7 days agoNew York StateComments Off on Missing student Sudiksha Konanki, 20, feared to have drowned on spring break as cops quiz man last seen with her
A MISSING college student who suddenly vanished during a spring break trip to the Dominican Republic is feared to have drowned.
Sudiksha Konanki, 20, was seen on the beach in Punta Cana just after 4am on Thursday morning, according to security footage.
Missing student Sudiksha Konanki is feared to have drowned, according to copsFacebookShe was a student at the University of Pittsburgh
She was reported missing around 12 hours later by her pals, sparking an urgent hunt.
Search and rescue teams in the Dominican Republic have combed the sea and searched other areas including bays and bushes.
Officials have told ABC News they believe Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student, drowned.
Cops believe she and one other person were caught by a big wave.
Police said that five women and a man left the beach at around 5:55am on Thursday morning.
But, Konanki and another man stayed on the beach.
The man was reportedly seen leaving the beach hours later, but there was no sight of Konanki, per CNN.
He is now being quizzed by cops as part of their probe into her disappearance.
He reportedly left the beach just before 10am.
It’s not known if he is a student at the University of Pittsburgh.
Konanki arrived in the Dominican Republic on March 3 with five other people.
Her pals have not yet been quizzed by officers.
Cops in Loudoun County, Virginia, are disputing the claims made by officials in the Caribbean country.
They claim that there’s “no evidence” that Konanki drowned.
They suspect that the officials in the Dominican Republic came to the conclusion because it was her last known location.
Her dad, Subbarayudu, revealed she was about to start pre-med studies in Pittsburgh.
“She’s ambitious. She wanted to pursue a career in medicine,” he told CNN.
He revealed that she had ambitions to be a doctor.
InstagramSearch and rescue officers seen patroling the beach[/caption]
Riu Republica - Adults OnlyShe was last seen on the beach at the Riu Republica resort[/caption]
This is a developing story…
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7 days agoNew York StateComments Off on Cheltenham Festival betting offers: Best new sign up offers from our partners
WE’RE just days away from hearing that famous Cheltenham ROAAAR – with the action starting TOMORROW!
Here at Sun Racing we’ve put together an extensive list of the top betting offers and exclusive bonuses offers from our commercial partners, in no particular order, to make sure YOU are in the best possible position for the four-day extravaganza.
The biggest value of the list, William Hill are giving out £60 in free bets and bonuses when registering and staking £10.
Once that £10 is settled, a £20 Vegas Bonus will be credited to use on selected games.
Then to receive the Sports Bonus of 4 x £10, you must make a minimum stake of £10 (with cash or from your winnings from the Vegas Free Bet, once wagering requirements are met) at odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater on any sportsbook market!
Seven races will take place each day from 1.20pm until the finale at 5.20pm
What are the championship races at the Cheltenham Festival?
Each day of the Festival, there will be one ‘championship race’ – essentially the highlight of that day’s action.
Those are:
Day one: Champion Hurdle
Day two: Champion Chase
Day three: Stayers’ Hurdle
Day four: Cheltenham Gold Cup
Who is favourite to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup?
At the time of writing, Galopin Des Champs is the favourite to win the race
He’s trained by Willie Mullins and won this race in 2023 and 2024
Previous Cheltenham Gold Cup winners
Year
Winner
Age
Trainer
2024
Galopin Des Champs
7
W P Mullins
2023
Galopin Des Champs
7
W P Mullins
2022
A Plus Tard
8
Henry De Bromhead
2021
Minella Indo
8
Henry De Bromhead
2020
Al Boum Photo
8
W P Mullins
2019
Al Boum Photo
7
W P Mullins
2018
Native River
8
Colin Tizzard
2017
Sizing John
7
Jessica Harrington (Ire)
2016
Don Cossack
9
Gordon Elliott (Ire)
2015
Coneygree
8
Mark Brackstock
What TV channel will Cheltenham Festival be broadcast on and can I stream it?
Cheltenham will be available live on ITV and Racing TV.
You can follow all the action on SunSport’s Cheltenham Festival live blog.
Ts&Cs
*Betfred: New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply.
*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org.Full T&Cs apply.
