JoJo posed for another selfie on the beach, and revealed her toned figure in a tiny pink bikini.
JoJo and Chris are in a long distance relationship but have already been discussing marriage plans.
And Chris has revealed the moment they made their romance official, after Celebrity Big Brother viewers suspected they were more than just friends.
He has spoken openly about their connection on the Question The Default podcast with Harry Corin, in which he told “nothing was rushed or forced, it just happened.”
He then confirmed it was when he flew Mexico in May that they made things official.
He surprised her at a festival she was playing at which happened few weeks after CBB – with her family there – and they became an item.
Chris said they “rekindled and met up in Mexico” and said: “I flew out to surprise her, which was nice.
“I spent a few days with her and her family in Orlando as well before flying home and that’s where it all started.”
Later in the chat, he said: “I went to Mexico and met up with her which is where the whole feelings developed and things changed.
“Which was lovely and no secret to anybody.
“But it was genuinely lovely and nothing was rushed or forced it just happened.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with Turkish President Recep Erdogan on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Tianjin, China in September. Putin has announced Russia tested a nuclear missile and is ready to deploy it. File photo by Russia’s Presidential Office/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 26 (UPI) — Russian President Vladimir Putin said the country has tested a new, nuclear-capable missile and is preparing to deploy it.
The weapon runs on nuclear power, which makes it capable of flying much further than other missiles, according to the Kremlin, and is able to evade missile detection and defense systems.
“This is a unique product that no one in the world has, Putin, dressed in military fatigues, said during a meeting with military commanders, according to a video posted by the Kremlin. “We need to identify potential uses and begin preparing the infrastructure for deploying this weapon in our armed forces.”
Valery V. Gerasimov, general staff of the Russian armed forces, said the missile had remained in flight for 15 hours and traveled 8,700 miles during testing.
“It is a tiny flying Chernobyl,” Gerasimov said during a briefing, referring to a nuclear power plant in Ukraine that became widely known for a catastrophic explosion in 1986.
The missile, known as the SSC-X-9, has been in development for years, and while Putin’s announcement was not a surprise, nuclear experts say it is a bad turn of events.
“This is a bad development,” said Jeffrey Lewis, a nuclear nonproliferation expert at Middlebury College. “It is one more science fiction weapon that is going to be destabilizing and hard to address in arms control.”
Putin’s announcement of the missile revives the back and forth between the United States and Russia over nuclear arms, but the first action since President Donald Trump took office in January.
It is the latest in a long series of volleys over nuclear arms between the two countries stretching back decades.
The town has a rich history and is home to a number of charities
Chris Samuel and Liam Ryder Digital Production Editor
05:01, 25 Oct 2025
The historic town of Selby might be the best place in the UK to thrift shop(Image: Heritage Images, Getty Images)
The charming town of Selby in North Yorkshire, known for its historic market and the grand Selby Abbey, has become a haven for charity shops.
With six on the high street alone, locals and visitors have even created a trail to explore them all. Forward thinking businesses and those who live in the town have turned what many other places fear into the saviour of their town centre.
Having a history that dates back to Roman and Viking eras, the small town has a population of around 17,000 who enjoy its rich heritage and culture. There are plenty of scenic routes thatnks to its location on the River Ouse and surrounding Yorkshire countryside.
However, the volunteer-led outlets in the town have been grappling with unsuitable donations, leading to waste and additional costs. To tackle this issue, local charity Up for Yorkshire launched The Shop for the Future project as part of its Zero Shelby initiative, reports the Express.
This project aims to help the shops manage unsuitable donations sustainably, while also celebrating their community contributions and raising awareness about their work. It kicked off with the creation of a Trail Map, laying out the constellation of charity shops across the North Yorkshire town for an easy crawl.
The town’s High Street charity shops include Martin House, which provides free family-led hospice care for children and young people with life-limiting illnesses. There’s also an RSPCA store, which is a self-funded and separately registered charity to the national RSPCA that supports the York Animal Home and local animals in need.
There’s also The Big Store – the charity shop of The Big Communitea, which supports mental health and wellbeing in the town through drop-ins, therapy, and practical help. Visitors can also find branches of St Leonard’s Hospice, Scope and the British Heart Foundation.
As part of the Zero Shelby initiative, a Sustainable Fashion show is scheduled to take place in Selby Abbey on November 12. Matt Fisher, community development lead for Up for Yorkshire, told BBC News that they view the town’s second-hand shops as a “strong starting point for change and an exciting opportunity to create a sustainable and vibrant high street to be enjoyed by everyone.”
In addition to these, there are various gift shops, homeware stores, vintage and antique outlets available. For bookworms, The Book Circle, an independent bookshop on Finkle Street, is a must-visit.
And if you fancy a bite to eat, local favourite Mister C fish and chips shop is renowned as one of the best in the UK.
Among the other charity shops elsewhere in the town are the well-known branches of Bernardo’s, Cancer Research UK and Yorkshire Cancer Research. But there are also locally-based stores working hard for good causes.
Mama Na Mtoto works to save the lives of mothers and babies in the UK and Kenya, while Selby Hands of Hope provides help to alleviate financial hardship in Selby. Selby Community Furniture Store collects furniture for free and upcycles and refurbishes it before selling it on, and Shelby Scrap CIC provides low-cost source materials for local groups and people.
SPAIN is usually just a short flight from the UK, but there’s one city further afield and is actually closer to Morocco than the Spanish mainland.
The small coastal city has plenty of historical sites, beaches and a mythically-inspired building.
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Ceuta is a small Spanish city that actually borders MoroccoCredit: AlamyIt has its very own House of the Dragons with statues of the creature up on the roofCredit: Getty
The city is called Ceuta, and doesn’t tend attract Brits, instead visitors tend to be Spanish and Moroccan thanks to where it sits in North Africa.
But there’s plenty to see, including one popular attraction called House of the Dragons, akaCasa de los Dragones, which sits on the corner of Kings Square.
Construction on the building started in 1897 and was completed in 1905, it got its name thanks to the four bronze dragon statues on the roof.
The original dragons were removed in 1925 and lost, but four new dragons were later added in 2006, these are made of resin andfiberglass– they weigh less than 200kg each.
There’s a similar building in the town ofValencia,which is called theBuilding of the Dragons.
The Valencia house incorporates dragons too, but more subtly.
Despite its proximity to Morocco, the official currency in Ceuta is theEuro,as it’s a Spanish city.
Visitors can expect to pay about €2.50 to €3 (£2.62) for a local beer and around €15 (£13.08) per person for a “menu del día” – which is a set Spanish menu.
Ceuta has beaches like Playa del Chorrillo, which is close to the Strait of Gibraltar and has pretty scenic views.
The dragons on top of the building were added in 2006 – and are made out of fiberglassCredit: GettyThanks to its location, visitors to Ceuta can easily visit MoroccoCredit: Alamy
The city has cobbled streets, historic buildings, and cultural landmarks likeRoyal Walls of Ceuta, also called Murallas Reales de Ceuta,a historic fort dating back to 962 AD.
Another popular site is the Ceuta Cathedral, a yellow-and-white cathedral overlooking Plaza de África.
As Ceuta is in North Africa, it’s convenient to explore Morocco too.
About an hour away by car is the seaside city of Tangier city is at the very tip of Morocco and on a clear day, you can even see Spain across the Strait of Gibraltar.
Tangier has been a major trade centre for thousands of years thanks to its location and busy port.
Visitors can learn about its interesting history with a guided tour, and wander through Kasbah, the walled part of the city full of tiny streets and alleys.
For Brits, the best way to visit Ceuta is to fly to a Spanish mainland airport like Malaga or Algeciras, then take a car or bus to Algeciras port, and finally a ferry to Ceuta.
The procession attracts thousands of visitors with transport, accommodation and even drinks difficult to come by on the big night.
