Teenagers

Over the holiday period, I travelled to explore what this upcoming seaside town had to offer

Nestled along the British coastline, one “emerging” seaside destination is discreetly transforming itself into the perfect coastal getaway. Boasting over 50 independent retailers dotting its charming streets, it presents a welcome change from identical high streets dominated by familiar chain stores.

The town’s artistic flair complements its historical appeal. From mouth-watering bakeries, trendy bars and eateries to unusual boutiques, each street corner feels distinctly local and brimming with character. Here’s what I uncovered during my visit to the sandy coastal town of Folkestone in Kent.

The beach

Folkestone features six beaches, but the one that captivated me most was the sheltered Sunny Sands. This spot was utterly stunning and serene. My highlight was perched on the brick wall above, observing the freezing turquoise waves rolling in.

Numerous visitors had their amiable dogs wandering freely, bounding across the sand and along the shoreline, and it was such a liberating scene to observe. The temperature was bitterly cold, and the breeze was battering my face, but it was worthwhile spending every moment there in tranquillity.

There was something oddly meditative about the sea, particularly in Folkestone. Well-known seaside destinations like Brighton don’t quite deliver that same sense of calm and peacefulness.

High street full of Independent shops

I thoroughly enjoyed discovering the town, with its undulating hills offering views reminiscent of the South of France, complete with palm trees and vibrant buildings. Yet what truly captured my heart was witnessing what the locals had to offer.

Folkestone boasts a thriving high street packed with a variety of local independent businesses, from clothing boutiques and game shops to traditional pubs and cafés. This area is known as the Creative Quarter, “a true symbol of the regeneration of the town,” said Folkstone and Hythe.

The town is surprisingly artistic and wonderfully eccentric. The quarter is said to hold an “inspiring community of designers, filmmakers, musicians, web developers and artists around the 115 studios and offices and over 50 shops, as well as around 80 flats, making the area a playground for creative and digital businesses.”

I ended up departing with second-hand bags and jewellery, anime and comic book merchandise (who would have thought?), along with charming trinkets to adorn my room.

The unique railway

Sitting at the heart of the harbour is an elongated, disused railway station, which proved both intriguing and thoroughly enjoyable to stroll across. According to Folkestone Harbour Seafront, the station platforms form part of the restoration of the Harbour Arm and its heritage structures.

The former Folkestone Harbour station launched in 1850, with a steep branch line descending from the main station to the harbour, connecting trains with ferries to Boulogne and Calais.

Following the abolition of duty-free shopping in 1999, the ferry operation from Folkestone ceased in September 2000, eliminating the primary purpose for the harbour branch line’s existence.

The arrival of the nearby Channel Tunnel also diminished the requirement for the conventional ferry-to-train connection, resulting in the line being formally closed in 2014. The station was subsequently cordoned off and deteriorated.

Nevertheless, the station was later restored and reopened in spring 2018. The platforms, where passengers once waited for trains, are now sheltered areas to relax, sit, and enjoy the scenery.

Discussing the transformation of the station, a spokesperson for the company said: “When the Folkestone Harbour & Seafront Development Company took possession of the harbour buildings, it was clear that very little of the original 1850 station structure remained.

“Even though the physical structure lacked authenticity, we realised that the existence of a station on the Harbour Arm had been integral to the successful development of Folkestone. It was interlaced with layers of history, making it an important piece of the town’s story.”

London-inspired attractions

After we strolled along the platform, we followed the signpost, which directed us to the “Goods Yard.” There, we discovered what resembled a compact version of London’s Boxpark.

This came as a welcome discovery, as throughout most of our stay, we’d been mingling with locals who appeared to be pensioners, but the Goods Yard attracted predominantly younger people, teenagers and families.

Similar to London, the venue featured a large screen showing family-friendly films and was surrounded by numerous restaurants and drinking establishments.

The dining options include Little Rock and Rocksalt, which provide locally caught seafood alongside coastal panoramas. Fresh fish cuisine can also be found at Chummys.

