admin

Little-known islands on the ‘Thames Riviera’ – home to famous rock stars and floating spas

BRITS may not be realise that are 180 tiny islands dotting the River Thames.

Not all of them are open to the public – but here are six of the ‘Thames Riviera’ islands with an interesting history, from the homes of beloved authors to rock star venues, wildlife sanctuaries, and even a floating spa.

River Thames view with houses and wildflowers in the foreground.
Alamy
Eel Pie Island was a place where the Rolling Stones performed in the 1960s[/caption]
View of the Thames River with a bridge, boats, and birds.
Alamy
Eel Pie Island is home to artists from potters to painters and sculptors[/caption]

Eel Pie Island

Eel Pie Island in Twickenham is the largest island in the Thames.

The island got its name from the pies baked using locally caught eels and served to passing river traders – something which no longer happens.

Eel Pie Island also has a rock star history. In the 1950s and 1960s, the island’s hotel was a popular venue for musicians.

Over a five-month period in 1963, the Rolling Stones played there every Wednesday.

The likes of The Who, Pink Floyd and Screaming Lord Sutch also played gigs at the Eel Pie Island Hotel.

While Eel Pie Island is not as wild as it once was, it’s still home to artists from potters to painters.

You can visit by venturing through Twickenham and crossing the faded-green footbridge over the Thames – it’s the only way to get on and off the island.

But be warned, you can’t visit very easily as the island is private and only open on specific dates.

The opening dates are usually in July, and December. In the summer, Eel Pie Island holds their open studios where local artists show off their work over two weekends – anyone wanting to attend will have to book tickets.

If you don’t manage to get access, you can visit the Eel Pie Island Museum on the mainland instead.

Houseboats on the River Thames.
Alamy
Famous author Sir James Matthew Barrie owned a houseboat on Tagg’s Island[/caption]

Tagg’s Island

You can find Tagg’s Island in the London Borough of Richmond – and it’s only 400 metres long.

The island is home to 62 houseboats, which is one of the biggest houseboat communities in the UK.

It’s only half a mile upstream from Hampton Court Palace and you can get fantastic views from the island.

To visit the island, take a train to Hampton Court station, then you can walk straight onto the island via the bridge.

In the 1880s, the famous author Sir James Matthew Barrie, who wrote the beloved children’s book Peter Pan, lived on a houseboat on Tagg’s Island.

Hampton Court Palace south front and gardens.
Alamy
You can get incredible views of Hampton Court Palace from Tagg’s Island[/caption]
Houseboats on the River Thames.
Alamy
Tagg’s Island is the home to the biggest houseboat communities in the UK[/caption]

Ham Island

Ham Island near Windsor has 37 houses and is also home to fifty rescue horses.

As well as the locals, Ham Island also has the Blue Acre Sanctuary for mistreated horses, and they are always looking for volunteers.

Ham Island is a great place for walking, birdwatching, enjoying the riverside scenery and enjoying a picnic.

Blue Acre horse rescue farm - https://www.blueacrerescue.co.uk/
The Blue Acre sanctuary looks after horses on the island
Riverside houses on Ham Island.
Alamy
Ham Island has luxury homes overlooking the river[/caption]

Monkey Island

For anyone wanting to spend a night on one of the Thames islands, visit Monkey Island, home to the luxurious Monkey Island Estate.

The original two buildings were built in the 1700s and were used as a fishing retreat.

In the 1950s, the estate was transformed into an inn, and a footbridge was added to connect the island to the mainland.

The inn has since been transformed into a beautiful hotel across seven acres with 40 rooms. It also has a spa, restaurant, bar, and gardens.

One reviewer on TripAdvisor said: “The Floating Spa is an astounding experience. I can’t say enough about how staying at Monkey Island is a great way to enjoy a relaxing weekend away.”

Prices for an overnight stay start from £160 per night.

Monkey Island Estate Hotel with outdoor seating.
Alamy
The Monkey Island Estate has 40 rooms a restaurant, bar, and gardens[/caption]
Monkey Island Hotel reflected in a river.
Alamy
There’s also an on-site floating spa on the estate[/caption]

Runnymede

Runnymede is a water-meadow alongside the River Thames that is a 20-minute walk away from Egham station.

The island is the apparent location where King John sealed the Magna Carta in 1215.

A memorial for the Magna Carta was built on the island in 1957. That’s not the only notable significance of the island, it’s also where King Henry VIII is said to have courted Anne Boleyn.

