Latest news with #LouisWood
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Brits face holiday hotspot hell as bar staff in Tenerife send ultimatum to bosses or vow they will strike in peak season
BRITS chasing the sun this summer could face fresh holiday hell as bar staff prepare to strike during peak season. It comes after 80,000 employees took to the streets in Tenerife earlier in the year demanding better pay and working conditions. 6 Bar staff have threatened a mass walk out if their pay demands are not met Credit: Louis Wood 6 Thousands of locals flooded the streets to protest mass tourism Credit: Getty 6 Locals called on tighter restrictions Credit: AFP In a move that could spark chaos for Brits travelling to Tenerife this summer, union bosses said industrial action could start as early as July. The unions, Sindicalistas de Base and UGT, have issued bosses with an ultimatum, warning of a major walk out if they are not granted a 6.5 per cent salary bump. They have made it clear that no further negotiations will happen if these conditions are not met. This isn't the first time Tenerife has been at the centre of sweeping industrial action. Last month, cleaners and restaurant workers in the sunny hotspot took to the streets after deeming an offer from their employer not acceptable. The tourism employers' association, formed by Ashotel and AERO, had offered a four per cent increase in pay for workers, hoping it would prevent them from protesting during the Easter holidays. But unions wanted 6.25 per cent. They said their decision was unanimous and would not change plans to strike against tourists. With over 170,000 tourism workers in the Canary Islands set to protest, business owners about to welcome thousands of tourists were despairing. They planned to demonstrate in all the tourist hotspots, including Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote. Inside Tenerife's ongoing war between tourists and locals By law, strikers have to provide a "minimum service" but the unions said hotel cleaning, food and entertainment don't fall into this category. They said they must try and preserve the health of hotel workers and provide them with the very best of working conditions. Elsewhere, locals flooded the streets to protest against mass tourism in the area. Activists vowed to storm popular tourist attractions, disrupt public events and 'confront political leaders' in a fiery new phase of protests kicking off May 18 — right as peak holiday season begins. 'From now on, we will take our fight to the very spaces where their predatory model is perpetuated,' declared pressure group Canarias tiene un límite (The Canaries Have a Limit). 'We will boycott public events, confront political leaders during their appearances and occupy symbolic tourist spaces to make it clear that we will not stop until real change is achieved.' 'The Canary Islands can no longer be a postcard backdrop for the enjoyment of a privileged few,' the statement read. In a separate warning, the group said: 'This cry, which reflects the feelings of a people tired of being ignored and mistreated, will be the beginning of a new stage of struggle: firmer, more direct, more uncomfortable for those who refuse to listen to us and take real measures.' The backlash follows a 170,000-strong hotel and restaurant workers' strike across the islands just days ago, with locals slamming low wages and poor working conditions in the booming holiday industry. In June last year, beach workers also walked off the job over what unions called "precarious" conditions. As tensions boil over, the Canary Islands Government has now announced plans to completely overhaul its outdated 30-year-old tourism laws in a landmark reform effort. Alfonso Cabello, spokesperson for the regional government, said: 'We're doing this the Canary Islands way — extending a hand and listening to everyone.' The sweeping reforms aim to tackle everything from sky-high housing costs in tourist areas to crumbling infrastructure and overworked public services. 6 Thousands of people took to the streets Credit: Getty 6 Activists vowed to storm popular tourist attractions Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Brits face holiday hotspot hell as bar staff in Tenerife send ultimatum to bosses or vow they will strike in peak season
