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Battersea Power Station’s Light Festival is pooch perfect

News

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21/02/2023

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Battersea Power Station’s Light Festival is pooch perfect

It’s the final week of Battersea Power Station’s annual Light Festival.

And to mark the occasion ending on March 5, there will be a special dog-friendly day on Wednesday, March 1.

The Light Festival Doggy Day is a great chance to meet like-minded owners while exploring eight stunning light installations on display inside and outside the world-renowned landmark.

In October, Battersea Power Station opens to the public in October following a transformational eight-year restoration, alongside a new pedestrianised high street, Electric Boulevard.

You can take the opportunity to get your pup ‘papped’ by a professional photographer whilst visiting or post your own pictures tagging @batterseapwrstn on Instagram to be in with a chance of winning some top prizes.

The top three photos will be posted on the Battersea Power Station Instagram where followers will vote for their winner.

1st prize – Evening meal for two at Megan’s, The Power Station, including 2 courses and a bottle of wine (or 4 beers or 4 non-alcoholic cocktails)
2nd prize – A JOTT down jacket for your four-legged friend
3rd prize – A doggie hamper from The Battersea General Store

BOOM BATTLE BAR’s Team Bonding Like You’ve Never Known It Before

News Desk

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18/02/2023

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BOOM BATTLE BAR’s Team Bonding Like You’ve Never Known It Before

Boring team building with fun facts and presentations to make your eyes bleed, be gone. Enter… BOOM BATTLE BAR.

At BOOM BATTLE BAR, the UK’s first and only Battle Bar, the spirit of competitive play casts you away from the mundane everyday and immerses you in a night out to remember. The venue combines a premium bar, tempting street food offering and an entertainment Battleground full of competitive gaming that you won’t want to miss. BOOM BATTLE BAR is the ultimate location for a team social with action-packed games like Axe Throwing, Shuffleboard, Augmented Reality Darts, Beer Pong and BOOM BOX Private Karaoke Rooms guaranteed to liven up the team.

As well as BOOM BITES which features street food style picks like chicken wings and loaded fries, the BOOM bar is home to a selection of wines, spirits, draught beers and tempting cocktails including a Mango Margarita, classic Mojito and an iconic BOOM punch.

BOOM BATTLE BAR have options for every budget, small scale team building, away days, whole venue hire. You name it, BOOM have got you covered. Their expert event planners are ready and waiting to book a corporate shindig the team will be talking about for months to come.

London and Greater London’s closest BOOM BATTLE BARs:

BOOM BATTLE BAR Oxford St located at Unit 5, 70 – 80 Oxford Street, London W1D 1BP
BOOM BATTLE BAR The O2 located at Entertainment Avenue, Greenwich, London, SE10 0DY
BOOM BATTLE BAR Aldgate located at Goodman’s Fields, 19 Chaucer Gardens, London E1 8QG
BOOM BATTLE BAR Wandsworth located at 2, Ram Quarter Units 3B 1, 3 Barley Walk, London SW18 1UL
BOOM BATTLE BAR Ealing located at Filmworks Walk, New Broadway, London W5 5FA

London Stansted opening figures on the up

Helen Greaney

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17/02/2023

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London Stansted opening figures on the up

London Stansted Airport has unveiled its opening figures for January 2023.

The figures showed the UK’s third busiest airport served 1.82 million passengers in the first month of the year, compared to 1.9 million passengers in January 2019 – showing it is nearly back to pre-pandemic figures.

This figure is also the highest percentage achieved since the lifting of travel restrictions in 2022.

Overall, the airport has seen a continued improvement after reporting a successful 2022, with over 24.4 million passengers passing through. This represents a huge 217% increase on 2021’s passenger figures.

More good news

But the announcement wasn’t all about passengers as 6,914 flights departed throughout last month.

And security checks have been much quicker with the majority of customers getting through in under 15 minutes.

Not only that, but the Essex airport has employed 766 new staff ready for the summer months, after the shortage issues across the country that left last year’s holidaymakers reeling.

