL 2005
Dolores McNamara celebrating her win after realising she had the winning ticket while in the pub back in 2005
Shutterstock
20/02/2019 Jackie McGrane from Reillys Daybreak store in The Naul North County Dublin who sold the winning 175 million Euromillions ticket. Photo Garrett White
A syndicate from the Naul broke records to become Ireland’s biggest winners in 2019
Garrett White
IRISH SUN / Euro Millions Lotto winner Dolores McNamara in Lotto HQ collecting her cheque today. Pictured with National Lottery Director Ray Bates.4.8.05. Pic Neil Fraser.
 115,436,126.
Dolores McNamara in Lotto HQ collecting her cheque
News Group Newspapers Ltd

And Ireland’s newest millionaire has catapulted themselves straight to the top of our exclusive Lotto hall of fame with our biggest ever prize.

The country is rife with speculation over who’s bagged themselves a cool €250million, with Lotto bosses confirming the golden ticket was sold in Munster.

The punter joins a long line of mega Irish prizewinners, with mega Irish EuroMillions wins recorded in 2005 and 2019.

Dolores McNamara became the most famous of those Irish winners when she collected a cheque for an eye-watering €115,436,126 from National Lottery headquarters on August 4, 2005.

Just days earlier, she’d been out with pals at the Track Bar in Garryowen, five minutes outside Limerick city.

The part-time cleaner, along with her bricklayer husband Adrian, had raised six children in a modest semi-detached home on the Patrick’s Road in Limerick.

Dolores and her friends copped the EuroMillions draw was playing out on the TV in the bar, and after the numbers were pulled, Dolores asked a pal to check her ticket.

Her €2 QuickPick buy had just netted her €115million.

Dolores burst into tears, realising she had just become a multi-millionaire and landed what was at the time the largest-winning Lotto sum in Europe.

A friend of Dolores’ pulled out a camera during the whirlwind celebrations and snapped some famous snaps of her just as she became a millionaire.

Bar staff working in the pub that night detailed exactly how the celebrations got underway.

One said: “The drink started flowing and the champagne was poured and we had a great night celebrating.

“Dolores is a real nice woman and none of her friends believe this will change her drastically.”

IRISH SUN / Euro Millions Lotto winner Dolores McNamara in Lotto HQ collecting her cheque today. She is pictured with Mary Rochfort. Pic for story by Lynn Jolly.4.8.05. Pic Neil Fraser.
Dolores caused a frenzy when she arrived at Lotto headquarters to collect her winnings
News Group Newspapers Ltd
IRISH SUN / Euro Millions Lotto winner Dolores McNamara arriving at the Red Cow Hotel on the Naas road in Dublin tonight. 3.8.05. Pic Neil Fraser.
The delighted winner picking up her record breaking sum
News Group Newspapers Ltd

Dolores caused a frenzy when she arrived at the Lotto headquarters to collect her winnings just before the August bank holiday that year.

Like a celebrity, the Limerick mother made her way through a sea of reporters and photographers to get inside the building to start her new life.

Dressed in a classy white ensemble and wearing the same heart-shaped necklace she wore on the night she won, Dolores made her way to the door with a smile on her face.

She didn’t address the crowds dying to get a look at Ireland’s big winner and instead her lawyer shared a message.

The lawyer said: “She is absolutely determined that her feet and the feet of her family, will remain firmly on the ground.”

FIRST BIG PURCHASE

Six months after the monumental win, Dolores purchased a mansion in the Limerick countryside.

The €1.7million buy sat on 38 acres outside the scenic waterfront village of Killaloe, just mere miles from her own home.

After buying the property, Dolores bought additional houses nearby for her six children.

Later in 2012, the family bought Tinarana House for over €3million and her son recently obtained planning permission for this site.

Dolores’ husband Adrian invested in racehorse Carraig na gCapall before he passed away in 2021.

ONLY PUBLIC INTERVIEW

Despite making headlines across the country in 2005, Dolores has kept a low profile out of the public eye.

She has only spoken publicly about her win once – to local newspaper The Limerick Leader.

She told them: “The question that has been asked of me most frequently was how I felt about my win and my answer is still the same. I feel disbelief and shock.

“Buying a ticket for that Euro jackpot was a spur of the moment decision.

