The Classic Boat Festival returns to St Katharine Docks on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th September 2025, marking the 16th edition of London’s premier maritime celebration. This year’s festival promises to be the most spectacular yet, as over 50 beautiful vintage and exquisitely preserved vessels assemble in the historic central and west basins of London’s only central marina. Set against the iconic backdrop of the docks, this extraordinary floating spectacle showcases the industrial heritage of the Thames and highlights the traditional craftsmanship of generations of British shipbuilders. Visitors will have a rare opportunity to step aboard legendary vessels and meet the passionate owners who have lovingly preserved these nautical treasures. The festival’s crown jewels are undoubtedly several of the surviving Dunkirk Little Ships, which sailed across the Channel to rescue trapped Allied soldiers in 1940. These brave vessels, once part of the legendary evacuation that saved over 330,000 troops, will be open to the public, allowing visitors to touch living history and hear their remarkable stories firsthand. Joining these war heroes will be an impressive fleet, including motorboats from the Bates Star Craft range, historic tugs, and a commanding Navy P2000 vessel. The festival extends into the west basin this year, with larger vessels such as Thames sailing barges (including previous festival favourites such as the Edith May and the Adieu) displayed along the public pontoon, creating an even more immersive experience for maritime enthusiasts. Carefully curated to provide a perfect day for the entire family, both children and adults will be captivated by the opportunity to climb aboard many of the boats and chat with their caring owners, who are always eager to share fascinating tales of restoration, adventure, and maritime tradition. The festival features a variety of activities, including live music, informative talks, and children’s activities, ensuring entertainment for all ages. Food and drink stalls, along with dockside bars and restaurants, will provide delicious refreshments while visitors soak up the unique atmosphere. Each day is marked with an opening and closing salute of horns, creating memorable moments that perfectly capture the spirit of maritime tradition. The festival begins and ends with these stirring tributes, as dozens of vessels sound their horns in unison across the historic docks. Offering free entry for all, take advantage of your chance to be part of this unforgettable celebration of maritime heritage at London's largest marina on the 6th and 7th of September for a weekend of nautical wonders and family fun.

Young people living with life-limiting illnesses are receiving expert care, and the chance to build friendships and confidence, through a dedicated service at The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice (PPWH). Since 1983, the hospice has provided specialist palliative care to people across Glasgow and East Renfrewshire. Each year, it supports over 1,200 people aged 16 and over, offering comfort and dignity to those living with cancer, heart failure, lung disease and neurological conditions. All care is provided free of charge, with a focus on each individual’s emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing. One of the hospice’s most innovative offerings is its Young Adult Service. This programme helps young people with life-limiting conditions navigate their care with confidence, supporting their physical needs while building emotional strength and social connections. Doctors and nurses lead a monthly clinic offering symptom management and holistic care, while a weekly hub brings young people together for sensory sessions, creative therapies, music, and social outings. The PPWH’s Creative Art Service helps young people express themselves and communicate in new ways. Meanwhile, its family support and rehabilitation teams provide both emotional guidance and practical help with mobility and equipment needs. The Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust recently donated £1,000 to support the Young Adult Service at the Hospice. This is the second time the Trust has donated to the service, with a donation in 2024 supporting the running of the Creative Art Service. Dr Sheonad Laidlaw, Specialty Doctor at the PPWH Young Adult Service, said: "This funding will help support young adults with life-limiting conditions to live their best lives and allow them and their families to come together and access holistic support.” The donation will help The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice continue its work, enriching the lives of young adults and their families at one of the most challenging times they face. Gerry Facenna, Chairman of Allied Vehicles Group, added: “The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice Young Adult Service is helping young people face incredibly difficult circumstances with dignity, hope and creativity. It is a remarkable service, and we’re proud to support a service that brings real comfort to those who need it most.” Above Photos: Dr Sheonad Laidlaw PPWH workers with users of the Young Adult Service Gerry Facenna