According to FolkeLife, Plamil Foods manufactures plant-based milks and vegan chocolate, whilst El Cortador delivers Spanish tapas. For beverages, craft beer is available at Brewing Brothers, whereas the Potting Shed provides vibrant atmospheres.

My top dining recommendation

During my time there, the finest experience I had was undoubtedly the cuisine. Beyond the harbour area, my preferred dining destination is the Blackmarket on Tontine Street.

This neighbourhood establishment serves mouth-watering burgers, chicken wings and alcoholic drinks, occasionally hosting live musical performances.

The interior design was remarkable, showcasing an eclectic collection of photographs, art pieces, text, banners, and emblems. It’s incredibly contemporary, yet accommodates visitors of every age and character.

I selected a burger topped with blue cheese, chorizo and crispy onions, which I still fantasise about today. I polished off the soy honey garlic-glazed wings within moments.

While chatting with proprietor Nathan Roberts, he explained they source locally, partnering with one of the town’s few remaining butchers. The menu gets refreshed every couple of months, guaranteeing fresh offerings on each return trip.

Discussing Folkestone’s prospects, Nathan commented: “It’s definitely somewhere to watch, there’s a lot going on, a lot of moves being made. I’d say in the next 10 years, Folkestone will be on the map, especially for people in the city. It’s going to be somewhere to keep an eye on; it’s only going to get better around here.”

The former Top Gear presenter admits he was blindsided by what he now sees as one of the gravest dangers facing young people, confessing “I simply had no idea”

Jeremy Clarkson has confessed he was caught off guard by what he now considers one of the greatest threats to young people today, admitting, “I simply had no idea.” In his column for The Sun, the former Top Gear host revealed that while he previously worried about conventional teenage dangers, he overlooked the fact that the most damaging influences were already accessible through their mobile phones.

Looking back on his time as a father, Clarkson explained: “When my kids were teenagers, I worried about them taking drugs and going on motorbikes, and I simply had no idea that the real danger was lurking in their telephones.”

His remarks follow the Government’s plans to strengthen laws targeting the distribution of non-consensual intimate images online. Earlier this week, Sir Keir Starmer announced intentions to bolster legislation requiring tech firms to delete such content within 48 hours of being flagged.

However, Clarkson maintains that the rapid pace of online sharing renders that timeframe impractical. “This is laughable because if someone uploads a topless picture of you, all your friends will see it within 48 seconds,” he stated. “Forty-eight hours on the internet is about four million years,” reports the Express.

The Prime Minister has positioned the proposed reforms as a key element of a wider effort to tackle online abuse directed at women and girls. Through an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill, social media companies that don’t meet the two-day deadline for removing content could be hit with substantial fines or potentially banned from operating in the UK.

Starmer, who previously held the role of director of public prosecutions, said his past work gave him insight into the “unimaginable, often lifelong pain and trauma violence against women and girls causes.” He added: “As Prime Minister, I will leave no stone unturned in the fight to protect women from violence and abuse.”

Characterising the internet as an emerging frontline, Starmer stated: “The online world is the front line of the 21st century battle against violence against women and girls. That’s why my government is taking urgent action: against chatbots and ‘nudification’ tools. Today we are going further, putting companies on notice so that any non-consensual image is taken down in under 48 hours. Violence against women and girls has no place in our society, and I will not rest until it is rooted out.”

Clarkson, 65, doesn’t question the gravity of the problem. In fact, he believes it goes even deeper than politicians realise. He highlighted the HBO drama Euphoria, featuring Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney, as a stark illustration of the challenges confronting today’s teenagers. “What Starmer needs to do is watch a TV show starring Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney. It’s called Euphoria and God knows what possessed me to tune in — teenage angst and a lot of male nudity is not my thing normally — but Lord, I’m glad I did,” Clarkson remarked. “I know it’s a drama but if only half of the issues are real, society has a serious problem.”