“I’d actually gone into the shop to buy a top-up for my phone and just asked the lady for a Lotto ticket.”

DARK SIDE OF THE WIN

Despite winning such an incredible amount the family, including Dolores’ children Dawn, Gary, Kim, Kevanne, Dean, and Lee, were subject to multiple security threats after winning such a large sum of money so publicly.

Dolores was also required to keep 24/7 security measures in place at her mansion.

ALL IRELAND'S EUROMILLIONS WINNERS

HERE's Ireland's big EuroMillions winners since the game started in 2005.

1. July 2005: Dolores McNamara from Limerick, was Ireland’s first and biggest EuroMillions winner scooping over €115 million.   

2. July 2008: A lucky player from Co. Tipperary won a €15 million jackpot with a ticket bought in Carrick-on-Suir in Co. Tipperary.   

3. June 2009: A family syndicate shared the jackpot with a British winner, taking homeover €29.4 million with a ticket they purchased in Dublin.   

4. June 2013: A winning ticket sold in Beaumount, Dublin, shared a EuroMillions jackpot worth over €187 million. A Dublin player earned half of the jackpot and picked up over €93 million.   

5. September 2013: A young man from the South East shared a jackpot of over €25 million with a player in Spain, taking home over €12.8 million.   

6. April 2014: A jackpot prize worth €15 million was claimed on a ticket sold in Castlebar, Co. Mayo.   

7. September 2014: An €86.7 million jackpot was won by a syndicate from Dublin. The ticket was sold in Centra, Ballybrack, Co. Dublin.   

8. January 2016: A syndicate of friends won over €66 million, splitting the jackpot of €132,376,632. The ticket was sold in Eason’s store, Fairgreen Shopping Centre, Carlow.   

9. July 2016: 22 colleagues from Dublin Bus won the €23.8 million. The ticket was sold in O’Hanlon’s Portarlington.   

10. January 2017: A Dublin work syndicate claimed the €88.5 million EuroMillions jackpot. The winning ticket was sold at the Applegreen Service Station on the M1 Northbound in Lusk, Co. Dublin.   

11. July 2017: A syndicate from the West of Ireland won a €29 million EuroMillions jackpot. The ticket was sold in Garryduff XL Store on Pound Road, Castlebar in Co. Mayo.   

12. December 2017: A small family syndicate from Dublin won €38.9 million on a ticket purchased in The Village Shop in Malahide Shopping Centre   

13. June 2018: 32 colleagues from Stakelums Hardware store in Thurles Co. Tipperary share a €17 million EuroMillions jackpot with a ticket they purchased at Eason’s Store in Thurles Shopping Centre in Co. Tipperary.   

14. February 2019: The Naul Family Syndicate won €175.4 million on a ticket sold in Reilly’s Daybreak in Naul, Co. Dublin.   

15. February 2020: A Co. Mayo family shared the €17 million jackpot with a ticket they purchased at Mulroy’s Londis Store in Castlebar.   

16. July 2020: An online player in Dublin won a €49.5 million jackpot which they won with a €2.50 normal play ticket.   

17. February 2022: Mid-West ticket holder scoops €30.9 million jackpot with Quick Pick ticket they purchased at Larkin’s Gala Service Station in Ballina, Co. Tipperary.  

A mysterious family syndicate from north Dublin claimed a whopping €175.4million in the EuroMillions draw on Tuesday February 19, 2019.

The Naul syndicate as they became known, made up of nine siblings, broke records to become Ireland’s biggest winners at the time.

The majority of the family remained anonymous after the record-breaking win, but Kathleen Sheridan told us: “We’re still in shock, we just can’t believe it.”

Kathleen’s daughter Emma added: “They’re going to share it between everyone…that’s what they’re like, a real tight-knit family.

“They meet in their house every Sunday and it’s only in the last few weeks they’ve started playing the EuroMillions, because two of their brothers died quite close together last year, so they do that every ­Sunday.”

Multimillionaire Kathleen and her sister Christine Rogers joined their jackpot-sharing siblings for a family lunch on the week of their win, celebrating their loot with a €12.50 carvery.

The EuroMillions winners first held an hour-long meeting at the Bracken Court Hotel in Balbriggan, north Co Dublin, as they discussed their financial bonanza.

