It can create a “mini pond”

Birds are far from the only beneficiaries

10/10 views, 5-course dinners, and a partner who now thinks he needs to buy a boat…

When it comes to a staycation, it can be hard to find the right spot that doesn’t consist of hours in the car, with a crippling backache by the time you arrive. That’s why our stay last weekend hit the spot.

Having stayed in the Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Lodges, in Co Fermanagh, years ago, we jumped at the opportunity to head down again, as they celebrated their 50th birthday. The hotel is family-run and sits on the shores of Lough Erne in the Fermanagh Lakelands, with landscaped gardens and views towards the surrounding countryside.

We hit the jackpot with our stay. It was a Bank Holiday weekend, myself and my partner had a rare Monday off together, and the sun had been shining for days.

We packed our car and set off for the Killyhevlin, before my partner realised that we were heading away for the night during peak golfing weather. It took just under an hour and a half to get there from our home in Belfast, and we were greeted by Paislie at the front desk who reminded us of the surroundings, spa details and where to head for dinner and breakfast. Paislie was a joy to speak to.

She was friendly, and professional. And although the check-in was busy, she took her time with us, which stood out.

On arrival to our room, we were staying in the Cole Suite – and wow. It was super spacious, with a bathroom which felt bigger than the downstairs of my house. The view of the water from our bedroom added to the luxurious feel, and mixed with the weather, we could’ve been anywhere in the world but Fermanagh.

And while it was gorgeous to look at, given the heat, we slept with our window open. It was a bit noisy, with some on the waterfront making the most of the summer night with a Bluetooth speaker.

That wouldn’t be something to put us off though, and after a few hours in the spa area (which was a great way to wind down) and a five-course meal in the restaurant, we were lights out pretty quickly that night.

For dinner, I went for the garlic bread starter, and turkey and ham main. I have no complaints whatsoever about the food. It was fresh, hot and tasty, just what you want. My partner opted for the pan fried pork belly to start, and he wasn’t as fussed on this. He did want to branch out from his usual chowder starter and try pork, which I think he regretted. He’s now discovered that he is not a fan of pork.

His main however, definitely made up for it. The pan fried cod fillet came to the table, and I was jealous I didn’t order it because it looked and smelled delicious. And there wasn’t a crumb left. Our desserts were huge portions, so we didn’t scratch the surface on those, after two courses beforehand.

After dinner, we ordered some cocktails at the bar and took them outside. Having been to numerous hotels across Ireland, we think the Killyhevlin’s outdoor area is by far the best. Overlooking the water, with jet skis and boats passing by, it brings a sense of calm to the stay. I brought a book, and my partner was at one point on Facebook Marketplace, ‘researching’ boats for sale.

We both slept well, given how warm the night was, and despite the handful of young music lovers outside. The pillows were comfortable, and I am fussy with bedding, so it was a big kudos from me.

Breakfast the next morning set us up nicely for the day. It was a buffet style, with a wide range of hot food, fresh fruit, cereals and juices. We were especially impressed by our server Naoise, who had the most welcoming and warm vibe, and give every hotel member respect and a friendly hello when taking orders for tea and coffee. Naoise is a credit to the hotel.

Overall, the Killyhevlin was spotless, relaxing, and a 10/10 for its surroundings, which are kept to perfection. It’s a great choice, in my opinion, for couples and families alike. We commented on how much of a variety of hotel guests there was, young and old, large groups and small families. And it’s little wonder the hotel is so popular.

The only downside? I’ve now had to drag my partner away from boat listings for the last week. Not your usual hotel souvenir, but each to their own!

For more information on Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Lodges, check out their website here.

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In the latest study, researchers looked at GLP-1 use and whether the drugs were linked to a reduced risk of obesity-associated cancers.

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Weight loss jabs could should be investigated as potential “cancer prevention agents”, experts have said after a study linked the medication to a reduced risk of cancers linked to obesity.

Being overweight or obese has been linked to an increased risk of 13 types of cancer including of the breast, bowel, pancreas, kidney, liver and stomach.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1) drugs including Mounjaro, Wegovy and Ozempic are used to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Research has suggested use of the drugs can bring wider health benefits.

In the latest study, researchers looked at GLP-1 use and whether the drugs were linked to a reduced risk of obesity-associated cancers.

Experts from the US examined data on more than 161,000 patients who were obese, did not have diabetes and had not been diagnosed with an obesity-related cancer.

Of these, half used weight-loss injections while the other half were given consultation on diet and exercise.

The average age of people in the study was 47 and they were followed up for two years.

The analysis, published in the Annals of Oncology, revealed that those who took GLP-1s were significantly less likely to be diagnosed with an obesity-related cancer during the follow-up period, with a reduced risk of 41%.

The data revealed the size of the reduction was not found among black people.