Strong performance

Gareth Powell, Managing Director for London Stansted said: “I’m really pleased the team here at London Stansted.”

“They delivered yet another strong passenger performance in January, achieving 94% of passenger volumes for the same month pre-pandemic, and building on the positive growth we experienced last year after travel restrictions were lifted.”

“Im equally delighted we continue to provide a smooth and efficient security operation for our passengers, which we aim to maintain as we welcome many more passengers this week as they head off on half-term breaks, and as we build up to the peak summer months”.

“To meet rising passenger demand, we are recruiting even more colleagues to join our teams, as are many of our business partners across the airport.”

Aldi creates 6,000 new jobs

Helen Greaney

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16/02/2023

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Aldi has announced that it will create 6,000 new jobs throughout 2023 as 40 new stores open across the UK.

Staines Upon Thames, Slough and Newcastle are among the towns and cities set to host the popular store.

The budget supermarket is also currently looking to fill 450 roles across its 11 distribution centres around the UK.

Store assistants at Aldi receive a starting pay of £11.00 an hour nationally, rising to £11.90, and £12.45 rising to £12.75, within the M25.

Meanwhile, the popular supermarket also increased its starting pay for warehouse workers to £13.18 per hour.

Demand has never been higher

Giles Hurley, chief executive of Aldi UK, said, “Demand for Aldi has never been higher as more and more people realise they can make significant savings on every shop without compromising on quality.

“It’s more important than ever that we are making it even easier for more people to shop with us, including by opening dozens of new stores.

“Our success is dependent on the amazing work that colleagues do, day in and day out, and we’re looking forward to welcoming thousands more colleagues to Team Aldi throughout 2023.”

Half of adults want more effort from partners on Valentine’s Day

News

Helen Greaney

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14/02/2023

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Half of adults want more effort from partners on Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day has been dubbed a waste of money with novelty mugs and cheap underwear amongst the worst presents.

More than half of the 2,015 adults polled, said their partner should make more effort, rather than splurge on presents they don’t even want.

Respondents reported the rubbish gifts they had received included ‘wrong’ perfume, socks, candles and even, a car mat.

But while most said the day of lovers is a waste of time, one in three said they’d be gutted if their better half did nothing to celebrate.

Travel together

The research by Railcard.co.uk, found that one in five said a trip away would be the best romantic gesture with the Lake District top destination in the UK.

Relationship expert and coach, Sarah Louise Ryan, said: “Couples who travel together often end up more fulfilled and happier in their relationship.

“There are many reasons for this; inclusive of the fact it encourages communication and can deepen feelings of commitment as they plan their trips ahead of time, looking towards the future.

“Travel allows more opportunities for romance and time outside of the day-to-day routine, meaning romantic sparks can be reignited.

“Where flowers and chocolates can play a part, this Valentine’s Day I’d encourage all couples to carve out some time to book and experience a romantic getaway, whether for a day trip or a long weekend.”

The study also found 36% had considered a trip together as a way to rekindle a floundering relationship.

Three fabulous installations appear in London overnight

Helen Greaney

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13/02/2023

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Three fabulous installations appear in London overnight

Pic courtesy of: Joe Pepler/PinPep, Sky Kids

If you thought you saw a three-metre tall ‘Morph’ of Tony Hart fame this morning, your eyes weren’t deceiving you.

The beloved squawking’ 70’s character could be seen by commuters on Tower Bridge today, while those on Southbank were treated to a rather large illuminated ‘Miffy’.

In Shoreditch, workers were trying to work out where Wally was in the most randomly huge puzzle.

Sky Kids was behind the plans, to celebrate the launch of its 24-hour channel for youngster sunder seven.

Most loved characters

The broadcaster also conducted a survey of 2,000 adults which found Morph was third most loved British children’s TV characters. He narrowly missed out on top spot to Basil Brush and gold place, Sooty and Sweep.

