Hannah Deacon obituary: Mother who changed the law
Like any member of generation EasyJet, Hannah Deacon remembered her formative globetrotting as spontaneous, boozy and exuberant. 'I did my A-levels, went to Australia for a year, which was brilliant — I drank far too much and had far too much fun,' she said in a 2021 interview with The Times. On returning to the UK, she became a tour co-ordinator for First Choice Holidays, running trips for groups of schoolchildren. 'I used to go to Italy all the time … the ski resorts.' Deacon steered clear of the slopes herself. 'I've skied once in my life and nearly killed myself,' she recalled with a laugh.International travel took a more consequential turn in 2017, when Deacon — by now a full-time carer — and
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Europe's most misunderstood road signs
Planning on driving in Europe this summer? Whether you're blitzing across borders in your car or picking up a rental after arriving at an airport, it's crucial to be aware of what to expect when navigating the road ahead. Over half of Brits have driven overseas at some point in their lives, but with British drivers three times more likely to get into road accidents abroad, understanding road signs is one of the first steps to ensuring drivers and passengers remain safe. Not only is this knowledge crucial for preventing accidents, it helps to navigate unfamiliar roads, avoid fines, and can even lead to pleasant surprises, such as a nearby spot with stunning scenery. Luckily, road surfacing experts at Instarmac are on hand for a little pre-trip refresher course. From animal warnings to nearby rest stops, here are twelve of some of the most commonly misunderstood road signs in Europe. Beware! Frogs This German warning sign alerts drivers to the seasonal migration of amphibians in the local area - no need to fear a surprise toad ambush. These creatures often cross the road in large numbers, especially during spring, there it's a good idea to reduce speed and stay alert. Snow chains required: Alternate route: Start and End No one enjoys sitting in traffic, and these signs can help drivers steer clear of congestion. A line-free sign marks the beginning of a suggested detour, while the one with three diagonal lines signals the end of that alternate route. They're not warnings - just helpful directions to keep drivers moving. Snow chains required This sign might look a tad dramatic, but it simply means snow chains (also called tyre chains) are mandatory on certain roads during winter. Chains improve traction on icy or snowy surfaces, helping prevent dangerous loss of control. Beware! Polar Bear Beware! Beautiful scenery: Used in Spain and several EU countries, the sign marks locations with notable natural beauty This Norwegian road sign means business, as it marks areas where polar bears may cross. Unlike frog warnings, this one does carry real danger. Drive cautiously, stay alert, and maybe reconsider pulling over for that bathroom break. Beware! Dock Found in Spain and some other coastal regions, this sign warns of nearby docks. It's a reminder to stay aware of your surroundings - especially if you're unfamiliar with the area. Beware! Beautiful scenery This sign is a pleasant surprise for road trippers hoping to capture a crowd-free shot of a picturesque view. Used in Spain and several EU countries, the sign marks locations with notable natural beauty. If safe to do so, consider pulling over and enjoying the view. Right of way Low beams ahead: This sign informs drivers that headlights must be switched to low beam in the upcoming area A vital sign seen across Europe, this indicates that you currently have the right of way. Understanding and recognising this symbol can help prevent misunderstandings - and collisions - on unfamiliar roads. Rest stop ahead When you see this sign, a rest stop is nearby - perfect if you need a break, stretch, or facilities. Think of it as the EU's version of a motorway service station. Low beams ahead This sign informs drivers that headlights must be switched to low beam in the upcoming area. It's essential for safety and avoiding penalties - high beams can blind oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of accidents. Beware! Moose Many foreign visitors might underestimate this warning sign, but it's one to take seriously. Moose are enormous - up to 8 feet tall and 700 kg - and collisions with them can be devastating. If you see this sign, slow down and stay vigilant. Railway crossing nearby A common sight in many parts of Europe, this sign warns of an upcoming railway crossing. Always approach with caution, identify the tracks in advance, and never attempt to beat a closing barrier. A delay is better than a disaster. Steep descent ahead! This French road sign indicates a steep downhill slope, often marked with a percentage (like 10%). That number refers to the gradient - not your car's speed, weight, or any fine. Be prepared to shift into a lower gear and brake gradually.