During spring and summer, you can take a boat trip around Runnymede and Ankerwycke on a replica Victorian paddle-steamer.

Called Lucy Fisher, the boat ride takes around 45-minutes and costs £10 for an adult ticket.

Memorial commemorating Magna Carta at Runnymede.
Alamy
The Magna Carter memorial is found on the island of Runnymede[/caption]
Geese on the River Thames at Runnymede, England.
Alamy
Runnymede is home to lots wildlife and is a National Trust site[/caption]

Raven’s Ait

The small island of Raven’s Ait is found between Surbiton and Kingston on the Thames.

The Ait can only be accessed by the ferry from Queen’s Promenade on the south bank.

In history, it was the location where the Treaty of Kingston was signed in the 13th century.

The island was once a boating training centre first opening in 1858. Now, Raven’s Ait is privately run and a very popular wedding venue with views of the River Thames and Hampton Court Park.

Along with weddings, the island also holds parties and fairs throughout the year.

For anyone wanting to take a look at Raven’s Ait without booking an event, The Harts Boatyard pub in Surbiton has great views.

One happy customer wrote: “It is lovely inside, you almost feel like you are in a boat. There is a great veranda and a lovely area to sit outside right by the river. You get a really beautiful view of the boats and Raven’s Ait island.”

There's even a hidden beach on the Thames

We discovered a hidden beach on the River Thames...

On the south side of the River Thames, a 30-minute walk from London Bridge and a 5-minute walk from Bermondsey tube station, is the quiet Bermondsey beach. 

On the left side of the beach there’s a pebbly stretch, peacefully concealed behind the river wall and cryptically named ‘Hidden Beach’ One visitor described the spot as a ‘little piece of heaven’ .

The unassuming location has a history, with Cherry Garden Pier on the right side of the beach built in the late 19th century as part of London’s old docks. The pier was used to communicate with Tower Bridge, as workers would phone to staff there to warn them of incoming ships.

River Thames with Raven's Ait island in Kingston, Surrey.
Alamy
Raven’s Ait island is a popular place for couples to get married[/caption]
AKEKPY Raven's Ait, River Thames at Surbiton
The small private island sits either side of Surbiton and Kingston

Read More »

Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman, 15, is touted as ‘Next Kaka’ – but little-known rule means he can’t play in Premier League

ARSENAL are producing talented youngsters once again.

This season, teenagers Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri have gone from Hale End hopefuls to first team stars.

Max Dowman of Arsenal in a soccer match.
Max Dowman, 15, has been tipped to star in Arsenal’s first team
Getty
Mikel Arteta coaching a player at Arsenal training.
Manager Mikel Arteta has introduced Dowman to first team training sessions
Getty
Three Arsenal athletes on stationary bikes during training.
Getty
Arsenal’s trio of starlets Dowman, Ethan Nwaneri, and Myles Lewis-Skelly pose for a snap in Dubai[/caption]

And the same is expected of 15-year-old Max Dowman – who travelled with the first team for the Gunners’ winter training camp in Dubai.

The attacking midfielder has been compared to AC Milan legend Kaka by his youth coach.

While he was fast-tracked into Arsenal’s U18 team at the tender age of just 13 by former teen prodigy Jack Wilshere.

Even a staunch Manchester United pundit has waxed lyrical about Dowman’s exceptional ability.

However, he won’t be able to help Mikel Arteta’s injury-hit side out for the remainder of the season due to his age.

According to Premier League rules, no player below the under-16 age group can be named in a match day squad.

Absolute baller

It’s early days in Dowman’s development. So early, in fact, he doesn’t even have a profile on Arsenal’s website.

But according to reports, he is well known at other academies in the country who have approached his father to let him know of their interest.

For the moment, his future is being monitored closely.

Dowman can’t sign scholarship terms until he turns 16, before the  2026-27 season.

Incredibly, he only turned 15 on December 31. Already, though, he turned heads in matches in the Uefa Youth League.

Arsenal’s U19 team suffered a miserable campaign overall, finishing 26th in the 36-team table.

But Dowman was the bright spark, impressing in games against Sporting Lisbon, Inter Milan and Atalanta.

An attacking midfielder, he can play on the flanks, or as a No10.

Arsenal youth team coach Gus Oliveira compared him to a Brazilian great.