*BetMGM. New cust only. 7 days to place a qualifying bet of £10 at Evens (1/1) or above for 2 x £10 Free Bets (min odds 2/1) & 2 x £10 Free Accas (trebles & above at min odds per line 1/2). Expires 14/03/25 23:59. Cannot be used on e-sports & non-UK/IE horse racing. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.
*10bet. New bettors; Code SPORT; Wager deposit & bonus 8x; Max qualifying bet stake=initial bonus; Valid 60 days; Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply; T&C apply; 18+
*BoyleSports. *18+. New UK customers (Excluding NI) only. £40 in FREE Bets (FB) as £30 in sports bets & a £10 casino bonus (CB). Min Deposit €10. Min stake €10. Min odds Evs. FB applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. FB 7-day expiry. 1 FB offer per customer, household & IP address only. Account & Payment restrictions. 14 days to accept £10 CB, then active for 3 days. CB 5x wagering & max redeemable £100. Game restrictions apply. Cashed out/Free Bets won’t apply. 30 days to qualify. Digital customers only. Min Odds of (3/1). Max stake 20. Available on one bet per selected event. 25% Boost. Boost will be added once all selections have settled. Max boost payout £/€1,000. Offer does not apply to multiple bets. Free/void/cashed out bets won’t qualify. T&Cs apply.
*talkSPORT BET. 18+ New Customers Only. Opt in via mobile or app. Bet £10+ on sports (odds 2.00+). Get 3x£10 Free Bets for set markets, which expire in 5 days. Offer valid from 12:00 on 26/02/2025 until 16:00 on 07/03/2025. Scroll down for T&Cs. GambleAware.org . Please gamble responsibly
*William Hill: 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply. #ad
*Betano. 18+ New customers only. Opt in and bet £10 on Horse Racing (odds 2/1+) within 3 days of sign up. No cash-out. Get your first stake credited in Free Bets, up to £40, for set horse racing markets. Free Bets expire in 5 days. Scroll down for T&Cs. GambleAware.org. Please gamble responsibly
*PricedUp. 18+. New customers only. Place a minimum £40 bet on any selection with minimum odds of Evens (2.00) and receive a £20 free bet upon bet settlement. Free bet expires after 7 days. BeGambleAware.org. T&Cs apply. #ad
*Coral. Eligible UK+IRE players. Paypal & some deposit & bet types excl. Min first £5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 = 4x £5 free bets. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. No cash-out, restrictions & T&Cs apply. 18+ T&Cs Apply. Begambleaware.org
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
Never chase their losses
Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
7 days agoNew York StateComments Off on Best Cheltenham Festival free bets and betting offers for 2025
THE DAYS are getting longer, but the countdown to the 2025 Cheltenham Festival is getting shorter.
And with that comes the barrage of Cheltenham free bets, and Cheltenham betting offers.
Here, we narrowed down some of the best free bets and offers from our affiliate partners so you can make the most out of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival.
2025 Cheltenham Festival free bets and offers
Best bookies and offers for Cheltenham Festival 2025
The Cheltenham Festival is the one week a year when every horse racing betting site unleashes their best Cheltenham offers and free bets.
Below, we have taken the hard work out of finding some of the best Cheltenham free bets and offers so you can concentrate on finding your next Cheltenham Festival winner.
Build your Cheltenham Festival free bets with Betway’s Countdown To Cheltenham. Bet £10 on a selected event each week in the lead-up to the Cheltenham Festival, and you will be credited a £20 free bet into your account as well as £20 into your Cheltenham Festival Free Bet wallet that you will be able to access on the week of the Cheltenham Festival.
The outstanding feature of Betway free bets is that you can split the stake value, getting the most out of your free bets.
Eligible payment methods: Debit Card or Bank Transfer.
SBK’s welcome offer will give you £40 in free bets when you place a tenner at minimum 1/1 odds. You’ll get £10 bet token you can use on football, £10 multiple token, £5 horse racing multiple token, and a £5 bet builder token for football.
On top of that, SBK’s ‘The Journey To Cheltenham’ offer gives you the chance to bag yourself £20 in free bets exclusively for the Cheltenham Festival. All you must do is place £50 worth of multiples (min 3 legs) to get your hands on your Horse Racing tokens.
Once you reach the required threshold, SBK will credit you with four x £5 Horse Racing Bet tokens.
New customers are eligible for Tote’s free bets offer if they use the “B10G40” promo code on registration. Keep in mind that you have to place a £10 qualifying bet at evens odds or greater, and it can be used on all sports, including horse racing.
