Latest news with #DevonLive
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Airport worker names which suitcases are least likely to be damaged while flying abroad
A baggage handler has shared his top tip for ensuring your luggage doesn't get damaged during a flight - and it's all to do with the type of wheels your suitcase has Picture yourself embarking on that dream getaway you've been planning for ages. You've navigated airport security at your perfect destination and now find yourself stationed beside the baggage carousel, anxiously awaiting your luggage's arrival. Yet when your case finally emerges, it's glaringly obvious that it's been through the wars. It's bashed about, potentially sporting a busted zip, leaving you to wonder what carnage awaits your fragile belongings inside. This nightmare scenario is every holidaymaker's worst fear, but there are measures you can implement to reduce the likelihood of your baggage getting a battering. An airport baggage handler has taken to Reddit to reveal insider knowledge about their profession, according to Devon Live. The key to protecting your luggage lies entirely with the wheels, reports the Express. Cases featuring two wheels, or ideally four functioning ones, can be effortlessly wheeled into the aircraft's cargo hold, keeping your precious items secure. Bags lacking wheels frequently end up being hurled into the hold, potentially causing significant damage. The baggage handler admitted that cases with jammed wheels represent their "absolute least favourite" items to handle. They revealed: "We try to roll it down, but it just falls over after moving six inches." To guarantee your belongings' safety, they suggest purchasing a top-quality suitcase equipped with four properly working wheels, cushioned interior lining, and a robust outer casing for maximum protection. The handler confessed that fragile stickers might not offer the safeguard travellers assume, hinting that they could inadvertently encourage harsher treatment from staff. "Some of us are tempted to treat them worse, but we never do. Having a fragile tag doesn't really make a difference," he clarified. Regarding how far wheel-less luggage can be lobbed, the baggage handler revealed the furthest distance they've seen was "about five metres or so".
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BBC's Jules Hudson admits 'I wish my dad was here' in heartbreaking admission
Countryfile host Jules Hudson opened up about his late father during the latest episode of his new show Coastal Adventures on Channel 5. On Tuesday night's episode of Coastal Adventures with Helen, Jules and JB, Jules Hudson shared a poignant reflection about his past and his late father. The Channel 5 show features the Countryfile presenter alongside the two Strictly Come Dancing stars as they traverse the extensive British coastline. In the latest instalment, Helen explored North Yorkshire and JB journeyed to Kent while Jules set off from Salcombe in Devon aboard the Yawl. Amidst the waves, the 55-year-old reminisced: "I spent the early days of my TV career when I began up in London in the 90s, living on our old boat, and that was fantastic. Living on the boat in St Kath's (St Katharine Docks)." Jules revealed to his sailing companion that back then, it only cost him £50 a week to live on the boat, making it an affordable option for city living, reports Devon Live. He fondly recalled: "I could afford to be there! It was a great way to start my career." During a voiceover, Jules expressed to Channel 5 viewers how being on the water revived cherished memories, especially those involving his father, who died at the age of 93 in 2022. He shared: "I wish my dad was here, he would've loved this, he absolutely would. He was all about lovely old classic boats really." Jules has been open about the loss of his father, Clifford, having announced the sad news three years ago. In a touching segment of A Yorkshire Farm, Jules ventured to his sanctuary in the Forest of Dean, seeking tranquillity amidst personal turmoil. During the episode, he reflected: "This has been quite the year for me in one way or another. "My father died almost a year to the day, today, and I don't think I've ever really quite come to terms with that, or really grieved for him. "One of the last times I came here, I had my youngest Labrador, Teddy, with me. "Teddy's now no longer with us either, we've lost both of them, and yeah, I found myself today almost looking around for him."
