Month: April 2025

ESSEX may not be the first county to spring to mind when you think of a perfect weekend away.  But before you head to the Cotswolds, think again – with beaches, forests, meandering rivers and idyllic villages, Essex is a stunning alternative.  As the driest UK county, it’s perfect for avoiding those April showers, too. … Continue reading Swap the Cotswolds for a less-crowded but equally quaint weekend in Essex’s most perfect market town

DEAR DEIDRE: THE realisation that I have thrown away the best years of my life on a married man has hit me hard. Now I need your help to leave him. We met 20 years ago when I had just turned 25. Walking into a job interview, I saw a gorgeous man with sparkling blue… Continue reading I’ve wasted 20 years of my life as married lover’s plaything – but I need help leaving him

EVERY parent knows the most magical word in travel is “free”.  So when I heard that Cyprus offers hundreds of family-friendly activities that don’t cost a single euro, I felt like I had found the best travel hack since pinching pastries from the brekkie buffet to eat for lunch.  The Heartland of Legends project opens… Continue reading The affordable Mediterranean island that offers hundreds of kid-friendly activities free to holidaying families

HE is on a mission to help our pets  . . . and is here to answer YOUR questions. Sean, who is the head vet at tailored pet food firm tails.com, has helped with owners’ queries for ten years. He says: “If your pet is acting funny or is under the weather, or you want to know about nutrition… Continue reading From a runaway rabbit to a hissing cat – your pet queries answered

I HATE moisturising my body, with that clammy feeling while it sinks in. But it is on my radar in this warmer weather, and a body serum is the perfect solution to hydration without the wait. I try three out.  BUDGET Byoma body smoothing body serum, £13.99 for 200ml, cultbeauty.co.uk: I found this serum to… Continue reading We test three body serums to keep your skin hydrated in the warmer weather

NOTORIOUS for being the party capital of Europe, Ibiza is not exactly renowned for its calm and relaxed atmosphere. The island has world-famous beach clubs, eccentric superclubs (including the world’s largest, Privilege), and a well-located airport, where early morning flights are frequently missed thanks to the all-night raves and heavy hangovers. But venture a little… Continue reading The lesser-seen side of Europe’s wildest holiday island – and how I escaped unscathed for once

DRIVERS have been given a major fraud warning after nearly 20,000 people contacted the DVLA in 2024 alone to report devious scams targeting motorists across the UK. Crooks are using increasingly slick methods to steal personal and financial details — posing as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency through fake websites, texts and emails that… Continue reading DVLA issues major fraud warning for drivers over devious scams as 20,000 drivers call to report deceit

ALMOST 950 pupils a day were booted out of school for attacking fellow pupils or teachers, figures show. Nursery class children aged three and four were among those suspended or expelled. A surge in violence saw 180,014 children dealt with in the 12 months to July 2023, a Freedom of Information request shows. With the… Continue reading Almost 950 students A DAY booted out of school for attacking fellow pupils or teachers

To thrive, PM must first undo his mess SIR KEIR Starmer will tomorrow warn that Britain is now in a new world. No kidding, PM. Almost overnight, Donald Trump’s disastrous tariffs have unleashed a tidal wave of economic misery across the planet. Thanks to Brexit, Britain’s 10 per cent burden is half of that imposed… Continue reading Sir Keir Starmer needs to back British business & free every firm from Chancellor’s tax shackles

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in March 2023 but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégée Maggie Innes. Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today.  ♈ ARIES March 21 to April 20 A new sense of self is accelerated by the positive power direction of… Continue reading Horoscope today, April 6, 2025: Daily star sign guide from Mystic Meg