BRITS chasing the sun this summer could face fresh holiday hell as bar staff prepare to strike during peak season. It comes after 80,000 employees Advertisement 6 Bar staff have threatened a mass walk out if their pay demands are not met Credit: Louis Wood 6 Thousands of locals flooded the streets to protest mass tourism Credit: Getty 6 Locals called on tighter restrictions Credit: AFP In a move that could spark chaos for Brits travelling to Tenerife this summer, union bosses said industrial action could start as early as July. The unions, Sindicalistas de Base and UGT, have issued bosses with an ultimatum, warning of a major walk out if they are not granted a 6.5 per cent salary bump. They have made it clear that no further negotiations will happen if these conditions are not met. This isn't the first time Tenerife has been at the centre of sweeping industrial action. Advertisement Read more on World Last month, cleaners and restaurant workers in the The tourism employers' association, formed by Ashotel and AERO, had offered a four per cent increase in pay for workers, hoping it would prevent them from protesting during the Easter holidays. But unions wanted 6.25 per cent. They said their decision was unanimous and would not change plans to Advertisement Most read in The Sun Breaking With over 170,000 tourism workers in the They planned to demonstrate in all the tourist hotspots, including Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote. Inside Tenerife's ongoing war between tourists and locals By law , strikers have to provide a "minimum service" but the unions said hotel cleaning, food and entertainment don't fall into this category. They said they must try and preserve the health of hotel workers and provide them with the very best of working conditions. Advertisement Elsewhere, locals flooded the streets to protest against mass tourism in the area. Activists vowed to storm popular tourist attractions, disrupt public events and 'confront political leaders' in a fiery new phase of protests kicking off May 18 — right as peak holiday season begins. 'From now on, we will take our fight to the very spaces where their predatory model is perpetuated,' declared pressure group Canarias tiene un límite (The Canaries Have a Limit). 'We will boycott public events, confront political leaders during their appearances and occupy symbolic tourist spaces to make it clear that we will not stop until real change is achieved.' Advertisement 'The In a separate warning, the group said: 'This cry, which reflects the feelings of a people tired of being ignored and mistreated, will be the beginning of a new stage of struggle: firmer, more direct, more uncomfortable for those who refuse to listen to us and take real measures.' The backlash follows In June last year, beach workers also walked off the job over what unions called "precarious" conditions. Advertisement As tensions boil over, the Alfonso Cabello, spokesperson for the regional government, said: 'We're doing this the Canary Islands way — extending a hand and listening to everyone.' The sweeping reforms aim to tackle everything from sky-high housing costs in tourist areas to crumbling infrastructure and overworked public services. 6 Thousands of people took to the streets Credit: Getty Advertisement 6 Activists vowed to storm popular tourist attractions Credit: Getty 6 Protests erupted at the peak of tourist season Credit: Getty
Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
I swear by a £1 household hero to banish stubborn stains in EVERY room of your home – it's so satisfying in your kitchen
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IF you're a lazy girl that can't stand cleaning, you've come to the right place. With many of us constantly faced with to-do-lists as long as our forearms, if you're on a mission to get your home sparkling but with barely any faff involved, then we've got you covered. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 16 If you're looking for cleaning products that will ensure you really get your money's worth, you've come to the right place Credit: Supplied 16 Here, Abby Wilson tests a miracle paste from Astonish and her house has never been cleaner... Credit: Louis Wood There's nothing worse than having to spend your whole Sunday morning scrubbing, but luckily for you, there's a new household hero buy that takes the effort out of those dreaded chores. And not only is there barely any effort involved thanks to this purse-friendly buy, but it also works incredibly fast too. With the hugely popular Astonish Original Cleaning Paste, in just 60 seconds - yes, you heard that correctly - your surfaces will gleam. You can use it in every room in your home - whether that's on your kitchen sink, your shower, or even your radiators. Not only this, but this ultimate all-purpose cleaner, which has a vegan, cruelty-free cleaning formula for 'endless uses' can also work miracles on filthy ovens or even grim BBQs too. Here, I, Abby Wilson, test out the viral product - which I used for just one minute on each surface - and you'll be shocked to see the rust vanish in my bathroom. For those on a budget, you'll