“He plays in the style of Kaka,” Oliveira told PL Brasil last year.

“He can write his name. One day he will play for the England national team and in the Premier League.”

Max Dowman of Arsenal U18 running on a soccer field.
Dowman can’t sign scholarship terms until he’s 16, or make his Prem debut
Getty
Arsenal's Max Dowman during a training session.
Getty
According to reports, Dowman is being tracked by rival Premier League clubs[/caption]
Max Dowman of Arsenal juggling a soccer ball during a training session.
Getty
An attacking midfielder, Dowman can operate as a No10[/caption]
Max Dowman of Arsenal in training.
Getty
Arsenal youth team coach Gus Oliveira compared Dowman to Kaka last year[/caption]

Record breaker

Those comparisons to Kaka are obviously flattering.

But Dowman has been creating his own impressive history – breaking records in the Gunners youth team.

Last year, his goal against Atalanta in the Uefa Youth League made him the youngest goalscorer in the competition’s history – then aged 14 years, eight months, and 19 days.

When Jack Wilshere was coach of the U18s, he wasn’t afraid to hand Dowman a debut at 13 – again, breaking another record for youngest debutant.

After the game, Wilshere said: “Debut opportunities aren’t handed out lightly and Max has demonstrated over the past few months that he deserves this chance.

“He handled the moment admirably, sending an important message to the team that, when we introduce players, they possess the quality to contribute effectively.”

Dowman has been called up on England duty for the U16s and U17s, scoring three goals in eight games for the latter.

Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman during a training session.
Getty
Dowman and fellow youth star Ethan Nwaneri tussle for the ball in training[/caption]
Max Dowman of Arsenal boarding a team flight.
Getty
Dowman has broken records, including youngest ever Uefa Youth League scorer[/caption]

Red Devil praise

Dowman’s potential hasn’t gone unnoticed by sportswear giants, either.

Nike and Puma made early plays to sign him on a lucrative boot deal.

Eventually, he chose Adidas to partner up with.

And it’s not just in North London, where Dowman is being raved about.

Ex-Man Utd star Rio Ferdinand tipped the talent to follow in the footsteps of Ethan Nwaneri by starring in the Gunners’ first team.

“This isn’t to add pressure on these young players because I don’t want to do that, but I was just a bit disappointed in Arteta not giving Nwaneri a bit more of a chance,” Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents’ back in November.

“I saw him come on the other day against Inter, not only looking dangerous, he takes the ball, retains the ball, looks after it, plays like an adult. He plays that Odegaard position.

Max Dowman and Mikel Merino of Arsenal during a training session.
Dowman shows Euro 2024 winner Mikel Merino a clean set of heels at Arsenal’s winter training camp
Getty
Max Dowman celebrating an Arsenal goal.
Behind the scenes, Arsenal are aware they have a gem in Dowman
Getty

“They’ve got another one under him by the way, a kid call Max Dowman. Please go online and check out this kid.

“He was 14, I saw him coaching 18 and 19-year-olds on the pitch when he was playing with them. And he plays a little bit in that Odegaard position as well, bad player.”

Read More »

‘I’ve waited years for this’ cry cleaning fans as 80s Zoflora scent finally returns to Home Bargains

A RETRO cleaning product has made a surprise return to shelves – and shoppers couldn’t be happier.

Zoflora has an army of devoted cleaning fanatics who have cupboards full of their products.

Store display of Zoflora multipurpose disinfectant cleaner.
Zoflora/Instagram
A retro Zoflora scent has finally returned to shelves[/caption]
Zoflora Flowershop display with cleaning products priced at £2.79.
Zoflora/Instagram
The Flowershop scent is available exclusively in Home Bargains[/caption]

And die-hard customers will remember one of their heritage scents from the 80s which smells like a “fragrant paradise”.

Now they have the chance to get their hands on it again, as Flowershop has made a return to Home Bargains for a limited time.

Zoflora first created the floral fragrance over 40 years ago, and the nostalgic scent is a “comfort” to life-long Zoflora fans.

It has now been reimagined for 2025 by the cleaning giant’s expert perfumers to evoke the fragrance of a beautiful blooming bouquet.

The classic fragrance is bursting with crisp green top notes and a heart of freesia and peony, blended with a musky, watery base.

A nostalgic fan favourite, Flowershop celebrates flowers from bloom to stem while delivering long-lasting fragrance to any home.