For Clarkson, the programme highlighted how online culture has amplified adolescent experiences. He outlined the troubling aspects he believes have become widespread: “The bullying. The d*ck pics. The revenge porn threats. And a very real sense that if you say or do something that is considered out of line by an ‘unseen woke police force,’ that’s you done.”

While he acknowledges that Starmer is correct to concentrate on social media’s effect on teenage girls, he doubts whether a 48-hour takedown requirement is adequate in reality. “Starmer is right to be thinking about the effect social media has on teenage girls. But suggesting that a platform must take down revenge nudes and deep fake pictures within two days demonstrates he does not understand the scale of the problem.”

New South Wales Police has charged four teenagers over the drive-by shooting of former NRL player Matt Utai and the alleged arson attacks targeting his family in Sydney.

Utai sustained gunshot wounds to his leg and shoulder during a drive-by shooting in Sydney suburb Greenacre on Tuesday.

A 16-year-old boy and a 19-year-old man have both been charged with “accessory after the fact to shoot at with intent to murder”.

A 18-year-old and another 19-year-old have both been charged with damaging property by fire, while the latter was also charged with supplying prohibited drugs.

Utai, 44, remains in a serious condition after undergoing surgery for his injuries.

Police said the shots had been fired from a white SUV, which was later found burned out in nearby Wiley Park.

On Wednesday, police attended a further incident after shots were fired at a house in St Clair. A woman in her 50s was at home but was not injured.

A short time after they found a car on fire in Colyton and later the same day a house and vehicle were found ablaze in Guildford West.

New South Wales Police department said a task force was assembled to investigate the incidents – all of which are believed to have been targeting the same family.

The TV star is sharing her own experiences as part of a new NHS campaign that aims to raise awareness

Shona McGarty, a former star from EastEnders, has shared her mental health experiences with something she describes as a ‘little devil on her shoulder’ and encourages others to get help. The actress and singer, famous for her role as Whitney Dean on the BBC soap and for participating in I’m A Celebrity last year, has opened up about dealing with social anxiety since she was a teenager.

She said: “I was always a chatty child, but as I got older, everything changed. Around 15, I suddenly became painfully self-aware. I started overthinking and struggling to hold conversations, even though talking was literally part of my job.

“My social anxiety would happen when meeting new people, with colleagues or even at family gatherings. My heart would race, my hands would sweat, and sometimes I thought I might faint. I sometimes pretend to receive a phone call just to leave a social situation. People would say, ‘Shona’s so shy,’ or ‘she’s so quiet,’ and it really hurt.”

Sharing how she copes with social anxiety now, she said: “I’m worlds away from that level of panic now, because I’ve learned how to deal with it when it shows up. One thing that helps is imagining a little devil on my shoulder. I acknowledge it, and then I answer back: Thank you, but you’re wrong. I’m in control. I’m safe. People aren’t judging me; they’re listening because they want to hear me speak.”

Shona said the biggest help of all has been talking about it. “Acknowledging social anxiety instead of fighting it,” she said. “You’d be amazed at how many people feel the same way. A problem shared really is a problem halved.”

The TV star has shared her personal experience of social anxiety disorder to help raise awareness and support the launch of a new NHS campaign. The campaign urges people with six common anxiety conditions – including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) – to come forward for help by self-referring online at nhs.uk/talk.

The NHS England campaign is backed not only by Shona McGarty but also by The Only Way Is Essex’s Charlie King and former professional footballer and Professional Footballers’ Association chair Clarke Carlisle. Each is candidly sharing their own experiences to encourage others to come forward.

Dr Adrian James, NHS England’s National Medical Director for Mental Health and Neurodiversity said: “While it’s encouraging that thousands more people facing mental health conditions are accessing NHS support than before the pandemic, we know that millions more could benefit from vital NHS talking therapies. This landmark new campaign is a critical step to ensuring that everyone struggling with challenging but very common conditions like anxiety and PTSD knows that there is support available to help them get on with their lives again.