The event begins with a torch-led procession, before bonfires are held across the town.
Firework displays are also conducted towards the end of the evening.
Ahead of the event on November 5, a multi-agency group has issued a series of advice for the public.
Transport restrictions
Transport restrictions are also being put in place to prevent visitors from attending the event.
In a statement, the group, which includes Sussex Police and the British Transport Police, said: “We ask that you do not attend Lewes Bonfire unless you are local because the crowds and narrow streets can present unique safety challenges.
The event also marks the memory of 17 martyrs from the town who were burnt at the stake for their religious beliefsCredit: REUTERS
“The decision to bring in travel restrictions has been made in the best interests of safety, by limiting the number of people attending.
“It is hoped that those who are inconvenienced will understand that and have time to make alternative arrangements where possible.
“It is recognised this will impact motorists and train passengers who are not planning to attend the event.”
Locals have been reacting to the news on Facebook.
One said: “Lewes is in lockdown for the bonfire, so you can’t get there.”
Another posted: “The more you tell someone not to do it the more they do.”
For the last several hundred years, Lewes Bonfire has taken place in the small Sussex town.
The event marks both Guy Fawkes Night and the memory of 17 martyrs from the town who were burnt at the stake for their religious beliefs.
There are thought to be more than 3,000 bonfire society members who take part in the procession each year, while up to 80,000 people have been known to watch the town’s parade.
The population of Lewes town is just more than 17,000.
A series of road closures will also be in place from 4.45pm on November 5, with residents advised to get any vehicles to their homes before 4pm to avoid disruption.
From 5pm that day, no trains will stop at Lewes, Falmer, Cooksbridge, Glynde and Southease.
The sitcom star is thought to split his time between London and a quaint Scottish village, with which he has a ‘very special relationship’
The actor has a real fondness for Scotland(Image: Getty)
A tiny Scottish village captured the heart of Gavin and Stacey star Mathew Horne. Worlds away from the Essex residence of his character in the beloved television programme, the 46-year-old actor is previously thought to have abandoned city life and relocated to Helmsdale on the eastern coastline of Sutherland.
Hailing originally from Nottingham, the sitcom star, who has also featured in the Catherine Tate Show and Dad’s Army, was believed to divide his time between his working commitments in London and a calmer, more serene lifestyle in the picturesque yet isolated village.
Discussing his passion for the Highlands, Horne previously revealed on That Gaby Roslin podcast that he “would very much like to live there. I am all things Scotophile.”
During another interview, the actor told the Sunday Post, calling Scotland “the best country in the world. My shoulders drop and I feel free. It is where my heart lies and hopefully one day I will have a place of my own there so I can retreat as and when I need to.”
He added: “I love the peace and tranquillity and the people. The food is wonderful, the weather is nowhere near as bad as everybody says and midges don’t like me, so that’s good.
“Most of my downtime when I’m not working is now spent in Scotland.”
Helmsdale, a picturesque village on the North Coast 500 (NC500) route, offers a breathtaking 516-mile journey through the stunning beauty of the Scottish Highlands, reports the Daily Record.
Chatting with the Sunday Post, he shared: “I have a very special relationship with Helmsdale. It’s partly because of discovering it when I was in the Highlands because of my ancestry through my great-great-grandparents who were from Huntly.”
He further added: “That makes me one-eighth Scottish, although I wish I was more.”
The village’s roots can be traced back to 1814 and are deeply intertwined with the 19th-century herring boom, which brought prosperity to many coastal Scottish communities.
The once bustling harbour still remains in use by local fishermen and is a favourite spot for a scenic walk. Nearby, there’s a small shingle beach offering incredible views across the Moray Firth.
The village is also home to the Emigrants statue. A poignant reminder of the town’s darker past, the landmark pays tribute to those who were forced to leave their homes and travel far and wide to start a new life.
Today’s visitors can drop by The Timespan Heritage Centre, a popular community hub that houses not only a local history museum but also a contemporary art programme, herb gardens, a shop, a bakery and a cafe.
Helmsdale could also be the ideal location for those partial to a drink or two. The charming village is conveniently located near the Old Pulteney, Clynelish, Glenmorangie and Dornoch Distilleries.
Mathew also previously named Glasgow as his ‘favourite city’ and has a special fondness for the city of Edinburgh, where he first made his comedy debut at the Fringe Festival in 2000.
In fact, Alness stop on the North Coast 500 (NC500) route – a popular 516-mile scenic road trip in the Scottish Highlands.
Around Alness you get great views as it’s close to the Cnoc Fyrish hill, and the Cromarty Firth which is home to seals and bottlenose dolphins.
One of the best views is up near the Fyrish Monument, a stone ruin high up on the hillside that overlooks the Cromarty Firth.
For anyone driving through on the NC500, or visiting, make sure to make Dalmore Distillery one of your stops.
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It’s one of Scotland’s most famous whisky producers and Dalmore Distillery has been making single malt Scotch whisky since 1839.
The site has said it will re-open to visitors in 2026 with a “new experience” for whisky enthusiasts.
Dalmore Distillery has been making single malt Scotch whisky since 1839Credit: UnknownDalmore Farm Shop & Restaurant has won an Travellers’ Choice Award by Tripadvisor for 2025Credit: Supplied
Very near the distillery is Dalmore Farm Shop & Restaurant, the town’s locally run farm where you can pop in for a bite to eat.
The farm shop won a Travellers‘ Choice Award in 2025 for its consistently high reviews, particularly for its cakes.
But they also serve up breakfast from eggs benedict and the ‘breakfast stack’ to lunch, like steak flatbread to scampi and chips.
For anyone wanting to hunker town in Alness, the two hotels on the high street are the Commercial Hotel with rooms from £80 per night.
Or at the other end of the high street is the larger Station Hotel with big rooms around £110 per night, and there’s a pub underneath.
One of the best spots for views is at the Fyrish MonumentCredit: Alamy
Nearer to Ardross Castle is the Kildermorie Estate, a traditional Scottish Highland Estate open throughout the year.
It’s around 19,000 acres with plenty to do for those looking for activities from fishing in the lochs to bird watching and hiking up the Carn Chuinneagh mountain.
There’s accommodation on the estate too from cottages that sleep two to the lodge that can host up to 20 guests.
As for Ardross Castle, it’s sadly not open to visitors.
But if you’re up for a hike, some fans of the show have said you can get views of the front of the castle across the valley at Wester Lealty.
Others say you can hike along the coastal path where you can spot the castle in the distance.
Here are 7 castles you can stay in to feel like you’re on The Traitors…
Leasowe Castle Leasowe Castle is nestled along the Wirral seaside and is a 15 minute drive from Liverpool city centre. The castle has basic twin, double and master bedrooms with four-poster beds. It also has suites in the castle including one in the tower and one in the turret. Historically, Leasowe dates back to the 16th century, and has a unique octagonal tower.
Tulloch Castle Hotel
Tulloch Castle is a 12th-century-castle set against the landscape of the Highlands of Scotland, and is a five-minute drive away from Dingwall. The hotel is dog friendly, and nature fans can explore the North Coast 500 route too. The castle retains many of its period features, including the 250-year old panelled entrance hall, and restored original fireplaces and ceilings.
Castle Bromwich Hall
Castle Bromwich Hall really gives off Traitors vibes thanks to its gothic appearance. The mansion on the outskirts of Birmingham is a Grade I listed building and has retained many original features from the 1700s, including the huge entrance hall and grand staircase. The bedrooms are kitted out with traditional looking furniture, from four poster beds to chandeliers and claw foot bath tubs. You can even stay in their ‘Bridal Suite’ which was used in by Queen Elizabeth I.
Cave Castle Hotel
Cave Castle Hotel has over 350 years of history with original turrets and stone features. The huge castle in Hull has 71 rooms, some with four-poster beds and modern features in the newer wings. Cave Castle also has offers like Galentines, which for a girls night away includes Prosecco on arrival and treatments at the spa. The hotel has got ratings of 4 out of 5 on Tripadvisor with guests “impressed” by the “spectacular” building and “picturesque” grounds.
