4 weeks agoNew York StateComments Off on One of England’s prettiest villages has bright red poppy fields and renowned pub
GREAT Massingham village is one of the prettiest in Norfolk.
The village of Great Massingham 13 miles from Kings Lynn is a jewel of Norfolk with bright red poppy fields and a classic British pub.
AlamyGreat Massingham is one of the most beautiful villages in Norfolk[/caption]
AlamyThe Dabbling Duck serve up classic pub grub[/caption]
The village was named one of the best places to live in the UK by the Sundays Times in 2022.
And in 2023, Telegraph named it as one of the UK’s most unspoiled villages.
It is tucked away from the Norfolk coast and is known for flint and cobble cottages.
In the village is the renowned pub, The Dabbling Duck, which is a great place to stop for a refreshing pint.
They also serve classic pub dishes from fish and chips to Norfolk pigeon dishes and a speciality burger that comes with a duck egg.
One reviewer on TripAdvisor said they enjoyed “the best Saturday night tea we’ve ever had”.
For any overnight stay, The Dabbling Duck have seven rooms available to book as a B&B from £87 per night.
The Duckling Cottage next door is also available for a self-catering stay and has a wood burning stove in the cosy living room.
Opposite the pub is the award-winning Massingham Stores & Post Office.
What used to be a normal corner shop was transformed – they won the Independent Retailer of the Year in 2021.
Behind the shop is The Cartshed Tearooms, you can pop in if you fancy a full English, or classic pork pies and tasty sandwiches.
AlamyGreat Massingham is home to ducks, geese and swans that live beside the village ponds[/caption]
Of course, they serve afternoon tea after 2pm, where you can enjoy sandwiches, a fruit scone with jam and clotted cream, and various mini cakes for £11.99 per person.
For an extra £7 you can add Prosecco, or for £24 you can have afternoon tea with champagne.
Anyone who is active and wants to play some games can play tennis at the village hall courts.
For those who like to fish, the Scotmans pit pond is a popular spot with tickets available from Massingham Stores.
AlamyOutside the village are beautiful poppy fields that are left to naturally bloom[/caption]
While the village offers lots of greenery, on the outskirts are fields of red poppies.
They were planted as part of a rewilding project and have since been left to nature creating stunning red fields.
If you want to see them in full bloom then go between June and August.
The village church, St Mary’s, had its porch once used as a schoolroom. It’s thought that England‘s first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole, was educated there in 1720.
His descendants still live in Houghton Hall three miles away, and you are able to visit.
The manor house and walled gardens are open to the public throughout the spring and summer season.
It’s also home to sculpture exhibitions and a model soldier museum, tickets start at £10.
The nearest beach to Great Massingham is Heacham where you might be able to spot some seals depending on the tide.
On the north beach, you’ll find an amusement arcade, café, fish bar and beach huts for hire. Down on the south beach is where you’ll find the gift shop.
Holiday parks in Norfolk for a half-term break
With Norfolk on the mind, here are three holiday parks to explore...
Heacham Beach, Heacham
Splash about in the heated indoor swimming pool with a waterslide at this park near Heacham Beach. The sports court is a great place to work up an appetite before enjoying lunch at on-site The Boathouse Tavern, or if you’re feeling more relaxed – stroll to the sandy shingle beach, just 200 metres away.
Thorpe Forest, Thetford
Adults will love Thorpe Forest, where cabins come with a hot tub as standard. The park is based in woodland on the banks of the River Thet, close to where the Norfolk and Suffolk borders meet, so there’s lots to see and do in the area including visiting Wells-Next-The-Sea, , Bury St Edmunds the Norfolk Broads, Great Yarmouth and spotting seals at Blakeney Point.
Caister-on-Sea, Caister-on-Sea
Big families are well catered for at this traditional seaside holiday park in Caister-on-Sea. It is home to Deck Houses – which provide lots of space for larger groups – and the park has direct access to miles of beautiful sandy beaches. It also boasts an Adventure Village, where kids will be kept occupied for hours with aerial assault courses, 4×4 off-roading and indoor play areas
AlamyGreat Massingham is a great location for a day trip for anyone visiting Kings Lynn[/caption]
AlamyThe field of poppies are a must-see in the summer months[/caption]
4 weeks agoNew York StateComments Off on I tried 6 TikTok sleep trends to find the ones that actually work – my favourites helped me nod off in under 10 minutes
ARE you sleep maxxing? Or do you have no idea what I’m talking about?