However, if you wanted to place an each way bet, then the stake should be £10 min for win and an additional £10 for place. When you qualify, you’ll get a £10 free bet, £20 Tote credit, and 50 spins on Big Bass Bonanza worth £10.
BetMGM’s welcome offer is perfect for Cheltenham Festival. Open a new account with BetMGM and get £40 worth of free bets. These bets are split into two £10 bets of any type, which includes horse racing at minimum odds of 2/1, and two trebles and above at £10 each with minimum odds per line at 1/2.
bet365, one of the leading online horse racing betting sites, will set you up for the Cheltenham Festival with their simple bet £10 get £30 in free bets. This is for new customers only and the free bets can be used on any race at the 2025 Cheltenham Festival.
Cheltenham offer: Bet £10 and get £30 in Free Bets
Qualifying bet: £10
Minimum odds: 1/2 (1.5)
Maximum winnings: £50,000
Eligible payment methods: Visa, Mastercard
LiveScoreBet offers a quick and easy way to build up some Cheltenham Festival free bets for new and existing customers and offers Best Odds Guaranteed on top. Place a £10 bet on horse racing from Friday to Sunday on selected weekends, and LiveScoreBet will credit your account with two £10 free bets you can use on all UK and Irish racing, and add a further two £5 free bets on football Bet Builders.
If you want to keep things simple, kwiff’s Cheltenham festival free bets will be just the ticket.. With a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1+ odds you are eligible to get three free bets, £10 for football, £10 for racing, and a £10 acca with at least four selections.
Keep in mind, each way bets don’t qualify for free bets. kwiff doesn’t currently offer Cheltenham Festival markets, but they will become live once declarations are released two days before each race day.
CopyBet has one of the more appealing Cheltenham Festival free bets for new customers. Sign up today, and you will get £60 in free bets credited to your account once you place a £20 bet on any sport. Once your qualifying bet has been settled, your CopyBet account will be credited with £60 in free bets.
If you don’t want to start your Cheltenham Festival journey with big wagers to get free bets, then Coral is the one for you. Place a £5 bet as your first bet and get £20 on free bets credit to your account once your qualifying bet is settled. It is that simple.
Get ready for the 2025 Cheltenham Festival with BetUK’s easy-to-claim bet £10, get £30 in free bets welcome offer. Like other bookmakers we include here, one £10 free bet can be used on horse racing, another £10 bet can be used for football, and one £10 on bet builders with more than three selections and odds higher than 3/1.
This BetUK offer is pretty easy to claim and use – just make an account, place your first Cheltenham bet and the free bets for the Festival and your other sports passions will appear.
AK Bets are giving you the chance to win up to £100 extra on your first Lucky 15. When signing up for your new AK Bets account, use code ‘AKLUCKY100’ to activate the offer. Then, select 4 horses at the 2025 Cheltenham Festival and put them into a Luck 15, and if your bet returns a profit, the AK Bets will give you a 25% winning boost up to £100.
To claim 10bets’ Cheltenham Festival free bet offer, sign up for a new account using code ‘SPORT‘ to activate the offer. Note that you will have to wager 8x (deposit + bonus) before withdrawing any winnings that are won from free bets placed.
This is not ideal when looking to take advantage of a free bet offer for the Cheltenham Festival, but over the course of the four-day festival, it may pay to opt in.
Special betting offers from Cheltenham Festival 2025
Are you unsure if your bookmaker offers BOG (Best Odds Guaranteed), NRNB (Non-runner No bet), or enhanced odds for the Cheltenham Festival? Well, we have done the hard work for you and compiled a list of who offers the promotions and who doesn’t.
Bookmaker
BOG
Non-runner No bet
Enhanced odds
SBK
No
No
Yes
Tote
Yes
Yes
Yes
bet365
Yes
Yes
Yes
Coral
Yes
Yes
Yes
BetMGM
Yes
Yes
Yes
CopyBet
Yes
Yes
Yes
Betway
Yes
Yes
Yes
Kwiff
No
No
Yes
BetUK
No
Yes
Yes
LiveScoreBet
Yes
Yes
Yes
AK Bets
Yes
Yes
Yes
10bet
No
No
Yes
Fafabet
Yes
Yes
Yes
Betgoodwin
Yes
Yes
Yes
Betzone
Yes
No
Yes
How we ranked the best Cheltenham free bets
To ensure punters get the most value from their Cheltenham Festival betting experience, we ranked free bet offers based on the following key factors:
Value of free bets – The more opportunities you have to bet, the better. We prioritized offers that provide higher free bet amounts and multiple bonuses, allowing bettors to maximize their stakes across different Cheltenham races.
