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Fire in Wembley tower block flat with no working smoke alarm UK News

Five fire engines and around 35 firefighters were called to a 21-storey building in Fulton Road, Wembley, at 6.05pm on Sunday (January 14).

Part of a first floor flat in the building was destroyed.

The blaze was under control by 8.34pm.

Investigators from the London Fire Brigade (LFB) found the property did not have working smoke alarms and the fire was most likely caused by smoking products not being disposed of safely. 

A spokesperson said: “This incident shows just how vital it is to have working smoke alarms.  

“It’s also a timely reminder for smokers to ensure your cigarette is completely out when you’ve finished smoking it.

“If you don’t, you risk causing a fire which could not only destroy your home, but also cost you your life.”

The fire brigade has offered smoking safety tips:

  • It is safer to smoke outside, but make sure cigarettes are put right out and disposed of properly.
  • Never smoke in bed, and avoid smoking on arm chairs and sofas – especially if you think you might fall asleep.
  • They suggested taking extra care when tired, taking prescription drugs or if you’ve been drinking alcohol.
  • Invest in proper ashtrays, which can’t tip over and stub cigarettes out properly.

Fire crews from Wembley, Park Royal and Stanmore fire stations were sent to the scene.

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Source: www.times-series.co.uk
This notice was published: 2024-01-15 11:45:48

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Childbase Partnership introduces ’20 extra paid days off work’ plan UK News

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This is in addition to their annual leave entitlement, which was extended last year, Long Service Reward Days and Bank holidays and gives colleagues the opportunity to sell a portion of their extra days if they would prefer a cash reward.

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Cheering and applause greeted the announcement at the annual Virtual Roadshow event for over 2,300 employee-owners of Childbase Partnership – a UK ‘Best Company to Work for’ for 14 years – in day nurseries from Nottingham to Swindon.

Nursery Practitioner, Mariama Faal, said:

“It is exciting to think what is possible with more free time and a brilliant way to support us in giving the best early years care and education to children and parents. As usual Childbase is going the extra mile to support us.”

Practitioner Emma Kilsby said:

“This is brilliant as time is precious. I am going to be a grandmother for the first-time next year. It will be lovely to have time to spend with my grandchild and help out.”

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Emma Rooney, Childbase Partnership Chief Executive said:

“This is quite simply, the right thing to do for colleagues who continue to rise magnificently in these challenging times.”

The ‘extra leave’ initiative follows the £8.5 million Financial Support Plan to help colleagues meet cost of living challenges. This includes two meals a day in settings, fresh fruit and refreshments in staff rooms, and free feminine hygiene products in addition to ‘Perkbox’ access to discounted shopping and entertainment.

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Source: www.times-series.co.uk
This notice was published: 2024-01-15 05:00:00

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ITV Post Office drama: Gwyneth Hughes told it wouldn’t be success UK News

The ITV drama about the Post Office scandal has instead had an “unbelievable” response, she said.

Gwyneth Hughes told Sky News programme Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips: “We’ve all been blown away by it.

“On the eve of transmission our boss sent us all (a) comforting email warning us that (it) probably wouldn’t do that well, and probably not many people would watch it, but, never mind, it will find an audience, which is television speak for nobody is ever going to watch it.

“So we woke up (the) next morning, and he literally thought that he had misheard the ratings, and it just has got bigger and bigger.

“The whole thing is unbelievable, the story of the postmasters, and what happened to them was completely unbelievable from beginning to end and this is, I think, just the (latest) unbelievable chapter in the unfolding, ongoing story.”

Since its release, Mr Bates vs The Post Office, which began on January 1 and stars Toby Jones, has led to the Government speeding up its response to help subpostmasters who were victims of a miscarriage of justice.

Ms Hughes said the emails, transcripts and interviews of former chief executive Paula Vennells were used to depict her as “nobody at the Post Office hierarchy wanted to get involved”.



Ms Vennells has since announced that she will hand back her CBE and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said hundreds of the wrongly prosecuted Post Office managers in England and Wales could have their names cleared by the end of the year under blanket legislation.