The family went on to claim their prize privately, with syndicate spokesperson Gerry Brown saying the family were “thrilled” and now looking forward to getting on with their lives.

He said: “This is life-changing for all of the family and we are absolutely thrilled.

“We have spent the last week getting independent legal and financial advice, and our win is slowly sinking in.

“We are a very close family and this is a dream come true for us. We want this win to change our lives in a positive way.”

The ticket was sold in Reilly’s Daybreak in Naul and shop owner Les Reilly was “over the moon” at the time of the win, having landed a €25,000 bonus himself for selling the lucky slip.

He said: “I’m over the moon, it will put the place on the map. We will have a shindig.”

Photo of two women and a partially obscured man at a restaurant table.
Winner Kathleen Sheridan said the family would keep their feet on the ground
20/02/2019 Carly Reilly Flynn and Les Reilly, from Reillys Daybreak store in The Naul North County Dublin who sold the winning 175 million Euromillions ticket. Photo Garrett White
Les Reilly vowed to throw a party after selling the golden ticket
Garrett White
20/02/2019 Lotto rep Michael Hayes sprays the champagne as Carly Reilly Flynn, Les Reilly, Martina White, Anne Morgan, Louise Costello, Jackie McGrane who work at Reillys Daybreak store in The Naul North County Dublin who sold the winning 175 million Euromillions ticket. Photo Garrett White
The €175million ticket was sold in Reilly’s in the Naul
Garrett White

Read More »

‘I had so much fear before releasing this post’, says Ireland AM star as she reveals major career move

IRELAND AM star Brooke Scullion has revealed her major career move and admitted she was nervous to share the news with fans.

The Derry native, 26, first rose to fame on The Voice UK before going on to represent Ireland at Eurovision in 2022.

Three people posing for a photo.
Brooke has been announced as a support act for Ella Henderson
Brooke Scullion performing "That's Rich" at Eurovision.
The singer will perform in Derry this August
Andres Poveda LTD
Screenshot of an Instagram post announcing a singer's performance.
Brooke shared the ‘amazing’ news with fans

Brooke has now been announced as a support act for Ella Henderson at her upcoming gig in Derry this August.

The Eurovision star told how she’s “so proud” to be joining the Ghost hitmaker on stage in her hometown and can’t wait to showcase some of her new music.

She took to Instagram to share the incredible news and admitted it’s “genuinely a dream come true”.

In a heartfelt post, she wrote: “Hey everyone, it’s been a minute…

“First of all, Ella Henderson has been a massive inspiration and idol to me from the beginning of my career so it’s an absolute honour to be able to support her in my home city.”

The Derry singer also admitted that the announcement felt like a huge step for her.

She confessed: “Now, real talk. Had so much fear before releasing this post because it’s the first gig that I’ll have done in a while.”

Brooke also revealed that she’s been working hard behind the scenes, writing and recording new music.

She said: “I’ve been writing new music for the last three years and I finally have an album that I’m so proud of.”

Although she said the release journey “won’t be immediate”, Brooke explained that this gig “will be the first time anyone gets to hear this new music and new direction”.

Brooke then thanked her supporters, saying: “Thanks for all your love and support always it means the world. Brooke x.”

Fans and friends flocked to the comment section to congratulate her and share their excitement.

Maia Dunphy said: “This is AMAZING news! And so well deserved.”

Kerry Anne wrote: “OMG wow huge congratulations Brooke.”

Amy gushed: “Yesss Brooke! This is amazing.”

‘AMAZING’

Siobhan added: “Yes girl! You are amazing.”

Brooke was recently left cringing after she made a major blunder on live TV.

The Eurovision star was on air with Elaine Crowley and Martin King for some hilarious TV laughs.

And Brooke ended up making a grave error while presenting on the show.

The Derry native was told to “stand by for rehearsals” but then was quickly told there was “no time”.

However, she didn’t hear that they were actually live on TV and still thought she practicing her lines off air.

The 25-year-old made some mistakes while reading out the auto cue.

Read More »

We live in a UK seaside resort that Butlin’s abandoned before Hollywood moved in – it’s a real-life paradise

BARRY Island is the Welsh seaside resort we all know and love thanks to the hit series, Gavin and Stacey.