The term, made famous on TikTok, essentially means maximising the amount of good quality sleep you get each night using various techniques.
Lucy Gornall tried several TikTok sleep hacks to find out if any actually work
Because after all, sleep seems to be a challenge for so many of us.
The NHS recommends we all get between seven and nine hours a night.
But that’s not always easy. Research by LloydsPharmacy found that 33 per cent of Brits struggle to nod off at least two to three nights a week, with a further 21 per cent admitting it’s a nightly challenge.
To try to improve their slumber, 24 per cent of people have tried at least one popular sleep hack that has circulated on social media.
But do these tricks really work? I tested six of the most popular to find out…
1. Wearing a sleep tracker
Minutes to fall asleep: 5
Sleep quality: 4/5
Overall score: 4/5
Lucy GornallLucy was already a big fan of her Oura smart ring[/caption]
I wear an Oura ring every night to track my sleep so I am pretty familiar with this one already.
Before I started using the device (which also tracks my stress and movement throughout the day) I worried it might make my sleep worse, making me overthink bedtime and fret about not hitting my sleep goals.
However, since wearing the ring I have nothing but great things to report.
Most crucially, I have 100 per cent been more aware of my sleep ‘hygiene’.
I wind down before bed, I make sure the room temperature is comfortable, and I’m conscious of what I eat beforehand.
This has all led to a more relaxing environment, and better quality kip.
However, it’s worth noting that the tracker itself doesn’t improve my sleep; rather it’s the fact that it forces me to prepare for bed properly, instead of hitting the pillow with a racing mind and zero downtime.
Dr Bhavini Shah, GP at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, says that while many users find trackers beneficial for identifying triggers that impact sleep quality, the accuracy of devices is questionable.
“To ensure truly accurate data, you’d need to do a medical sleep study which monitors brain waves,” she says.
“These studies can help to diagnose conditions like sleep apnoea.
“Furthermore, studies show that sleep tracking devices can induce anxiety in users.
“Several have shown that those who had a poor night’s sleep were more likely to have a low mood, difficulty concentrating, and increased sleepiness during the day.”
2. Listening to white noise
Minutes to fall asleep: 30
Sleep quality: 2/5
Overall score: 2/5
A white noise machine is said to make it easier to fall asleepSuppliedNanitLucy tired the Nanit Sound + Light machine (£99)[/caption]
Most people want a quiet room to fall asleep in, so you wouldn’t think that noise could help!
But Dr Shah explains that certain sounds can actually be beneficial for some.
“White noise is primarily used to mask other disruptive sounds in the environment as our brains are wired to notice changes in sound, rather than constant, steady noise,” she says.
“While the brain processes white noise like any other sound, research suggests it doesn’t demand the same level of attention as speech or music.”
White noise contains all frequencies across the spectrum of audible sounds in equal measure.
People often compare it to the static that comes from an untuned radio or TV.
Research is mixed. But a study published in the journal Frontiers found that adults fell asleep 38 per cent faster while listening to white noise.
Tart cherries contain naturally high levels of melatonin, which is known as the ‘sleep hormone’
Dr Bhavini ShahGP
Years ago when I used to burn the candle at both ends, I relied on my white noise machine to help me drift off.
So, years later, would it have the same effect? Answer: no.
The Nanit Sound + Light machine (£99) I used is great. But when you sleep with someone else (which I do; my boyfriend), you both need to be on the same page.
He wasn’t keen on the noise, which sounds like radio static, and to be honest, our bedroom is so quiet, I didn’t feel like I needed the white noise to block out any sounds.
If you live on a noisy street though, or your neighbours keep you up at night, then this would likely be a great bedside table addition.
I will say, however, that there are other ‘noise’ options on this machine and we now wake up to the sound of birds in the morning rather than a piercing phone alarm, which is lovely!
3. Drinking a ‘sleepy girl mocktail’
Minutes to fall asleep: 10
Sleep quality: 3/5
Overall score: 3/5
TikTok is full of people hailing the ‘sleepy girl mocktail’SuppliedSuppliedYou can buy a pre-made one, which you only need to add water to[/caption]
A magic potion that sends you to sleep within minutes sounds too good to be true.
