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Wales Online
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Matt Baker says 'it takes my breath away' as he explores amazing hidden tunnel in Wales
Matt Baker says 'it takes my breath away' as he explores amazing hidden tunnel in Wales Matt, filming for a new series of Channel 4's Matt Baker British Isles, is not the first TV celebrity to visit and be enchanted by this secret treasure Channel 4's Matt Baker visits one of Wales' hidden gems (Image: Channel 4 ) When you wander through the south Wales valleys you might never know that, occasionally, you are walking on top of a hidden treasure that links to the past but could be a beacon of prosperity for the future. Rhondda Tunnel is one such gem - a relic of the area's past industrial heritage but a unique feature that has been mesmerising those lucky enough to be allowed down it with permission and assistance from the Rhondda Tunnel Society. They are a group of local people set up in 2014 with the dream of one day getting the tunnel open again for bikes and pedestrians, and spearheading tourism regeneration in the area. One such person who has recently explored the tunnel - and was, of course, enchanted by it - was Channel 4's Matt Baker, who visited as part of episode one of a new series of Matt Baker's British Isles, where the popular presenter visits some of the country's most unique and loved locations - and Rhondda tunnel certainly ticks those boxes. For more home and property content sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here READ MORE: Homes Under The Hammer's Martin Roberts says 'something real is going to happen' as he shares Welsh project update YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: You can stay in the idyllic house that features in Matt Baker's Our Dream Farm Article continues below Matt Baker meets Rhondda Tunnel Society founder member Steve Mackey (Image: Channel 4 ) Before meeting the passionate members of the Rhondda Tunnel Society, Matt said: "I've been drawn to this part of the Welsh valleys to see something that's been hidden from the rest of Britain for decades - it's a two mile secret that could make this part of Wales, and the country, world famous." The tunnel was originally built by the Rhondda and Swansea Bay Railway under the engineering expertise of Sydney William Yockney, son of Samuel Hansard Yockney, who had previously worked with Isambard Kingdom Brunel on other tunnel projects. Matt is ready for the descent into the tunnel (Image: Channel 4 ) Work on the two-mile long tunnel commenced from both ends in 1885, at Blaencwm in the Rhondda and Blaengwyfni in the Afan Valley. The tunnel first opened its doors in 1890, serving as a route for coal trains heading to Swansea Bay until it was closed in 1968, with entrances at both ends now buried. But the society, founded in 2014, has been working tirelessly to gain awareness and funding for the project to re-open the tunnel If converted into a cycle and pedestrian tunnel, it would be the longest in Europe, second only globally to the Snoqualmie Tunnel near Seattle in the USA, which spans 2.5 miles. An old photo of when the tunnel was being bricked up and the stone where Steve wrote his message when he was a boy (Image: Channel 4 ) But it could have been buried and hidden for even longer if founder member of the society, Steve Mackey, hadn't stumbled across the entrance, literally, and it was almost as though it was meant to be. Steve told Matt he remembered the tunnel being closed up when he was a child and being mischievous but intrigued he visited it and graffitied on the stone his name and the words, 'please open me'. Both entrances were landscaped over and buried deep below ground and the tunnel faded from Steve's memory until the day he lost his job a decade ago. He was upset and so went for a 'long, long walk' and stumbled upon a huge bramble bush - he could see something under it and after clearing the foliage away discovered it was the stone with his words on it - the tunnel had 'spookily' reconnected with him. Matt is winched down an air shaft (Image: Channel 4 ) Matt discovered that a hard core of society members, from all walks of life and ages, now spent their time underground working towards giving the tunnel a new lease of life. Society member Brian got Matt ready for the descent into the tunnel that included a boiler suit, hard hat and harness to lower him down the air shaft - currently the only way to gain access. Matt said: "What a brilliant group of people, honestly they're so passionate about their cause - it's bonkers but it's brilliant!" Matt is amazed at the brickwork and condition of the tunnel (Image: Channel 4 ) As soon as Matt descended into this unique slice of Welsh heritage he was in awe. He commented: "It takes your breath away - you just can't quite believe it, that it's going on for two miles. It feels incredibly special to be experiencing this, honestly I just can't get over it, I can't get over the workmanship, (you can see) the trawl marks. The brick work is absolutely beautiful, pristine." Whilst down the tunnel, Matt helped the team lay a new communication cable as well as being only the second person to ever ride a bike along a section of the structure, he also discovered that the 'band of believers' were down the tunnel every week working on it. Matt arrives in the tunnel (Image: Channel 4 ) He said: "I love the drive, I love the passion and I love that you're all in it for the same reason - you just want to show the world the potential of this two mile secret. But this lot have only just started and they've got a long journey ahead but they've got the passion, pride and determination to make it happen. That is something