Zoflora’s expert perfumer said: “Walking into a flower shop is like stepping into a fragrant paradise – it is one of my favourite smells.

“The air is filled with a mix of scents from various blooms, giving the perfect blend of green and floral notes.

“The Flowershop fragrance from Zoflora allows that wonderful scent to be transported into our homes.”

The returning scent is available as a multipurpose disinfectant cleaner for £1.99 and concentrated multipurpose disinfectant for £2.79.

And shoppers are already racing to their nearest stores to get their hands on it.

One gushed: “Can’t believe it, this scent brings back lots of memories for me. I need this, I hope I can find some.”

“I don’t think I’ve been constantly checking home bargains so much in my life”, cried a second.

A third insisted: “The best. Should never have taken this off the shelves.

“Remember my mum using this as a child. It’s my all time favourite and waited years for it to come back. Keep it on the shelves this time.”

“Absolute classic”, chimed in somebody else.

A fifth added: “My mum used to use it all time in the 80’s/90’s before it was popular.”

Meanwhile, a sixth echoed: “This was the one my mam used back in the day. Takes me back.”

SHOPPERS DIVIDED

But not everyone’s convinced by the reimagined scent, as they claim it’s “not the same”.

One person said: “So upset it smells nothing like the original flowershop. This was the best fragrance! Please, please bring back the original scent.”

“It’s not as strong smelling as it was”, sighed somebody else.

And a third agreed: “It doesn’t smell the same.”

Elsewhere, meet the Zoflora superfan who uses the cleaning brand every single day and can’t leave B&M or Home Bargains without buying a new bottle.

Dental receptionist Gemma, 40, said: “I’d call myself Zoflora’s biggest fan – I am absolutely obsessed.

“You can never have too much and I’m always keeping my eye out for new launches.

“Even my husband and two children know exactly how and where to use it around the house.

“The amount I spend on Zoflora varies from month to month, but right now, I’d say my collection is probably worth close to £200 – I have over 45 Zoflora products.”

Read More »

‘Planetary defence team’ being assembled as China joins US & Europe bracing for ‘city-killer’ asteroid strike

CHINA is assembling a planetary defence team to join the US and Europe in bracing for an evermore likely “city-killer” asteroid strike.

The emergency measures come after scientists warned we may not have enough time to stop a huge space rock that is hurtling towards earth.

Illustration of an asteroid impacting Earth.
Getty
Countries around the world are preparing to deal with a possible massive asteroid strike[/caption]
Asteroid 2024 YR4 observed by the Magdalena Ridge 2.4m telescope.
AFP
Asteroid 2024 YR4 as observed by the Magdalena Ridge 2.4m telescope at the New Mexico Institute of Technology on January 27, 2025[/caption] Illustration of methods to deflect asteroids, including using nukes, drills, rockets, and gravity tractors.

The odds of a collision with our planet have been slashed to a terrifying 1-in-43 chance.

The giant boulder rocketed to the top of Nasa’s impact risk list when it was discovered – and its threat level has only crept up with further calculations.

Scientists say the enormous rock, dubbed 2024 YR4, is between 40 and 100 metres wide, and would blow a crater the size of Manchester into the earth’s crust – with the potential for thousands of deaths.

It poses the highest risk ever recorded for an asteroid by the European Space Agency (ESA) – and the calculated threat has breached the threshold for triggering an international response.

Now, a special projects cell in China‘s state department for science and technology has posted job adverts for three “planetary defence” posts.

The centre – China’s mission control for aerospace engineering – is taking on graduate science whizzes to advance asteroid monitoring and build early warning systems.

ESA projections show 2024 YRA’s path could intersect with Earth’s orbit at Christmas time in 2032 – specifically 8.52am GMT on Wednesday, December 22.

With rising concerns about the chances of impact, researchers have suggested various deflection methods – including solar lasers, nuclear bombs or – most likely – kinetic impactors.

The latter option involves scientists launching a spacecraft at the asteroid to knock it off orbit.

KNOCK IT WITH A ROCKET

Mathematicians have calculated that crashing a “sacrificial” spacecraft into the side of a speeding asteroid less than one kilometre across – like 2024 YRA – would be powerful enough to divert it.

However, we may already have run out of time to use this method, according science writer Dr Robin George Andrews.

He said on X: “I’ve often [been] told you need 10 years or more to build, plan and execute an asteroid deflection mission.