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Daily Mail
CHRISTOPHER STEVENS reviews Race Across The World: I could win Race Across The World's £20,000 first prize - and here's how
Why not just hire a car? The rules of Race Across The World prohibit air travel, but taxis and hitch-hiking are fair game . . . so there can't be anything wrong with renting your own wheels. As contestants neared the finish line at India 's southern tip, after a trek via train, bus and tuktuk from the Great Wall of China, all of them had cash to spare. Budgets have been tighter than ever before on this series but, despite that, every one of the four couples had enough money to go by cab on the final leg. It's taken them 51 days to cover 8,700 miles, which is an average of 170 miles a day. Driving a rental, they could easily have covered the distance in half the time. And if a hire car was too expensive, why not buy a motorbike? It's just the devious way my mind works, but surely there must be a shortcut to victory. When the race was set in Canada two years ago, several pairs of competitors cadged lifts with obliging Canucks. I'd be inclined to find an amateur chauffeur and offer him a bribe: get me to the final checkpoint ahead of the pack, and you can have a quarter of the £20,000 prize money. It's an expensive way to win — but losing is more expensive. Muscle rub of the week When Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990, we learned on Flight 149: Hostage Of War (Sky Documentaries), President George Bush was in the White House, getting a massage. That's what you call lying down on the job. None of the five duos was prepared to cheat, of course, because the real winners on this show are the ones who forge tighter bonds with each other along the way. The race's producers have done an exceptional job of picking the right participants: all of them have been likeable and interesting, and every couple has grown closer week by week. Both sets of siblings, Elizabeth and Letitia, and Brian and Melvyn, barely knew each other at the start of the trip. Thank goodness that, as it turned out, they discovered they genuinely liked each other. Might have been awkward if the adventure had simply served to remind them why they drifted apart in the first place. We've all been hoping that young lovers Fin and Sioned would get wed along the way. Sioned certainly was. When she and her boyfriend were presented with garlands at a flower market in Bengaluru, she told him hopefully, 'We can get married now.' The most touching relationship has been that of the eventual winners, mother-and-son Caroline and Tom. She obviously adores him, and he's learned to show his appreciation, finding the words to thank her in a sweet diary entry. Still, she's sensible to be wary of him first thing in the morning. Her tactic at home, she said, is to take him a cup of tea in bed and a bacon butty — and then run. Millions of parents will sympathise. It was the show's bad luck, though, that the most intriguing couple, divorcees Yin and Gaz, were eliminated halfway through the series. What would it take to bring those two back together — maybe a stint in the jungle on I'm A Celebrity next?
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Daily Mail
I'm an Emirates cabin crew supervisor - here are my 10 essential tips to get the most out of flying business class
Flying business class is a luxury that takes the stress right out of travelling, but it obviously comes at a greater cost than economy. So, is it worth it? If you can afford to, then without a doubt, yes. It turns flying from simply a necessity to get from A to B into a pleasurable and very comfortable experience to look forward to and savour. If you are going to splurge, it makes sense to get your money's worth and enjoy all the amenities because, unlike many economy services, business provides much more than just the flight. Emirates airline offers one of the world's leading business class services. Here, cabin supervisor Emma Wood gives her top tips to make sure you experience all it has to offer: 1 - MAKE USE OF THE COMPLIMENTARY CHAUFFEUR SERVICE Enjoy seamless travel from your doorstep to the airport with Emirates' complimentary Chauffeur Drive Service, included in the ticket price in most countries for Business Class customers, including the UK and Dubai. This premium car service accommodates customers within 70 miles of the airport. Make sure you book it in advance to make the most of it. Any excess mileage will be subject to an extra charge. If you'd like to travel further, or to request an infant or child seat, it is best contact your local Emirates office at least 24 hours in advance. 