JCB has won a $45 million contract to supply 4CX backhoe loaders to the United States armed forces after an extensive evaluation period. The order placed by the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) will see the JCB machines supplied over the next five years, along with hands-on operator training and attachments. JCB is a defence contractor to the US Department of Defense and the latest agreement is the second major contract between JCB and the USMC and follows a $39 million deal in 2024 for Multi Terrain Loaders, militarised versions of the JCB Teleskid. Richard Fox-Marrs, President and CEO of JCB North America, said: “We’re proud that, after an extensive evaluation, the Marine Corps has once again selected JCB. As the world’s leading backhoe loader manufacturer, we value this continued partnership and the confidence placed in our ability to deliver machines that meet the highest standards of performance and reliability.” Chris Giorgianni, Vice President of Government and Defense for JCB North America added: “The 4CX is the direct result of more than 70 years of continuous improvement. It’s built to perform in the most demanding of environments, whether that’s military engineering missions or high-pressure construction jobsites. This contract builds on JCB’s proven track record of supplying versatile, rugged and dependable equipment to military forces around the world.” This latest contract with the USMC is part of JCB’s long-standing support of defence operations around the world. The JCB 4CX backhoe loader selected for this contract combines mission-ready strength with advanced features tailored for tactical and jobsite applications. Central to the 4CX’s performance is JCB’s side-shift backhoe with Powerslide system, which enables precise side-shift movement of the boom. Unlike centremount machines favoured by the North American market, this system expands the digging envelope by 10% and allows operators to work efficiently in tight areas or alongside walls and obstacles without needing to reposition the machine.

The Society of Pension Professionals (SPP) has revealed that most organisations in the pensions industry are now offering apprenticeship programmes. The results are based on polling of SPP’s diverse corporate membership, which covers the whole spectrum of the pensions industry from actuaries, lawyers and investment consultants to administrators, trustees and covenant assessors. According to the SPP research, 52% of firms in the sector now offer an apprenticeship, whilst 48% do not. Of the firms that do offer a formal apprenticeship programme, the most stated advantage was that such schemes help to diversify their workforce (56%), whilst other reasons given include increased productivity, reduced staff-turnover and being a productive use of the Apprenticeship Levy. Of those that do not currently offer such programmes, 27% plan to do so at some stage in the future whilst the remaining 73% have no current plans to do so. The reasons for not offering such opportunities range from having no current recruitment needs to focusing on graduate training programmes instead. There are various formal apprenticeship programmes on offer. These range from IT, finance and legal apprenticeships to actuarial, administrative and governance focused roles. As well as there being a diverse range of roles on offer, the level at which they are offered varies too – from level 3 (A-level equivalent) right through to level 7 (master’s degree equivalent). Ian McQuade, an SPP member and Chief Executive at Muse Advisory, said, “I didn’t follow the traditional University route and now lead a firm that has supported pension schemes responsible for more than 10 million members, and over £800bn in assets. I am pleased to see the majority of organisations in the pensions industry now offer an apprenticeship programme and don’t doubt that many of those who take this route will go on to become future leaders too." "For employers not yet offering such schemes, this evidence highlights the many advantages of apprenticeships, from increased productivity and lower staff turnover to a more diverse workforce, better representing society and our customer base. For individuals, the benefits of earning whilst learning and getting practical, real-world experience are obvious, the avoidance of student debt will also be a big attraction for many but I think the biggest factor is being able to work in a diverse, thriving, welcoming and exciting industry.”