Walworth Castle Walworth Castle, in the Tees Valley countryside, dates back to 1189, and is set in 18 acres of lawns and woodlands. It’s a good choice for anyone who has an interest in the paranormal as the castle its said to be haunted, with murder mystery evenings too. They offer four poster tower suites with double Jacuzzi baths as well as an also an award winning restaurant and farmers bar.
Lumley Castle Hotel
Surrounded by parklands and overlooking the River Wear is the Lumley Castle Hotel in County Durham. Lumley Castle Hotel was built in 1388 and converted into a hotel in 1976. The most impressive room is the King James Suite which has a 20ft high four-poster bed, its own reception room and Jacuzzi bath.
Ruthin Castle Hotel and Spa
The four star castle hotel is found within the Clwydian Range in North Wales and has been dubbed “romantic” by guests. Ruthin Castle has rooms from standard to deluxe suites as well as on-site spa with mud room, woodland hot tubs and massages, body scrubs and facials. Guests on Tripadvisor were particularly impressed with the gardens and the “peacocks on the grounds”. They also have garden games like croquet and giant chess.
MANY A-list models stunned while strutting down the runway donning lingerie at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.
The night was filled with beauty and sexy outfits for the brand’s annual runway show on Wednesday night in New York City.
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Gigi Hadid turned heads in tiny pink lingerie during the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on Wednesday nightCredit: GettyPlus-size model Ashely Graham also walked the runway donning a sexy black numberCredit: AFPBella Hadid stunned in a white and silver tasseled outfit with giant white angel wingsCredit: GettyEmily Ratajkowski drew attention at her incredible figure in a pink two-piece and massive pink prop on her backCredit: AP
It began with jaw-dropping looks from models wearing an array of sultry lingerie, including pregnant Jasmine Tookes, who stepped out first in a barely-there gold beaded number.
She paused at the end of the runway as she cradled her baby bump and was met with cheers from the crowd.
Others like Behati Prinsloo and Alessandra Ambrosio matched her all-gold look in string two-piece ensembles, the former with a massive train, while Alessandra rocked giant wings.
Soon after, several musical acts took the stage.
Madison Beer started the lineup, performing her hit track Bittersweet while wearing nothing but a white angel corset.
She blended in perfectly with the ladies, as most wore variations of white and pink outfits.
Gigi Hadid turned heads in a skimpy pink lingerie set with an enormous pink, feathery coat draped over her arms.
Shortly after, the stage transformed into the brand’s signature pink-and-white polka-dot colors for its PINK loungewear collection.
The singing group TWICE then entered the runway, making history as the first K-pop girl group to perform at the exclusive event.
The foursome sported varying form-fitting ensembles, with knee-high furry boots.
Alessandra Ambrosio made her return to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show stage wearing a black ensembleCredit: GettyPregnant model Jasmine Tookes started out the night showing off her growing baby bump in a barely-there outfitCredit: GettyAngel Reese had jaws dropping at her incredible looks in a pink lingerie setCredit: AP
They sang their songs, This Is For and Strategy while the models walked past them in more comfortable attire.
This included newcomers Lila Moss and Barbie Ferreira, who stunned in a gray lounge set and a jean jacket, respectively.
At the end of the PINK showcase, the ladies posed for a group shot in the middle of the stage with TWICE, which was shown on a giant screen.
The evening continued with more seductive attire, as Colombian singer Karol G performed in a body-hugging, see-through white number.
The models kept the red theme going, with Bella Hadid flaunting her incredible figure in a jaw-dropping lingerie set.
Others wore various red lingerie, some paired with props such as capes, wings, and devil horns.
Karol G also got in on the fun, catwalking across the stage to show off her skintight bodysuit with matching wings.
Bella also rocked a fiery red number on stageCredit: AFPMusical performer Madison Beer blended in with the models with her stunning white corset ensembleCredit: GettyK-Pop girl group TWICE also rocked the room and wearing fluffy pink bootsCredit: Getty
The mood then brightened with more pastel-colored pieces, including a breathtaking vision of Emily Ratajkowski.
The supermodel wore a pink bra and underwear set, strapped heels wrapped up to her knees, and a huge, sparkly pink prop on her back.
The lights dimmed again to display the all-black lingerie pieces, including plus-size model Ashley Graham flaunting her curves in a glittery two-piece.
She paired the look with massive black angel wings and strappy heels.
Gigi later reappeared, wearing a form-fitting white corset and matching skirt, while holding large white angel wings.
Her sister, Bella, also reemerged donning a sexy tasseled white lingerie set with fluffy white wings strapped to her back.
The show ended with a medley performance by Missy Elliott, which included her popular tracks Get Ur Freak On, Work It, and Lose Control.
Missy made a grand entrance on a platform that came down from the ceiling before she appeared in an all-black sparkly outfit.
The models returned to the stage altogether when Missy’s performance concluded for an encore, as pink confetti covered the room.
Irina Shayk also looked breathtaking in a sexy look while walking the runwayCredit: AFPMissy Elliott closed out the night with a medley performance of her hit songsCredit: GettyThe ladies gathered altogether for an encore while pink confetti filled the roomCredit: Reuters
Ros Wynne-Jones visits a French retreat once revered by royalty and now loved by Hollywood legends. In 1660, King Louis XIV and his mum Anne of Austria made a pilgrimage to the Notre Dame de Grâces church here, to thank the Virgin Mary for Louis’ miraculous birth
Ros Wynne-Jones writes the Real Britain column every Friday in the Daily Mirror campaigning against government cuts and standing up for ordinary people.
Ros Wynne Jones visited Cotignac
Every place has a story, but Cotignac, a village hidden deep in the Provencal countryside in the South of France, is a place with more stories than most. From kings battling infertility to religious apparitions and Hollywood stars, from French crooners to Pink Floyd, this softly painted village at the foot of a huge limestone cliff, has seen it all.
In 1660, King Louis XIV and his mum Anne of Austria made a pilgrimage to the Notre Dame de Grâces church here, to thank the Virgin Mary for Louis’ miraculous birth. As the only place in the world where all three members of the Holy Family have appeared in visions, Cotignac is a major site for Catholic pilgrimage – with around 150,000 pilgrims a year.
But for decades, the village has also been a magnet for Hollywood royalty and musical legends. George and Amal Clooney, live close by – near enough for George to have a preferred baker in the village from which he collects his breakfast bread and croissants, according to one resident.
And another villager, Brad Pitt, is allegedly in dispute with ex-wife Angelina Jolie over their neighbouring vineyard.
Joe Dassin, one of the most famous French singer-songwriters, recorded nearby at Studio Miraval – before building his house in the village a few years later and dying at 41 of a heart attack. Which is where our hotel, Lou Calen, enters the story. When Chateau Miraval opened a studio that rose to fame after recording Pink Floyd’s The Wall, a nearby 16-room hotel-restaurant found itself ideally located to wine, dine and accommodate recording artists from all over the world.
Opening it in 1971, Huguette Caren named the hotel, Lou Calen – meaning the Oil Lamp – and her cooking and hospitality soon attracted names from Dassin to Brigitte Bardot, Pink Floyd, The Cure and even Yvonne De Gaulle, wife of Charles.
In 2001, the hotel closed, abandoned with its ghosts for two decades, until a Canadian entrepreneur decided to resurrect it. Graham Porter had spent summers in Cotignac as a student living with a Danish family who spent their holidays here.
He bought a home in the village in the early 2000s, but time spent there during the Covid pandemic convinced him to buy the hotel – and share his passion for pastis and petanque with guests from all over the world.