Daily Mirror
14-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Beautiful UK beach is Spanish resort dupe but locals say this comes at a price
Woolacombe in North Devon is a popular holiday destination for tourists, who flock to the sandy beach in the summer time. But locals say it's a different story in the winter. Woolacombe, located off the A316 in North Devon, isn't the most straightforward destination to reach. It requires careful navigation along narrow, winding country lanes bordered by towering hedges, where oncoming traffic can prove challenging. However, the journey is absolutely worthwhile. The initial panorama that greets you is merely the beginning of this magical experience. The view is simply stunning and stands apart from any other location. Multiple car parks sit at the village's base, with the two most popular ones charging £12 per day. Whilst this may appear costly, they're positioned directly beside the shoreline, reports Devon Live. One pair, Ben and Teagan, currently on holiday in North Devon, believe Woolacombe offers everything visitors could want. "Everything you need is just down the road. Once you've parked, you don't need to leave all day. It's very small roads to get here, I can imagine it can be an issue because of all the traffic," said Ben. The shoreline and surrounding territory at Woolacombe initially belonged to the Chichester family in 1133. Stanley Parkin subsequently acquired Woolacombe alongside its neighbouring village Mortehoe. His son, Ray Parkin, a village native, assumed the chairman role in 1995 and advanced the Parkin Estates company until his death in 2021. Today, substantial investment, both financially and in terms of effort, ensures Woolacombe remains remarkably pristine with thoughtfully designed amenities. The beach, the first in North Devon to be awarded the European Blue Flag, has now been recognised by The Times as one of the UK's top beaches. Lynn and Karl, who travelled from Stafford, commented: "It's just a beautiful beach, you have to travel a long way to find a beach like this." John, a tourist from Berkshire, shared: "This is my first visit, we're staying in North Devon in Ilfracombe. It's a beautiful beach, the north coast is a bit grey on sand, it's nice to see some gold." The beach is divided into two sections, one permitting dogs and the other not. Parkin Estates are making excellent use of the three-mile stretch of beach. "I love how one side of the beach doesn't allow dogs, there's so much space so it makes sense to do that," remarked one holidaymaker. "There's so much room on the beach and so there's space to sit. It's not overwhelming," added Teagan. Woolacombe boasts a variety of amenities including pubs, restaurants and cafes, and plenty of activities such as mini golf. There are also surf hire facilities and very 'tourist style' shops reminiscent of those found in Europe. The single road running through the village contributes to its European vibe. During summer months, Woolacombe gives you that Spanish beach resort sensation, yet when winter arrives, the place becomes remarkably tranquil. Will, an Ilfracombe resident employed at Steve's Surf Hire on the seafront, explained that rainy weather leaves visitors with virtually no activities. "It's not nice when it's raining, no-one comes down except dog walkers who come and have a look but then they just go," said Will. Louise, his colleague at the same establishment, shared this view but noted that residents take advantage of the peaceful atmosphere. "In the winter, it's a ghost town, the majority of pubs shut in the winter too. It's quiet because it's a seaside town. There's just shops, which are closed in the winter," she said. "Locals make use of that, to come in the winter because there's nobody here." A brief stroll from the shoreline leads to a family-run eatery called The Captain's Table. The venue has built its reputation on hearty breakfasts whilst offering an array of seafood-based lunches and evening meals. Patrons can also order sandwiches, burgers, pizzas and jacket potatoes, all sourced locally in Devon. General Manager Nigel expressed his delight in welcoming both tourists and residents to the establishment, highlighting how they witness entire family lineages returning year after year. "We have new customers but also regulars. We get some that only come here for two weeks of the year, but we know them and we quite often know what they'll be having," he said. "We see generations of people coming in. We have grandparents whose parents brought them, they bring their children, who bring their children." Woolacombe beach boasts an excellent reputation for surfing, and its reef break delivers some fantastic waves, catering to both experienced and novice surfers. The beach features numerous surf schools and may have inspired the name of The Surf Takeaway, a mobile food outlet positioned directly on the beach. Paul and Teddy, who launched their business within the past year, commend the beach for its pristine condition and express their desire to serve some of Devon's finest produce. "Parkin Estates keep [the beach] immaculate, it's clean, they look after it which is a big commitment," Teddy said. "People come to Devon because they want a pasty, we have links with local suppliers and we choose the best pasties, they might not be as cheap, but it's what we prefer." A holiday in Woolacombe is enchanting, though several tourists expressed concern about one particular issue. One tourist remarked: "There are seagulls everywhere, they have the tendency to steal food. Another, Maisie, said: "I hate them I do, it literally landed on a kid's head to get his food. I heard someone shouting that their finger was bitten by a seagull! Tourists can hire one of 70 beach huts along the shoreline. Parkin Estates construct a sandbank during the summer months at the rear of the beach where the huts are located. There's a five per cent reduction available for those booking more than seven days, which includes two deckchairs, two patio chairs, a table and windbreak. Their vibrant colours make a striking statement at the rear of the beach. Local residents and workers in Woolacombe describe it as a wonderful place to call home, praising its beauty and declaring "you can't get a better place." Yet, the surge in tourism at Woolacombe is raising concerns amongst some locals. Will explained: "Everything is expensive in Woolacombe, people aren't down for as long as they normally would be. A lot of people are moving out of Woolacombe, rich people move here, live here for a month and then rent their place out to holiday makers." Louise added: "People stay for three or four days instead of for the whole week." Despite these issues, tourists absolutely love Woolacombe and insist it's completely worth any minor hassles. Ellie and Nathan, holidaying from Essex, shared their thoughts: "We're staying in Ilfracombe and came to Woolacombe for the day. The parking is expensive, but totally worth it," Nathan remarked. Ellie chimed in: "It's unlike anywhere else I've been, there's loads of facilities, nice places for lunch. Their youngsters, Jasper and Sam, were absolutely delighted. Jasper exclaimed: "[The beach] is so big, we had a race, and I won!" Sam boasted: "We're going in the sea later, and I'm not even going to wear a wetsuit. ".