Ms Hughes, who is also a documentary-maker, said even the best documentaries “sort of appeal to your head rather than to your heart”.

She added: “It’s always someone sitting there telling you something terrible that happened to them in the past, whereas in drama, you’re right there during this terrible event, experiencing it through the eyes of the person who went through it, and, in the hands of a brilliant actor, that just can grab your heart and grab your attention like nothing else.”

Recommended reading:

This has been “the most extraordinary couple of weeks” for Ms Hughes so she currently has no plans for the future.

She added: “The inbox is full of people saying to me ‘I’ve got a story for you, it’s even worse than the Post Office’ so, yeah, I (will stay) in a darkened room then think of something else.”

What was the Post Office scandal?

The Horizon IT scandal saw more than 700 subpostmasters and subpostmistresses handed criminal convictions after faulty Fujitsu accounting software made it appear as though money was missing at their branches.

Following the airing of the TV drama, more Post Office managers have come forward.

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Source: www.times-series.co.uk
This notice was published: 2024-01-14 12:10:54

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Alison Hammond to host Paul O’Grady’s For The Love Of Dogs UK News

Paul O’Grady died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on March 28, 2023, at the age of 67.

The popular presenter rose to fame with his drag queen persona Lily Savage before going on to host a number of TV shows including For The Love of Dogs which first aired in 2012.

With his sad passing, producers have been left with the daunting task of finding a suitable candidate to try and fill his shoes.

See the frontrunner to succeed Paul O’Grady on For The Love Of Dogs

This Morning presenter and well-known Big Brother star Alison Hammond is currently the favourite to take over from Paul O’Grady on For The Love Of Dogs.

This comes as other names like In For A Penny’s Stephen Mulhern and comedian Ricky Gervais were revealed as potential replacements.

Ricky ruled himself out last year, telling fans: “It’s true I was asked but I said no, I’m afraid. Just too busy.”

A source close to ITV told The Mirror: “Paul is obviously irreplaceable but they believe that not only does Alison bring some of Paul’s trademark self-deprecating humour to proceedings, but that she can also make it her own, just as Paul did.”

Despite her busy schedule which includes presenting This Morning and The Great British Bake Off, the source says she would be a great addition to the show.

They added: “Alison would be a great signing… and as her ever-expanding portfolio of shows demonstrates, capable of putting her hand to anything.”

Alison Hammond became a popular figure over 20 years ago when she appeared in the third series of Big Brother.

She has now become an integral part of This Morning alongside Dermot O’Leary and is now one of the core presenters.

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Source: www.times-series.co.uk
This notice was published: 2024-01-14 12:39:55

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Alexandra Palace’s restoration underway with 550k grant UK News

The £550,312 grant for Alexandra Palace marks the latest milestone in the restoration of the Grade II-listed Victorian venue, which is commemorating its 150th anniversary this year.

This significant grant will allow the Ally Pally team to stabilise the north east office building, the only section of ‘the People’s Palace’ that is still inaccessible.

Times Series: In the past the North East Office Building has been used as a ticket office, porter facilities and costume room.In the past the North East Office Building has been used as a ticket office, porter facilities and costume room. (Image: Sophie Harbinson)

Emma Dagnes, CEO of Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust, said: “We are grateful to Historic England for such a significant grant in our 150th year.

“The funding will start us on the journey to bring these spaces back for public benefit, unlocking their potential and enabling us to welcome everyone through our doors with a wider range of activities and programmes.”

Hosting more than 400 events a year and drawing an estimated five million visitors to the park and palace, Alexandra Palace is a major attraction.

The Heritage at Risk programme from Historic England is the source of the funding, which is focused on preserving England’s monumental sites that are at risk and unable to pursue restoration projects without financial backing.

Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, said: “I’ve always loved Ally Pally and am delighted to hear that the 25th anniversary of our Heritage at Risk programme has coincided with the 150th anniversary of the Palace in such a rewarding way.”

Opened in 1873, Alexandra Palace was severely damaged twice, firstly by a fire in the same year, and again in 1980.