Winnie the Pooh and Paddington Bear also made the top five.

Blasts from the past

When thinking about their favourite characters, 55 per cent said they fell in love with these characters as they made them laugh, and 46 per cent felt they were always there to boost their mood.

Many of those surveyed owned t-shirts (39 per cent), action figures (38 per cent) and lunchboxes (37 per cent) based on them as kids.

Passing on through families

In fact, of those polled who have kids, 57 per cent have shown their little ones episodes with their characters – and 54 per cent said their children enjoyed it.

A Sky Kids spokesperson said: “What better way to mark the occasion than by bringing some of the most iconic characters to life.

“We know when you fall in love with a show when you’re little, it quickly becomes part of everyday family life.

“We’re excited to have shows that span important themes including emotional resilience, positive well-being, saving the planet and so much more

“It will provide children and families alike with content that both inspires and entertains at all times of the day – as well as introducing new faces that will soon be loved just as much.”

Top 10 British childhood characters

Sooty and Sweep
Basil Brush
Morph
Winnie the Pooh
Paddington Bear
The Wombles
Bagpuss
Wallace and Gromit
The Clangers
Thomas the Tank Engine

Freezing fog disrupts London City Airport

Transport

Helen Greaney

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08/02/2023

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Freezing fog disrupts London City Airport

Fourteen flights were cancelled at London City Airport this morning as freezing fog covers the capital for a second day.

The Met Office had issued a yellow fog warning as the airport told passengers to expect delays and to check with their airline.

More than three British Airways flights set for Dusseldorf, Florence and Rotterdam were cancelled, as well as two arriving BA flights.

Fog already caused disruption yesterday morning as planes at Gatwick had to be de-iced.

Gatwick and Stansted airports were operating flights without problem this morning.

Patches of freezing fog

Drivers are advised to look out for dense patches of fog on roads, especially in southern and eastern parts of England and Wales.

Visibility is expected to be between 50 and 100 metres in some places, before the fog clears for sunshine and a maximum temperature of 8C.

The Met Office warned that reduced visibility could also cause disruption on the roads with buses, as well as train delays.

Tomorrow morning is expected to being light rain before clearing for a brighter day.

Plans for LNER to be confirmed in major rail shake-up

Helen Greaney

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07/02/2023

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Plans for LNER to be confirmed in major rail shake-up

Commuting is set to be that bit easier with the announcement that contactless payments are to be extended in the South East.

Today Mark Harper, transport secretary, will also announce plans to expand single leg pricing across the entire London North Eastern Railway (LNER) network.

Since the use of contactless payments for travel was introduced in London nine years ago, they now pay for more than 60 million journeys each month.

But lots of rail passengers travelling in and out of London from the South East still need railcards or paper tickets to ride.

Mr Harper is expected to confirm how the pay-as-you-go will be expanded across the South East.

He is also to announce a plan whereby the price paid by passengers will be determined by how many seats have been filled on a train.

His plans to extend single leg pricing across the entire LNER network, which runs between London King’s Cross and Scotland via the East Coast Main Line, will also be discussed.

That means a single fare will always be half the cost of a return.

Some single fares currently cost less than a return.

SHINE A SPOTLIGHT ON YOUR LONDON UNSUNG TEACHING HERO!

Awards

News Desk

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06/02/2023

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<strong>SHINE A SPOTLIGHT ON YOUR LONDON UNSUNG TEACHING HERO!</strong>

UK charity, The Teaching Awards Trust, is calling for the local community to nominate school staff in London for a prestigious national teaching award, televised by BBC One’s The One Show.

With the 2023 Awards now open for entry, it’s the perfect time to recognise those unsung teaching heroes in London and surprise them live on TV. Entries will be judged by a panel including The One Show host, Alex Jones.

Last year, Kensington Headteacher Andrew O’Neill, was surprised in a school assembly by TV presenter Matt Allwright, who presented him with his award. Andrew Sanders of Moorcroft, in Bramble Close – an outstanding school for students with severe learning difficulties – won Gold in the ‘Award for Excellence in Special Needs Education’ category for being “so much more than a headteacher.”