But in the last few years, many TikTokers have claimed that the ‘sleepy girl mocktail‘ can do just that.
There are a few variations of the drink, but essentially it contains tart cherry juice and magnesium powder, and more often than not, sparkling water.
I’ve been taking magnesium before bed for years (I’ve no idea if it does anything, but I like to think it does), however I’ve never gone too near tart cherry juice – until now.
Dr Shah says: “Tart cherries contain naturally high levels of melatonin, which is known as the ‘sleep hormone’.
“They also contain tryptophan, an amino acid used in the production of serotonin (a sleep-inducing hormone) and melatonin.”
Plus studies suggest there could be a link between sleep quality and magnesium intake, so I thought it was worth a go!
Mouth taping would be a great choice if you snore
Lucy Gornall
I used a pre-made ‘sleepy girl mocktail’ by ainslie and ainslie, which is filled with montmorency tart cherry powder, magnesium citrate and also l-glycine, an amino acid which supports rest and recovery.
After I’d mixed the powder with 100ml of water, I gave it a quick shake in the shaker provided and knocked it back.
The cherry is seriously tart but so delicious; a bit like the Lemsip flavour I remember as a child.
But did it improve my sleep? I definitely think it helped me wind down, which of course in turn does help sleep.
I felt more relaxed and settled, rather than going to bed feeling overwhelmed.
However, I still woke up a little dozy, so I’m not sure it really improved my sleep quality.
4. Taking a ‘sleep divorce’
Minutes to fall asleep: 45
Sleep quality: 2/5
Overall score: 1/5
For people whose partner’s snore or work shifts, a ‘sleep divorce’ could be the answerGetty
So many of us have partners who disrupt our sleep.
Perhaps they snore their heads off, or maybe they work shifts so are up at all hours.
If this is you, you may well have come across the concept of a ‘sleep divorce‘.
It involves sleeping separately from your spouse to help improve sleep quality, and it seems to be all the rage lately.
Previous research conducted by Samsung found that a fifth of couples in the UK regularly sleep apart.
Dr Shah says: “If you share a bed with a partner who works night shifts or is restless throughout the night, the impact of sleep deprivation can sometimes take a toll on a relationship.
“Chronic sleep deprivation significantly increases the risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity by disrupting stress responses, glucose metabolism, and insulin regulation.”
Personally, I sleep with my boyfriend every night and luckily we sleep well together; he barely moves and he doesn’t snore. Winning.
I tested out a ‘sleep divorce’ when he was away for the night.
The result: a seriously poor night’s sleep.
In fact, my Oura ring gave me the lowest sleep score I have ever had.
It could be a coincidence, but I definitely noticed that there wasn’t a presence next to me and it didn’t feel right.
Back to sharing a bed then…
5. Sleeping with a weighted blanket
Minutes to fall asleep: 15
Sleep quality: 3/5
Overall score: 3/5
A weighted blanket is said to reduce nighttime anxietySuppliedKudd.lyThere are many on the market, including this £49 one from Kudd.ly, available on Amazon[/caption]
I spend my evenings trying to “take a weight off” before bed.
But could sleeping with a 4.7kg blanket actually help me sleep?
Weighted blankets like this one are designed to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and enhance sleep quality, Dr Shah says.
“Usually filled with thousands of small glass beads that gently apply pressure, these blankets mimic a therapeutic method known as ‘deep pressure therapy’, which is thought to help elevate your mood,” she adds.
Honestly, lifting one of these blankets felt like an arm workout – harder, even.
However, once I’d heaved it over my body, I did drift into a nice sleep.
There’s something incredibly comforting about a little weight on your body.
This definitely made me feel more settled, but I woke up in the night pretty hot and when my boyfriend tried it, his first words were, “I’m struggling”.
Perhaps a good one if you sleep alone and aren’t also kept warm by another human’s body heat? But probably not for me.
6. Mouth taping
Minutes to fall asleep: 15
Sleep quality: 3/5
Overall score: 3/5
SuppliedMouth taping is all the rage right now, Lucy says[/caption]
SuppliedBe sure to buy ones specifically designed for sleep to save your skin[/caption]
Until recently, mouth taping was a means of keeping someone quiet; usually a criminal act rather than a wellness hack.