Porter saw the opportunity to rebuild not just a hotel but a luxe fairytale – a place of quiet eco-luxury where the routes between rooms are overrun with wildflowers, and no view or bedroom is the same. The sound of petanque boules echoes across the hillside, and guests are greeted with a cloudy glass of pastis on arrival.
This may be a wellness destination for well-heeled travellers, but it is far from pious – the hotel even has its own microbrewery with a wide range of beers from cold IPAs to dark porters named after La Tuf – the high cliffs that surround the village.
At the heart of it all remains food as good as that which once attracted the famous recording artists.
Hidden in the olive and lavender-scented grounds is the Secret Garden, an extraordinary restaurant by forward-looking chef Benoit Witz – one of the first in the world to have earned a coveted Green Michelin Star. The Michelin Guide notes the dishes created by Witz – who once trained with top chef Alain Ducasse – are “100 per cent authentic”.
In Witz’s kitchen, not one single stalk or flower is wasted, and seasonal ingredients are king. This, after all, is Provence Vert – Green Provence. The rosé wine comes from the neat rows of vines on the neighbouring hillsides, from vineyards with names like Carpe Diem, and the grapes of Miraval now harvested in the disputed Pitt-Jolie vineyard. Only seconds away, the House of Mirabeau offers wine and gin tasting.
Cheeses come from a tiny footprint of local farms and vegetables from the hotel’s own market garden where edible flowers and goats somehow co-exist.
All can be explored on foot or via electric bikes available at Lou Calen.
Places with so much history need a historian, and ours comes in the form of an American guide John Peck, who leads us up the hot, winding routes into La Tuf to tell us the stories of the place.
The cliff is inset with a giant wooden olive press once used by the entire village to make oil, and inlaid with paths that lead past former troglodyte dwellings, where villagers once hid from the invading Saracens.
We see where local craftsman Jean de la Baume once saw a vision of the Virgin Mary and where Saint Joseph is said to have appeared to Gaspard Ricard, a thirsty shepherd tending his sheep on Mount Bessillon.
At the village’s ancient, magical spring, pointed out to Gaspard by Saint Joseph, John shakes out his “pocket museum” onto a stone wall. It is an extraordinary collection of findings that tell Cotignac’s history better than any guidebook.
There is a Napolean-era greatcoat button, flattened and heavily worn Roman coins, a gladiator’s strigil – or arm-scraper that once removed oil, and even a coin bearing a swastika – a reminder that during World War II Lou Calen was an orphanage for children who had lost their parents in the Nazi occupation.
As we walk past the well-stocked modern art gallery, Centre d’Art la Falaise, a Frenchman from central casting or perhaps the Napoleonic-era, cycles past in a beret.
The next day we tour the wild-flower filled gardens with a local herbalist, Vera Schutz, who tells us the names of the different plants and their ancient uses.
We get a tour of the Jardin Secret kitchen gardens in the quiet of Sunday morning, and even meet Monsieur Witz, who is teaching his friend’s children how to shell broad beans. In our room, a portrait of singer Joe Dassin looks down on us from between windows that perfectly frame views of the village, terracotta roofs dotted between the green.
A line from one of his songs – “elle m’a dit d’allez siffler la haut sur la colline” or “she told me to go whistle up there on the hill” – is inscribed on the wall. There are no screens or televisions at Lou Calen, so we play Dassin’s love songs, “Les Champs-Elysees” and “Et Si Tu N’Existais Pas”, through the wireless speaker.
France’s Mediterranean beaches are just an hour away, but who needs them? Instead of TVs and iPads, guests are instead encouraged to mingle on long tables, play petanque, enjoy the local jazz “manouche”, swim in the bright blue of either the family or adult swimming pools, or to rest and recuperate at a peaceful spa in the round turret of the old pigeon loft.
The food is just as good at the bistro where smiling staff battle smoking barbeques in the afternoon heat to deliver tasty seared swordfish and grilled lamb.
All that is missing is Hugette Caren herself, the founder and spirit who once drew the recording artists from the surrounding countryside with her cooking, the way the magical spring drew visitors to Cotignac. She still lives in the village and is known to visit the bars and restaurants. When you visit you might see her there, like an apparition – pastis in hand.
In 2025 Lou Calen, the oil lamp that Hugette lit back in 1971, is still shining brightly.
GET THERE
Fly from airports across the UK to Nice or Marseille; rail to Aix-en-Provence or Avignon.
BOOK IT
Rooms at the Lou Calen hotel in Cotignac, Provence, South of France, start at around £175 a night.
Weekly insights and analysis on the latest developments in military technology, strategy, and foreign policy.
The Black Arrow, also known as the Small Cruise Missile (SCM), flew for more than 400 nautical miles in a test earlier this summer. Leidos disclosed the milestone to TWZ and also raised the possibility of eventually integrating the missile with the MQ-9 Reaper drone and the OA-1K Skyraider II light attack aircraft. As we have discussed in the past, the size and weight of Black Arrow render it suitable for carriage by a wide range of platforms, including drones, while its demonstrated range puts it very much in a class of its own.
Discussing the Black Arrow program with TWZ at the Air, Space & Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Maryland, Mark Miller, senior vice president for Missile and Aviation Systems at Leidos, stated that the 400-nautical-mile barrier had been broken in late July, during an envelope-expansion test for the missile carried out from a version of the C-130 transport. Just for context, although wildly different in basic features, that is just under double the range of the original AGM-158 JASSM air-launched cruise missile, and about 70 percent as long as the new extended-range JASSM-ER model. It’s also roughly 10 times the range of an unpowered Small Diameter Bomb.
A pair of Ramp Launch Tubes (RLT) loaded with Black Arrows on the rear ramp of an AC-130J. Leidos screencap
Back in 2021, when U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) issued a contracting notice regarding a Stand-Off Precision Guided Weapon Program Cruise Missile, outlining interest in a weapon of this type, the specifications included a range of between 200 and 400 nautical miles (around 230 and 460 miles).
As well as demonstrating its range performance, the July Black Arrow test saw the missile “navigate several thousands of feet of altitude change,” expanding the envelope compared to prior testing.
Prior testing includes launch from an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship in November of last year, something you can read more about here.
“Key performance metrics included maneuverability, climbing and descent performance, waypoint guidance, navigation accuracy, and — very important —integration with the Naval Surface Warfare Center Battle Management System,” Miller added.
The roughly 200-pound munition has, so far, been tested from C-130 variants but offers the kinds of capabilities that SOCOM is increasingly looking at harnessing. Miller confirmed that the company was now looking at integrating it on different special operations aircraft, including the MQ-9 and OA-1K. Adding standoff strike capabilities to aircraft like these is seen as a critical way to ensure their relevance, especially in more contested airspace.
An MQ-9 Reaper lands on a highway during Exercise Agile Chariot, April 30, 2023, honing capabilities linked to Agile Combat Employment. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Carly Kavish
Notably, adding the Black Arrow to the MQ-9 or OA-1K would create a true standoff weapons delivery platform, meaning that strikes could be launched outside the range of even long-range enemy air defenses.
The first OA-1K light attack aircraft was delivered to the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) earlier this year. U.S. Air Force U.S. Air Force
“Between the modularity, between the relevant testing we’ve done to date, to include integration with a battle management system, we think there’s a pathway to [integrating Black Arrow on] multiple platforms, and we look forward to proliferating it,” Miller said.
Miller said that the fact that the Black Arrow is already being tested “on a government range, on a government aircraft, integrated into a government battle management system” should provide an advantage over other affordable cruise missile designs that are currently proliferating.
So far, the Black Arrow tests have involved “various iterations” of launch tubes on the C-130’s ramp, but future integration on the MQ-9 and OA-1K would require a different launch method. Miller said there is a “clear pathway to multiple different kinds of [launch] configurations, whether it’s pallets, bomb rack units, etc., those are all part of the future discussions for this capability.”