Best odds guaranteed (BOG) – Bookmakers that offer BOG for horse racing were given preference, as this ensures punters get best returns on their stake, even if the starting price improves after placing a bet.
Fair and transparent terms – We focused on promotions with clear and fair terms, ensuring bettors can easily claim and use their free bets without restrictive conditions or excessive wagering requirements.
Additional Perks and Features – Beyond free bets, we considered bookmakers that offer extra benefits like price boosts, extra places on each-way bets, and cash-back deals, enhancing the overall betting experience.
By evaluating these factors, we curated a list of top Cheltenham free bet offers that provide the best value, fairness, and usability for horse racing enthusiasts.
Types of Cheltenham offers
When it comes to the Cheltenham Festival, there are so many offers that it may be confusing for a casual bettor. So here we have listed and explained some of the most common Cheltenham offers so you can get a better understanding of each one.
Free bets – Free bets allow the bettor to place bets without actually having to fund their stake – nothing is deducted from their account balance.
Enhanced odds – They are essentially a promotion that increases the odds available for selected bets.
Deposit bonuses – A deposit bonus is a little extra money or a free bet given to new customers after making their first deposit.
Non-Runner No Bet (NRNB) – If selection doesn’t run in a race and the bet is under the non-runner no bet promotion, then the stake is returned to you in full.
Money back offers – Give you the chance to get your money back if your bet is a loser.
Extra each-way places – An enhanced place special where bookmakers offer extra places i.e top 4 instead of top 3 in a race.
Tote betting – all the money staked on each horse in the race is pooled together. After the race, everyone who has backed the winner will receive a share of that pool money, depending on the size of their original stake.
Faller Insurance – Get reduced odds on a horse, but you get your betting stake back if your selection falls.
How to use Cheltenham free bets
The Cheltenham Festival is the best time to avail of free bets. From sign up free bets, to money back as a free bet offers, you are sure to come across a free bet promotion that will suit your betting needs and it can be straightforward with the right approach.
Select a suitable offer – Begin by comparing Cheltenham free bet promotions from bookies we list here. Prioritize offers with lower minimum odds required and more free bets for horse racing available.
Register an account – Visit your chosen bookmaker’s website and click “Join” or “Sign Up” (typically found on the homepage). Complete the registration process and provide required details like email, phone number, and date of birth.
Review deposit requirements – Before funding your account, confirm the minimum deposit needed to activate the free bet. Note that some payment methods may exclude you from bonuses. You can always opt for debit cards if unsure.
Enter a promo code (if applicable) – During registration or deposit, input any required bonus code to ensure your free bet is triggered.
Place your qualifying bet – Wager your initial deposit on a Cheltenham race or event, adhering to the promotion’s rules (e.g., minimum odds, specific markets).
Activate your free bet – After settling your qualifying bet, the free bet will credit to your account.
Track expiry dates and restrictions – Free bets often expire within 7 days or post-Cheltenham. Check the offer’s timeline and any wagering rules to avoid forfeiting rewards.
Contact support for issues – If your free bet doesn’t appear, use the bookmaker’s live chat or email support.
Betting on Cheltenham Festival Championship races with free bets
The Cheltenham Festival, which is held over four days, will host 28 races (7 a day), in which the best of the UK and Ireland go head to head in a war of attrition.
Each of the four days has what is known as a Championship race. Day one’s championship race is the Champion Hurdle, where the best two-mile hurdles go head to head.
Day two’s highlight is the Queen Mother Champion Chase. This is the speed test of all speed tests. The best two-mile chasers will charge from the drop of the flag to the top of the Cheltenham hill until one is crowned the Champion Chaser.
On day three, we move from the old course to the new, where stamina will come into play. The Stayers Hurdle takes centre stage for the best three-mile hurdlers in the UK and Ireland, all vying for greatness.