But, according to trends website Glimpse, interest in mouth tape has grown 109 per cent over the past year.
Placing a special porous tape over your lips encourages you to breathe through your nose, which is said to improve sleep.
The benefits are mostly anecdotal as few studies have backed up these claims.
However, a some experts have found mouth taping could help treat snoring.
One by scientists in Taiwan revealed it significantly reduced snoring, lapsed breathing and tiredness in patients with mild obstructive sleep apnoea – a disorder that causes breathing to repeatedly stop and start while you sleep.
It also comes with some slightly terrifying potential side effects.
Dr Shah says: “While intentional nose breathing during waking hours can help slow down breathing and ease anxiety, taping your mouth while sleeping can be dangerous.
“It can lead to hampered breathing, disrupted sleep, and skin irritation.”
The Sleep Foundation also warns it can actually result in increased anxiety.
I decided to try it anyway, applying one of the Hostage Mouth Tapes (£25.19, Healf) over my mouth before hitting the hay.
Contrary to what I thought, it was actually really comfortable.
It didn’t feel tight and if I wanted to, I could easily take it off – which I did, about three hours into my sleep, when I woke up for a drink.
I’d say this probably takes a bit of getting used to, however it did force me to breath through my nose.
4 weeks agoNew York StateComments Off on Inside devastated Linda Robson’s plan to support best friend Pauline Quirke amid heartbreaking dementia battle
LINDA Robson has revealed how she plans to support her best friend Pauline Quirke, after breaking down in tears over her dementia battle.
SplashLinda Robson has revealed how she plans to support her best friend Pauline Quirke, after breaking down in tears over her dementia battle[/caption]
PA:Press AssociationStars of the BBC sitcom Birds of a Feather. From left, Linda Robson, Lesley Joseph and Pauline Quirke[/caption]
RexLinda broke down in tears on Loose Women while discussing her best friend’s dementia battle[/caption]
The Birds of a Feather co-stars have been close since they were ten years old.
Speaking to The Sun on Monday evening, at the TV Choice Awards, devastated Linda shared an update on how she plans to support her friend.
She told us: “I haven’t seen Pauline in person but I’ve seen her on FaceTime.”
Linda revealed that she’d been keeping in the loop with what’s going on by regularly FaceTiming Pauline’s husband.
She added: “Steve has said that I can go and see her next week, so that’s what I’ll do.
“It’s about taking everything slowly for her really.”
Linda also said at the awards: “It’s very sad. We’ve been best friends since we were ten. I’ve known [about the diagnosis] for three years and we’ve managed to keep it quiet.
“She doesn’t know who anybody is.
“She doesn’t know who I am or who her kids are. Dementia is terrible – I’d rather get cancer, because at least then you’ve got a chance.”
Linda continued: “My mum had it [dementia] as well. One in two people now get dementia, it’s a lot of people.
“When my mum was in a hospice, we’d get there and she’d recognise us for a second and that was completely gone. It’s the worst thing, it really really is.”
And Linda insisted that she’ll never do another episode of Birds of a Feather as it “wouldn’t be the same without Pauline”.
They starred together in Birds of a Feather as Sharon Theodopolopodous and Tracey Stubbs.
Her husband Steve Sheen issued a statement which read: “It is with a heavy heart that I announce my wife Pauline’s decision to step back from all professional and commercial duties due to her diagnosis of Dementia in 2021.
“Pauline has been an inspiration through her work in the film and TV industry, her charity endeavours and as the founder of the very successful Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA).
“Her talent, dedication, and vision have touched countless lives and will continue to do so through the legacy of her work and through PQA where her vision and guidance has facilitated many young peoples’ progression and interest in the Arts and enhanced their self-confidence.”
Linda will see her best friend next weekRexShe revealed that she’s been on FaceTime to Pauline’s husbandRex
Is it ageing or dementia?
Dementia – the most common form of which is Alzheimer’s – comes on slowly over time.
As the disease progresses, symptoms can become more severe.
But at the beginning, the symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for normal memory issues related to ageing.