“Our study found that over an average follow-up of two years, GLP-1 RA use was associated with a significantly lower incidence of cancers directly fuelled by excess body weight,” said the senior author of the study, Dr Aparna Kamat, director of the Division of Gynaecologic Oncology at Houston Methodist Hospital in Texas.

“Overall cancer risk was reduced by 41% and we saw even larger reductions in certain subgroups, including men, where the risk dropped by nearly 70%.

“Among gynaecologic cancers, there was a 58% reduction in the incidence of endometrial cancer, one of the malignancies most closely linked to obesity.

“The reduction in obesity-related cancer risk among white patients was about 50% but this risk reduction was not observed among black patients. This may reflect additional causes such as access to care, differing risk profiles and other biological differences.

“We also studied the different GLP-1 RA formulations and found that while all of them reduced the incidence of obesity-related cancers, the greatest reduction was seen among tirzepatide users.”

Dr Kamat said the results suggest the impact of GLP-1 medicines “may reach further and transform how we think about cancer prevention”, adding: “Our findings do not prove causation, and cancer risk reduction should not yet be a standalone reason to prescribe GLP-1 RAs. However, for obese, non-diabetic patients who are already candidates for these medications, our data provide an additional and potentially important reason to have that conversation.

“For policymakers and other researchers, our study is a clear signal that GLP-1 RAs deserve serious investigation as cancer prevention agents, particularly as obesity-related cancers increasingly affect adults in their 40s and 50s.”

Second author of the study, Professor Pedro Ramirez, who is chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Houston Methodist Hospital, said: “Our study suggests GLP-1 RAs may have benefits that extend beyond weight management.

“It should be noted that while the findings do not prove that GLP-1 drugs directly prevent cancer, they provide early evidence that deserves further study in long-term clinical trials.

“This study highlights the potential for a major shift in how we think about obesity treatment and cancer prevention. As the use of GLP-1 RA medications continues to grow worldwide, understanding their broader health impact is critically important.”

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“It’s trying to demonstrate, rather than just talking about it, that all these people who are in a similar situation to me – living with stage four cancer – that there’s plenty of life left in us, and we’re determined to make the most of it, and not have cancer define who you are,” Sir Chris said.

The King has named its meadows among the finest in the country. His father played dominoes in the pub.

And last month, Prince William sat down in the same pub for a chicken and ham pie, chips, mushy peas and gravy.

But visitors arriving for the first time often make the same mistake before they have even set off – they get the name wrong.

So how do you say it?

Some people might be tempted to say “MUCK-er”, as though it rhymes with the slang term for a friend.

The correct pronunciation is “MEW-ker” – two short, clean syllables.

King Charles standing in the Coronation Meadow at Highgrove. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Think of it as MEW, like the sound a cat makes, followed by a quick KER.

Where does the name come from?

The name is Norse in origin, which is why it sounds nothing like it looks. Muker derives from the Old Norse mjór akr, meaning “the narrow newly cultivated field” – a reference to the thin strip of fertile ground between the River Swale and the steep fells that rise on either side.

The earliest recorded form of the name, from 1274, was written as Meuhaker – considerably closer to how it is still said today.

Over seven centuries of spelling drift, the word compressed and shifted on the page while the spoken form stayed much closer to its roots.

The village the royals keep coming back to

Muker’s connection to the Royal Family is long and genuine.

King Charles, then Prince of Wales, visited in December 2004 and stopped into the Farmers Arms, where he played a game of dominoes with locals.

He returned to the village several times over the years, and in 2013 designated Muker’s hay meadows as one of just 60 Coronation Meadows in England – a personal project to protect the country’s most important wildflower grasslands in honour of the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s coronation.

The meadows at Muker are now an official Coronation Meadow, celebrating some of the finest surviving upland hay meadows in England.

On May 5, Prince William followed in his father’s footsteps – visiting hill farmers in Swaledale before stopping at the same Farmers Arms for lunch.

The pub announced afterwards: “The team at the Farmers Arms were honoured to host HRH Prince William for lunch during his visit to Swaledale.

“He enjoyed a hearty lunch of chicken and ham pie, chips, mushy peas and gravy, which got the royal seal of approval.”

(Image: owen humphreys)

Why people visit

Muker’s wildflower meadows are at their absolute peak in early June, for a window of only a few weeks before the hay cutters move in.

The fields surrounding the village turn vivid with wood crane’s-bill, globeflower, melancholy thistle and hundreds of other species that have all but vanished from lowland England.

A flagged path leads directly from the village through the meadows, and a circular walk to the village of Keld takes in four waterfalls along the Kisdon Gorge.

The village itself has a pub, a well-regarded tearoom, and a shop selling hand-knitted woollens made from local Swaledale wool.

Getting there

Muker is in Upper Swaledale, approximately 24 miles west of the A1 near Scotch Corner via the B6270 through Richmond. There is a small pay-and-display car park in the village.

Have you visited Muker?

Let us know in the comments below.

NEW YORK (AP) — Here are select winners so far at the 2026 Tony Awards.

