BA Strikes and Heathrow Tweets

October 29, 2009

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There have been a couple of big stories, and one small one, regarding the aviation industry in the past week or so. And while one of them is more like the early rumblings of a bigger story to come, we’ve decided it’s worthy of attention.

Christmas tis the season to be striking, according to the Daily Telegraph. BA cabin crew may choose to down tools over the festive period in a dispute over working practices.  Obviously there is never a good time for this to happen but, if you’re looking to fly away for Christmas, or you’re one of the thousands of people who’ve already booked a December flight, it couldn’t really happen at a worse time.

Unfortunately we’ll just have to wait for developments and see what happens. But in the meantime, you could always follow Heathrow’s new Twitter feed. And if the strikes go ahead we imagine that one of the world’s busiest airports will have plenty of time to update their status and share videos of silly cats.

But there are those working in the aviation industry who (thankfully!) are no longer able to Twitter at work. The two pilots who recently overshot their landing destination by 150 miles were allegedly distracted by their laptops  instead of concentrating on the huge blue expanse in front of them. Apparently the use of personal electrical devices in cockpits is still allowed, although we’d be surprised if that continues to be the case for much longer.

So here’s hoping for some good news for those of you planning on flying away for a Christmas break. Obviously there’s no guarantee of a completely stress-free holiday but if you fancy raising the odds somehow you could always choose a festive break in the UK or the Continent.

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Lake District plans open to public consultation

October 29, 2009

Tourists staying in Lake District holiday cottages during November are to get a chance to have their say on the future of one of the area’’s most popular destinations.

An exhibition showcasing development proposals for Bowness Bay and the Glebe is to get underway next month and visitors – along with residents and local businesses – are being invited to voice their views on the ideas.

The plans will be on show at the Bowness Bay Information Centre between November 9th and 22nd and Ben Long, National Park planner, has encouraged as many people as possible to attend and let their opinions be known.

"Bowness Bay and the Glebe is such an iconic part of the Lake District and we need to ensure whatever we do is right," he remarked, adding that people should state what they like and dislike about the ideas, which were originally drawn up in the spring.

The information centre is located on the banks of Windermere, which is the largest lake in England.

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Lake District walkers offered safety advice

October 28, 2009

Those who have booked Lake District holiday cottages with the intention of exploring the area’’s stunning scenery have been advised to take care and plan their trip thoroughly.

Speaking to grough.co.uk, chairman of the Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association Richard Warren noted that, due to the clocks going back, visitors need to ensure they have completed their walk or climb before nightfall.

"It is extremely difficult to come down a mountain safely in the dark without a torch," he told the news source, adding that the key to completing a trip safely is to take the correct equipment and make sure you know how to use it.

Hikers should pack a map, compass, torch, hat, gloves, and spare batteries, he remarked, adding that clothing should be weatherproof and footwear needs to be "strong, water resistant and have a decent tread".

Those who choose to go on walks as part of their Lake District holiday may find themselves benefiting from new pathways, after restoration work was carried out as part of the Fix the Fells project.

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”Unique” starfish goes on display in Cornwall

October 28, 2009

An eight-legged starfish found off the coast of Cornwall has gone on display at an aquatic centre in Newquay.

The creature, which was discovered in a crab pot near St Agnes, is said to be twice the size of normal spiny starfish, which usually have five legs, the BBC reports.

It is now available for viewing at the Blue Reef aquarium and those who have booked Cornwall holiday cottages may wish to take a trip to see the unique feature.

Spokesman for the aquarium David Waines described the starfish – which is around 12 inches long – as “really strange”.

“Normal spiny starfish have five legs and don”t get much bigger than six or seven inches across,” he told the news source.

Mr Waines added that this specimen is much larger than usual and seems to be made of “two individual starfish which are somehow joined together”.

Those wanting to go and see the animal may wish to note that entry to the Blue Reef aquarium is £8.95 for adults, while family tickets can be purchased from £26.

Posted by Matt SmithADNFCR-2558-ID-19429543-ADNFCR

Update – as the more eagle eyed of you may have noticed,  we don’t have a pic of the 8-legged starfish. But what we do have is a design team with literally seconds to spare.

So here is what the real creature might (but probably doesn’t) look like.

8legs

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Lake District plans open to public consultation

October 28, 2009

Tourists staying in Lake District holiday cottages during November are to get a chance to have their say on the future of one of the area’’s most popular destinations.

An exhibition showcasing development proposals for Bowness Bay and the Glebe is to get underway next month and visitors – along with residents and local businesses – are being invited to have their say on the ideas.

The plans will be on show at the Bowness Bay Information Centre between November 9th and 22nd and Ben Long, National Park planner, has encouraged as many people to attend and let their opinions be known.

"Bowness Bay and the Glebe is such an iconic part of the Lake District and we need to ensure whatever we do is right," he remarked, adding that people should state what they like and dislike about the ideas, which were originally drawn up in the spring.

The information centre is located on the banks of Windermere, which is the largest lake in England.