But it’s so much more than just a filming location to the locals whose exclusive homes, built on a headland at the resort made famous by the BBC show, offer panoramic sea views and spectacular sunrises.

Barry Island seafront, showing gardens, promenade, beach, and houses on a hill.
Alamy
Barry Island is one of the most recognisable spots in Wales[/caption]
Barry Island - Butlins Holiday Camp - The open air swimming pool, pictured just after it opened - 19th June 1966 


© WALES NEWS SERVICE
The seaside resort used to be home to an enormous Butlins resort
Wales News Service

On a clear day, residents living at Nell’s Point on Barry Island in south Wales have uninterrupted views reaching as far as Somerset.

Some have rear gardens joining a grassy clifftop with a private pathway down to the sandy beach below.

There are incredible views of the coastline, and some people have seen dolphins and porpoises from Nell’s Point.

Sightings are rare, but seals are regularly spotted in the area.

The smart, executive-style homes on the Nell’s Point estate are a world away from the rows of chalets that were put up at the same spot 60 years ago by William “Billy” Butlin when he bought the site and turned it into one of his famous Butlin’s Holiday Camps.

In those days, it was predominantly coal miners and their families trudging up and down the pathway as they revelled in their annual summer holiday leave from their jobs in the long since-closed South Wales collieries.

Now houses sit on the former Butlin’s site, with some that have been turned into holiday homes rented out by individuals.

Some locals still remember the resort’s heyday when thousands of excited holidaymakers made the journey to the island to stay in the more than 800 chalets at the attraction.

At its peak in 1934, 400,000 people visited during the August bank holiday weekend.

Like any other Butlin’s resort there was a plethora of activities to choose from, like paddling in the heated swimming pools.

Couple at ice cream shop.
Mark described Barry as ‘paradise’ to holiday-goers
Nigel Iskander
Black and white photo of a crowded dining hall at a Butlins holiday camp.
WalesOnline/Media Wales
Butlin’s used to be one of the busiest places on Barry Island[/caption]

Onsite, there was also funfair, cable car, miniature railway, restaurants, bars, and a fish and chip shop.

Mark Anthony, now 68, was a young boy when Butlin’s opened and shared his memories of those booming summer months every year.

Mark, who runs a cafe and gift shop on the nearby seafront with his wife, Lisa, 60, said: “Barry was bustling with people, many of them families who’d come down from the coal mining valleys for a well-earned summer holiday.”

Mark continued: “They loved coming here because there was so much to do, especially at Butlin’s. There were the famous Butlin’s Redcoats, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a ballroom, a boating lake, tennis courts and an amusement arcade. It was like paradise.

“People used to come down here and spend a few hours crammed on the beach like sardines.

“Those that couldn’t get a chalet at Butlin’s up there used to stay in one of the numerous local boarding houses and B&Bs. Hardly anyone went abroad in those days because there was so much to do here.

“It’s sad that nowadays so many people seem to want to spend their holidays overseas because, I guess, it’s so cheap to get there and the sunshine is almost guaranteed.

“Even so, Barry has a lot to offer still. There are lots of lovely places to go out for a drink or a nice meal and there’s the funfair and beautiful beaches which are just as good as anywhere in the world.

“And there are several beautiful bays that are safe to swim in. I absolutely love living here. Barry Island should still be at the top of everyone’s list of holiday destinations.”

For use in UK, Ireland or Benelux countries only BBC handout photo of the cast of Gavin And Stacey: The Finale, as the final episode gripped viewers as characters Smithy and Nessa finally got their happy ending, five years on from the Christmas proposal cliffhanger. Issue date: Wednesday December 25, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SHOWBIZ GavinAndStacey. Photo credit should read: Tom Jackson/BBC/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: Not for use more than 21 days after issue. You may use this picture without charge only for the purpose of publicising or reporting on current BBC programming, personnel or other BBC output or activity within 21 days of issue. Any use after that time MUST be cleared through BBC Picture Publicity. Please credit the image to the BBC and any named photographer or independent programme maker, as described in the caption.
Barry Island has become more popular again thanks to Gavin & Stacey
Tom Jackson/BBC

Popular beach-side cafes in Barry Island include Marco’s Cafe which of course is famous for its appearance on Gavin and Stacey – and there’s even a mural on the side dedicated to the TV show.

