oldest

Lim met Englishman Humphries in the first round of the 2021 World Championship and, on that occasion, Lim was a 3-2 winner.

The odds of a repeat are unlikely, given Humphries – who is 41 years younger than Lim – has gone on to have a spell of nearly two years as world number one and won multiple major titles, including the world crown in January 2024.

“If anything, I’m thankful for Paul winning that game because it changed me as a player and it changed me as a person,” Humphries said after beating Ted Evetts in round one.

“Three months later, I’d lost about four stones and I was in a major final [at the 2021 UK Open]. It helped my career.”

On those comments, Lim said: “To come across a champion who is as humble as him – when he said that, it was really a compliment to me. I’ve got nothing ever bad to say about Luke.

“With every defeat or every win, there is a spark somewhere – you’ve got to find it to spark you in the right direction. I can’t say that loss made him a world champion, but maybe it created that spark within himself to look at something differently and it turned out well for him.

“He is definitely a different Luke Humphries. He was good then, now he is great. It’s an honour to hear him calling me a legend.”

A church in a thriving UK city is the oldest surviving building that is still regularly used today, and it’s even part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside a nearby cathedral

England is home to some of the most architecturally fascinating buildings, from domed cathedrals and spire skyscrapers to grand castles and stately Georgian manors. But there’s one that is the oldest surviving structure in the country, and it’s certainly worth a visit.

In the heart of Canterbury lies the ancient Church of St Martin, built on Roman foundations, featuring Saxon elements in its windows and structure, as well as Norman and Medieval additions following its alterations. It’s the oldest church building in Britain that is still in use today, having been constructed before 597 AD. According to Heritage Calling, it is the oldest surviving building full stop in England.

The oldest part of the church was built during the Roman occupation of Britain, but it’s unknown what the first part of the structure was originally built for, or whether it was used as a church or a mausoleum. It was later expanded to almost its current grand size, with the largest part of the building, the nave, becoming the first Anglo-Saxon structure made of mortared brick and stone, rather than wood.

The Church of England parish church is also a part of the World Heritage Site, alongside Canterbury Cathedral and St Augustine’s Abbey, making it a standout attraction in the city. Since 1668, the historic building has been part of the benefice of St Martin and St Paul, Canterbury, with both churches used for weekly services.

Visitors far and wide have marvelled at the exposed wooden beams inside St Martin’s, along with the intricate stained glass windows, lengthy nave and wooden pews, that feel as though you’re stepping back in time. One admirer noted on TripAdvisor: “I visited early as the church opened, and I had a peaceful, excellent visit.

“Upon entry, I was greeted by a friendly employee who offered me a written guide of the church. The guide was easy to follow and had great, interesting information. The cemetery on the property was great for wandering and reading the graves as well!”

With the church steeped in history, the knowledgeable guides can help to make the visit so special, along with its undeniable beauty and charm. Another visitor shared: “Given to the 6th-century Frankish princes, this beautiful building has a wonderful history.

“Guides were present from 11 am and greatly helped appreciate the story behind the building and its lovely and slightly overgrown churchyard. Interesting people are buried there, too. Can look from this elevated spot down to its daughter Church – the Cathedral itself!”

Those buried in the grounds of St Martin’s include 19th-century evangelist William Cadman, artist Thomas Sidney Cooper, and the creator of Rupert Bear, the comic book character, Mary Tourtel. Others noted that visitors can also explore the grounds independently, allowing you to take your time.

Another fan commented on TripAdvisor: “The oldest church in mainland Britain, tucked quietly away, about 10 mins from the cathedral. Quiet and serene, maintaining the sense of a truly sacred space. There is a helper who will provide information or guide you, or you can explore independently. Not far from the Abbey, and worth the extra time.”

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

THE unspoilt coastlines of Cornwall are speckled with charming hotels whose exteriors have been weathered from the salty seas.

Few of these hotels have as fascinating a story to tell as The Wellington, though. Here’s everything you need to know.

Where is The Wellington?

The Wellington – named after Britain’s grand Duke of Wellington – is buried in the rugged valley of Cornwall’s Boscastle, overlooking a quaint harbour.

As with many Cornish hot spots, it’s not the easiest of places to reach by public transport, but that only adds to its charm.

Parking on site is limited but there’s a paid car park five minutes walk away which costs £7 for 24 hours, or you can just park for free on the street behind the property.

There is a bus stop a five-minute walk away.

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What is the hotel like?

This castle-like property, known as The Welly among locals, is one of the oldest coaching inns in Cornwall, although that may not be so obvious due to its recent facelift. 

Rooms still carry all the charm of 16th-century property but with modern amenities.

Expect grand chandeliers and pastel, striped wallpaper in communal dining areas, while downstairs you’ll find traditional bar stools under rustic wooden beams.

Rumour has it that the hotel is haunted. The property even appeared on tv show, Most Haunted, in 2004.

There have been murmurs of unusual sightings in room nine.

What are the rooms like at?