Times Series: The North East Office Building can be seen behind the Lipton's tea tram in this archive photograph. The North East Office Building can be seen behind the Lipton’s tea tram in this archive photograph. (Image: Alexandra Palace)

However, its historical significance has seen charitable efforts to maintain and restore it.

In fact, the area of the Palace out of use has shrunk from 40 per cent to 29 per cent in recent years.

Tom Foxall, regional director of Historic England, said: “Our funding for the north east office building is designed to address the most urgent repair work and act as a springboard to access further funding which will open up the area to the public for the first time.”

The restoration work, which includes removing decayed brickwork and storing historic roof lanterns, begun in December and is expected to last around four months.

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Source: www.times-series.co.uk
This notice was published: 2024-01-14 05:00:00

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EastEnders’ Patsy Palmer returns to BBC soap after exit UK News

The 51-year-old actress, who played the fiery Bianca Jackson, will return to Albert Square for a brief stint after exiting the programme.

Palmer, who is currently filming scenes for the soap, said: “I’m so excited to be reprising the role of Bianca.

“EastEnders holds such a special place in my heart, so it’s always a pleasure to be back.”

Times Series: Patsy Palmer left EastEnders in 2019 and has taken part in other shows like Strictly Come Dancing.Patsy Palmer left EastEnders in 2019 and has taken part in other shows like Strictly Come Dancing. (Image: BBC Pictures/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron/PA Wire)

EastEnders’ Patsy Palmer to return to BBC soap as Bianca Jackson

The last time Strictly Come Dancing star Patsy Palmer was seen in Walford, her character attended the ill-fated wedding of step-daughter Whitney Dean (played by Shona McGarty) to Callum Highway (Tony Clay).

In the upcoming episode, she will be visited by Whitney and her partner Zack Hudson (James Farrar) following her off-screen break-up with Terry Spraggan (Terry Alderton).

The BBC teased that the character will return in “a special episode focusing on Whitney and the drama she faces in Milton Keynes” where Bianca now lives.

Chris Clenshaw, EastEnders executive producer, said: “I’m thrilled to welcome the fabulous Patsy back to the iconic role of Bianca Jackson.

“Although the character was last seen on-screen in 2019, Bianca still remains a fan favourite.

“We know our audiences will be thrilled at her return as she is thrust into the heart of the drama alongside step-daughter Whitney.”

Times Series: Patsy Palmer joined the BBC soap opera in 1993.Patsy Palmer joined the BBC soap opera in 1993. (Image: PA/BBC)

Bianca arrived in Albert Square in 1993 as the daughter of Carol Jackson (Lindsey Coulson).

She is best known for her tumultuous romantic relationship with Ricky Butcher (Sid Owen).

Beyond EastEnders, Palmer has been DJing since 2012 and previously competed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2005.

She was partnered with professional Anton Du Beke (now judge) and also featured on ITV’s Dancing on Ice which saw her couple up with skater Matt Evers.

Patsy Palmer will return to EastEnders in the spring of 2024.

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Source: www.times-series.co.uk
This notice was published: 2024-01-13 22:00:00

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Most popular free attractions in London and the south east UK News

GO Outdoors have highlighted what family-friendly activities the UK has to offer for those on a budget, and two of the star attractions are located right here in the capital.

London – Science Museum

The capital’s Science Museum was ranked as the second most popular free attraction in the whole country.

Home to award-winning exhibitions and narrating incredible stories of scientific achievements, this attraction pulled in almost a million visitors in 2021.

Since it was founded in 1857, the Science Museum has steadily grown to become one of the city’s leading tourist venues.

Times Series: The popular museum was also in the top 10 most viewed attractions on TikTok, amassing 46,600,000 viewsThe popular museum was also in the top 10 most viewed attractions on TikTok, amassing 46,600,000 views (Image: The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum Group)

With its two million years of human history, it’s no wonder it ranks high on the list of popular free attractions.

London’s Science Museum was not only one of the most visited but also one of the most googled free attractions in the UK.

With over a million searches recorded just in 2022, this museum repeatedly piqued the public’s interest.