Property consultancy Vail Williams has bolstered its valuation team in the Gatwick region with an experienced new hire as business demand grows. Natalie Wade has joined as an associate based in the Crawley office after a decade at Knight Frank in London. Her strategic role will be to use her depth of experience regarding secured lending valuations in the Sussex/Surrey/Kent regions as Vail Williams expands its service capacity. Natalie, who specialises in valuations of investment assets and developments, is also tasked with broadening her skill set by valuing a wider range of commercial and residential properties. Prior to joining Vail Williams, her 10 years at Knight Frank saw her specialising in undertaking commercial valuations in central London for a variety of purposes. Her role focused primarily on office and retail assets. She prepared valuations on behalf of a number of banks for secured lending purposes. As well as secured lending valuations, Natalie undertook regular valuations on a quarterly, bi-annual and annual basis for landlords and funds, particularly on London office and retail, the assets ranged from individual investments to large, complex estates. Honours graduate Natalie also coordinated the valuation of a North London commercial estate for secured lending purposes on behalf of a syndicate of lenders, assisting in the compilation of valuations for multiple assets and liaising with multiple stakeholders throughout the process. She also worked on behalf various landlords and funds in undertaking regular valuations. Key to successfully undertaking these valuations is communicating with key parties including investment and asset managers to accurately understand recent and upcoming events within a portfolio, as well as having a thorough understanding of the market. She said: “I was seeking a new challenge and the opportunity at Vail Williams came up at exactly the right moment for me both professionally and personally. I am elated to have joined such a go-ahead and people-centric firm and grateful at the trust shown in me to maintain the excellent results and customer service for which Vail Williams is renowned.” Suzanne Holloway, the firm’s Gatwick regional managing partner, said: “We have high hopes for Natalie whose skill sets will be vital as we continue to drive sustainable growth right across the region under our new three-year business plan aimed at further innovation and service excellence.” Nigel Whitehurst, Vail Williams partner who heads the Gatwick regional valuation team , said: “We welcome Natalie as an experienced all-rounder who has hit the ground running, fitting in seamlessly with colleagues and already contributing a great deal to our service offering.” Vail Williams is this year celebrating 30 years as a property adviser in Crawley. The firm’s first office in the town was opened in 1995 with just three staff. Today the rollcall is more than 20 at the firm’s office in Peverill Court. The firm is based across 12 offices in the Midlands and south of England, also including Brighton, Bournemouth, Portsmouth, Southampton, Birmingham, Woking, Heathrow, Leeds, London, Reading and Oxford. Awarded the prestigious Investors in People (IiP) Gold accreditation, the firm continues to publish its annual carbon emissions report on a journey towards net zero by 2030. Vail Williams’ full-service property advice includes commercial agency, investment and development advice, building consultancy, property valuation, planning, lease advisory, property asset management, business rates and occupier consultancy. Photo: Valuation Team: Vail Williams’ Gatwick regional managing partner Suzanne Holloway, left, with the regional valuation team, from left, Peter Sudworth (partner), Jason Morris Kidd (partner), Natalie Wade (back, associate), Karen James (front, project coordinator), Matt Wakeman (associate), Nigel Whitehurst (partner) and Matt King (surveyor)

Charities may face an uncertain future unless they remain agile and responsive to ever-changing sector demands, an annual event in Southampton was told. And with ongoing economic volatility curbing individual donations, charitable organisations are having to employ different tactics to stay afloat and maintain their vital services. Helping to keep the sector in the spotlight, Hampshire business advisory and accountancy firm HWB Chartered Accountants linked with Handelsbanken to host its regular Charity Roundtable seminar and discuss the challenges facing the Charity Sector. The meeting, this year at Handelsbanken’s Oceana House offices in Southampton, was attended by a mixture of regional charities representing different aspects of the third sector. Keynote speaker James Sproule, UK Chief Economist at Handelsbanken, addressed the meeting on the UK Economic Outlook and painted a less than optimistic picture. He said UK economic growth was underpinned by an over-optimistic 300,000 a year house building target and so forecast a subdued recovery. Inflation was expected to remain above the 2% target through 2027 with service sector inflation a big driver, however, three cuts in the Bank of England base rate, currently at 4.25%, are forecast in the coming 12 months, followed by a slowly rising rate from the end of 2027. Consumer and business confidence was likely to remain subdued, but high personal and business savings rate and accumulated savings would leave balance sheets in good shape. James said that in the autumn the Government was likely to raise taxes to an all-time high, but the budget would remain in deficit. Kim Christopher, Corporate Account Manager at Handelsbanken, then co-chaired the round table discussion as the charities present outlined their opportunities and challenges. She said: “A forum such as this is an excellent way for charities to take a step back from their daily work and meet others in a similar position to collaborate, share ideas and best practice and simply find out what others are doing and how they are coping with today’s pressures." “Much of the discussion centred on the importance of charities remaining agile to adapt to the ever changing financial, social and economic environment. It was good to see that the sector remains resilient as it is difficult to imagine the impact on the vulnerable if some of the vital services provided by charities were withdrawn.” Michaela Johns, Director at charity sector specialists HWB Chartered Accountants, who co-chaired the discussion, added: “We talked about IHT planning and the opportunity that exists for charities to appeal to those who may have spare savings to make one-off gifts. Legacy planning is a discussion many charities are trying to encourage. Talking about wills could well ensure people plan for the future and this could help charities in the long term." “We suggested that it was important for charities to review their risk register – similar to a business continuity plan for companies – and actually test some of the area to see if they could cope if the worse were to happen." “There were also good discussions about mergers and shared resources, and it was felt that collaborations are more prevalent than ever in the sector, which is excellent to see, as for too long charities in similar fields have operated wholly individually despite possibly being able to serve their clients better by working together.” Michaela said that charities might be able to adopt measures to mitigate the significant increases in employer National Insurance contributions (NICs) which were introduced in April, such as introducing or enhancing salary sacrifice schemes, thus cutting some of the increased NIC costs. The Charities Aid Foundation’s UK Giving 2025 Report reveals that charities are now relying on donations from only 50% of people, down from 58% in 2019 — equivalent to approximately four million fewer donors. However, despite continued financial uncertainty, the UK public donated an estimated £15.4 billion to charity in 2024, including an estimated £2.2 billion to health causes such as hospices and medical research charities. Also, an estimated 5.6 million people volunteered. Among the challenges facing the charity sector mentioned by attendees at the Southampton event were resourcing issues, with income stable but costs increasing. Also, donors were not increasing direct debit contributions in line with inflation. Funding remains a major factor in a tough economic environment, with encouraging participation in events and challenges getting tougher. Additional demand for services exacerbates the lack of increased income. One delegate spoke of the difficulty of funding longer term work as it could be hard to demonstrate what the impact would be, and a lot of grants were for short term. Staffing was also a big issue as organisations needed more numbers to be able to expand services but the retention of staff, particularly in tough physically and mentally demanding job was increasingly difficult. Staff costs were a growing percentage of total costs. Both HWB Chartered Accountants and Handelsbanken offer enhanced services for the charity sector. Chartered accountants HWB, based at Chandler’s Ford, near Southampton, provides business and tax advice. Photo : Charity Challenges: Michaela Johns, left, of HWB Chartered Accountants, with Kimberley Christopher, of Handelsbanken, who co-presented a Charity Roundtable seminar in Southampton at which regional charities got together to discuss challenges and opportunities and share best practice