Actor in a leading role in a play

John Lithgow, “Giant”

Actress in a featured role in a play

Laurie Metcalf, “Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman”

Direction of a musical

Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch, “Cats: The Jellicle Ball”

Original score

“Schmigadoon!” (Music & Lyrics: Cinco Paul)

Book of a musical

“Schmigadoon!” Cinco Paul

Choreography

“Cats: The Jellicle Ball,” Omari Wiles and Arturo Lyons

Play

“Death of a Salesman,” Joe Mantello

___

For more coverage of the 2026 Tony Awards, visit https://apnews.com/hub/tony-awards.

Members of North Yorkshire Council’s Richmond area planning committee have already given approval for the work at Morris Grange Nursing Home, near Middleton Tyas.

But the scheme will be reconsidered by councillors after issues emerged with the scheme.

Health and adult services staff concluded that the level and type of care originally proposed was not currently in demand.

As a result, the applicant wants to amend the proposed care model to better meet current needs.

A land ownership issue has also emerged which required a new consultation exercise.

The application seeks full planning permission to demolish, extend, and refurbish the existing facility to create a 36-bed care home.

The project also includes the construction of a new two-storey building containing 13 care apartments, alongside associated access improvements and car parking.

The rural site, located near Scotch Corner, has been vacant since its closure in 2019, having previously operated as a 71-bed facility.

Planning officers are recommending that permission be granted, noting that while the new-build element partially conflicts with standard countryside development policies, it occupies the same footprint as a recently demolished building and represents an overall reduction in resident capacity compared to the site’s historical use.

A Section 106 agreement will be required to ensure the 13 new apartments remain dedicated strictly to residential care use.

The application will be considered at the planning meeting on Thursday next week.

“Many skilled tradespeople – electricians, roofers, installation specialists, technicians and craftspeople – are earning excellent incomes and are desperately needed by society,” Van der Helm explains. “It’s a very money-driven society for young adults. When they see a carpenter doing what they like and making a lot of money fast, they see that as aspirational.”

From psychological thrillers to gripping crime dramas, here are the best David Morrissey shows to stream this weekend

If you’ve become captivated by Channel 4’s latest thriller series Tip Toe, you’re in good company.

The series, penned by Russell T Davies, has been hailed as a “masterpiece” by viewers who report being left with ‘chills’ following its powerful scenes.

It follows the disturbing surge of homophobia through an intense, escalating dispute between two neighbours that spirals to devastating extremes.

The narrative focuses on Leo (Alan Cumming), who operates a bar named Spit & Polish in Manchester’s Gay Village, and Clive (David Morrissey), his austere and troubled neighbour, with whom he’s shared a boundary for almost 15 years.

If you’ve raced through the new series and find yourself wanting for something equally compelling, look no further. Here’s a selection of 4 David Morrissey dramas to binge.

Gone

ITV’s recent drama Gone makes for ideal weekend binge-watching material.

The new six-episode psychological series, featuring David Morrissey and Eve Myles, centres on a “chilling” missing persons investigation. It sees local headteacher Michael Polly (David) become the principal suspect in his wife’s disappearance.

What unfolds is a cat-and-mouse pursuit between Michael and the detective investigating his case, Annie Cassidy (Eve).

Gone is available to stream on ITV and ITVX.

Thorne

ITV’s intensely gripping detective drama Thorne features the consistently excellent David Morrissey as the eponymous DI Tom Thorne, tasked with the grim responsibility of hunting down the most disturbing serial killers.

Drawing from author Mark Billingham’s novels, Sleepyhead and Scaredy Cat, the programme, which debuted over ten years ago, ranks amongst the most suspenseful detective dramas available.

Two three-episode series await viewers, each presenting a fresh – and equally chilling – series of killings.

Thorne is available to stream on ITV

The Long Shadow

ITV’s The Long Shadow chronicles the distressing true account of the five-year police hunt for serial killer Peter Sutcliffe.

The programme, originally titled The Yorkshire Ripper, boasts a stellar ensemble including David Morrissey, Toby Jones, Katherine Kelly, Jill Halfpenny and numerous others, examining both the investigating officers and Sutcliffe’s victims alongside their families.

You can stream The Long Shadow on ITVX

Sherwood

Drawing inspiration from actual events, Sherwood presents the compelling tale of a Nottinghamshire community still bearing the scars of the 1984-85 miners’ strike, which faces upheaval when two shocking murders resurface long-suppressed tensions.

Crafted by acclaimed playwright and screenwriter James Graham, the two-series production features Lesley Manville, David Morrissey and Lorraine Ashbourne. In the opening season, audiences are transported to a Nottinghamshire village reeling from the savage killing of ex-union activist Gary Jackson.

The second season leaps forward to present day, tracking two fresh families whose lives become entangled with the infamous Sparrow family.

Sherwood is available to stream on BBC iPlayer