be pleased to know that it's available in many major retailers, including Asda, Morrisons, The Range, Iceland and Wilko, from just £1. It's been described by many influencers as 'the best' cleaning product on the market, as it cuts through grease, grime and stubborn stains with ease, all without harsh chemicals. Not only is it ideal for everything from enamel and grouting to glass and steel, but after my quick test, it's now a must-have in my cleaning arsenal. So if you don't want to splash the cash on 10 different cleaning products, you'll need to check out this multi-use buy. 5 damaging TikTok cleaning hacks you should NEVER try Giving pans a proper clean If your pans have seen better days, this Astonish buy is bound to be your new best pal. My Ninja frying pan is an absolute favourite of mine and despite not having it for very long, it's definitely showing its use. 16 This pan was in need of some TLC Credit: Supplied 16 Now it looks brand new (minus the scratches) Credit: Supplied Of course I always give my frying pan a good scrub after using it, but I only recently noticed that the underneath of the pan was looking pretty tragic. In less than one minute, I was absolutely gobsmacked at the paste's ability to totally eradicate the pan's mess. It now looks brand new and there was barely any effort involved. Removing rust As well as scrubbing up my pans, this paste also worked a treat in my bathroom. I've tried to scrub at my shelving unit on numerous occasions, but the rust just doesn't seem to budge. 16 The rust on Abby's bathroom shelves was proving an issue Credit: Supplied 16 But now it's totally vanished Credit: Supplied It's gross (I know), but thanks to this cheap buy, the rust literally slid off in a matter of seconds. It's not like me to be left speechless, but for once, I was totally lost for words. So if you've noticed rust anywhere in your home, you'll need to give this a try - and trust me, it really does produce jaw-dropping results. Shower shine Whilst in my bathroom, I'm not afraid to admit, I can't remember the last time I cleaned my shower. Yes that's probably something I should keep to myself, but after I've spent ages washing my hair and shaving my legs, the last thing I want to do is get my gloves on and start scrubbing. 16 The shower was also looking quite grubby Credit: Supplied 16 But after less than 60 seconds, it's gleaming Credit: Supplied But thanks to this miracle paste, all of the hard work and effort is now not a problem. I assumed that my shower's slightly matte appearance was normal, but after literally 10 seconds of using this cheap product, I immediately saw a gloss that I haven't seen for a while. It also worked its magic on the shower head, which was previously covered in water marks - and now, it's so shiny I can see my reflection. Cleaning and household chores in numbers Well Polished conducted a survey and the results are in! Most Hated Household Chores Cleaning the oven - 34% Ironing - 15% Cleaning the toilet - 10% Washing the dishes - 5% Decluttering - 4% Most Liked Household Chores Cooking meals - 21% Decluttering - 12% Hoovering - 11% Doing the laundry - 9% Tending to pets 8% Men VS Women: Who Puts the Work In? Men spend 7 hours 54 minutes a week cleaning. Women spend 12 hours 15 minutes a week cleaning. Sparkling sink Another cleaning job I absolutely can't stand is cleaning my bathroom sink. It's something that shouldn't take that long, but I always find incredibly tedious. 16 Meanwhile, the build-up of grime on her bathroom sink was also pretty grim Credit: Supplied 16 Thanks to this paste, it's sparkling Credit: Supplied So if your sink is covered in toothpaste marks like mine, fear not, this handy paste is one you'll need to try. It was one of the quickest things to clean in this test, and now, my sink is incredibly shiny. The dreaded toothbrush rim is nowhere to be seen and I have to say, I don't think I've seen my sink this clean for a while… Stained surfaces Not only does this paste work wonders in bathrooms, but it's great in the bedroom too. If your bedside tables have seen better days, this paste is one you'll need to add to your shopping list. 16 The marks on this bedside table wouldn't budge Credit: Supplied 16 But the paste worked wonders with barely any scrubbing involved Credit: Supplied I always thought the marks on my white table were stuck there for good, after using countless sprays and wipes in an attempt to get them off. But it turns out I didn't need to break the bank on posh cleaning supplies, as after using this paste, the table is now whiter than ever. Not only this, but it's left a subtle, but fresh scent to my room too - what a win win! Run to your radiator I'm admitting it here now, I have NEVER