Contractor Clegg Construction has appointed a new bid writer to strengthen its pre-construction team. Chloe Lawless brings public sector procurement experience to the role, having joined from a specialist bid writing consultancy, supporting a wide range of UK clients to develop successful public sector tender submissions. She began her career working in commercial property for a Nottingham-based firm of chartered surveyors before moving into bid writing. Chloe, who is originally from Doncaster, said: “I’m looking forward to playing a key role in Clegg Construction’s future during this time of growth. I was really drawn to Clegg’s reputation for delivering high-quality projects that make a visible impact in the regions in which we work." “I value the company’s blend of heritage and forward-looking approach, and there’s a real commitment to growth, innovation and social value. The team already has such strong in-house expertise, and I’m excited to be able to bring my expertise to Clegg and further enhance our proposals.” Clegg Construction pre-construction director Christian White said: "I am pleased to welcome Chloe to the team. She brings significant experience to the role and her proven track record in developing successful tender submissions makes her a valuable addition as we continue to grow.” Outside of work, Chloe enjoys running, exploring the outdoors and spending time with her family. With its head office in The Lace Market in Nottingham, Clegg Construction is a Midlands, East Anglia, and Yorkshire-based construction firm specialising in the delivery of public and private sector projects.

Wakefield’s biggest ever cohort of young readers has recently graduated from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Marking a milestone in the district’s commitment to early years speech, language, and communication. With over 337 imagination library children turning five this year. Graduation events have taken place at Airedale and Pontefract Libraries where families gathered to celebrate their child’s achievement and the love of reading. Councillor Margaret Isherwood, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “This programme is about giving every child the best possible start in life. It’s heartening to see how much families value receiving books through the post – it’s more than just reading, it’s about bonding, learning, and growing together." “We’ve received great feedback from families. We’re proud to support a scheme that delivers real impact in our communities.” Since launching in Wakefield in 2017, the Imagination Library has gifted nearly 70,000 books to almost 2,540 children. The scheme is now evolving to support those children who would benefit following their 2 to 2½ year health check undertaken by the health visitor. These children will be eligible to register onto the programme, helping to close development gaps early. The focus now shifts to sustainability. Businesses, community groups and individuals are invited to support the scheme through donations, with all monies going directly to fund books. In return, partners benefit from brand visibility, community goodwill, and the chance to invest in the future of our children. As one parent said : “The Imagination Library sparked a love of reading for our daughter. She developed speech quickly and was exceeding at phonics in reception – this is down to her love of books” More information can be found here. Photo: Councillor Margaret Isherwood with young graduates from the Dolly Parton Imagination Library scheme