Andrew said:

“This award is so important to me because I have a real passion for supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to reach their potential. This is wonderful recognition of the work that we do.

I love seeing the teachers I work with grow and develop. That’s why it’s so wonderful to see so many teachers getting the recognition they deserve as part of these fantastic awards.”

The Unsung Hero award spotlights everyday heroes working in establishments providing full-time education to children aged 3-18. And it’s not just for teachers.

You can nominate any member of staff, including office staff, caretakers, lab technicians and all support staff. It gives them some of the recognition they deserve for all their hard work.

Silver winners enjoy a celebratory afternoon tea reception in July, followed by the annual awards ceremony in November for both Silver and Gold winners.

As well as attending the ceremony at a London venue, winners get an overnight stay in a top London hotel, and a trophy to recognise their contribution to a profession that changes lives.

Winning Gold last year in the ‘Headteacher of the Year in a Secondary School’ category for his leadership at All Saints Catholic College, Mr O’Neill said:

“When I saw Matt Allwright on stage in assembly to present me with my award, I couldn’t believe it. I’m delighted and humbled by the whole experience. There are so many headteachers doing an amazing job and I feel very lucky to have won.

“What we have achieved in the last six years has been the most remarkable team effort. My talented senior leadership team and staff have proven again and again they can rise to any challenge. So this truly feels like an award for everybody.”

Now the Pearson National Teaching Awards is calling for entries in London for the 2023 awards.

With over 3000 schools and colleges in London alone, there must be plenty of unsung teaching heroes out there who deserve a bit of recognition.

If you know a teacher or anyone who works in your local nursery, school or college that deserves an award then don’t miss this opportunity!

You can nominate on the Teaching Awards website: www.teachingawards.com and the entry deadline for the 2023 National Teaching Awards is 24^th February.

Sir Michael Morpurgo, celebrated author and former Children’s laureate, and President of the Teaching Awards Trust, said:

People of all ages will always remember that amazing teacher who made such a difference in their lives, whether that’s igniting a fire for their favourite subject or the support they’re received outside the classroom. Teachers and school staff will never know how many lives they have changed, or the impact they have made on so many children and their families, but our hope is that these awards help show them our gratitude, how much we owe them, how much we value their dedication.”

UK house price growth down to three-year low

Property

Helen Greaney

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06/02/2023

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UK house price growth down to three-year low

Ongoing pressure on household incomes is leading to a much slower housing market, according to Halifax.

The lender’s new stats show that house price growth dipped to 1.9% in January, from 2.1% in December, marking the lowest rate since October 2019.

And the trend is set to continue this year as higher interest rates lead to reduce demand for people to buy houses.

Those in South West England saw annual house price growth slow right down to 2.7% compared to 6.0% in December.

In London, house prices fell from £541,000 to £530,000 in January, with annual house price inflation at 0% compared to 2.9 per cent in December.

The average house price is now £281,684.

The housing market has slowed across all nations and regions and is expected to slow further this year, and many forecasters expecting price falls of up to 20%. Halifax predicts a drop of 8% this year.

Director of Halifax Mortgages, Kim Kinnaird, said: “We expected that the squeeze on household incomes from the rising cost of living and higher interest rates would lead to a slower housing market, particularly compared to the rapid growth of recent years.

“As we move through 2023, that trend is likely to continue as higher borrowing costs lead to reduced demand.

She said that lower prices could make it more affordable for people to get on the housing ladder as the year went on.

“For those looking to get on or up the housing ladder, confidence may improve beyond the near term. Lower house prices and the potential for interest rates to peak below the level being anticipated last year should lead to an improvement in home buying affordability over time.”

More good news

Strong performance

Demand has never been higher

Travel together

Most loved characters

Blasts from the past

Passing on through families

Top 10 British childhood characters

Patches of freezing fog

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