Day four, or simply known as Gold Cup Day, is the day everyone wants to attend. The best of the best-staying chasers will take each other on in this stamina-sapping test where only the greats rise to the top. Will anyone be able to stop Galopin Des Champs from claiming his third Gold Cup in a row?
How to pick a horse to bet on at the 2025 Cheltenham Festival
Picking a horse to win at the Cheltenham Festival can be hard. But if you follow these 5 simple tips, you will be on the right path to finding the next Cheltenham Festival winning bet.
Know the form: It’s important to know the form of the horses coming into the Cheltenham Festival. Take your time to research horses’ current form and their form at previous Cheltenham Festivals (if they have run at a previous Cheltenham Festival).
Ground conditions: Knowing the ground conditions is key. If the ground is officially good to soft, then some horses will perform better on going such as that, and the same goes for soft or heavy ground. Knowing what ground best suits your horse will help you make an informed betting decision.
Jockeys: Jockeys are vital to every horse’s chance, and knowing who is the best can always point you in the right direction of who to bet on at Cheltenham.
Trainers’ Form: Trainers come in and out of form at certain parts of the season, and knowing who peaks at the Cheltenham Festival and who has peaked before the Festival is good knowledge, as some trainers will target certain races throughout the year.
Top Tipsters: Listening to people in the know can always give you the edge over bookmakers. Respected tipsters will have done all the necessary and more studying to produce the best horse racing tips for the Cheltenham Festival.
Popular markets for Cheltenham betting
The Cheltenham Festival betting markets are endless and can confuse newcomers to horse racing, so here we list the top betting markets for the Cheltenham Festival.
Win: The simplest market to understand. Pick a horse, bet on it to win, and if it is lucky enough to win its race, then you will get a return.
Each way: This is a great Cheltenham betting market, especially for the handicaps. Pick a horse and bet on it each way, and you will have more chances to get a return as you will have more places to play for. i.e. if you back a horse each way and it finishes in the top 3 in an 8-runner race, then you will get each way part of the bet if it finishes 2nd or 3rd, but if you win, you will get the win part, as well as, each way part of the bet.
Betting Without The Favourite: At the Cheltenham Festival, there will be what is called ‘odds-on favourites’. These horses will likely be very hard to beat, but you can still bet on that race. A new market where the favourite is taken out of the betting and a new betting market is formed. To win, your selection needs to finish 2nd to the favourite or finish 1st.
Distance Betting: If you think your horse will win by lengths or just one length, you have the option of picking the lengths. If it wins by your selected lengths or more, you will get paid out on the bigger odds that you have backed it at.
2025 Cheltenham Festival Schedule
Day 1 – Champion Day – Tuesday 11 March 2025
13:20 – The Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m
14:00 – The My Pension Expert Arkle Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) 2m
14:40 – The Ultima Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) 3m abt 1f
15:20 – The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle Race (Grade 1) 2m abt 4f
16:00 – The Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m
16:40 – The Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Race (Premier Handicap) 2m
17:20 – The National Hunt Novices’ Chase (Novices’ Steeple Chase) (Novices’ Handicap) 3m abt 6f
Listed are some of the most searched questions on Cheltenham Festival betting and free bets, with answers to make your experience more enjoyable.
1. What is a Cheltenham Festival free bet?
A Cheltenham Festival free bet is a free bet that can be used on any race at the Cheltenham Festival.
2. What are the best Cheltenham Festival offers?
It depends on what you are looking for, but, ‘money back as a free bet’ and ‘bet and get’ offers are among the most popular Cheltenham Festival offers.
3. Are there any restrictions on Cheltenham free bets?
Yes, bookmakers can restrict free bets. Check the T&Cs on each free bet, as they may differ between bookmakers.
4. Are there any Cheltenham offers for existing customers?
Yes, you will find Cheltenham Festival offers available for existing customers.
5. Is there live streaming for the Cheltenham Festival?
Most bookmakers offer the option of live-streaming every race of the Cheltenham Festival. However, some have different terms for watching each race, so be sure to check with your online bookmaker.
6. How much can I win with a Cheltenham free bet?
Picking the right horses for the right race, and following trends. For example, Galopin Des Champs, Gaelic Warrior, and Protecktorat are three of many who won at last season’s Cheltenham Festival and are ones who may be able to win again this season.