As for pallets, Miller confirmed that the company is working on several concepts, including a modularized container, as well as “other kinds of palletized options … that will obviously vary across platforms as well.”
Miller was not willing to provide a specific timeline update on the program but told TWZ that the Black Arrow is “moving along according to an aggressive schedule.”
Cruciform tailfins deploy as a Black Arrow is ejected from the RLT. Leidos screencap
Meanwhile, Col. T. Justin Bronder, program executive officer-fixed wing at SOCOM, told TWZ that “There’s certainly a need for sort of this type of long-range capability across the spectrum of both SOF and service platforms.” He added: “We’re certainly looking at all options.”
Bronder also reflected upon the specific need to modernize the air-launched weapons available to Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) platforms:
“If you look at the suite of munitions in my fixed-wing portfolio, battle-proven munitions in service with the Special Operations community, they’re largely optimized around the type of fight Special Operations have been in for the past 20 years. Fairly benign environments, uncontested, closer ranges. As we look at how to maintain and adapt to keep the Special Operations Forces relevant in these future, contested, and denied environments, something like greater standoff is obviously a key attribute to consider. There’s obviously a number of programs across the department looking at longer-range affordable munitions just for that purpose.”
This briefing slide, shown at the SOF Week conference in May 2024, provided a first image of the Small Cruise Missile/Black Arrow under test. Jamie Hunter
At the Air, Space & Cyber Conference today, TWZ also spoke to Lt. Gen. Michael E. Conley, the AFSOC commander, for his thoughts on arming the OA-1K with the Black Arrow specifically:
“The beauty of the OA-1K is that it’s modular, it’s adaptable, and for a relatively small aircraft can carry a lot of payload. And so in a perfect world, in a resource-unconstrained world, I want to be able to have as big a menu as possible of things that I could hang from a hardpoint on there, or attach as a sensor. So I absolutely see a desire to have [Black Arrow], but not just with OA-1Ks. I’d love to be able to use long-range standoff mission munitions on multiple airframes.”
Conley added that the Black Arrow is, at this point, “the biggest effort we have going right now.”
U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael Conley, AFSOC commander, steps from an OA-1K as part of a delivery ceremony at Hurlburt Field, Florida, on April 3, 2025. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Natalie Fiorilli
The Collaborative Research and Development (CRADA) program for the Black Arrow, then known as the Small Cruise Missile, began in 2022 under an agreement between Leidos, SOCOM, and AFSOC.
Two years later, SOCOM was publicly stating that the Black Arrow was one of its top priorities and could be launched from the MC-130J Commando II special operations tanker/transport aircraft, as well as the AC-130J, and potentially other platforms.
Now, it seems, we might well be seeing the Black Arrow in the future on the MQ-9 and OA-1K. At the same time, should it prove successful, it’s hard to imagine it won’t migrate to other, more traditional platforms, such as bombers and even fighters.
The charming northern village is a hidden gem with “magical” scenery, according to visitors
The pretty village is a hidden gem(Image: Photos by R A Kearton via Getty Images)
A charming village has been crowned the “prettiest little village of the north” thanks to its captivating and “magical” surroundings. Close to the Tabular Hills within the stunning North York Moors National Park, this peaceful haven is famous for its classic stone-brick homes and the legendary walnut tree standing proudly at its centre.
Despite having only 200 locals calling it home, the village boasts an impressive heritage with an extraordinary 29 listed structures. Hutton-le-Hole earned its place on CNN Traveller’s coveted list of Britain’s “most beautiful villages” and was lauded for its charm whatever the climate.
Their glowing review says: “Plant yourself on the grass in the centre of the village with a picnic and paddle in the stream, and when the heavens open, hibernate in one of its tea shops for a hearty slice of cake.”
This scenic village is both visually stunning and packed with things to do, featuring lovely tea rooms, wonderful gift shops, and fascinating historical landmarks, reports the Express.
Most notably, it’s home to the Ryedale Folk Museum which explores Yorkshire’s rich past in remarkable detail. The museum houses an incredible collection of more than 40,000 items spanning from the Iron Age through to the swinging 1950s.
The Ryedale Folk Museum’s website beckons visitors: “Don’t miss the medieval Manor House or Iron-Age Roundhouse. Call by the farming area, or find the perfect picnic site in our pretty heritage orchard. We’re also a dog-friendly day trip so don’t forget your canine friends too.”
A must-see attraction is The Chocolate Factory, founded by enterprising brothers Gareth and Chris East over two decades ago.
At this location, skilled craftspeople painstakingly create beautiful chocolates by hand using only the finest ingredients including fresh double cream, real alcohol, and genuine Belgian chocolate, all within their cosy micro-factory tucked away in Hutton-le-Hole’s picturesque surroundings.
Beyond this charming village stretches a network of walking trails that guide adventurous souls onto the magnificent Yorkshire Moors, where the spectacular purple heather creates a dreamlike landscape for those trekking or rambling across this national gem.
Emma, a travel enthusiast who focuses on pet-friendly locations through her blog ‘Paws Explore North’, shared her astonishment at the village’s tranquillity given its remarkable absence of tourists.
She revealed her shock in a recent post, saying: “The heather was out in full bloom and was absolutely lovely I was shocked that we didn’t see more people out enjoying it, especially as the weather was fantastic too.”
The charm of the picturesque village has been amplified by social media users who have dubbed it a “hidden gem”.
One visitor shared their experience: “Went for a hike and then had a picnic down by the river…it’s one of the most magical places I’ve ever been.”
Another expressed their admiration: “One of the prettiest little villages in the north.”
Meanwhile, another user heaped praise on the local museum: “Loved the museum. Been there a few times it’s brilliant well worth a visit.”
Elsie Eiler runs the sole business in Monowi, Nebraska and is also the town’s only resident, as well as its mayor, librarian and postmaster. Monowi is officially the smallest incorporated town in the US
Elsie Eiler is the only resident of Monowi(Image: AP)
A particularly hard-working woman is the mayor, librarian, postmaster, and sole business owner of the smallest town in the US.
Elsie Eiler may be in her 90s, but she fully embraces the side-hustle culture more often associated with Gen Zs. The multi-jobbed Nebraskan has been holding down the fort as the only resident of Monowi for years.
Along with her husband Rudy, Elsie moved to the sparsely populated area about 90 miles northwest of Norfolk, near the South Dakota border, and set up the Monowi Tavern in 1971. Its nearest restaurants are more than a dozen miles away, but business was slow at first.
Rudy died in 2004, leaving Elsie to run the rest stop as a one-woman show. Slowly, over the years, the other remaining residents of the town either died or moved away until Elsie was the only one left.
Today her business is a well-maintained iceberg in a sea of crumbling buildings. Homes are slowly tumbling over and collapsing into the snow-covered ground of Monowi.
The town’s rapidly declining population has provided a silver lining for Elsie. As officially the smallest incorporated town in the US, Monowi has become something of a tourist attraction. Nowadays, business is booming, with small-town enthusiasts coming from far and wide to meet a woman who has taken on more and more responsibilities in recent years.
Not only does she welcome around 50 guests a day, cook them a delicious feast, and keep the restaurant looking spic and span, but Elsie also serves as mayor, librarian, and postmaster.
As the only resident in town, she must advertise mayoral elections with a sign she posts on her bar and vote for herself, as well as produce a municipal plan each year. Other duties include raising taxes to keep utilities running.
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“It’s a bar and grill, I would call it. I do quite a lot of cooking the last couple of years. It’s a bar and a meeting place for everybody. There’s a toy box under the TV for all of the little kids that come in, and it’s just a community meeting I guess you would say,” Elsie told Nebraska Public Media at an event at the restaurant in 2021.
One regular customer is Boyd County Sheriff Chuck Wrede, who says the tavern is a meeting place for area police officers.
“We come here once a month and kind of have an intel meeting between the counties, and invite different people to come and discuss what we need to do and what things go on,” he explained.