London – Imperial War Museum

Following on from the Science Museum, London’s Imperial War Museum also found a place in the top 10 free attractions in the UK.

A world leader in war and conflict exhibits, this institution showcases interesting recreations of WWI trenches and the Blitz.

Times Series: The Imperial War Museum is the second most 'instagrammable' in the UKThe Imperial War Museum is the second most ‘instagrammable’ in the UK

With rotating military exhibitions and the opportunity to get up close and personal with real tanks and planes, its standing on the list of free attractions is well earned.

The Imperial War Museum also claimed a victory in the Instagram arena, amassing over 73,300 posts with the hashtag ‘#ImperialWarMuseum’.

South East England – Windsor Great Park

Windsor Great Park grabbed the top spot as the most popular free attraction in the UK, having welcomed a whopping 5.4 million visitors last year.

Located in Windsor and Maidenhead, Berkshire, this beloved park boasts a royal history stretching back over 1,000 years.

Windsor Great Park’s ancient forests, rare wildlife, and historical monuments make for a fantastic low-cost day out for whole families, which explains why it outperforms all other free attractions.

South East England – Jeskyns Community Woodland

Jeskyns Community Woodland, situated in Cobham, Kent, welcomed an impressive 878,626 visitors in 2021, making it the third most popular free attraction in the UK.

This woodland region is open to the public for free and is spread over 360 acres featuring newly grown meadows and orchards.

The research team at GO Outdoors scrutinised over 50 of the UK’s top visited free attractions, and the data was then subjected to ranking based on visitor numbers, Tripadvisor reviews, Google search volume, and Instagram and TikTok popularity.

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Source: www.times-series.co.uk
This notice was published: 2024-01-13 12:00:00

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£500k for Barnet Education Arts Trust artsdepot programme UK News

The programme run by the Artsdepot centre in North Finchley for 8,000 children and young people has been given £500,000 to increase access to culture for everyone — even those schooled at home.

It is focusing on youngsters outside mainstream education, including religious schools and those with special educational needs.

“This fosters a love for the arts,” said Arts Trust chief executive Sharon Broughall. “It nurtures creativity for a lasting impact on the lives of young people.”

The cash is earmarked for events for children educated at home, for touring shows to religious schools and for youngsters not in mainstream education who are being educated at the Pavilion study centre in Whetstone.

Grants are also on tap for schools to bring in artists for projects with pupils for creativity in educational settings.

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Source: www.times-series.co.uk
This notice was published: 2024-01-13 07:00:00

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Dad of four named Omaze winner of £3 million mansion UK News

The 53-year-old paid just £10 for an Omaze ticket and now has the keys to a mansion and £100K in cash.

Omaze officials contacted him to say he’d won a prize and his teen daughter warned him not to get too excited.

Michael’s daughter told him he’d probably won a toaster but had in fact scooped a massive house in Somerset which ironically does come with a toaster in the kitchen.

As the winner said: “I had a call from Omaze saying I’d won a prize.

Times Series: The £3m mansion. The £3m mansion. (Image: SWNS/Omaze)

”Obviously, I was intrigued but my daughter was somewhat sceptical and told me not to get too excited as I’ve probably only won a toaster.

”Luckily for me, it turned out to be a £3 million pound house – that also happens to come with a toaster.”

Dad of four wins £3m Somerset Mansion 

Sharing what they did when they learnt of their winners, the Omaze winner said: “We went to the pub to celebrate and then on for a nice curry – it was your average Friday night really, apart from the fact we’d just become millionaires. 

“When they told us we’d won the house in Somerset, the first thing my daughter said was that she’d had the best kebab in her life last time she was there, so she was delighted we now own a house in such a culinary hotspot.”

Michael and his wife of 16 years Amanda, 54, have lived in their rented 4-bedroom house on the outskirts of Luton for the past eight years and bought his £3,000,000 winning entry for just £10.

The couple live with their two children, a son aged 19 and a daughter aged 17 – as well as a four-year-old cocker spaniel called Ludo.

Michael also has two sons aged 32 and 27 and a grandchild aged two from his first marriage.

