Register for our free newsletterIT has taken more than five months, but Sadie Cartner has finally received an apology from a seaside hotel for spoiling a special day out with her dying daughter. In November last year, Sadie, from Mauchline, Ayrshire, booked a girlie day out at the four-star Marine Hotel in Troon. She wanted to treat 38-year-old Laura to a spa session because she had been seriously ill for 18 months. In October 2016, when Laura, from Kilmarnock, was about 22 weeks pregnant with twin baby girls, she was hit by vasculitis – a dangerous inflammation of the blood vessels. After being admitted to hospital, she was put into an induced coma and tragically lost the babies. Laura survived but was left with weakness in her lungs and she was dependent on oxygen. She also had kidney problems. As a result, she had put on a lot of weight and was very self-conscious about this. Sadie contacted the hotel in advance to ensure the bath robes at the spa would be big enough for … [Read more...] about Raw Deal: ‘It was meant to be a special day out with my darling daughter but everything was ruined’
Days out
College attracts crowds to its Big Day Out for potential students
PUBLISHED: 21:41 20 May 2018 | UPDATED: 21:41 20 May 2018 Paul Geater Sarah Winter and Vicky Cassidy from the RSPCA at the Big Day Out Picture: EASTON AND OTLEY COLLEGE Archant A fun and educational event at a college in Suffolk attracted around a thousand visitors on Sunday. Principal Jane Townsend and Jono West Picture: EASTON AND OTLEY COLLEGE The “Big Day Out” took place at the Suffolk campus of Easton and Otley College. It was aimed at showing the community and potential students the types of skills you could learn at the land-based college. Activities on offer included tree climbing, dog agility demonstrations, a livestock show, animal handling, sports activities and members from the sales team got all aboard a ‘fun bus’ to dish out advice on apprenticeships. External companies such as The Cheese and Pie Man, Barn Farm Drinks and the RSPCA also attended. Mark Stead and Mel Utteridge all aboard the apprenticeship fun bus Picture: EASTON AND OTLEY … [Read more...] about College attracts crowds to its Big Day Out for potential students
Constructive day out for Cropredy children
It was hard hats and high visibility jackets at the ready when the school council at Cropredy Primary School visited Hayfield Views in Great Bourton. The children learned about construction safety, explored a five-bedroom show home and watched a digger demonstration.As well as treating them to a day out, Hayfield Homes made a donation to the school as part of its Commitment to Community programme. The school will also receive £1,000 from the sale of any home at Hayfield Views when buyers quote #HayfieldforFamilies.Hilary Stevens, headteacher at Cropredy Primary School said: “Most of our pupils have seen the changes at the site from afar over recent months so it was a real treat to be shown around and given a tour of the new show home.“The children have also been set a competition by Hayfield Homes to come up with their most creative new home design, which they can’t wait to get started on.” … [Read more...] about Constructive day out for Cropredy children
Stepping out: Kent days out with the dog
No-one gets left behind with our guide to exploring the Garden of England with your dog. There are a host of places ready and waiting to welcome your pet. We've teamed up with Visit Kent to show you where to head.DOG-FRIENDLY DAYS OUT Whether you fancy sniffing out gardens at Hever Castle, steaming through the countryside on the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, or taking to the river with your canine companion, Kent has plenty of dog-friendly attractions to get tails wagging. Just check the attraction's website before you visit to make sure.DOG-FRIENDLY WALKS Explore Kent has plenty of dog-friendly circular walks to try, taking in glorious Kent countryside. Thanet also has a whole host of coastal trails to follow with your pooch, including the sweeping Viking Coastal Trail, which is 32 miles of walking and cycling fodder. Check it out at explorekent.org/activities/viking-coastal-trail/ BEACH READY? The county has 350 miles of coastline, and much of it is on offer for your dog to … [Read more...] about Stepping out: Kent days out with the dog
Thousands have a great day out at the South Suffolk Show at Ampton Racecourse, near Ingham
PUBLISHED: 16:57 13 May 2018 | UPDATED: 16:57 13 May 2018 Russell Cook A display taking place at the South Suffolk Show held at Ampton Racecourse near Ingham. Picture: MARTIN GRAYLING FILMS Archant It was a great day out for the thousands of people who attended the South Suffolk Show, yesterday. A blacksmith at work at the South Suffolk Show held at Ampton Racecourse near Ingham. Picture: MARTIN GRAYLING FILMS Held at the Ampton Racecourse, near Ingham, it is regarded as one of the leading shows of its type in the eastern region and it continued that theme. There were trade stands and the show had a high number of entries in its various horse and pony classes and cattle, sheep and pig classes were also well supported. Arts and crafts featured as part of the day’s attraction along with a shopping marquee, food hall, countryside area, vintage farm machinery, modern classic tractors and children’s entertainments. Geoff Bailes, the show secretary, said: … [Read more...] about Thousands have a great day out at the South Suffolk Show at Ampton Racecourse, near Ingham