Jeff Uhlir, who farms 20 miles south of Monowi, meets with other agricultural workers from the area to play cards at the tavern.
Despite working so hard long after most people have hung up their working boots and retired, Elsie doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.
“Each year I just renew my license and stay again. I mean, basically…I’m happy here. This is where I really – I want to be here, or I wouldn’t stay here,” she said.
When you think of the world’s richest countries, this tiny European country may not immediately come to mind. But booming steel and logistics industries have made this nation a strong financial hub.
This often overlooked nation is located among other powerful global players including Germany, France, and Belgium(Image: joe daniel price via Getty Images)
When you ponder the world’s richest nations, you might instinctively think of powerhouses like Germany, Dubai and maybe even America.
It’s common to assume that global superpowers would naturally top the list of the richest countries. However, the true answer lies in a petite European nation with a population just north of 650,000.
Luxembourg, known as the financial hub of the globe, outperformed countries such as Qatar and Sweden to claim a top spot on Global Finance’s list of the world’s richest countries last year. A study by Global Finance looked at the Gross Domestic Product purchasing power parity (GDP-PPP) worldwide, and named Luxembourg as one of the wealthiest nations.
Luxembourg has a booming steel production industry(Image: Getty)
With a GDP per capita of $143,743 in international dollars (approximately £109,820), Luxembourg is more than twice as wealthy as the UK, which has a current GDP per capita of £58,880.
The report also showed that from 2010 to 2024, Luxembourg saw a steady rise in its GDP per capita, consistently ranking near or at the top compared to other rich countries.
This diminutive country, nestled between Germany, France, and Belgium, is renowned for being a financial centre. Home to over 155 banks, this small nation is particularly appealing to foreign investors and has earned a worldwide reputation for being business-friendly.
With robust sectors in tourism, information technology, and logistics, Luxembourg’s GDP punches well above its weight. The country also boasts a thriving steel production industry, providing employment for a significant number of people, reports the Express.
Singapore rivals Luxembourg as one of the wealthiest nations in the world(Image: Deejpilot via Getty Images)
In 2023 alone, Luxembourg brought in $31.6 million (£24.1 million) from its total exports, led by iron products, cars and vehicle parts, gas turbines, and adhesive plastics. Home to ArcelorMittal, the world’s largest steelmaker responsible for eight percent of global steel output, the steel industry still makes up about seven percent of the nation’s economy.
According to Global Finance, Luxembourg splashes its considerable wealth on providing top-notch living standards for its residents, boasting some of the finest housing, healthcare and education in Europe.
Luxembourg isn’t alone as a small yet affluent country making the list – Singapore, San Marino and Switzerland also bagged spots in the top ten. However, the UK didn’t manage to crack the top ten or even the top 20, instead landing at number 31.
Wright’s Food Emporium, is a cafe, deli, and wine store that’s rarely not busy – and it’s easy to see why
Wright’s Food Emporium has become a firm favourite among local residents(Image: Robert Melen)
The UK is packed full of towns and villages with hidden gems, whether that’s cafes, restaurants, or bars. One such spot is Wright’s Food Emporium in Llanarthne.
Writing for WalesOnline, reporter Kathryn Williams has recalled a recent visit to this food outlet, sharing how it’s quickly become a must-visit destination. She wrote: “Wright’s Food Emporium is a cafe, deli, and wine store in the heart of the village and is rarely not busy, but even I’ll navigate their tight car park for one of their Cubano sandwiches.”
Wright’s opened at the start of 2014 by food industry experts Simon and Maryann Wright inside a former Brains pub – which was a prominent feature in the small village but had been yet another rural local to shut its doors.
Cubano Sandwich(Image: Kathryn Williams)
Kathryn writes: “When you walk in you’re confronted with a dining space to the left but turn right and it’s business time. A bustling, well-stocked deli with fresh, local fruit and veg, wine, Welsh cheeses, meats and the best shelves of condiments west of Wally’s in Cardiff.
“But, you want to know about the sandwich. The Cubano is so good I don’t think I’ve seen it off the menu – which rotates weekly thanks to what’s fresh or fancied that week – in a good few years.”
So, what’s in a Cubano? At Wright’s, their ciabatta is generously filled with pork belly, Hafod cheese (from Lampeter), Myrddin Heritage ham (sourced just eight miles away in Tanerdy), pickles, Sriracha and mayo.
A fancier picture of the Cubano(Image: WalesOnline)
Kathryn continues: “The pleasing chew of the bread and pork belly is offset by the fresh pickles and sharp, creamy dart of the mix of mayo and Sriracha runs through each bite. And as you [me] try, but ultimately fail, to keep the whole shebang together, the bonus of the hidden ham comes through at the end a winner as you switch the sticky, dense and lovely pork belly to a side portion.
“It’s a bloody triumph of a sandwich – all in one go, and if or when it falls apart. The individual components work hard to stand out but also marry as harmoniously as they should.
“Wright’s Cubano is not the only winner on the ever-changing menu; you’ll do well do try their amazing salads that feature items from Blaencamel Farm, a past favourite of mine featuring charred nectarines, walnuts and Brefu Bach cheese all delicately decorated with edible flowers.
Wright’s proving that salad is NOT boring(Image: WalesOnline)
“Veggie sides come in shapes like aubergine fritters, patatas bravas, Welsh asparagus. If I really want to ensure a taste of Wright’s in the moment I usually insist my other half – or anyone else I can coerce – into sharing half a Cubano and half the salad. It’s a bloody win-win.
“And if you’ve already had lunch, don’t like sandwiches (not sure who those type of people are) and fancy coffee and cake, there’s still a reason to stop off at Wright’s. Earlier this year I bought one of their apple and cinnamon pastries and, not to be over the top, it was so heavenly up my street I’ve been waiting for it to be back on their Instagram ever since. The fact there is no photographic evidence of this proves how irresistible it was.”
A picturesque underrated city rivals Amsterdam with its gorgeous canals and waterfront cafés but has the added bonus that you won’t have to face the tourist crowds
11:59, 13 Aug 2025Updated 12:01, 13 Aug 2025
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Julie in front of the Friederike ship(Image: DAILY MIRROR)
Brits may flock to Amsterdam for its picturesque canals, waterfront bars and bicycle tours, but there’s one tiny underrated town that’s giving the holiday hotspot a run for its money.
I headed to Papenburg, Germany, to watch Disney Cruise Line float out its newest ship, but I wasn’t expecting to find a direct Amsterdam dupe. Pretty canals? Check. Plenty of restaurants and bars? Check. Tourist attractions? Check.
Sure, Papenburg doesn’t quite have the buzz and nightlife to rival the Netherlands’ capital, but it definitely had the advantage of offering up the gorgeous scenery without the crowds of tourists. (Although it’s worth mentioning that Amsterdam is taking some major steps to combat overtourism).
The German city has a population of just under 40,000 so there’s quite a laidback vibe. The main stretch of canals in the centre is where you’ll find the bulk of the attractions, all of which pay tribute to its 230 years of maritime history. Cars aren’t allowed alongside the canal so it’s purely cyclists and pedestrians, which only contributes to the quieter, calmer atmosphere to the region.
If you walk up what I’d describe as the ‘touristy’ bit of the canal, you can do the whole stretch in about an hour. A nice touch is that there’s a little walking trail with signs along the way to point out any historic buildings or quirky spots that are well worth a photo opp. For example, there are plenty of historic bridges, while the canal banks are lined with colourful flowers and lush green trees that make for a backdrop which wouldn’t be out of place on a postcard.
Papenburg has views to rival Amsterdam’s (Image: DAILY MIRROR)
It’s a must-visit for maritime fans(Image: DAILY MIRROR)
One highlight is also the number of historic ships that are still moored in the canals, with boards explaining their significance and the role they played. One of these is the impressive Friederike replica which looks like it belongs on the set of any pirate film, with its impressive masts and stern. There are plenty more nods to the maritime ties of this city, including statues and large anchors to be found along the walk.