Times Series: Michael and Amanda. Michael and Amanda. (Image: SWNS/Omaze)

The 53-year-old has been working in the IT industry for the past 25 years and Amanda is an admin assistant at a local school.

With a big family, Michael joked: “We have family all over the world and plenty of room for them to come and stay now – if we decide to give them the address that is.”

The £3 million mansion comes with a tennis court and picturesque gardens as well as mortgage-free and all stamp duty and legal fees covered.

The couple had owned property in the past but began to rent eight years ago with hopes that they could own their property again.

Winning the Omaze home has made the couple’s dreams “come true” as Michael shared: “This win means that dream has now come true, and our family’s future is secure.”

Times Series: The home's kitchen. The home’s kitchen. (Image: SWNS/Omaze)

The IT worker added: “Going from a rented house in Luton to owning a six-bedroom house in the countryside is just mind-blowing.

“This house is truly spectacular in real life, the open plan kitchen and living area is spot on for us – and the garden is just incredible, it’s so big we’ll have to put a bell on our dog otherwise we might lose him.”

The Omaze winner has to live in the incredible house, rent it out for a supplementary income or sell it to become a cash multi-millionaire.

If Michael decides to rent it out, local estate agents estimate that the property could achieve a long-term rental value of between £6,000 – £8,000 per month.

Times Series: The bedroom.The bedroom. (Image: SWNS/Omaze)

However, Michael has admitted that he’s not sure what they will do with their winnings yet, but do know they will spend some time in their new mansion: 

“We’re not sure what we’re going to do long term yet, we’ll definitely spend some time here and enjoy it as a family – whatever we decide, it’s going to change all our lives for the better.”

As well as making Michael a multi-millionaire, the Omaze Million Pound House Draw, Somerset, also raised £3,500,000 for the RSPCA.

Chris Sherwood, RSPCA chief executive, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that the Omaze house draw has raised an incredible £3,5000,000 for the RSPCA in just six weeks.”

Draw entries for the Omaze Million Pound House Superdraw, Mallorca are available now at omaze.co.uk.

The draw closes on Sunday 28th January 2024 for online entries and Tuesday 30th Jan 2024 for postal entries.

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Source: www.times-series.co.uk
This notice was published: 2024-01-12 13:51:49

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Search for new owner for Royal Oak pub, Harlesden UK News

The Royal Oak pub in High Street, Harlesden confirmed at the beginning of November last year that it would be closing down.

Now the Stonegate pub company is listing the Royal Oak lease for a new owner for the Victorian building, which has a private two-bedroom flat on the third floor.

The owner will set up their own limited company and be self-employed, while partnering with Stonegate Group.

Stonegate’s description reads: “The pub has many beautiful design and traditional design features that give the pub its character.

“Entering the pub you’ll find a U–shaped bar and a range of seating types.

“The space of the room offers something for everyone, whether you’re there to watch the game or have a social drink with friends. Heading upstairs, you’ll find another room with a full bar; this room is perfect for private function opportunities or live entertainment.

“This space could easily transform to host anything from live bands to comedy nights, to huge sporting events.”

When it closed last year, Nick Pring, the director of Urban Pubs & Bars, which managed the venue at the time, said: “The business has been incurring significant losses for the past couple of years which we, as a company, have ridden out in the hope that we could turn a corner – however, recent cost price inflation and a 200% increase in the cost of utilities have made the business untenable.”

Mr Pring called it “terribly sad” for the community.

According to Stonegate, the forecast turnover per year when the Royal Oak reopens is estimated to be £520,000.

Its advert says the ideal person to take over the watering hole should be able to “demonstrate their great skill” in sales and building and creating atmosphere for unforgettable sports viewing.

Tim Greaves, the Stonegate regional manager for the south east, said he believes the pub will offer “heaps of potential” for the right operator and it could be a “flagship site” in north west London.

Last year was not the first time the Royal Oak had to close its doors. The venue closed its doors 11 months after a £500,000 makeover in 2017. It reopened months later under new management.

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Source: www.times-series.co.uk
This notice was published: 2024-01-12 13:08:19