The US National Institute on Aging gives some examples of what is considered normal forgetfulness in old age, and dementia disease.
You can refer to these above.
For example, it is normal for an ageing person to forget which word to use from time-to-time, but difficulting having conversation would be more indicative of dementia.
Katie Puckering, Head of Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Information Services team, previously told The Sun: “We quite commonly as humans put our car keys somewhere out of the ordinary and it takes longer for us to find them.
“As you get older, it takes longer for you to recall, or you really have to think; What was I doing? Where was I? What distracted me? Was it that I had to let the dog out? And then you find the keys by the back door.
“That process of retrieving the information is just a bit slower in people as they age.
“In dementia, someone may not be able to recall that information and what they did when they came into the house.
“What may also happen is they might put it somewhere it really doesn’t belong. For example, rather than putting the milk back in the fridge, they put the kettle in the fridge.”
4 weeks agoNew York StateComments Off on Ditch posh conditioner & try my two-ingredient hair mask – a 17p buy makes it stink but your locks will be long & thick
A BEAUTY whizz has shared the secret to her luscious locks, so you’ll need to listen up if your hair is looking thin and brittle.
Camelia Katoozian, a content creator from Seattle, US, claimed that the trick to gorgeous hair is all down to two cheap ingredients.
tiktok/@cameliakatzA beauty enthusiast has revealed the two ingredients that are key to her long locks[/caption]
tiktok/@cameliakatzCamelia Katoozian left social media users open-mouthed with her DIY recipe, which promises thick hair in no time at all[/caption]
And for those on a budget, fear not, as you may already have these purse-friendly buys in your kitchen cupboards.
Rather than posh shampoo or expensive conditioner, thanks to olive oil and eggs – yes, you heard that correctly – Camelia’s hair really is jaw-dropping.
Posting on social media, the hair, beauty and fashion fan, shared the step-by-step process of making and using what she describes as “the best hair growth mask.”
So if your hair has been the same length for the last year, this is just the thing.
Camelia shared her short tutorial online with the caption ‘If you just got a bad hair cut and need a fast solution, I GOTCHU!!’, leaving many open-mouthed.
She then claimed that she uses olive oil, which is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants that help nourish, condition and stimulate hair growth, to get luscious locks without breaking the bank.
As well as this, she swore by using eggs, which are powerful and rich proteins that help strengthen and encourage faster hair growth.
To make her DIY hair mask, the brunette beauty simply mixes two tablespoons of olive oil with two eggs.
Once whisked together well, she then applies the stinky mixture to wet hair for easier application.
Following this, she massages the DIY mask into her scalp and 20 minutes later, washes it out.
The content creator proudly showed off her stunning, long and thick hair, as she advised: “Use one to two times a week for best results!”
The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @cameliakatz, has clearly impressed many, as it has quickly racked up 13,200 likes and over 4,800 saves.
Hair re-growth FAQs
Anabel Kingsley, Consultant Trichologist and Brand President at Philip Kingsley spoke exclusively to Fabulous.
How long does it take for hair to grow back?
Hair grows, on average, half an inch a month. You cannot speed this up.
Do rosemary oil and scalp massages work?
Oils do not promote hair growth. In terms of rosemary oil, the current trend stems from one small study carried out on 50 men in 2015. No women were involved, and the study compared the effects of 2 per cent minoxidil to Rosemary oil. 2 per cent minoxidil doesn’t do much for male pattern hair loss anyway, so the results were not very impressive. Oils do serve a purpose in conditioning hair treatments though. They help add shine and smooth the hair cuticle to lock-in moisture and improve combability. Scalp massages alone won’t cure hair loss, but it can help relax you, aid in lymphatic drainage, exfoliate and help topicals penetrate.
Are there any products or foods/vitamins you recommend someone using oreating to help with hair regrowth?
To support healthy hair regrowth, if you are experiencing hair thinning we’d recommend our Density Preserving Scalp Drops clinically proven to help slow hair loss with continued daily use within three months.
Telogen effluvium (hair shedding) due to nutritional deficiencies can often be simply treated with changes to your diet, and nutritional supplements such as our specially formulated Density Healthy Hair Complex and Density Amino Acid Booster.