cleaned my radiator before. It's not a job that was ever at the top of my list and quite frankly, I didn't realise what a state it was until I got down and had a closer look. 16 The radiator was in dire need of cleaning Credit: Supplied 16 The grime has totally vanished Credit: Supplied I can't say I'm totally sure what the stain actually was, but thankfully, after literally 20 seconds, it was gone. Despite the mess never bothering me before, thankfully, now it looks brand new. Wave goodbye to water marks Now, although I don't look like I clean a lot (because I don't), my kitchen sink is something I never miss. 16 Water marks are often found on kitchen sinks Credit: Supplied 16 But now, this is so shiny you can almost see your reflection Credit: Supplied It gets wiped down at the end of every evening before I go to sleep, but after doing the washing up recently, I noticed the water marks looked worse than ever. I normally use a multi-purpose spray to get my sink shining, but thanks to this paste, the cleaning game has been totally changed. Despite taking barely any time at all, my sink has now had the deepest clean of its life - and is sure to leave my guests gushing. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
The Irish Sun
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I swear by a £1 household hero to banish stubborn stains in EVERY room of your home – it's so satisfying in your kitchen
IF you're a lazy girl that can't stand cleaning, you've come to the right place. With many of us constantly faced with to-do-lists as long as our forearms, if you're on a mission to get your home sparkling but with barely any faff involved, then we've got you covered. 16 If you're looking for cleaning products that will ensure you really get your money's worth, you've come to the right place Credit: Supplied 16 Here, Abby Wilson tests a miracle paste from Astonish and her house has never been cleaner... Credit: Louis Wood There's nothing worse than having to spend your whole Sunday morning scrubbing, but luckily for you, there's a new household hero buy that takes the effort out of those dreaded chores. And not only is there barely any effort involved thanks to this purse-friendly buy, but it also works incredibly fast too. With the hugely popular You can use it in every room in your home - whether that's on your kitchen sink, your shower, or even your radiators. Read more Fabulous stories Not only this, but this ultimate all-purpose cleaner, which has a vegan, cruelty-free cleaning formula for 'endless uses' can also work miracles on filthy ovens or even grim BBQs too. Here, I, Abby Wilson, test out the viral product - which I used for just one minute on each surface - and you'll be shocked to see the rust vanish in my bathroom. For those on a budget, you'll be pleased to know that it's available in many major retailers, including Asda, Morrisons, The Range, Iceland and Wilko, from just £1. It's been described by many influencers as 'the best' cleaning product on the market, as it cuts through grease, grime and Most read in Fabulous Not only is it ideal for everything from enamel and grouting to glass and steel, but after my quick test, it's now a must-have in my cleaning arsenal. So if you don't want to splash the cash on 10 different 5 damaging TikTok cleaning hacks you should NEVER try Giving pans a proper clean If your pans have seen better days, this Astonish buy is bound to be your new best pal. My Ninja 16 This pan was in need of some TLC Credit: Supplied 16 Now it looks brand new (minus the scratches) Credit: Supplied Of course I always give my frying pan a good scrub after using it, but I only recently noticed that the underneath of the pan was looking pretty tragic. In less than one minute, I was absolutely gobsmacked at the paste's ability to totally eradicate the pan's mess. It now looks brand new and there was barely any effort involved. Removing rust As well as scrubbing up my pans, this paste also worked a treat in my I've tried to scrub at my shelving unit on numerous occasions, but the 16 The rust on Abby's bathroom shelves was proving an issue Credit: Supplied 16 But now it's totally vanished Credit: Supplied It's gross (I know), but thanks to this cheap buy, the rust literally slid off in a matter of seconds. It's not like me to be left speechless, but for once, I was totally lost for words. So if you've noticed rust anywhere in your home, you'll need to give this a try - and trust me, it really does produce jaw-dropping results. Shower shine Whilst in my bathroom, I'm not afraid to admit, I can't remember the last time I cleaned my shower. Yes that's probably something I should keep to myself, but after I've spent ages washing my hair and shaving my legs, the last thing I want to do is get my gloves on and start scrubbing. 