About the author
James Anderson
James Anderson is a Betting & Gaming Writer at The Sun. He is an expert in sports betting and online casinos, and joined the company in November 2020 to work closely with leading bookmakers and online gaming companies to curate content in all areas of sports betting. He previously worked as a Digital Sports Reporter and Head of Live Blogs/Events at the Daily Express and Daily Star, covering football, cricket, snooker, F1 and horse racing.
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
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7 days agoNew York StateComments Off on Mums race to Boots for baby buys reduced to just 15p & there’s even suncream you can stock up on for your summer holiday
EVERY parent knows how expensive it can be restocking your baby bag.
One mum shared the impressive deal she picked up at her local Boots.
A savvy shopper shared the deals she picked up on baby essentials at her local Boots
7 days agoNew York StateComments Off on I’m a gardening expert, the flower everyone should plant on their plot to keep pests away
A GARDENING expert has revealed the plant that every gardener should plant, claiming it is “better than insect repellent” when it comes to keeping pests at bay.
Chris Ware, gardening expert at Climbing Wild Gardeners, says if he could only plant one flower, it would have to be visually stunning, easy to grow, edible, and capable of protecting other plants.
Getty - ContributorGardening expert Chris Ware has revealed what to plant to get rid of pests[/caption]
According to Chris, one flower fits the bill perfectly: the calendula, also known as the pot marigold.
Chris describes the calendula as a “secret weapon” in his garden, explaining that it offers an incredible range of benefits for any outdoor space.
“Calendulas act as a magnet for beneficial insects,” Chris explains.
“They attract pollinators like bees, which help increase the yield of fruiting plants like tomatoes and beans.
“But what’s even more impressive is their ability to draw in natural pest predators like ladybirds, lacewings, and hoverflies, which feast on harmful pests such as aphids.”
A study cited by Chris found that cabbages planted alongside calendulas suffered significantly fewer pest issues, including fewer aphids, caterpillars, and flea beetles.
“Intercropping with calendulas can dramatically reduce pest numbers,” Chris says.
“I always recommend planting them near members of the cabbage family, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and kale. They not only help protect crops but also add a splash of cheerful color to the garden.”
Beyond their pest-repelling properties, calendulas also have a variety of other uses.
Their petals are commonly used in cooking for their slightly peppery taste, and they are a popular ingredient in skincare products due to their soothing properties.
“You can make your own calendula oil at home,” Chris suggests.
“Just dry the flowers and steep them in olive oil for about a month. It’s great for calming irritated or sunburnt skin.”
With their beauty, practicality, and resilience, calendulas are an all-round powerhouse for any garden.
As Chris puts it, “Think of them as an insurance policy against pests—without the need for harsh chemicals. They truly are one of the most useful flowers you can grow.”
HOW TO GROW CALENDULA
Chris advises gardeners to sow calendula seeds directly into the soil from early to mid-spring.
The flowers thrive in well-drained soil and are easy to cultivate.
“These flowers are incredibly low-maintenance,” Chris notes.
“They self-seed, meaning they’ll come back year after year without any extra effort. Just make sure they get enough water, and they’ll flourish.”
For those looking to get an early start, he recommends sowing seeds in pots or plug trays before transplanting them outdoors once the risk of frost has passed.
7 days agoNew York StateComments Off on ‘It could be the best week ever’ – Chris Dobey hoping to win £10k Premier League Darts prize – to spend on epic six days
CHRIS DOBEY embarks on possibly the greatest week of his life, one that will consist of darts, football, horseracing and beer.
Hollywood, 34, is hoping to boost his bank balance at two Players Championship events in Leicester on Tuesday and Wednesday.
GettyChris Dobey is aiming to end his Premier League duck in Nottingham[/caption]
PADobey said he would happily spend £10,000 on his action-packed week if he wins in Nottingham[/caption]
After that, he will try to break his Premier League duck in Nottingham on Thursday night – there is £10,000 available – but he must get past Rob Cross in the first round at the Motorpoint Arena.
The next day he heads to Gloucestershire for a jolly to watch the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the high point of the National Hunt season.
“There’s a group of us that go to home and away games and we’re all going together.
“We’ll be at Wembley’s BOXPARK before the match as well, spend a few hours there, soak in the atmosphere.
“We’ll probably be at Covent Garden or Leicester Square beforehand on the Saturday as well.