On the front is also Bay 5 Coffee House which serves savoury snacks and sweet treats and ‘pancake stacks’ according to a Tripadvisor review.

As for the top restaurants, the most highly-rated on Tripadvisor is Paletta Pizzeria which lots of customers say to book early as it gets very busy.

It was also Barry’s first wood-fired Pizzeria, serving up tasty pizzas, pasta dishes and gnocchi.

As for ice cream shops, they are around most corners with John’s Cafe being the most highly-rated.

The classic sweet treats shop also serves candy floss, a stick of rock and of course, ice cream too.

Barry Island has five notable beaches with Whitmore Bay being the most popular, it’s known for its golden sand and sits directly in front of the pleasure park.

Whitmore Bay is also the spot where the Shipmans and the Wests go for their beach day in Gavin and Stacey in series three.

Jackson’s Bay is a more secluded section of the coastline and is more popular with locals because it’s lesser-known.

One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: “This is a beautiful safe enclosed sandy beach away from the fairground and bustle of the main beach of Barry Island. “

Another added: “What a nice walk and lovely scenery. A nice bay, small and hardly anybody there.”

Cold Knap Beach, which has pebbles instead of sand, is also a quieter spot than Whitmore Bay.

2CY5BR8 Whitmore Bay Beach and promenade, Barry Island, Barry (Y Barri), Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, United Kingdom
Whitmore Bay on Barry Island is the most well-known and popular beach
Alamy

Helen, a grandmother strolling along the seafront with one of her grandsons, agreed: “Barry is still a fantastic place to come for a holiday. Us locals are incredibly friendly and the fairground is great fun, whatever the weather.

“In fact, I prefer it now to when we had Butlin’s here. Sure, the holidaymakers brought in money, but it was mostly spent at the holiday camp, not in the rest of Barry.

“In those days, it was mainly miners coming here, but nowadays people come for the Gavin and Stacey experience and that means they go everywhere on the island.

“It’s created plenty of trade for the whole of Barry and as a result, the place has been transformed. It’s no longer just a cheapo holiday destination.”

There are plenty of locations to spot during a visit to Barry, Trinity Street is home to the homes of Gwen, Uncle Bryn, and Doris – now belonging to Gavin and Stacey.

On Barry Island itself there’s the famous Marco’s Cafe and the Arcade where Nessa worked the slots. We’ve listed a few more foilming locations at the bottom of the article.

Over the years, Barry Island has become increasingly popular and according to the BBC, the home belonging to Gwen, which really belongs to a lady called Glenda Kenyon has had nearly 30,000 visitors.

Gavin and Stacey fans coming from as far away as Australia, Hawaii and India. Visitors often take pictures in front of her house and when Glenda opens it up, have a tour too.

As for shopping on Barry Island, there’s been a new development called Goodsheds.

The site is home to independent shops which are in repurposed shipping containers in an area called the Shipyard – there you’ll find craft beers, records, home furnishings and fashion stores.

Nearby there’s The Tracks, where railway carriages have been repurposed, and there’s even a cinema.

The Wales Coast Path runs right around the coastline at Barry. It’s about 4 miles along the coastline to Rhoose Point, the most southerly spot in Wales which offer incredible views over the coast.

CF0N60 Funfair rides at Barry Island, South Wales, UK, location of filming popular tv series Gavin & Stacey
The Pleasure Park is still a hit with tourists and locals alike
Alamy

Barry Island Pleasure Park first opened in 1897 and is still going strong down on the seafront.

The most recognisable attraction is the giant Ferris wheel, but they also have three rollercoasters, a log flume and spooky ghost train.

The family-owned business’ biggest ride is Aerospace. It’s a giant, 32-seater space machine that swings riders up and down, reaching heights of 214 feet and speeds of up to 75mph.

During the summer months when Barry is bustling with visitors, the amusement park gets 400,000 ride goers.