2 - ARRIVE UP TO FOUR HOURS BEFORE YOUR FLIGHT TO ENJOY THE LOUNGE Make sure you give yourself enough time to indulge in one of Emirates Business Class Lounges before your flight - you can access the lounge up to four hours before scheduled departure time. They offer the ultimate way to start your journey with gourmet dining with locally sourced foods, alongside a premium beverage selection. The designated quiet zones and Business Centres feature complimentary Wi-Fi, making them ideal spaces for unwinding or catching up on work, while private showers and spa treatments ensure you can reset and feel refreshed before you board. Business Class travellers departing Dubai can also visit the exclusive Moët & Chandon Champagne Lounge. Here, four of the brand's most iconic champagnes are served alongside delicately crafted canapés by Michelin-starred chefs. The lounge's elegant design and tranquil setting provides a refined pre-flight moment. 3 - BROWSE THE MENU OPTIONS AND PRE-ORDER Emirates Business Class offers an elevated onboard dining experience, featuring a diverse selection of food and beverages from sweet and savoury snacks to gourmet meals and complimentary champagne. Enhance this inflight dining experience further by pre-ordering your main course as early as 14 days and up to 24 hours before you fly. It's a simple way to guarantee your top pick, and it helps streamline the dining experience once you're in the air. For those who prefer to decide closer to take off, the full food and beverage menu is available to browse via the Emirates app or website. Whether you're craving something familiar or curious to try a regionally inspired dish, your selections are just a few taps away. 4 - ENJOY THE AWARD-WINNING WINES AND CHAMPAGNE SERVED TO YOUR SEAT A wonderfully curated selection of white and red wine is available, alongside premium spirits and an array of other beverages. In Business and First Class, Emirates has tailored its wine selections into six regions: the UK and USA, Europe, Africa, Middle East, Australasia, and Asia. This approach allows the airline to offer wines closely aligned with the taste preferences of passengers from these regions. 5 - KEEP THE COMPLIMENTARY LOUNGEWEAR AND WASH KITS One of the newer touches on board is Emirates' thoughtfully-designed Business Class loungewear. On flights over nine hours, passengers receive a matching set of ultra-soft cowl-neck top and pants, made from breathable modal fabric in a soft blue tone. It's the kind of outfit you can easily fall asleep in. The kit includes matching slippers and an eye mask, all neatly packed in a drawstring pouch. On shorter flights, slippers and an eye mask are still provided to keep things relaxed. To complement this experience, signature Bulgari amenity kits are also offered on long haul flights, containing luxury skincare products and fragrances, alongside other comfort essentials for your personal and convenience care during the journey. Customers can make use of a dental kit, earplugs, a double mirror made from wheat straw material, deodorant, tissues, and a foldaway hairbrush with a new soft black elastic hair tie. On flights over nine hours, passengers receive a matching set of ultra-soft cowl-neck top and pants 6 - ENJOY WHAT REALLY SETS BUSINESS APART FROM ECONOMY - THE BED When you're ready to switch off, your seat seamlessly converts into a fully flat bed with a mattress topper, plush blanket, and pillow, designed for optimal rest during your flight. Adjustable lighting and seating controls allow you to create the perfect sleep environment. Should you need additional bedding or assistance, the crew will be happy to help. 7 - SIT AT A BAR TO CHAT WITH FELLOW PASSENGERS AND CABIN CREW Step away from your seat and stretch your legs in the iconic Emirates onboard lounge. With its comfortable leather seating and curated premium beverage selection, it offers a welcoming environment to enjoy a speciality cocktail, savour gourmet bites, and connect with fellow travellers at 40,000 feet. 8 - ENJOY LIVE SPORTS EVENTS AT 40,000 FEET For sports fans, the onboard lounge can also stream live TV, so you don't have to miss your favourite match while in the air – whether it's the Emirates FA Cup Final or Wimbledon. Ask cabin crew to change the channel on the large TV if there's something you want to switch to. 9 - GET A POLOROID MEMENTO Something our passengers love doing is getting a few nostalgic pictures of their experience in Business Class using our onboard Polaroid camera. Don't forget to ask cabin crew if you or your family want to get a nice picture keepsake of you posing in the onboard lounge to take home. 10 - EXPLORE ICE TO PLAN YOUR FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT INCLUDING MUSIC, GAMES, FILMS, TV SHOWS AND PODCASTS With thousands of hours of entertainment and up to 6,500 channels to choose from, Emirates' award-winning ICE system is best enjoyed with a little planning. Browse the latest films and shows before boarding and create a watchlist so you can start enjoying as soon as you're seated. ICE now also includes curated Spotify playlists and top-charting podcasts, so there are plenty of options to keep you entertained.