that I will never forget - I'll be back when it's open." But Matt is not the only TV celebrity to have been enchanted by the tunnel, and the potential of what could be achieved at the site. Society member Steve Jones takes Matt on a tunnel tour (Image: Channel 4 ) Homes Under The Hammer's Martin Roberts became such an advocate for the work of the tunnel society after being invited to climb down and explore the structure that when the group asked him to become a patron he was thrilled - and since then has been working hard in conjunction with the society to raise awareness, support and funds to eventually realise the vision of the tunnel re-opening and rejuvenating the area. Find out more about that here. Matt is not the first TV celebrity to go down into the tunnel - Martin Roberts beat him to it and is now the society's patron (Image: Martin Roberts / Rhondda Tunnel Society ) Martin is no stranger to Wales, having filmed here multiple times for Homes Under The Hammer as well as owning a stunning farmhouse that is currently a holiday let and continuing to renovate the Hendrewen hotel and pub in Blaencwm, located at the top of the Rhondda Fawr valley. Article continues below But he has told WalesOnline that there will be more progress to announce on the tunnel's development and future very, very soon. For more home content, including products, join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here.
Telegraph
28-05-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
What I wish I'd known before starting out in property investment
Do you have a property dilemma or question for Samantha? Email money@ I blame Sarah Beeny, famed property TV show host, for my start in property. With her bouncy, blonde hair and tips for easy ways of making a buck overnight with some DIY, I figured it looked like a fun way to make money. Naïve and in my 20s with £15,000 to burn, I decided I would flip properties. Now that I'm older and wiser, I can tell you real life is really not like TV (Homes Under the Hammer, I'm looking at you). Here are the key lessons I wish I knew back then. There's no overnight Lamborghini in the drive When I first started out, I was sure that within just a short period I'd have flipped enough to get so rich I'd have a rainbow of Lambos on the full sweeping in-out drive. It's utter tosh – and I get mad when I hear the same twaddle being spouted now on social media. If you want to make it in property – or any business, for that matter – every penny and pound of profit you can spare should be reinvested to make your business better and stronger. That means even if you start with a little deal that makes a little profit, you soon start chasing the bigger and better places, which ultimately require more outlay and more risk. Before you know it, most of your money is tied up in illiquid assets and any chance you have of buying that Lambo means you either have to sell off a good investment or liquidate a profitable property. Of course, all of those things are possible, but the difficulty is when you don't get 'overnight riches' (like if you'd bought up a load of crypto at a lucky moment). You know how hard you worked to earn that money, so you don't tend to blow it so easily. One of the hardest lessons I struggle with is not regretting spending money on myself. I often think, 'But I could buy a new bathroom or get a room plastered for that!' I think the property investor's mindset takes a lifetime to learn, and then another lifetime to unlearn. High yields mean high hassle Years ago, a developer friend of mine told me, 'This business is feast or famine'. With regular bills to pay, I figured some high-yielding rentals in the West Midlands would be a good way to keep a steady cash flow. I was wrong. High yields only come from high hassle. As the saying goes, 'when you buy cheap, you buy twice', but in this case you don't get double the value, just more likely a tripling of the problems. When property is cheap, it's cheap for a reason. There will always be a mountain of things to do, and when you have tenants in situ, every job takes at least six times longer. Also, if things don't get done on time, you're dealing with the fallout. All of this multiplies when you're trying to focus on something else, and before you know it, that little side hustle becomes a full-time headache. If you really want to get a task done up to standard, you need to completely focus on it to the exclusion of all else. Cheap is not always cheerful When materials cost so much, it's easy to look for the cheap fix rather than the quality fix. I've been guilty of applying this logic before and always have to remind myself to factor in the labour costs as well – plus the inconvenience factor of having to make repairs again when the cheap ones inevitably don't last. As much as it pains me to spend more than I need to, I now force myself to apply a longer-term view – just in case a project doesn't sell and I end up owning it for longer than anticipated. This includes not installing white carpets (yes, done that; they looked fab on day one) and if I'm re-plastering walls or ceilings to install additional insulation wherever I can. Hedging your bets does cost more, but markets can change with alarming speed. That means it's always best practice to be ready with Plan B, C and D before you get stuck with a property that hasn't been looked after properly. No two properties are the same Yes, there are transferable skills you can take to projects, but every property suits a different sort of person for a different sort of reason. Understanding your market is key to success, and while the cookie-cutter approach can work for big companies, it's better to succeed as a small business doing the best you can.