Award-winning family business Furniture Village is pleased to announce the upcoming opening of a new store located in Worcester’s bustling Elgar Retail Park. Scheduled to open its doors on Saturday 23 August 2025, the impressive 22,000-square-foot, two-floor showroom enjoys a prime spot in one of Worcester’s most vibrant and thriving shopping destinations, alongside B&Q, NEXT, Wren, Dunelm, and other household names. The store will offer a wide selection of good quality furniture and accessories, featuring many exclusive ranges sourced from around the world, as well as British premium brands such as G Plan, Lounge Co, Hypnos, Sleepeezee, and many others. Customers can look forward to expert advice from a friendly, service-focused team, alongside value-added services including rapid delivery on most products and a lowest price guarantee, all reinforcing Furniture Village’s unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction and unbeatable value. Opening offers include an extra £50 off sale prices for every £500 spent, which runs until the end of October 2025. Visitors will also have the chance to enter a competition to win £2,500 to spend at the Worcester store. Complimentary coffee and freshly baked cookies will add to the warm and welcoming in-store experience. Charlie Harrison, Managing Director of Furniture Village, comments, “We couldn’t be more excited to bring Furniture Village to Worcester, especially with its location in the Elgar Retail Park, a hub for home and lifestyle shopping and perfectly placed to satisfy discerning shoppers in one of the UK’s most picturesque counties.” For more information and to browse the full range, please visit here .

The White Horse and Bower, a landmark London pub just minutes from Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, will reopen on September 10 following a stunning £950,000 refurbishment by independent family brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame.   First opened in 1816, the pub has long been a favourite with locals and visitors alike. Now, after a three-month transformation, it is set to welcome guests once again, blending its rich heritage with a bold, modern vision.   At the heart of the redesign is a bespoke reclaimed oak bar, repositioned to create a more open, welcoming atmosphere at the front of the pub. New banquette seating in aged leather and plush velvets will add comfort and character, with a more private setting offered in intimate rear booths, separated by handmade stained-glass screens.   A reclaimed full-height timber fireplace, antique light fittings, and traditional hand-painted Lincrusta wall finish will enrich the pub with a sense of history, supported by subtle nods to its Westminster location throughout carefully curated artwork. A new herringbone timber floor with a bespoke Persian-design carpet will add to the warm, layered feel of the interior.   Outside, the pub’s original tiled façade is being carefully restored, complemented by new awning and a bespoke hand-painted swing sign featuring the pub’s eponymous white horse. New bi-folding timber windows, bench seating and planters will create a more open, indoor-outdoor feel.   In line with Shepherd Neame’s commitment to sustainability, the refurbishment will include energy-efficient fridges, smart cellar technology, LED lighting, and an all-electric kitchen.   The expanded kitchen will serve up a delicious new menu, with a focus on locally sourced seasonal produce and relaxed, shareable dishes. Perfect for grazing, bar favourites on offer will include pork and sage Scotch egg with mustard mayo; chorizo and smoked pancetta pigs in blankets; chunky sausage rolls featuring Shepherd Neame’s award-winning 1698 ale and onion chutney; and hash brown puffs with crispy bacon, Parmesan and smoked mayo.   There will also be a delicious selection of small plates including miso-glazed aubergine with sweet tahini yoghurt; crispy salt and pepper dusted squid with citrus mayo; and grilled lamb koftas with smoky baba ganoush.   Larger dishes will include Whitstable Bay beer-battered haddock with chips; tandoori chicken skewers with warm quinoa salad; hot smoked salmon Niçoise, and a 5oz grilled sirloin with Parmesan and garlic butter. Burgers will also be a speciality, with choices including smash beef or the plant-based Fable mushroom.   At the weekend, customers will be able to enjoy a delicious new brunch menu, with dishes including ranch eggs with spinach and a spicy cheese sauce on a toasted English muffin; a hearty potato hash with pork meatballs, maple bacon and a fried egg; and shakshuka baked eggs with feta and pesto. The drinks list has been completely reimagined, with a strong focus on quality and locality. An extensive range of Shepherd Neame’s award-winning Kentish beers will be available, including its new Iron Wharf stout, which will also feature in the pub’s exclusive take on a classic Black Velvet, blended with English sparkling wine.   There will be a particular focus on cocktails, from signature Margaritas and refreshing Mojitos to the pub’s own take on the Espresso Martini and Negroni, along with a selection of premium wines including several from Kent’s flourishing vineyards.   The White Horse and Bower will also host an exciting programme of events, including regular live music nights, designed to make it a go-to venue for both Westminster regulars and new visitors alike.   Operations Manager Ryan Torrie said: “The White Horse and Bower is a fantastic pub in an incredible location. Our aim with this project is to preserve and celebrate its unique character while introducing a stylish, new experience. With a vibrant food and drink offer, live events, and beautiful surroundings, we’re confident it will become a local favourite once again. We can’t wait to open the doors and welcome everyone back.” The pub will be open every day, with food served from 11am to 9pm, Monday to Tuesday; 11am to 10pm, Wednesday to Friday; 10am to 9pm on Saturday; and 10am to 8pm on Sunday.