Iron and Ferritin (stored iron) in red meat, dried apricots and dark, leafy greens. Vitamin B12 in animal products and fortified plant-based foods. Protein from oily fish, lean meat, cottage cheese, tofu, nuts, chickpeas, and beans.
However, there may be an underlying cause for their hair loss and rather than this being masked by using an off-the-shelf product, they should be encouraged to seek the advice of a specialist such as a Trichologist.
Beauty enthusiasts were gobsmacked by Camelia’s hair advice and many were desperate to try it themselves.
One person said: “I will definitely give it a try.”
This makes my hair less frizzy!
TikTok user
Another added: “I’m trying it right now.”
Whilst a third beamed: “I love your hair!”
Meanwhile, one beauty fan beamed: “This makes my hair less frizzy!!!”
So if you want to give this hair hack a try, but like many of us, are currently faced with bare cupboards, you’ll be pleased to know that you can find a pack of six eggs for just 99p from Aldi, working out at just 17p per egg.
Not only this, but you’ll also spot bottles of olive oil for only £2.39, making this method great for those without much cash to splash.
Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club
Hair Loss 101
HAIR pro Samantha Cusick has revealed everything you need to know about hair loss.
Why Does Hair Loss Happen?
Hair loss can be influenced by so many factors, from genetics and hormone changes to lifestyle choices.
Stress, diet, and even hair care habits can all impact hair strength.
It’s perfectly normal to lose some hair each day, but sometimes the body can shed more than usual, responding to things like hormonal shifts or even life stressors.
Why It Happens More This Time of Year
Have you ever noticed your hair seems to shed more in autumn? That’s seasonal shedding!
During summer, we hold onto extra hair to protect our scalp from the sun.
As the weather cools, it’s like our body recalibrates and lets go of those extra strands.
Dry, cooler air can also make hair more brittle, making it easier to lose a little extra volume during these months.
Hacks and Affordable Buys to Treat Hair loss
The great news? You don’t need to spend a fortune on pricey treatments to support your hair.
Try daily scalp massages—they’re so simple but really help boost blood flow to the follicles.
Castor oil is another fantastic, budget-friendly option that’s rich in nutrients to strengthen your strands.
Adding a bit more protein to your diet and a biotin supplement can also work wonders for overall hair health.
Products to Avoid
Steer clear of products with high levels of alcohol, sulphates, and parabens – they can be drying and damage hair over time.
Heat styling and chemical treatments can also cause breakage, so try to use them sparingly.
Instead, look for gentle, hydrating formulas to support your scalp and keep hair healthier through the seasons.
4 weeks agoNew York StateComments Off on Popular UK seaside theme park suddenly forced to close for GOOD after two decades – leaving fans devastated
A BELOVED seaside attraction that offered “affordable memories” has left locals at a loss after unexpectantly closing for good.
Following 20 years of service, which saw nearly 3000 members of staff pass through, the Essex theme park has been spotted desolate and all of the rides have been cleared.
GettyThe site previously underwent refurbishment in 2021[/caption]
AlamyLocals have thanked the site for offering them affordable memories with their families[/caption]
GettyScott and the team took to Facebook so announce the sudden closure[/caption]
Leisure Island Fun Park, on Canvey Island, was a popular, family-friendly attraction that was particularly busy during school holidays.
The reason behind the closure has not been confirmed but the owner made sure to thank those who started their working careers at the park as teenagers.
Making the announcement on Facebook, the post has already gained more than 1k reactions and over 500 comments.
Many described the “amazing” and “happy” memories they had from the venue.
Commenters discussed how “sad” they were to see the site close as they reminisced over the days out they had experienced with their families.
One person wrote: “So sad to hear this, you gave my daughter her first job. She loved working at the park. Was the first fun park I took my granddaughter too. She had a wonderful time. We will treasure our memories.
“Was such a lovely family park and so reasonably priced. We won’t find anywhere like there again.
“Wishing you and your family good luck for the future. You will be missed xxx”
Another said: “Oh sad times. We loved spending days up there in the summer. My children loved the rides and we have so many good memories. Wishing you all the best in the future.”
Someone else put: “Oh no! My 3 kids absolutely loved that as an intro to fun parks! It was awesome and such good value. And santa experience was brilliant too.
“Thank you for the years of fun! Good luck to you all for the future endeavours!”