Black and white photo of people swimming in an indoor pool decorated with hanging plants.
WalesOnline/Media Wales
There was lots to do at Butlin’s like swimming in the pools[/caption]
BARRY ISLAND AFTER BUTLINS ...BRUMMY COACH DRIVER, BARRY ELMES (CORR) 60.COPY NICK NORTH
Coach driver Barry is more than happy to visit the Welsh coast
Nigel Iskander

Coach driver Barry Elms, 60, from Birmingham, was having a rest on the seafront when we caught up with him. “I’ve just dropped 50 holidaymakers off and this is just what I need – fresh sea air and magnificent views,” he said.

“The lot I’ve just brought here from Brum have come for Gavin and Stacey. I think that show is what has made Barry Island famous again.”

Solicitor Jay Thomas, 42, was in Barry enjoying a day at the seaside. He said: “It is just a beautiful spot to come to. It’s very clean and the people are super-friendly. I’ve driven down from Solihull in the West Midlands and it has been well worth the time spent getting down here.

“You can get here and back home in a day, so it’s perfect.” I didn’t know until today that there used to be a Butlin’s here, but to be honest there still seems plenty to do.”

Local Tony Rosser, 79, remembers the Butlin’s era but says he prefers the resort as it is today.

He said: “As a boy, we never really came to the sea front here in summer because it was so busy. We only used to come here in the winter, when it was a bit quieter and have lovely long walks.

“The local traders liked having Butlin’s here, for sure, because they benefited from there being so many holidaymakers in town, but now they’re enjoying the Gavin and Stacey effect instead, so they’re happy again.

“However, I still think the council needs to do a lot more to encourage more people to come here because the show has finished now and we’ll always need visitors to help the local economy.”

BARRY ISLAND AFTER BUTLINS ...TONY ROSSER, 79.COPY NICK NORTH
Tony prefers Barry Island without the Butlin’s resort
Nigel Iskander
BARRY ISLAND AFTER BUTLINS ...THE QUIET SEA FRONT.COPY NICK NORTH
The seafront is far less busy during the winter months
Nigel Iskander

Barry Island no longer has any holiday parks on the island, but there are still a few nearby that mean visitors can easily access the island.

Porthkerry Leisure Park is a family-friendly located close to Barry Island and the scenic Vale of Glamorgan.

There’s also Fontygary Touring Park which has a spa, pool, and sea views. But none of the holiday parks are on the scale that Butlin’s was.

BARRY ISLAND AFTER BUTLINS ...LAURANCE HILL, 83, KARAOKE KING OF BARRY.COPY NICK NORTH
Lawrence’s nickname is the ‘karaoke king’
Nigel Iskander

Lawrence Hill, an 83-year-old retired painter and decorator, proclaims himself to be the “karaoke king” of Barry Island.

He said: “They should never have built those luxury homes on the old Butlin’s site. It was a wonderful complex and I’m sure it could have been spruced up and used as some kind of holiday attraction again. It’s such a good spot up there.

“I have such fond memories of Butlin’s. I wish it was still here in Barry, I really do.”

The Top Locations For Fans of Gavin and Stacey

Gavin and Stacey came to an end with the finale episode over Christmas, but you can still keep the show’s spirit alive with a trip to Barry, Wales.

Up the road is The Colcot Arms aka Smithy’s local Essex hangout and of course the Tadross Hotel which doubles as The Dolphin – where pints cost £4, according to reviews left by guests.

There are organised tours of Gavin and Stacey locations, some onboard Dave’s Coaches, but it’s easy enough to go on your own adventure.

BARRY, WALES - JULY 31: A general view of people gathered on the beach at Whitmore Bay, Barry Island, on July 31, 2020 in Barry, United Kingdom. High temperatures are forecast across the UK today, with some areas in the south expected to reach 33-34C. (Photo by Matthew Horwood/Getty Images)
Barry Island used to be home to a bustling Butlin’s resort
Getty

Read More »