16 The shower was also looking quite grubby Credit: Supplied 16 But after less than 60 seconds, it's gleaming Credit: Supplied But thanks to this miracle paste, all of the hard work and effort is now not a problem. I assumed that my shower's slightly matte appearance was normal, but after literally 10 seconds of using this cheap product, I immediately saw a gloss that I haven't seen for a while. It also worked its magic on the shower head, which was previously covered in Cleaning and household chores in numbers Well Polished conducted a survey and the results are in! Most Hated Household Chores Cleaning the oven - 34% Ironing - 15% Cleaning the toilet - 10% Washing the dishes - 5% Decluttering - 4% Most Liked Household Chores Cooking meals - 21% Decluttering - 12% Hoovering - 11% Doing the laundry - 9% Tending to pets 8% Men VS Women: Who Puts the Work In? Men spend 7 hours 54 minutes a week cleaning. Women spend 12 hours 15 minutes a week cleaning. Sparkling sink Another cleaning job I absolutely can't stand is cleaning my bathroom sink. It's something that shouldn't take that long, but I always find incredibly tedious. 16 Meanwhile, the build-up of grime on her bathroom sink was also pretty grim Credit: Supplied 16 Thanks to this paste, it's sparkling Credit: Supplied So if your sink is covered in toothpaste marks like mine, fear not, this handy paste is one you'll need to try. It was one of the quickest things to clean in this test, and now, my sink is incredibly shiny. The dreaded toothbrush rim is nowhere to be seen and I have to say, I don't think I've seen my sink this clean for a while… Stained surfaces Not only does this paste work wonders in bathrooms, but it's great in the If your bedside tables have seen better days, this paste is one you'll need to add to your shopping list. 16 The marks on this bedside table wouldn't budge Credit: Supplied 16 But the paste worked wonders with barely any scrubbing involved Credit: Supplied I always thought the marks on my white table were stuck there for good, after using countless sprays and wipes in an attempt to get them off. But it turns out I didn't need to break the bank on posh cleaning supplies, as after using this paste, the table is now whiter than ever. Not only this, but it's left a subtle, but fresh scent to my room too - what a win win! Cleaning hacks and tips Here are some tips to help you clean your home like a pro: How to Keep on top of How to Here's how to get rid of that nasty You're Clean your If you haven't Steps to This is how to Keep your Give your Did you know your Run to your radiator I'm admitting it here now, I have NEVER cleaned my It's not a job that was ever at the top of my list and quite frankly, I didn't realise what a state it was until I got down and had a closer look. 16 The radiator was in dire need of cleaning Credit: Supplied 16 The grime has totally vanished Credit: Supplied I can't say I'm totally sure what the stain actually was, but thankfully, after literally 20 seconds, it was gone. Despite the mess never bothering me before, thankfully, now it looks brand new. Wave goodbye to water marks Now, although I don't look like I clean a lot (because I don't), my 16 Water marks are often found on kitchen sinks Credit: Supplied 16 But now, this is so shiny you can almost see your reflection Credit: Supplied It gets wiped down at the end of every evening before I go to sleep, but after doing the washing up recently, I noticed the water marks looked worse than ever. I normally use a multi-purpose spray to get my sink shining, but thanks to this paste, the cleaning game has been totally changed. Despite taking barely any time at all, my sink has now had the deepest clean of its life - and is sure to leave my guests gushing. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club The household items you're not cleaning often enough IF you want to ensure your home is squeaky clean, you'll need to listen up. Below are the household items you're forgetting to clean, and how to get them sparkling... Remote Controls: Wipe with a disinfectant cloth. Use a cotton bud for crevices. Light Switches: Wipe with a disinfectant wipe. Use a mild soap solution for tough stains. Door Handles: Clean with an antibacterial spray. Wipe down regularly. Underneath and Behind Appliances: Vacuum or sweep regularly. Mop with a suitable cleaner. Shower Curtains and Liners: Wash in the washing machine. Use a bleach solution for stubborn mildew. Kitchen Sponges and Dishcloths: Microwave damp sponges for one minute. Wash dishcloths in the washing machine. Computer Keyboards and Mice: Use compressed air to remove debris. Wipe with a disinfectant wipe.