“Take in every little bit of atmosphere and get ready for the big one on the Sunday.”
Premier League Darts 2025: Dates and venues
Night 1 – Belfast: Humphries beat Dobey 6-1 Night 2 – Glasgow: Littler beat Humphries 6-5 Night 3 – Dublin: Price beat Aspinall 6-3 Night 4 – Exeter: Humphries beat Littler 6-4 Night 5 – Brighton: Littler beat Aspinall 6-3 Night 6 – Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham – Thursday March 13 Night 7 – Utilita Arena, Cardiff – Thursday March 20 Night 8 – Utilita Arena, Newcastle – Thursday March 27 Night 9 – Uber Arena, Berlin – Thursday April 3 Night 10 – AO Arena, Manchester – Thursday April 10 Night 11 – Rotterdam Ahoy, Rotterdam – Thursday April 17 Night 12 – M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool – Thursday April 24 Night 13 – Utilita Arena, Birmingham, Thursday May 1 Night 14 – First Direct Arena, Leeds – Thursday May 8 Night 15 – P&J Live, Aberdeen – Thursday May 15 Night 16 – Utilita Arena, Sheffield – Thursday May 22 Play-Offs – The O2, London – Thursday May 29
7 days agoNew York StateComments Off on I was quoted £600 for a kitchen makeover but did it for just £30 – it took 6 hours & everyone says it looks amazing
A DIY enthusiast has revealed that she was quoted £600 for a kitchen makeover, so decided to do it herself on the cheap.
A DIY fan has revealed that she was quoted £600 for a kitchen transformation, but did it herself for only £30Facebook / diyonabudgetofficialNot only did Maria Quaife save herself £570, but it only took her six hours to doFacebook / diyonabudgetofficialFacebook / diyonabudgetofficialSocial media users think Maria’s kitchen looks ‘amazing’[/caption]
Maria Quaife was able to transform her kitchen from drab to fab, all thanks to a lick of paint.
Thrilled with her DIY overhaul, Maria took to social media and posted on DIY On A Budget, a private Facebook group with 2.2million members, to share a before and after look at her jaw-dropping project – and it’s left many open-mouthed.
The DIY fan, who is from the UK, explained: “I was quoted around £600 to redecorate my kitchen and with it being just after Christmas I didn’t want to fork that out.”
As a result, she decided that to keep costs down, she would do it herself.
Now, Maria’s kitchen has been given the ultimate transformation, as she continued: “£30 and six hours later and I have transformed it myself.”
As well as this, she also used shelf brackets which she got for £5, and paint brushes, which also cost her just a fiver.
Not only this, but she also used an old bookcase to make shelves and got her blinds on a budget from Amazon.
Overjoyed with her new kitchen, Maria explained: “I didn’t prep the doors at all, other than wipe them down with normal Dettol and a sponge to get any general marks off.
“The cupboards were painted in a matt finish before so I just painted over them and in the gaps of the doors as I didn’t want white around them.”
DIY fans beam
Facebook users were left beaming with Maria’s kitchen renovation and many eagerly flocked to the comments to express this.
One person said: “This is amazing.”
As they were professionals I guess they would have sanded, primer and all that stuff. I just slapped it on straight from the tin
Maria Quaife
Another added: “Looks good just proves what you can do with a bit of paint and hard work.”
A third commented: “Wow you have done a fantastic job, well done it’s gorgeous.”
Eight Easy DIY Tips & Tricks
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7 days agoNew York StateComments Off on UK weather: Met Office issues warning for ‘dense fog’ sparking rush-hour havoc just hours after temps hit balmy 19C
THE Met Office has issued a warning for “dense fog”, sparking havoc for rush-hour commuters – just hours after temperatures hit a balmy 19C.
The cloud of fog, set to sweep parts of the UK this morning, could cause widespread delays or cancellations, Brits have been warned.
AlamyFog is set to sweep the UK this morning[/caption]
MET OfficeThe Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning[/caption]
A yellow weather warning was announced last night, covering northeast England.
Affected areas include Middlesborough, Newcastle, York, Sunderland and Hull.
The warning will remain in force until mid-morning today.
Travellers have been warned the conditions “may lead to some challenging travel conditions”.
Delays to bus and train services should be expected – while flights and ferries may also be delayed or even cancelled.