A third commented: “The man is a legend and made plenty of memories for lots of family’s out there.”
One person added: “Thank you for your service, lovely memories we created there and staff always lovely.
“Sorry to see you go.”
A fellow user replied: “Thank you for the wonderful memories. You made our summers more affordable, for amazing days out at canvey island.
“Something myself and children will treasure.”
A spokesperson for Leisure Island Fun Park said: “We are sadly announcing the closure of Leisure Island Fun Park on Canvey Seafront.
“The site has now been cleared of all rides and facilities.
“Can we thank EVERYONE who has supported us over the last 20 years we have been open.
“Also can we thank the nearly 3000 members of staff who worked at the park over the years. As everyone knows 95% of our staff were 16 and 17 year olds and started their working life at the park.
“It’s so sad we have had to close the park but hopefully we have created loads of memories for the families that visited us.”
The small island can be found just off the coast of Essex situated entirely below sea level.
It was home to just 300 people at the beginning of the 20th century and became a popular seaside resort with fairground rides and food stalls.
Founded by entrepreneur Frederick Hester, the site included a huge promenade and pier, as well as winter gardens and monorails, although many of these were destroyed over the years.
However, the popularity of cheap package holidays in the 1970s to Europe killed this off, and the island has since become used for oil and gas storage.
Now home to around 40,000 people, the island’s main attraction is Canvey Wick.
Found behind a Morrisons supermarket, the 93-hectare site is an abandoned oil refinery.
But it is now is one of the “most significant areas in the UK for invertebrates” according to the BBC, with 30 of the 1,500 species on the endangered list.
Other rare species include orchids, while it’s also hotspot for nightingales, lizards and adders.
And in 2005, it was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and has become popular with tourists after it joined an 85-mile stretch of the Englan Coast Path last summer.
GettyThe theme park has received hundreds of comments praising the site[/caption]
4 weeks agoNew York StateComments Off on Aldi is selling a ‘5*’ tool that can get rid of mould and condensation and it’s £25 cheaper than the top brand
ALDI is selling a tool that’s ideal for getting rid of mould and condensation and £25 cheaper than another top brand.
The German discounter is renowned for its middle aisle deals, with shoppers able to pick up everything from shoes to toys.
ALDIAldi is selling an electric window cleaner for £14.99[/caption]
But one item in particular has caught the attention of shoppers looking to banish moisture from their homes.
The Ambiano electric window cleaner is on sale for £14.99 and comes in two colours – white/grey and blue/dark blue.
The gizmo lets you spray detergent and water on glass, then remove any dirt with a cloth and mini vacuum.
It has garnered plenty of praise from shoppers online finding out it’s back on sale.
Posting on Facebook, one said: “Best thing I ever bought. It won’t disappoint.”
Another commented: “Brilliant for cleaning the shower tiles and glass.”
Meanwhile, a third and fourth branded the window cleaner “5*” and a “great gadget”.
The Ambiano window cleaner comes in significantly cheaper than its branded Karcher counterpart too which is on sale for £40 at Argos.
Shoppers looking to snap up the Ambiano model will have to head to their nearest Aldi branch as the retailer doesn’t offer a home delivery service.
You can find your nearest Aldi branch by using the store locator tool on its website.
Of course, whenever buying something like this, make sure you shop around to see if you can find the product cheaper elsewhere.
You can use the Google Shopping/Product tab or try price comparison websites like Trolley and Price Spy.
On this occasion, we couldn’t find any other retailers selling an electric window cleaner cheaper than Aldi’s though.
Toolstation is selling one for £29.98 while George at Asda has one for just under £20.
Common Bathroom Habits That Increase Mould
Plumbworld, a leading expert in bathroom and kitchen products, has shared the daily habits that increase the chance of mould growing in homes.
Leaving wet towels and bathmats on floor
Wet towels and bathmats on the floors after a shower or bath can increase humidity levels which provides a perfect breeding ground for mould spores.
To prevent this, hang towels and bathmats in an area where they can dry quickly and to wash them regularly.
Not turning on the fan
An exhaust fan is critical in reducing moisture levels in the bathroom.
When taking a hot shower or bath, steam increases the room’s humidity level, creating an ideal setting for mould to flourish on walls, ceilings, and other surfaces.