Scottish Sun
04-05-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
Spectacular power of poppies at the Tower as 30,000 flowers form poignant new memorial to mark VE Day's 80th anniversary
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BATTERED yet unbowed, the Tower of London became a symbol of resistance and fortitude as the Nazi Blitz raged. Now this citadel — entwined for a millennium in the British national story — has been bedecked with 30,000 blood-red poppies as a stark and moving memorial to mark VE Day. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Beefeater Andy Shedden at the poignant display in the Tower of London Credit: Louis Wood 6 A worker installs the display Credit: Richard Pohle 6 Creator Paul Cummins suffered severe injuries when his hand was crushed in an industrial roller used to make the poppies Credit: Getty Standing amid the ceramic blooms, Beefeater and ex serviceman Andy Shedden, 57, told me: 'It's poignant because the Tower community suffered during World War Two. 'That conflict is still in living memory so this poppy memorial is the right thing to do to honour so much sacrifice.' The yeoman warder who served with 3 Royal Horse Artillery gestures around the historic compound to where Luftwaffe bombs fell. 'The North Bastion was hit and so was the Old Hospital Block just over there,' he explained. The Tower — close to the East End docks and warehouses lining the Thames — was an obvious landmark for German bombing crews when cloud cover was low. On October 4, 1940, the massive stone North Bastion took a direct hit. One of Andy's Beefeater predecessors, yeoman warder Samuel Reeves, 57, perished after being trapped under rubble. Also killed in the aerial bombardment that night was Lily Frances Lunn, 70, who lived in the Tower complex with her family. After another bombing raid on December 8 of that year, Chief Warder A H Cook said: 'By dawn our poor old Tower looked in a pitiful plight, for hardly a portion of it had escaped the fury of the night. 'Most of its windows had been blown out or were hanging awry. VE Day was a 'jolly' moment but work went on, 100-year-old former Wren says 'Glass was strewn everywhere. 'Display is attempt to say recovery is ahead' 'Doors were off their hinges, ceilings down, and blackout curtains torn to ribbons.' The Blitz raged from September 7, 1940, to May 10, 1941, yet the iconic White Tower at the centre of the fortress — built by William the Conqueror in 1078 — was miraculously never hit. Bombs landed a few feet away, but the white stone edifice, where The Princes in the Tower were perhaps murdered on Richard III's orders in the 1480s, remained unblemished as a beacon of hope to Londoners. Minette Butler, assistant curator at Historic Royal Palaces, said: 'When you look at the number of bombs that landed here, it really is incredible the White Tower in particular wasn't hit.' The new poppy display uses blooms from Blood Swept Lands And Seas Of Red — the art installation that filled the Tower's moat with a sea of crimson in 2014. The display used 888,246 ceramic flowers representing every UK fatality in the First World War. When you look at the number of bombs that landed here, it really is incredible the White Tower in particular wasn't hit Minette Butler Artist Paul Cummins — who came up with the concept — lost his middle finger and the use of his index finger of his right hand after it was crushed in an industrial roller used to make the poppies. The 47-year-old said: 'I live with it and I move on. I believe the poppy project helped me get over doing what I did to my hand, because I didn't have to think about it.' Timed to mark the centenary of the start of that conflict, it soon became a site of remembrance visited by more than five million people. Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip and Prince William, Prince Harry and Princess Catherine were among those who came to see the memorial. After four months, most of the poppies were sold at £25 each to raise money for military charities, but thousands were taken on tour around the country and then kept at the Imperial War Museum. Now they have returned to mark VE Day, with flowers forming a 'wound' where bombs really fell on the South Lawn at the fortress. They then cascade from the White Tower — like blood flowing from a wound — before rippling through the castle complex and out into the Thames at Traitors' Gate. Close by, sleek-black in their aviary, are the Tower's seven ravens who are being kept in pens while work on the installation was finished. It is said that the kingdom and the Tower itself will fall if ravens ever leave the castle. Walkways have been made between the red flowers so that the birds, including one called Poppy, can shuffle among them. Tower Governor, Brigadier Andrew Jackson, 60, told me: 'VE Day's 80th is such a big anniversary. 