Top 20 Cannabis Shops: Where to Buy Weed in Ubon Ratchathani Vol 1, 2024

Rank Name 1 Ubonweed farm 2 Just Weed คาเฟ่ 3 Candyz วารินชำราบ 4 Marsirigan ร้านกัญชาอุบลราชธานี (Pay What You Want) 5 Case study Ubon Cannabis – กัญชาอุบลราชธานี 6 Venus cannabis กัญชาอุบล 7 พิซซ่ามาติน Pizza’s Matin. 8 Hybrid Store สาขาอุบลราชธานี ทุ่งศรีเมืองข้างอุบลพล่าซ่า 9 กัญชาอุบลราชธานี SIAMHIGHWEED สยามไฮวีด (ร้านเดียวกัน กับ ร้านกาแฟ) 10 Green Land Cafe 11 Ubonweed 12 Ubon OG.Cannabis Shop & Restaurant Cafe. 13 GRAVITY Attractive Force of Happiness 14 High Harvest (พิบูลมังสาหาร) 15 ZeedZa Cannabis Shop 16 สโลชา Slowja 17 Ubon High(Dispensary) ร้านกัญชาอุบลไฮย์ 18 Candyz สาขาอุบลราชธานี 19 King’s Cannabar 20 Justweed กัญชาอุบล (Cannabis shop) 1. Ubonweed farm Rating: 0.0/5.0 ( 0 reviews ) Welcome to Ubonweed Farm, the buzzing epicenter of cannabis bliss nestled in the heart of Ubon Ratchathani. Open your senses to a world where relaxation meets euphoria, offering an exquisite selection of top-tier cannabis products. At Ubonweed Farm, your weekends are destined to be extraordinary as you can drop by…

Read More »

Derek Ramsay Shares How Angelica Panganiban Helped Him Before

This is how Angelica Panganiban helped Derek Ramsay to act. In an interview, Derek Ramsay mentioned his ex-girlfriend, Angelica Panganiban, when asked about his early days in show business. Celebrities Derek Ramsay and Angelica Panganiban were a couple for six years. While everyone thought they were going to last, they broke up. They started dating ... Read more

The post Derek Ramsay Shares How Angelica Panganiban Helped Him Before appeared first on PhilNews.

Read More »

‘I wish I was 23 again’, says RTE star after missing out on Charli XCX Dublin gig

AN RTE star has expressed her FOMO after missing out on Charli XCX’s Dublin gig last night.

2FM host, Doireann Garrihy, who recently announced she is expecting her first child, shared her disappointment after she was unable to attend the concert.

Woman in white cardigan giving thumbs up.
Doireann Garrihy expressed her FOMO over concert-goers heading to Charli XCX
Woman in a white cardigan says "It's really warm and I just..."
Doireann admitted that ‘ageing is s***’

The 365 pop star performed to a sold-out crowd in Malahide Castle – and some fans are calling it the “gig of the summer“.

So, it’s no surprise that Doireann was feeling major FOMO before the gig yesterday.

The 32-year-old took to Instagram to share a clip of herself leaving the RTE studio after finishing up her radio show.

Doireann said: “I’ve just walked out of work and it’s really warm and I just got a bang of ‘I wish I was 23, pre-drinking before Charli XCX in Malahide Castle’.”

The TV star let out a disappointed sigh and added: “Like why am I not there?”

The mum-to-be joked: “Ageing is just s***.”

While Doireann missed out on the opportunity to see Charli XCX, there was nothing stopping her from missing Beyonce’s stadium show in London.

Last week, the popular presenter jetted over to the UK for Beyonce’s highly-anticipated Cowboy Carter tour.

The radio star took to Instagram to share that she and her longtime best friend, Marie Claire, were heading to London for the pop icon’s concert.

Doireann has made no secret of her love for Beyonce over the years — so it’s no shock she snagged a prime spot at the superstar’s stadium show.

The Dublin beauty rocked a cowgirl-themed look for the show, keeping in sync with Beyonce‘s Cowboy Carter tour.

Doireann posed for some smiling snaps outside her hotel before the gig – and she looked out of this world.

The stylish star donned a funky leather tassel jacket with a stand-out red pattern.

YEEHAW!

She teamed the statement jacket with an oversized black tee and some leather hot pants.

Doireann put on a leggy display in the look as she added a pair of leather heeled boots to top it all off.

The TV star looked radiant as she gave a toothy grin to the camera.

As Doireann arrived back on home soil yesterday, she shared a video of herself and her beloved dog, Bertie out for a stroll.

The Dancing With The Stars host captioned the clip: “Me and Bert channeling Bey energy for the week.”

Woman in patterned jacket and black boots.
Doireann looked sensational at Beyonce’s gig

Read More »