An exhaust fan helps by moving the moist air outside, significantly reducing the risk of mould growth.
Experts suggest running the fan during the shower and for at least 20-30 minutes afterwards to lower humidity levels.
Ignoring small leaks
Even minor leaks from the sink, toilet, or shower can contribute to increased moisture levels in a bathroom, fostering an environment where mould can thrive.
Over time, these leaks can cause significant water damage, promoting mould growth in less visible areas such as inside walls or under flooring.
Fix leaks promptly to prevent mould and potential structural damage.
Keeping shower curtains or doors closed
Keeping the shower area closed after use traps moisture inside, delaying the drying process and creating a humid environment conducive to mould growth.
Mould can easily develop on shower curtains, doors, and in tile grout if they remain wet for too long.
To avoid this, leave the shower door or curtain open after use to improve air circulation and allow the area to dry more quickly.
Storing too many products
Shower caddies and corners filled with bottles and accessories may seem harmless, but they can obstruct airflow and trap moisture and creates hidden, moist niches where mould can grow unnoticed.
Keep shampoo and shower gel bottles to a minimum, and regularly clean and dry the areas underneath them to prevent mould growing.
Other ways to banish mould
You can easily avoid condensation building up in your home by keeping windows open and your home well-ventilated.
Even during the colder months, having your windows open for around 10 minutes a day will prevent moisture build ups.
But, if it’s too late and that condensation has turned to mould, there are some cheap ways to banish it.
A few drops of washing up liquid mixed with warm water can be effective at getting rid of mould on hard surfaces.
Just use a sponge, cloth, or brush to work the soapy solution in small circular motions over the mould.
You can also try using vinegar, baking soda and bleach, all products you could have lying about your house anyway.
There are a number of mould remover sprays on sale at the major retailers too.
Asda is selling mould and mildew remover for £1.25 while Sainsbury’s has Astonish mould and mildew blaster in stock for £1.50.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
4 weeks agoNew York StateComments Off on Award winning TV show with A-list Hollywood star gives huge update after agonising THREE year wait for new series
AWARD winning TV show Euphoria has shared a huge new update after a long three-year wait for its highly anticipated third season.
HBO have given fans a sneak peek by releasing a photo of the show’s lead character, sparking anticipation for what’s to come.
HBOHBO have given fans a sneak peek by releasing a photo of the show’s lead character, sparking anticipation for what’s to come[/caption]
HBOSeason three will jump forward in time, with Zendaya returning to play fan-favourite character Rue Bennett[/caption]
Season three will jump forward in time, with the actress returning to play fan-favourite character Rue Bennett.
Aged just 25, the star unexpectedly passed away in his family’s California home due to an accidental drug overdose, following his father’s funeral just the week prior.
Due to the loss, plans had to change for the new season with the creators not wanting to go straight back into production in order to give the cast and crew the proper time to grieve.
The show was thrown into more turmoil when studio bosses struggled to synchronise the schedules of their leading ladies.
The star power ofZendayaandSydney Sweeney who plays Cassie,made it difficult to get the pair on the same set at the same time, resulting in the next season being put on ice.
There were even more delays when series creator Sam Levinson presented his ideas for the shows third season to HBO.
Last year, he revealed the show would include a significant five-year time jump and potential new story arcs for Rue such as her working as a private investigator.
Show bosses decided to pause the series to iron out any creative differences making sure the new series aligned with the first two.
In an interview with Elle, Levinson shared his vision describing the third season as a “film noir.”
Through Rue’s journey, he wants to: “explore what it means to be an individual with principles in a corrupt world.”
The hit US teen drama made its debut in the UK back in 2019 on Sky Atlantic and Now TV.
The show — which follows a group of teens navigating relationships and addiction — remains one of the channel’s highest-watched shows.
“Euphoria’s a really special thing, and I’m so glad that that’s a part of my legacy and that I was a part of such a cultural phenomenon … I can’t wait to see what season 3 has in store.”
GettyZendaya renegotiated her contract to secure $1million per episode for the next series[/caption]
AlamyHBO decided to pause the series to iron out any creative differences making sure the new series aligned with the first two[/caption]
Eddy Chen/HBOThe show follows a group of teens navigating between relationships and addiction[/caption]