Meanwhile when it comes to restaurants and shops, I was pretty impressed with the wide array on offer considering it’s such a small patch of the city. There are heaps of boutiques selling plenty of nautical-themed souvenirs, including one shop in a restored windmill where you can get plenty of merch.
The quirky Alte Drostei – the oldest standing historic building in the city of Papenburg – is also worth a stop as it’s filled with historic artefacts, and hosts plenty of events such as readings, exhibitions, and guided tours.
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Meanwhile if all of the exploring leaves you with an appetite, there are plenty of restaurants and cafés serving up local fare from currywurst to salads. Just make sure to leave space for the all-important Spaghettieis – ice cream that is made to look like spaghetti. Think vanilla ice cream for the ‘pasta’, strawberry sauce for the ‘tomatoes’ and white chocolate shavings for the ‘parmesan’.
One of the members of our group was German and assured us that this isn’t a tourist dish but rather one that everyone in Germany has from childhood. It’s not difficult to understand why – it was ridiculously tasty!
For cruise fans, one of the big draws of Papenburg is that it’s a short drive from the Meyer Weft shipyard. You can book tours of the shipyard and get a sneak peek at what goes into actually building these huge cruise ships. This means that there are buses of tourists that stop off at Papenburg as part of wider coach holidays, but even when there were a few coaches in the city it still didn’t feel too crowded.
Where Papenburg doesn’t rival Amsterdam is the nightlife. There are a handful of pubs – Jameson’s Pub was popular with locals and tourists alike – but the vibe here is more relaxed.
Book the holiday
Get there: The nearest airport is Hanover which is about a 2.5-3 hour drive away. British Airways offers direct flights with a flight time of approximately an hour.
Stay there: We stayed at the Best Western Plus Hotel Papenburg which is right by the canals. Rooms start from £132 a night based on an August weekend break with two adults sharing a room.
Hundreds of travellers have descended on woodlands around Lyndhurst, Hampshire, for a huge pony and trap ‘drive’Credit: Solent
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All bar one pub closed in the village due to the weekend’s festivitiesCredit: Solent
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Many of the travellers set up in fields in LyndhurstCredit: Solent
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The event is controversial for the impact it has on the local villagersCredit: Solent
The sole bar manager has boasted about owning the “bravest pub in the village” as he opened his doors this weekend to the travellers.
Nearly every pub for miles around the village have closed signs plastered outside other than The Stag Hotel.
Manager Jake Ellis said: “I don’t know if we are brave, or mad!
“To be honest I feel it’s no different to a large group of stags, or hens, turning up.
“You can have all sorts of trouble with them, and we have a simple rule here, if you’re lairy you leave.”
Owner of the popular high street pub, Maria Harris, said one main factor behind her staying open was because a “task force” being set up around this year’s event.
Comprised of the local council, the police and Forestry England, dozens of people kept a close eye on the drive to keep everyone safe.
It comes after the 2024 pony and trap drive in the New Forest was described as “complete carnage”.
Maria said: “If it wasn’t for the task force, we would be shutting like most pubs.
“There have been meetings with all the businesses where they outlined the plans, they had to keep control of it, what was being done to ensure the welfare of the ponies and what support we will have if any trouble starts.
Moment French farmers use tractors to spray hordes of squatters with manure
“The drive is a heritage event which should keep going. But respect is a two-way thing.
“I am giving my trust to the travellers by saying they are welcome here, but I am also asking them to behave – hopefully they will.”
Many travellers heading down for the annual get together were left upset by the lack of pubs open – especially the one they normally congregate at.
The Happy Cheese – just up the road from the The Stag Hotel – won’t be open for business across the two days.
Their owners have plastered big signs saying “No tethering of horses” to fences surrounding the establishment as an extra message.
In response, the travellers carried out a drive by the pub in their pony and carts.
Some even left piles of horse manure behind as a calling card.
Organiser of the drive Tracy Cooper – which the event is named after – slammed the pubs which have shut as “being guilty of disgusting racism“.
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The travellers have given two fingers to one of the pubs they normally congregate at – The Happy Cheese – after it closedCredit: Solent
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A yellow CCTV pole has been set up on the field where the travellers often gatherCredit: Solent
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Part of the police initiative around the village includes the involvement of a ‘Gypsy, Roma, Traveller Liaison Officer.’Credit: Solent
She said: “It is total discrimination. We have so much hate directed at us. It’s ignorance of our ways.
“To be honest I am so sick of the abuse I get over this I think this will be the last one. I just can’t take it anymore.”
Last year’s gathering was marred by the death of a horse that was driven over a cattle grid.
Witnesses said the animal had “died in agony” and there were calls for the drive to be banned.
Tracy responded: “That pony and trap wasn’t even part of our drive. It was nothing to do with us.
“We care for our animals; anyone can see for that themselves.”
She was also happy over the introduction of the task force and welcomed them to patrol the event.
She said: “We have been working closely with it. We are glad the police are around, it shows people we are doing nothing illegal.”
Part of the police initiative includes the involvement of a “Gypsy, Roma, Traveller Liaison Officer”.
PCSO Steve Hull, who is part of a travelling fair community, is visiting all major traveller and Gypsy events in the UK, including the world famous Appleby Horse Fair.
He wants to “help break down barriers between us and them”.
Pointing at his uniform he said: “The biggest problem is this, they see it and think ‘Oh police’ and the mistrust comes in.
“But then the see the sign on my back which states what I am, and they start opening up.
“My aim is to build links between us and them and educate the police about what their communities are about.”
Steve, who is a member of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight police force, gives talks to police bosses about Gypsy, Roma and traveller communities.
He said: “They are an ethnic minority like any other. The more trust we can gain with them the easier it is to police events like this.
“We can work together to ensure they run safely and without incident. I am not saying they are all law abiding but a lot of what is said about them on social media is false.”
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The roads were full with horses and travellers over the weekendCredit: Solent
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Two of the hundreds of horse and cartsCredit: Solent
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One of many signs up in the vilageCredit: Solent
Apart from Steve other new measures this year include tall temporary yellow CCTV towers which have been placed on Lyndhurst high street and at “hotspots” where the travellers gather.
These include beside a river near the Balmer Lawn hotel in Brockenhurst where they go to wash their horses after a drive.
Last year angry locals scattered glass and metal screws on the riverbanks to stop the travellers doing it.
The area then had to be closed for over a week while a clear up operation to prevent harm to wild animals was undertaken.
Some residents of the New Forest, while not agreeing with that action, can understand why some locals have been driven to it.
Local Evelyn Warren explained: “It’s a shame because the drive is actually wonderful to see with all the ponies and the carts.
“But then they go to a pub, get drunk and do all sorts. I don’t think the drive should be banned but it needs to be controlled more.
“There are so many travellers it can get scary at times.”
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PCSO Steve Hull has been called in to help police the eventCredit: Solent
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There are calls for the annual two-day event to be scrappedCredit: Solent
Boasting endless stretches of breathtaking scenery dotted with just a handful of small communities, the Highlands and islands serve as magnificent retreats from the stresses of contemporary living and offer complete relaxation.
If this sounds like paradise, one destination might tick all your boxes. Spanning merely 25 hectares, Easdale, situated in Argyll and Bute, ranks among the nation’s tiniest inhabited islands.
Forming part of the Slate Islands within the Inner Hebrides, roughly 17 miles south-west of Oban, Easdale houses fewer than 60 residents and can be explored on foot in less than an hour.
And this is a good thing, really, as walking is the sole method of getting about since no roads exist on the island.
A brief five-minute ferry journey connects it to Ellenabeich village on neighbouring Seil island, which links to the mainland via the renowned Bridge Over The Atlantic.