'It's one of the last occasions we're going to be able to celebrate the greatest generation alongside those who were actually part of the war, whether on the home front or deployed overseas.' 6 The new poppy display uses blooms from Blood Swept Lands And Seas Of Red — the art installation that filled the Tower's moat with a sea of crimson in 2014 Credit: Louis Wood 6 Cindy Sheehan said: 'Each poppy is individually made, which represents an individual loss of life to me. It's a beautiful and very moving sight' Credit: Louis Wood 6 The wrecked North Bastion after it was hit by a bomb in 1940 Credit: Historic Royal Palaces/Yeoman Warder Archive The Iraq and Afghanistan veteran, who served with the amalgamated Royal Yorkshire Regiment, said that the display was not just one of remembrance but also resilience. Brigadier Jackson added: 'The Tower of London has stood for a thousand years. It's witnessed wars, plagues, floods and fire. 'And it was wounded itself during the Second World War. So the poppy display is attempting to say that although you can be wounded, there is recovery ahead of you.' At the outbreak of the war in 1939, the Crown Jewels — kept at the Tower — were secretly moved and hidden at Windsor Castle. While historic items from British history normally kept in the White Tower, including Henry VIII's armour, were also taken to a safe location. The now-vacant galleries were used by troops as a sports room and concert hall, with an air raid shelter in the basement. The tower was also used to interrogate prisoners of war. The most high-profile was Rudolf Hess, deputy Fuhrer of the Nazi party. 'Doomed mission to negotiate peace' In 1941 Adolf Hitler's right-hand man piloted a Messerschmitt from Germany to Scotland in what some believe was a doomed mission to negotiate peace with Britain. He was held at King's House at the Tower where many prisoners had been interrogated — including Guy Fawkes — before being transferred to a Surrey prison of war camp. In August of that year, German spy Josef Jakobs became the last man to be executed at the Tower. The agent had parachuted into a field in Ramsey, Cambs, in January 1941 but broke his ankle on landing. Soon apprehended by the local Home Guard, he was found to be carrying £500, forged identity papers and a radio transmitter. Found guilty of espionage, he was taken to the rifle range at the Tower where he was blindfolded and tied to a brown Windsor chair. Following a silent signal from an officer, eight Scots Guards fired their rifles in unison at a matchbox-sized white cotton target pinned over Jacob's heart. The spy died instantly and the chair he was sitting in remains on display at the White Tower. VE Day's 80th is such a big anniversary. It's one of the last occasions we're going to be able to celebrate the greatest generation alongside those who were actually part of the war, whether on the home front or deployed overseas Tower Governor, Brigadier Andrew Jackson The London fortress also did its bit by joining the wartime government's Dig for Victory campaign to grow fruit and vegetables. Its moat was dug up and turned into allotments which were tended by Beefeaters and others living at the castle. When Nazi Germany finally signed an unconditional surrender on May 7, 1945, the UK had lost nearly 384,000 military personnel and over 67,000 civilians. Victory in Europe — or VE Day — was declared the next day, and the Tower, still scarred from bomb damage, was illuminated with floodlights to mark the occasion. Just down the road, London's East End celebrated with a week of raucous street parties. Yet the memory of those who had lost their lives in the fighting would cast a dark shadow for many families. Each poppy is individually made, which represents an individual loss of life to me. It's a beautiful and very moving sight Cindy Sheehan Now the Tower is once again bringing people together to remember the bravery and the country's resilience. The display opens tomorrow to mark VE Day on Thursday and will remain in place for VJ Day — celebrating victory over Japan — on August 15. The poppies will also stay in place until Armistice Day on November 11, before being returned to the Imperial War Museum. Volunteer Cindy Sheehan, 63, helping arrange the artwork for Historic Royal Palaces, said: 'One veteran asked me to kiss a poppy because of the atrocity he witnessed when a young boy was killed. 'Each poppy is individually made, which represents an individual loss of life to me. 'It's a beautiful and very moving sight.'