The Sun
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Savvy BBC TV star stuns fans after wearing £7.99 Amazon earrings and DIY Hobbycraft buy to fancy ball
A BBC star has proved she likes a bargain fashion buy just as much as cheap homes after showing off her outfit for a ball. Homes under the Hammer's Martel Maxwell, 48, is no stranger to cost-cutting renovations on the daytime Beeb show. 5 And at home, the mum of three - from Dundee - appears to be a fan of savvy buys for her wardrobe too. In a recent Instagram video, the telly favourite revealed the two cheap items she used to get her ball-ready this week. Martel popped on a one-shouldered black sequins mini dress and black peep toe heels before showing off her bargain accessories. She said: "When you realise you've got half an hour to get ready for a ball that's got a theme, black and white. "I wasn't fully prepared but I had these £7.99 Amazon earrings in the cupboard. "This bow from Hobbycraft, I just tied it on. You know, it's black and white. "And I'm ready to roll with my £7.99 earrings and a wee bow. Party time." Martel later joked that a "wee spray tan and blow dry" also "helped immeasurably". The TV star's clip quickly racked up 15,000 views as fans were left stunned by her savvy look. One gushed: "Gorgeous as ever, in whatever." Homes Under The Hammer's Martel Maxwell's top tips to add value to your home - and they're surprisingly simple A second joked: "£7.99?? Wow, even I can afford to take you shopping!! "Just shows, though, you don't have to spend lots to look great." "Stunningly beautiful, as always", chimed in a third. A fifth wrote: "Typically unique style." Meanwhile, a sixth added: "You look so lovely as always," 5
The Sun
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
‘I will never watch snooker on BBC again' – Fans fume at World Championship coverage after scheduling decision
FRUSTRATED snooker fans have hit out at the BBC after being unable to watch a portion of Mark Williams' epic win over John Higgins. The Welsh Potting Machine edged out his Class of '92 rival 13-12 in a modern Crucible classic. 2 Higgins won four consecutive frames to force a nail-biting finale in Sheffield. But it was Williams who advanced to the final four, sinking the blue, pink and black to take the decider 74-69. Some viewers were upset that the BBC's scheduling and timeshare with TNT Sports resulted in them missing a large proportion of the morning session. BBC2's coverage began at 10am on Wednesday morning, before breaking at 11.15am for Politics Live. The Beeb returned to the snooker on the channel at 1pm, in time to watch the conclusion of the match. However, some viewers were unhappy they had been unable to watch the contest in its entirety. One wrote on X: "BBC world snooker shows 1 hour of a super important match then goes to another show. I've signed up for TNT snooker, I will never watch snooker on BBC again ever. No red button in Ireland and now not watchable on Sky Go." Another commented: "Poor from the BBC. A classic quarter final in the World Snooker Championship makes way for Politics Live & can't even be moved onto BBC1 to replace Homes Under The Hammer which is on every single day!" BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK And a third said: "The horror show that is #BBCSNOOKER take the superb Higgins v Williams quarter-final that is nearing completion off air and show a midmatch mismatch on the red button instead. You wouldn't think it possible for them to mess up this many times." Despite no coverage on BBC 2 between 11.15pm and 1pm, the match was available uninterrupted on the BBC website, Red Button and iPlayer. SunSport has contacted the BBC for comment. Williams has become after his epic victory in South Yorkshire. And the Welshman jokingly put his success down to "balls of steel" after holding his nerve in the decider. Williams said: "[My blue] was such a tough shot, it was thinner than it looked like. "I have gone for the blue full bloodied. I had to go for it. "I tried to stay calm. Roll in the pink, roll in the black. There were no nerves. I don't get that. "My hands were not shaking. My heart was not pounding. "People say I am lucky, I don't know any different. "When I play poker, I get a pair of aces and my heart is pounding. I didn't think he was going to miss it."