Easdale is separated from Seil by a narrow channel
The island’s unique character has enchanted tourists, with one declaring it “doesn’t seem real”. According to The Chaotic Scot travel blog, Easdale is “as cute and quirky as they come”.
Easdale and surrounding islands once formed the hub of Scotland’s slate trade, explaining the archipelago’s name, and one abandoned quarry now serves as a natural swimming spot.
Without motor vehicles, supplies are moved in vibrant wheelbarrows between the charming whitewashed homes, reports the Scottish Daily Express.
Easdale is home to the World Stone Skimming Championships(Image: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Image)
And though it lacks a shop, the island does have a pub. The Puffer Bar and Restaurant has earned glowing reviews on TripAdvisor, with one visitor dubbing it a “wee gem”.
The island’s highest point may only be 38 metres, but the vistas over the Firth of Lorn are breathtaking.
The village hall regularly hosts bands, and Easdale is famous for its annual World Stone Skimming Championships every September.
Tourists can also explore the Easdale Folk Museum. Despite its remote setting, reaching Easdale isn’t a challenge – it’s less than a three-hour drive from Glasgow.
Designed to look like a Cornish village, this quaint seaside resort boasts rows of whitewashed cottages and a 3.4-mile beach – but is actually 581 miles from the UK’s tourist-riddled south coast
This tiny village needs to be on your summer bucket list(Image: Getty Images)
A quaint seaside resort ‘steeped in character’ looks like something straight out of a story book, but has incredibly managed to dodge the tourist limelight. Built in 1912, and designed to look exactly like a charming Cornish village, this tiny parish features rows of whitewashed cottages and a 3.4-mile stretch of sugar-like sands – all of which is surrounded by seemingly endless countryside.
But this coastal gem is almost 600 miles from England’s insufferably busy south coast, and is actually situated on the idyllic Antrim Coast in Northern Ireland. Nestled at the mouth of the River Dun, and part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, lies the criminally underrated village of Cushendun.
This charming village is filled with natural beauty(Image: Getty Images)
Here, you won’t find your typical rows of flashing arcades, swathes of fish and chip shops, or dominating Costa Coffee shops. Instead, you’ll be greeted by an often-empty beach, breathtakingly beautiful scenery, and a fascinating history.
With 30 miles of lush landscape at your doorstep, Cushendun is the perfect place for those wanting to escape the bustling city and get back into nature. Check out the Glens Great Grassland Trail, which winds through stunning meadowland, beaches, and through the heart of the village.
For history lovers, checking out the sandstone church, which has been around since 1840, is a must. Today, it operates as a community-run arts and heritage centre which puts on a variety of performances and events throughout the year. Outside in the churchyard, you’ll be able to see Ronald John McNeill’s grave. This man, otherwise known as Baron Cushendun, actually built the village for his wife, Maud.
The village was designed to look exactly like it was in Cornwall(Image: Getty Images)
Cushendun is also one of the best places in Northern Ireland to spot rare red squirrels – making it a haven for nature lovers. “While we can’t guarantee a sighting, you’re most likely to encounter them early in the morning or late afternoon, in the forest beside Glenmona House, where the Glens Red Squirrel Group has built an activity playground,” explains the National Trust.
And lastly, if you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, you need to head to the beach and find the Red Caves – which were used as a film location for the cult-series. On TripAdvisor, Cushendun’s beach has received a plethora of raving reviews – with many highlighting the lack of crowds compared to some of the nearby coastal towns.
“I accidentally visited this beach when I took the scenic route on [my travels],” one person wrote. “It’s a hidden gem: a small and really beautiful beach.”
Tourists have branded the village a true ‘hidden gem’(Image: Getty Images)
Another agreed, commenting: “Gorgeous little beach with a car park and toilets nearby. Cushendun isn’t as ‘touristy’ as some of the bigger towns and has a lovely atmosphere,” while a third added: “Fabulous little beach that’s never too busy with nice, calm waters. My family loves it and the corner cafe is a beautiful little place with lovely, friendly staff.”
If you’re tempted to spend a weekend in Cushendun, you’ll first need to get to Belfast. Luckily, a slew of major UK airports offer direct flights – which take on average just 45 minutes – to the city, including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester, Nottingham, and London Stansted. If you’re flexible with dates, you can grab return fares for as little as £28 in August.
Once you’ve touched down in Northern Ireland, you’ll need to drive almost 40 miles over to Cushendun, which takes around one hour. If you’re taking public transport, this route takes an extra one hour and 27 minutes.
Staying in Cushendun itself will be pretty challenging, due to its small size and lack of tourism. However, you can stay nearby in areas like Knocknacarry, without breaking the bank. For example, a weekend’s stay (Friday, August 8-10) at Mullarts Church will set you back £280. This is based on two people sharing a one-bedroom apartment.
*Prices based on Skyscanner and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.
What’s your favourite UK seaside resort? Let us know in the comments section below
A tiny European island which boats transparent waters, balmy weather and swaying palm trees is giving the Maldives a run for it’s money thanks to it’s idyllic setting
The beautiful island promises 11-hour sunshine(Image: Getty Images)
Choosing your holiday getaway can take a lot of time and planning and if you’re after a white sandy beach and crystal clear waters – you’ll more than likely have to jump on a long-haul flight. However people have been raving about a tiny Balearic island, and are comparing it to being the ‘Maldives of the Meditarranean’.
Formentera promises the same sunny weather, palm trees and crystal blue transparent waters, just like the Maldives, without the massive price tag. Situated right next to Ibiza, the two islands may be geographically aligned, but they couldn’t be more opposite.
Formentera is peaceful escape and the island is just 12 miles long and a mile-and-a-half wide at its narrowest point and there’s little to do apart from eat, drink and enjoy the soft sand beaches.
Lonely Planet describes the European island, which was also loved by Kate Moss in the 90s, as a ‘beautifully pure, get-away-from-it-all-escape’. The travel guide adds: “Formentera’s pace of life is blissfully languid, designed for lazy days spent lounging on some of Europe’s (dare we say the world’s) most exquisite beaches.”
Formentera island skyline is a picturesque view(Image: Getty Images)
Playa de Ses Illetes is Formentera’s best known beach and it’s even won Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best award and the coastal spot is located within the Ses Salines National Park and has white sand with bright turquoise water. Platja de Migjorn is also considered one of the island’s prettiest beaches. The longest beach on the island it stretches across 5km.
For those looking to plan a trip to the beautiful island, travellers will need to fly to Ibiza to get to Formentera with direct flights available on British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair and Jet2. They can then catch a ferry from Ibiza. Ferries tend to run frequently and take around 30 minutes.
It also promises 11-hours of sunshine a day and in July and August, the temperature averages 26 degrees on the island and the average temperature is usually above 20 degrees in May, June, September and October as well.
The crystal blue seas rival the Indian Ocean island (Image: Getty Images)
However if you don’t fancy hopping on a plane, the UK boasts stunning landscapes that are the envy of the world, offering a plethora of beautiful spots to discover if you’re planning a staycation this summer. One of the most ‘underrated’ regions offers the top must-do activity for holidaymakers this summer, located on a picturesque island just off Scotland’s coast.
A breathtaking drive along the Isle of Arran’s coast in Scotland has emerged as the top choice, according to a survey of 2,000 adults about their staycation dreams. Often dubbed ‘Scotland in miniature’, the Isle of Arran boasts a range of spectacular landscapes, with the 109km Arran Coastal Way providing views of the coastline, charming villages, and mountain peaks.
Journeying around the stunning Isle of Arran presents ample opportunities to discover remnants of Scotland’s Gaelic and Norse heritage. It features numerous coastal towns, such as Lochranza and Kildonan, where you can enjoy a walk on beautiful beaches and explore ancient castle ruins. Scotland is renowned for its rich culture and history, which you’ll experience at every turn when exploring Arran.