Speaking last night, the Met Office said: “Fog will continue to develop across parts of northeast England, Yorkshire and Humberside through Sunday night.
“Some dense fog is likely in places with the visibility falling to 50 metres at times. Fog will lift during Monday morning.”
The weather agency advised Brits to check road conditions before driving, leave extra journey time and even change plans if necessary.
It also urged motorists to check their fog lights to ensure their safety.
It comes after Brits enjoyed summer-worthy sunshine over the end of last week and the weekend.
On Thursday, the highest temperature of the year so far was recorded in Santon Downham, Suffolk – with a tropical 19C.
Met Office spokesman Oli Claydon described the conditions as “very pleasant”.
However, before this warm spell, Brits saw another patch of “freezing fog”.
7 days agoNew York StateComments Off on Vladimir Putin expels two Brit diplomats accusing them of ‘spying’ just days after Russian agents exposed in UK
VLADIMIR Putin has expelled two British diplomats after reportedly accusing them of being spies.
Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) announced a pair of workers connected to Britain’s embassy in Moscow have just two weeks to leave the country, Russian state news agency TASS reported.
AFPVladimir Putin has expelled two British diplomats in Moscow after Russia accused them of being spies[/caption]
East2WestBoth individuals accused of spying had connections to the UK embassy in Moscow[/caption]
Both individuals had deliberately declared false information about themselves when entering Russia, the FSB claimed.
They were also accused of “intelligence and subversive activities that threaten Russia’s security”, according to local media.
The Kremlin security service added that “both will be stripped of their accreditation and must leave Russia within two weeks”.
The Brits are believed to be a 34-year-old man and a 32-year-old women.
A senior British diplomat was seen entering and leaving the Russian foreign ministry as he was informed of the serious explosions.
Two women, known as the “killer sexy brunettes,” were in a love triangle with a leading member of the cell of six Bulgarian spies living and working in the UK.
The group plotted honeypot stings and conducted spying missions on behalf of Russia across Europe from Britain for lavish sums of money.
The spy ring was run by former city tech worker Orlin Roussev, 46, and targeted Putin’s opponents as well as assisting the Russian war effort against Ukraine.
Glamorous lab assistant Katrin Ivanova, 33, and beautician Vanya Gaberova, 30, were today convicted at the Old Bailey of espionage offences under the Official Secrets Act.
Gaberova’s painter and decorator ex-boyfriend Tihomir Ivanchev, 39, of Enfield, North London, was also convicted of spying charges.
The issue of Russian spies are feared to be a growing trend, says counter-terror chief Commander Dominic Murphy.
In September 2024, the accreditation of six diplomats were also terminated.
Later on in November, a second secretary of the British embassy’s department was ordered to leave Russia.
Growing trend of Russian spying on British soil
A counter-terrorism chief has warned of the growing trend of Russia using criminal proxies to spy on British soil.
Commander Dominic Murphy, the head of the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command vowed never to take his “eye off the ball” as he hailed his team’s success.
He said: “This is one of the largest and most complex examples of a group working for a foreign state to conduct intelligence surveillance operations here in the UK so it is a very significant case and I am very proud of the investigation team and the success they have had.
“This investigation uncovered spying on behalf of the Russian state on an industrial case, in this case committed by a group of Bulgarians contracted by an individual to conduct that spying on behalf of Russia.
“As the UK becomes a more hostile environment as a result of our work we will see them increasingly use proxies to conduct their activities.”
The ring was smashed in raids on properties in London and ringleader Orlin Roussev’s address in Great Yarmouth in February 2023, where police uncovered a treasure trove of hi-tech spyware.
On the challenges faced by enemy states operating on UK soil, he said: “Within counter-terrorism policing we are seeing more than 20% of our demand now coming from threat posed from foreign states to our national security so this is an ever growing challenge for us.
“We are committed to working closely with intelligence agencies in this country and our international partners to disrupt activity by foreign states.
“We have been working hard to make the UK a hostile working operating environment for these countries and this is an example of that because this group were contracted to operate on behalf of Russian intelligence services because this is a hostile environment for them to operate in directly here.
“So some positives but we will never take our eye off the ball working with our partners to keep the UK safe.”
East2WestDays ago, Russian spy Vanya Gaberova was found guilty of espionage on British soil[/caption]
PAKatrin Ivanova was also convicted[/caption]