“Now let’s look at 2024 YR4. We have less than eight years to potentially deal with it, if needed.

Illustration of the DART mission, showing the spacecraft's impact on Dimorphos and the resulting change in its orbit around Didymos.
AFP
Nasa’s DART mission successfully used kinetic impactors to change the orbit of an asteroid[/caption]
Lunar crater, possibly the origin point of asteroid Kamo'oalewa.
NASA/Goddard/Arizona State University
Scientists said asteroid 2024 YRA would leave a crater the size of Manchester if it hit earth[/caption]

“I’m not saying a kinetic impactor mission, or missions, couldn’t work.

“But we don’t have much time, and we don’t have enough info about this rapidly fading asteroid to properly inform our planetary defense decisions yet.”

Even if we did have time, he noted the kinetic impactor method may have unintended consequences.

In fact, he warned that the technique used two years ago in NASA‘s DART mission could be like “turning a cannonball into a shotgun spray”, increasing the possible devastation on Earth.

The London-based scientist, who specialises in volcanology but writes generally on science, added: “I’m seeing a lot of people claim that, if it is going to impact Earth in 2032, we can use a DART-like spacecraft to ram it out of the way.

“Well, not necessarily. The DART mission was fab, but might not be able to stop 2024 YR4.”

In 2022, Nasa’s DART spacecraft was deliberately driven into the side of Dimorphos – a small asteroid “moonlet”.

The mission was mainly to test Nasa’s planet defence systems, and was deemed a big success.

Dr Andrews said: “As DART smashed into the asteroid, lots of debris flew back off the asteroid, acting like a rocket jet and giving it more of a push.”

But he warned that it does not prove the method can be used for all kinds of asteroid deflection.

He said: “Asteroids like Dimorphos, and smaller, tend to be rubble piles: not solid single rocks, but boulders weakly bound by their own gravity.

“Hitting them just right can produce that debris-like thrust effect, but if you hit them too hard, you’ll shatter them.

nasa 's asteroid watch list lists the most dangerous asteroids that could hit earth in future

GOING NUCLEAR

Another option for dodging disaster is to detonate a nuclear bomb near the the asteroid – and Dr Andrews urged researchers not to rule it out.

He suggested that scientists may “break an awkward taboo” of using a nuclear weapon against 2024 YR4 “which would provide a bigger punch than DART”.

The European Union-funded NEO Shield consortium said last week that the use of a nuclear bomb would be a last resort.

While the idea of sending a nuclear weapon into space to stop a potentially deadly asteroid sounds like fiction thanks to movies like Armageddon, it is one of the options available to scientists.

A carefully executed explosion close to the surface of the asteroid would be carried out in the hope that the rock shatters into smaller fragments that would burn up in the atmosphere.

Illustration of asteroid's possible path to collide with Earth in seven years.
Illustration of an asteroid approaching Earth.
Getty
2024 YR4 is 27 million miles away but is set to reach us in December 2032 (stock)[/caption]

However, larger chunks could still be big enough to survive the atmosphere and rain down on a larger area of Earth.

Another nuclear option would be to detonate the nuclear weapon further away from the asteroid with the idea that the explosion would damage the surface of the rock and knock it off course.

If carried out correctly, there would be minimal damage to the asteroid, and therefore no risk of chunks of space rock falling to Earth.

But detonating a nuclear weapon in space is not only tricky and riskY – it’s also strictly against UN treaties.

Ian Carnelli, a planet defence expert at the ESA, told The Telegraph: “It is a lot more complex with a nuclear device, and that is before you get into the political discussion because nuclear explosions in space are banned by UN treaties.

‘CITY-KILLER’

Astronomer Dr David Whitehouse first noted the chances of a disastrous collision increasing as he said the asteroid is “unacceptable to ignore”.

An impact would unleash energy hundreds of times greater than that of the Hiroshima bomb with a blinding flash as shock waves that would flatten anything for miles.

One expert called it a potential ‘city-killer’ telling CBS that “if you put it over Paris or London or New York, you basically wipe out the whole city and some of the environs.”

If the asteroid explodes near the coastline, a life-threatening tsunami could occur.

As fears of impact increase, an international team of astronomers has been granted use of the iconic James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) so they can determine how much damage the asteroid may cause.

Astronomers are set to use the JWST in March to measure the exact size of 2024 YR4 and make any final calculations around its orbit.