The 14 rooms, all on the upper floor, come with buckets of character, as you’d expect from any old and quintessentially British property.

Think tartan headboards, padded arm chairs and snuggly throws placed atop plump bedding.

It’s a listed building, so no two rooms are the same and each has an exceptionally cosy feel to it with local tea and biccies that make you feel as if you’re visiting a distant aunt (one who happens to have very chic taste).

Rooms cost from £145 per night on a B&B basis.

What is there to eat and drink there?

Elevated pub grub is what you’ll find here – fish and chips, a West Country beef burger and juicy steaks feature on the menu, as well as some veggie dishes like smoked tofu laksa (a popular item) and the simplicity burger, made with a mushroom, onion and beetroot patty.

The modern kitchen also whips up a cracking Sunday roast with all the trimmings and a very moreish gravy.

If it’s sunny, bag yourself one of the outdoor tables, with a view of the river, and sink some local ales.

Brekkie is as cosy as the rooms with help-yourself cold options and table service hot food.

Is The Wellington family friendly?

Very much so. Kids will love being so close to the river and snooping around the nearby Museum of Witchcraft and Magic

The apartments sleep two adults and at least two children, otherwise you can add an extra bed to the room for an additional charge.

Looking for a place to stay? For more hotel inspiration click here.

Paul Lim became the oldest player to win a match at the PDC World Championship as the 71-year-old claimed a stunning victory over Jeffrey de Graaf.

Backed by a partisan crowd at the Alexandra Palace, the Singapore veteran claimed a 3-1 success over the Dutch-born Swede.

He beat a record held by Northern Irishman John MaGowan, who was 67 when he knocked out Chris Mason in the first round of the tournament in December 2008.

“A moment like this has kept me going for all these years,” said Lim.

“The standard of play nowadays is not like how it was before. This tournament is the Super Bowl of darts so I would say this is a good moment.”

Lim will face Luke Humphries in the second round after the 2024 world champion progressed with a 3-1 win over Ted Evetts in his opening match later on Saturday evening.

Humphries had cruised into a 2-0 lead against his fellow Englishman before Evetts pinched a set back.

However, 30-year-old Humphries regained his intensity and clinically finished out the contest with an average of 98.58, throwing eight 180s.

Lim, who thew the first world championship nine-darter at the BDO event at Lakeside in 1990, beat Humphries when the pair last met at the Ally Pally five years ago.

On meeting again, Humphries told Sky Sports: “He’s amazing, he’s a legend. The crowd are going to be against me so it’s going to be a tough game.”

Lim said: “I hope on a given day it can happen again. I never give up. He is good but he can be beaten.”

The crowd roared on Lim, who is 72 next month, when he won the first set against De Graaf befofe his opponent levelled the match.

Lim went ahead again after a scrappy third set as De Graaf wilted while the experienced ‘Singapore Slinger’ held his nerve in a tense fourth, sealing victory with an average of 86.52.

Five-time world championship semi-finalist Wayne Mardle said Lim was able to “take his chances” against De Graaf to secure an “incredible” win.

“If you have the desire, the passion but most of all the ability humans can achieve amazing things – and that was amazing,” said Mardle on Sky.

De Graaf was six years old when Lim made his PDC debut 29 years ago.

Elsewhere, Wessel Nijman of the Netherlands eased to a 3-0 win over Czech Karel Sedlacek while Germany’s Gabriel Clemens beat American Alex Spellman by the same scoreline.

American Lindsey Vonn became the oldest skiing downhill World Cup winner at St Moritz in Switzerland on Friday.

The 41-year-old retired from the sport in February 2019 because of knee problems but made her competitive return in December 2024.

Vonn has collected one gold and two bronze Olympic medals in her career to date and is on track to represent the USA at the 2026 Games in February.

She crossed the line in one minute and 29.63 seconds – nearly a second quicker than second-placed Magdalena Egger – to wrap up her 83rd World Cup win and first since 2018.

“I knew I was skiing fast but you never know until the first race,” Vonn told TNT Sports.

“I think I was a little faster than I expected. It’s a very exciting time. Obviously my goal is Cortina but if this is the way we start, I think I’m in a good spot.”

Vonn seized skiing’s oldest World Cup winner record from Switzerland’s Didier Cuche, who had held it since his victory in the super-G at Crans Montana, USA in 2012 aged 37.

The oldest winner on the women’s circuit was Austrian Elisabeth Goergl for her victory in the super-G at Val d’Isere, France in 2014, at the age of 33.

It was Vonn’s 83rd World Cup victory and first since she won in Are, Sweden, in March 2018.

Vonn has four overall World Cup titles from a glittering career that has spanned 20 years.

“The win means so much to me. I knew in the summer I was on the right path, and all the hard work has paid off,” Vonn added.

“I thought I might retire after the last race of the Olympics, because I didn’t think I’d be competitive for a title, but I might need to change my approach.”

Friday’s event marked the beginning of the downhill World Cup campaign, with a further eight races taking place before the World Cup Finals at Kvitfjell in Norway on 21 March.