Posted by Toby LawrenceADNFCR-2558-ID-19429553-ADNFCR

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Something for the weekend? 30/10/09

October 27, 2009

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It’s only the start of the week but chances are you’re already thinking about the next weekend. So we thought we’d make it a  bit easier for you by suggesting a few great events going on across the UK that are perfect for a short break.

And as it’s Halloween, we’ve got a special ghostly selection to put a shiver down your spine and a smile on your face.

There are already a number of spooky walks in Edinburgh, but there’s something about the atmosphere of all hallows eve that makes them that little bit scarier! Choose from an underground stroll down the delightful ‘Damnation Alley’, and overground exploration that includes a visit to the delightful ‘Black Mausoleum’ – home to the infamous Mackenzie poltergeist. To be honest there are also childrens’ tours which sound perfectly scary enough, for us thank you very much.

Find out more on the Edinburgh walks website.

The Eden Project in Cornwall promises ‘No Tricks, Just Treats’ this Halloween (but then they would say that wouldn’t they?) This Friday and Saturday night there’s a Little Monster’s Ball, which has a whole host of activities for all the family, including potion making, ice skating, the opportunity to meet bats and owls, face painting, a disco and tasty treats to eat. Each Biodome has been given a spooky theme, so we’re sure you’ll find something to terrify you…..in a nice way, of course.

For more information on Halloween at the Eden Project, please visit their website.

Caldicot Castle in Wales promises a Horrible Halloween – in the best way possible. There’s a day of spooky activities and workshops for kids on the Saturday, followed by a ghostly walking tour of the Castle and its grounds. There’s also a two course meal in the evening – assuming you’re not too scared to eat! And if you can handle it the weekend also promises terrifying stories and games. That’s right, even the games are terrifying at Caldicot Castle. We think it may be time for a lie down.

Please visit Caldicot Castle’s website for more info.

If you want to check availability for a great holiday cottage in the UK this weekend, please visit our search page. And whatever you plan on doing this Halloween, please remember to have fun. And don’t get too scared!

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Masterchef winner ”considering opening a Dorset restaurant”

October 27, 2009

Winner of this year’’s Masterchef: The Professionals competition Steve Groves would consider opening a restaurant in Dorset.

Speaking to the Bournemouth Daily Echo, he explained that while he is happy working in London for the time being, he would like to open a restaurant that "serves good British food with a modern twist" in the county.

Mr Groves, who is originally from Essex, told the news source he has fond memories of spending time in the town, which he moved to from the US to be with his late father, who had been diagnosed with cancer.

"I really enjoyed living there," he stated, citing the "amazing" beaches and the New Forest as two of the area’’s attractions – both of which may be reasons for booking Dorset holiday cottages.

He also stated that Dorset is home to some "great" local produce, making it an "exciting" place for a chef to work.

Paul Merrett, who also works in the food industry, told the Times last month that it is possible to get a "great" range of seafood in the county.

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Volunteers repair Lake District paths for visitors

October 26, 2009

Lake District holiday cottages enthusiasts may notice a newly improved pathway on their next visit to the national park between Red Tarn and Wrynose Pass.

Professionals and volunteers worked on repairing several routes in the area as part of the Fix the Fells project, reducing them down to a single trail in order to protect the environment, grough.co.uk reports.

John Atkinson, who oversaw the work for the National Trust, said it was "vital" that the local landscape is cared for and thanked all those who helped out.

"We want people to continue to come and enjoy the fells, but it takes a lot of hard work to repair and maintain these popular paths," he remarked.

BBC2′’s Escape to the Country followed the project, with host Alistair Appleton lending a hand.

Earlier this month, Bassenthwaite Reflections put out the call for more volunteers to assist with the planting of oak saplings at Whinlatter’’s Masmill Forest.

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Scheme launched to promote Northumberland National Park

October 26, 2009

A new initiative to promote the value of Northumberland National Park has been launched.

Introducing the campaign, director of the Uplands for Natural England Martyn Howat stated that many people are currently unaware of the numerous functions of the area, the Journal reports.

He told attendees at the Cheviot Centre in Woolier it is a little-known fact that 90 per cent of the country’’s drinking water is sourced from its various national parks and added that they also play a key role in controlling carbon output and the flow of water.

Regional director of the Forestry Commission Brendan Callaghan added that some conifer plantations currently found in the area are being replaced by natural woodland habitat in order to attract more visitors, such as those booking Northumberland holiday cottages.

Last month, Northumberland Tourism launched Autumn Warmth – a new scheme looking to promote the arts and landscape to potential visitors.

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Remember!

October 23, 2009

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Just a quick reminder to say that the clocks go back an hour this weekend, so on Saturday night we’ll all get an extra hour in bed – hooray!  Then again if you’re lucky enough to be on holiday for half term week you might not notice.

If you are going away next week just be aware that the roads will probably be busier – which could be more of a problem with less daylight. But hopefully you’ll get some good weather when the sun comes out. We’ll keep our fingers crossed!

If you fancy taking a break next week, why not check the availability on some of our fantastic holiday cottages? And if you’re not going away then enjoy your extra hour and have a fantastic weekend.

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