Illustration of a meteor on a collision course with Earth.
Getty
Scientists say there is no need to panic – but will keep monitoring the asteroid carefully[/caption]
World map with a red line indicating a flight path.
Daniel Bamberger
The red line shows the ‘risk corridor’ where the asteroid could strike[/caption]

The JWST, used by both the ESA and NASA, will take images of 2024 YR4 from its position a million miles away from Earth.

A second round of observations will also take place in May to determine how it has moved within a few months.

At the moment, scientists believe the asteroid could be up to 300ft wide – the same size as New York‘s Statue of Liberty or London‘s Big Ben.

While scientists attempt to assure people that asteroid 2024 YR4 will most likely miss Earth, Dr Andrews warns that we must be serious about the methods we use if it doesn’t.

“We have to be wary of trying to save the world but accidentally making the problem worse,” he warned.

The Space Missing Planning Advisory Group, chaired by the ESA, has discussed the latest observations of 2024 YR4 at a meeting in Vienna.

They have given astronomers more time to determine their estimate of the asteroid’s orbit.

If the group believes there is a risk of a hit, it will make official recommendations to the United Nations and discuss options for a “spacecraft-based response to the potential hazard.”

Past Earth-threatening asteroids

MANY asteroids spotted in the past have been deemed a risk to Earth.

But only one has ever been diverted by human intervention.

In 2022, Nasa’s DART spacecraft was deliberately driven into the side of Dimorphos – a small asteroid “moonlet”.

The mission was mainly to test Nasa’s planet defence systems, and was deemed a big success.

There have been a number of other asteroids that have threatened the Earth, including:

  • Chicxulub Impactor: This asteroid smashed into the Earth around 66 million years ago and is believed to have wiped out the dinosaurs
  • 2004 FU162: In March 2004, this 33ft-wide meteoroid passed 6,500 km above Earth
  • 1996 JA1: In May 1996, this space rock passed Earth at a distance of 450,000 km
  • 99942 Apophis: This 1,100ft-wide asteroid was considered one of the most dangerous asteroids that could impact Earth. However, a radar observation campaign in 2021 concluded that it poses no risk to Earth for at least 100 years
  • 1979 XB: This 2,165ft-wide asteroid had an estimated 1 in 1.8 million chance of impact
  • 2007 FT3: This 0.6-mile-wide asteroid had an estimated 1 in 10 million chance of impact on March 3, 2030
  • 7482 (1994 PC1): This 3,609ft-wide asteroid had its closest approach on January 18, 2022

Read More »

Ryanair scraps another UK flight just days after axing routes to Denmark and Morocco

MORE flights are being cancelled by Ryanair, affecting Brits heading to Europe.

Earlier this month, Ryanair announced it would scrap its route from London Stansted to Aalborg at the beginning of March.

Passengers boarding a Ryanair plane at Bournemouth Airport.
Alamy
Budget airline Ryanair has scrapped another service from Bournemouth Airport (pictured)[/caption]

The airline made its decision to end its Aalborg services after Denmark announced new aviation taxes.

Ryanair also halted flights from Bournemouth Airport to Agadir – just 10 months after the service first launched.

Another Ryanair service has been scrapped from Bournemouth Airport, with the airline now cancelling flights to Budapest.

In a post on social media, an airport spokesperson said: “Unfortunately the Budapest flight from Bournemouth will no longer run past April 2025 as per the airline’s decision.”

Locals have started a petition in an effort to get the airline to overturn its decision to scrap the routes.

Ryanair still operates several routes from Bournemouth Airport to destinations across Europe, including Faro in Portugal, Rhodes in Greece and Malta.

The recent cancellation of Ryanair flights to and from the UK comes after the airline’s boss, Michael O’Leary, warned hundreds of flights could be scrapped following the autumn budget.

In the autumn budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a £2 increase in Air Passenger Duty (APD) for flights in Europe.

Following the announcement, the Ryanair boss said the airline would look to cut UK capacity by 10 per cent in 2025, which would see five million seats scrapped.

Last month, Ryanair scrapped routes across Spain, axing 800,00 seats across 12 routes.

The airline will axe both domestic and international flights across the country.

Operations will be reduced at Vigo, Santiago de Compostela, Zaragoza, Santander and the airport of Asturias.

The low-cost airline will scrap all of its flights in both Jerez and Valladolid, impacting British holidaymakers as a route operates from London Stansted to Jerez.