“Through proven treatment and support available for free on the NHS, these conditions can be overcome to help people return to work, regain confidence or feel back to their old selves in social situations. Our message is clear, if you’re struggling with your mental health, NHS talking therapies are here for you, and you can either self-refer or speak with your local GP practice.” You can find out more and refer yourself for NHS Talking Therapies at nhs.uk/talk.

What is social anxiety?

The NHS defines social anxiety disorder, also called social phobia, as a long-term and overwhelming fear of social situations. “It’s a common problem that usually starts during the teenage years. It can be very distressing and have a big impact on your life,” it says.

Dr Ravi Gill, a health psychologist and founder of Smart Mind Health, explains: “People that experience social anxiety know that the fear that they have around these certain situations is not OK, so their nervous system reacts in a way that sends them into a slight bit of panic.

“So, it’s not just nerves or a lack of confidence or not knowing how to navigate something, social anxiety is a lot more than that. There’s a genuine fear that something is going to happen and a fear of being seen and getting it wrong. It’s also linked quite closely with imposter syndrome, and the two often come up together.”

Social anxiety often occurs in performance and group situations in the workplace, he says. “Performance situations in the workplace, such as speaking up in meetings, doing a presentation or making a phone call can all add pressure and really heighten someone’s social anxiety.”

The health expert also says it affects social situations. He said: “Within a group of friends, the one that suffers with social anxiety will often just sit there and observe the conversation and won’t speak up and contribute. They may feel like they will say something wrong or feel that their opinion on something might be misconstrued or misinterpreted in some way.”

Princess Andre has shared that filming has wrapped on the second series of her ITV2 reality show The Princess Diaries, with the series expected to return in spring

Princess Andre has delivered a significant announcement regarding the future of her ITV2 reality programme. The 18-year-old followed in her famous parents’ footsteps by landing her own ITV series last summer.

The programme documented the teenager’s everyday life, though mum Katie Price was conspicuously missing after she was allegedly prohibited from appearing in any footage for the show. Dad Peter, however, featured prominently alongside her brother Junior.

Princess has now provided an exciting development on the programme, called The Princess Diaries, after it was confirmed for a second run following strong viewing figures.

The teenager has disclosed that production has concluded, with her final day on set taking place yesterday. She posted an image of the show’s clapperboard along with a backstage photograph of her recording her to-camera segments for the series.

Princess wrote: “Last day of filming.” The programme is anticipated to return to television screens during the spring months. Her announcement follows her parents releasing an unusual joint statement in which they detailed their commitment to cease making disparaging remarks about each other online.

Peter and Katie established a legal arrangement whereby both promised to end their public criticism of one another following numerous acrimonious public disputes – an uncommon ceasefire for the frequently feuding former couple.

The Sun learned that Katie had spent months declining Peter’s persistent efforts to broker peace. Sources suggest their children, Junior, 20, and Princess, 18, are the motivation behind her ultimate decision to accept her former husband’s An insider revealed: “Pete’s team have been begging Katie to end this for good for months.”

As far back as November, they were calling Katie and her family to try to end the row. “She was resolute, she wouldn’t make peace with him. It was the children who made her realise she needed to draw a line in the sand. Katie has done this for them.”

Taking to Instagram, they both posted: “Katie Price and Peter Andre have decided to close the door on the past and move forward into a new chapter with positivity and respect. We are both focused on creating a calm and supportive environment for our children.

“We have reached a mutual agreement, both legally and personally confirming that neither of us will speak negatively about the other going forward. This decision reflects a shared commitment to our family and stability.”

The statement continued: “We want to stand united for our children. We are hoping this is a start of a positive relationship. We ask for understanding and support from both the media and the public as we move ahead.”

The unusual move comes just after Katie exploded at her former husband on her weekly podcast, accusing him of keeping her away from their daughter Princess as she launched her own reality TV show and making her look like the ‘baddie’.

Peter hit back by saying he had tried to stay silent for ‘sixteen years’ to ignore ‘repeated lies from my ex-wife and her family’. “That ends today,” he fumed.

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