Daily Record
11-07-2025
- Climate
- Daily Record
Noel Edmonds and wife fled New Zealand home as terrifying earthquake shook house
After buying a luxury estate in New Zealand in 2018, the couple have faced their fair share of extreme weather. Deal or No Deal star Noel Edmonds and his wife Liz fled their New Zealand home as a powerful earthquake shook the house. The couple quit life in the United Kingdom and moved to New Zealand in 2018, buying a huge estate complete with a vineyard and pub. Edmonds purchased the 800-acre River Haven estate in a bid to open up a retreat. His move has been documented in the star's latest return to TV, Noel's Kiwi Adventure, after he was scarcely seen on our screens since his relocation. But he has encountered some hurdles in New Zealand. The second episode of the show saw Noel concede that he was 'haemorrhaging money' on the project. The star has also reportedly had some run-ins with unhappy locals who accused him of 'colonising' the area. And Noel has encountered some difficulties with the harsh weather of New Zealand, including the earthquakes in the Southern Hemisphere, reports Devon Live. Speaking to The Sun, he said: 'You get landslips. And the sun? It'll burn you within ten minutes in the peak season. Oh, and earthquakes. We've had three. 'During the first one, we were sitting outside with a glass of wine, and I noticed the surface of the wine rippling. That was a mild one. 'The biggest one really shook the house — the cutlery drawer rattled, and Liz and I each grabbed a dog and ran outside.' Noel says he 'luckily' managed to get through the earthquake without any damage at River Haven. And it's not just the earthquakes the star has had to adapt to. The TV presenter admits the rain in New Zealand is unlike anything he had experienced living in the UK. He says that while he would get 'drizzle' living on the English coast, he is now adjusting to 'tropical rain' in New Zealand. The weather has also made an impact on his business, said the star. Speaking on his new show, he said: 'When you come to New Zealand, you change your view about your relationship between the weather and the economy." He continued: "We're haemorrhaging money at the moment because you have to take staff on in anticipation of the guests coming. We're going to have to have a spectacular November and December to balance the books." It has left Noel, 76, wondering whether the work he has done at River Haven will be able to sustain him throughout his life. He said: 'New Zealand is a great place to come to but it's not the easiest place to set up a business. "We've done a fascinating thing with the River Haven adventure. Will it be the move that sustains us for years to come? Watch this space!" Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Daily Record
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
ITV The Chase fans fume over player's decision as Bradley Walsh hits out
The Chase viewers were left fuming as a contestant made a 'disgraceful' decision after racking up £6,000 in the cash builder, leaving host Bradley Walsh utterly stunned. The Chase host Bradley Walsh was left astounded in its most recent episode, exclaiming "Wow", after a contestant made an unexpected choice on Thursday's show, July 10. In the latest installment of the hit ITV show, teammates Karina, Susan, Jacob, and Paul went head-to-head with a chaser in hopes of winning a significant sum. However viewers soon took to social media to fume over one contestant's decision. Karina faced an early exit at the hands of The Beast, Mark Labbett, while Susan added £6,000 to the team's pot. Jacob, a 21-year-old neuroscience master's student, impressed during his cash builder round by earning £6,000. Bradley praised him saying, "Very good mate, excellent," as the round concluded. Despite being tempted by a high offer of £50,000 from Mark, Jacob's teammates suggested he stick with the safer £6,000, according to Devon Live. Paul recommended caution, saying, "£50,000 is tempting and you are a cool customer, but we do really want you back in this seat," while Susan expressed she'd be "more than happy" with him sticking to the £6k. However, Jacob unexpectedly opted for the lower offer of £1,000, catching Bradley off guard. "One? Wow that was quick," he responded, as Jacob explained his strategy: "I want to get back." Mark empathised with the young contestant, remarking: "Hey, he's a 21-year-old student. Put a grand in his pocket right now and he thinks he's rich. Don't blame him." Jacob triumphantly rejoined his team after staying four steps ahead of the chaser, ensuring he had three shots at the £6,000 and a pair of opportunities to win the £50,000. Bradley Walsh praised him, saying: "You should have backed yourself... Jacob, good job, dude. Well done. £7,000, wow. Should be £12,000 in there, by the way,". Mark Labbett added his thoughts: "Yeah but absolutely no pressure. When I got the first one right and he didn't, he'd have been under pressure then," before Bradley concluded with: "I don't think he would have been. You don't come to the cash builder with £6,000 and not be a good player, let me tell you that much." Viewers took to social media to air their grievances about Jacob's decision, with a chorus of disapproval emerging. One user posted: "Why has he gone for the low offer? Staggering," while another expressed surprise: "Even surprised Brad taking the £1k." A third viewer vented: "What a disgrace. How can you get £6k in the cash builder and take the £1k? !". Another suggested a rule change, frustratedly writing: "They need to change the rules and not let people take the low offer anymore. It's so annoying." In the end, Jacob and Susan were the sole contestants in the final chase, but Mark caught them with 41 seconds to spare.