Ryanair blamed “excessive fees” at airports in Spain for its move to reduce and axe flights.

Services in France could also be cut, with the airline threatening to scrap flights from 10 airports.

The airline is reviewing its French schedule in response to a proposed tax hike by the French government.

At the end of last year, Jason McGuinness, the airline’s commercial officer, said: “Ryanair is now reviewing its French schedules and expects to cut capacity to/from regional French airports by up to 50 percent from January 2025 if the French government proceeds with its short-sighted plan to triple passenger taxes”.

Aerial view of Stansted Airport.
Alamy
Ryanair is scrapping its service from London Stansted (pictured) to Aalborg in Denmark[/caption]

But it’s not all doom and gloom with Ryanair launching five new flights from London Stansted to destinations across Europe.

The new routes include flights to Reggio Calabria in Italy, which have already launched.

Flights to Clermont-Ferrand in France and Munster in Germany will launch on March 30.

And from April 1, flights to Lubeck, another German city, will operate from London Stansted.

Advice for flying with Ryanair

  • All Ryanair passengers can bring a small personal bag on board but this must fit under the seat in front of you, but it must be no bigger than 40cm x 20cm x 25cm
  • Any over-sized cabin bags will be refused at the boarding gate and put in the hold for a fee
  • Ryanair also charges passengers up to £55 check-in at the airport
  • Anyone who loses their card at the airport will have to pay a £20 reissue fee
  • Book to sit in the front five rows if you want to head off the plane first
  • Extra legroom seats can be found in rows 1 A, B, C or 2 D, E, F as well as row 16 and 17 near the emergency exit
  • The worst seat on Ryanair’s Boeing 737-800 aircraft is also 11A because of its lack of window.

Here are some other new flight routes launching this year.

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

Passengers boarding a Ryanair plane.
Getty
The low-cost airline has axed UK flights to Denmark, Morocco and Hungary after slamming the airport fees[/caption]

Read More »

Iconic car brand with ‘just 12 months left’ before collapse could be SAVED by major tech firm behind Apple iPhone

AN ICONIC car brand with just 12 months left before collapse could be saved by a major tech firm behind the Apple iPhone.

Foxconn revealed plans to buy a stake in the Japanese car firm after the breakdown of a key merger.

Foxconn Chairman Young Liu speaking to the media.
Reuters
Foxconn Chairman Young Liu speaks to the press about opening talks with Nissan[/caption]
Person walking past a Nissan Motor Corporation sign.
AFP
Nissan has suffered terrible losses over the past few months[/caption]

Nissan is reportedly on the brink of collapse, having planned to cut 9,000 jobs.

But Foxconn looks set to bail it out.

The Taiwanese tech giant announced on Wednesday it would be looking to buy Renault‘s shares in Nissan, in a bid to work together on developing EVs.

Details of the contract will be revealed in a couple of months, reports the Financial Times.

Emphasising a desire for “cooperation” over investment, the firm’s chair Young Liu said: “buying shares is not our main goal.”

“If [taking a stake] is necessary for co-operation we will take it,” he added.

His comments explain Foxconn’s motivation behind investing in Nissan after the Japanese car company‘s partnership with Honda broke down.

Foxconn is best known for manufacturing Apple iPhone products but it is also carving a path in the EV market – designing and manufacturing electric cars for companies.

But whilst it already counts a number of start-ups on its portfolio, Nissan would be its first contract with an international and legacy carmaker.

Failed partnership

Their interest comes days after “merger” talks between Nissan and Honda fell apart.

Last year, Nissan was on the brink of collapse when rival Honda offered an almost £50million lifeline.

The firm had already cut 9,000 jobs across its global operation, while its CEO Makoto Uchida took a 50 per cent pay cut in an economy drive.

In turn, the Japanese firm hoped to create a powerful dual-force against the Chinese brands dominating the industry.

Nissan and Honda would have used each other’s plants to build vehicles and create manufacturing capabilities that would rival Tesla.

But the talks have been complicated by growing differences on both sides, according to reports.

And in little more than a month the partnership failed, reportedly due to Nissan’s “pride” and Honda’s revised terms.

Both of whom declined to be identified because they were not authorised to speak to the media, the Nikkei newspaper said.

Honda reportedly sounded out Nissan about becoming a subsidiary, which was deemed a departure from the spirit of discussions originally framed as a merger of equals.

A Nissan spokesperson said the Nikkei report was not based on information announced by the company and that it aimed to finalise its future direction by mid-February and would announce it at that time.

Nissan is in the middle of a turnaround plan aiming to cut 9,000 employees and 20 per cent of global capacity.

Honda, with a market value nearly five times bigger than Nissan, was increasingly worried about its smaller rival’s progress on the turnaround plan, said the other person.

The tie-up talks coincided with the disruption posed by potential tariffs from newly-elected US President Donald Trump.

Tariffs against Mexico would be more painful for Nissan than for Honda or Toyota, according to analysts.

“Investors may get concerned about Nissan’s future (and) turnaround,” said Morningstar analyst Vincent Sun.

“Nissan also has a larger risk exposure to US-Mexico tariffs than Honda and Toyota.”

Shares in Nissan slid more than 4 per cent before trade was suspended by the Tokyo Stock Exchange following the report.

Shares of Honda continued to trade and finished the day up more than 8 per cent, in a sign of apparent investor relief that the deal had been scrapped.

Read More »

Man Utd staff heartbroken as ‘mum to everyone’ and ‘oil in the machine’ part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s latest shocking cuts

MANCHESTER UNITED staff have been left heartbroken after the “mum of everyone” Jackie Kay was dismissed.

Jackie has been a part of the furniture at the club since 1995 and was widely considered as “oil in the machine” by many staff members.

Jackie Kay and Erik ten Hag of Manchester United before a soccer match.
Getty
Jackie Kay has been axed from her job at Manchester United[/caption]
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Ineos CEO and Manchester United co-owner.
PA
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to sack up to 200 employees from the club[/caption]

SunSport exclusively revealed that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to sack up to 200 more employees.

This follows the 250 redundancies out of the 1,150 workforce that were made last July.

The Times have now claimed that Jackie is one of the victims of the latest round of cost-cutting.

Her exit from the club has been described as “brutal’ as she left her role as the head of team operations.

She has also worked as an executive assistant to the former CEO David Gill.

Jackie also worked at Manchester United‘s Carrington training ground for a time in charge of the first-team logistics.

The report has also suggested that she was well-liked by managers and players alike at the club.

She was also labelled as the “oil in the machine” at the Red Devils.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS

It is believed that she was informed of the club’s decision last week.

Her exit is a part of the overhaul by Sir Dave Brailsford and Jason Wilcox.

Ashley Young celebrating a Manchester United goal.
Alan Walter - The Times
Ashley Young has previously spoken highly of Jackie Kay[/caption]

However, it is not thought to be linked to the latest spate of redundancies.

It is also claimed that her fellow staff members were “upset” as the news of Jackie’s exit.

Many had claimed that she had “given her life to the club”.

Former Manchester United star Ashley Young has previously highlighted her efforts at the club.

He said: “She’s just brilliant.

“She’s like the mum to everyone.

“If there are any problems or there is anything we need sorting out it’s a case of ‘Jackie can you do this’, ‘Jackie can you help with this’.

“I’m sure there are times when she looks at her phone when it’s ringing and she must think ‘no, I’m not answering’.

“But she’s always there for you.”

Meanwhile, Ratcliffe has suffered a fresh blow as he is being sued by the All Blacks rugby team for “failing to pay sponsorship fees”.

Ratcliffe’s Ineos agreed a six-year deal as an All Blacks’ shirt sponsor in 2021, with the move worth £3.65million each year.

However, New Zealand rugby chiefs have now accused the petrochemical company of attempting to end their sponsorship three years early.

They claim Ineos are yet to pay out any of this year’s fee.

And legal proceedings have now been launched as the All Blacks look for a new sponsor.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's first year at Man Utd

SIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…

December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old Trafford

January 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington 

January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO 

February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed 

February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin added

March 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre move

March 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s football

March 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old Trafford

March 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in December

April 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled 

April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director 

April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton 

May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanliness

May 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roof

May 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish 

May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy 

May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticket

May 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axed

May 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of result

June 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground 

June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into office

June 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s team

July 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensation

July 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026

July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.

July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment 

July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  

July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125

July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex Wylie

August 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window 

August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toilet

October 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex Ferguson

October 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled 

October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matches

October 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15m

November 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause 

November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim 

November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings 

November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters Association

December 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” 

December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66

December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting director

December 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucher

December 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth

December 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two stars

December 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity

Read More »