There are few traditions more quintessentially British than afternoon tea, something that is celebrated across the UK from August 11-17 which is Afternoon Tea Week. With its delicate finger sandwiches, warm scones slathered in clotted cream and jam, and elegant patisserie delights, it remains a ritual steeped in history, sophistication, and—perhaps most importantly—comfort. Whether enjoyed in the gilded halls of a London hotel or in a sunlit garden with a homemade spread, afternoon tea has never lost its charm. In fact, in a world obsessed with the next big trend, its enduring appeal may lie precisely in its ability to slow time down. A Slice of History Afternoon tea is said to have been popularised by Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, in the early 1840s. During a time when dinner was served fashionably late, she found herself plagued by hunger in the late afternoon. Her solution? A light tray of tea, bread, butter, and cake brought to her private quarters. Before long, she was inviting friends to join her, and thus, a new social ritual was born. Queen Victoria embraced the tradition, making it fashionable among the upper classes. It became a formal affair, complete with fine china, silver teapots, and ornate tiered cake stands—a tableau that still defines the idealised image of the ritual today. What’s on the Table? A traditional afternoon tea begins with savouries: dainty finger sandwiches with classic fillings like cucumber and cream cheese, smoked salmon, or egg mayonnaise with cress. Then come warm scones, freshly baked and served with generous helpings of strawberry jam and clotted cream (never whipped—and don’t even mention which goes on first, lest you spark the great jam-versus-cream debate between Devon and Cornwall). Finally, the pièce de résistance: the sweet selection. Think éclairs, fruit tartlets, Battenberg, and macarons—all perfectly portioned and beautifully presented. Of course, all of this is accompanied by a proper pot of tea. While Earl Grey and Darjeeling remain favourites, many establishments now offer extensive tea menus, including herbal infusions and rare blends sourced from across the globe. Modern Twists on a Classic Tradition While tradition remains at the heart of the experience, modern interpretations are adding a playful twist. Themed afternoon teas have become increasingly popular—from literary-inspired spreads (Alice in Wonderland or Bridgerton, anyone?) to seasonally themed menus featuring everything from festive mince pies to summer berry pavlovas. Some venues now offer “gents’ afternoon teas” with heartier fare—think mini burgers and scotch eggs—while others cater to plant-based diets with vegan-friendly menus. And let’s not forget the growing trend of tipsy teas, where champagne, prosecco, or even tea-infused cocktails add a celebratory sparkle. Where to Indulge From the opulent surroundings of The Ritz and Claridge’s in London to charming countryside tearooms in the Cotswolds, there’s no shortage of venues offering their take on this delightful tradition. But you needn’t visit a five-star hotel to enjoy afternoon tea. Hosting at home can be just as enchanting. Lay out a lace tablecloth, bring out your finest crockery, and bake a batch of scones. It’s about creating a sense of occasion, of slowing down and savouring the moment. More Than Just Tea At its core, afternoon tea is about more than just food and drink. It’s a celebration of pause and presence—a moment of indulgence in an otherwise hurried world. In the gentle clink of teaspoons and the quiet murmur of conversation, it offers a rare kind of joy: unhurried, refined, and utterly comforting. So whether you're tucking into a cream tea in Cornwall or sipping Earl Grey at a city hotel, one thing is certain: afternoon tea is a tradition that continues to steep in meaning.

Leicester City FC can confirm that an agreement has been reached with Turkish Süper Lig side Beşiktaş for the permanent transfer of long-serving Leicester City midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi, subject to international clearance. Wilfred joined Leicester City from Belgian side Genk in January 2017 and became a key figure in their midfield across eight seasons at King Power Stadium. He made 303 appearances in all competitions, finding the net 18 times. A tireless and combative presence in the centre of the pitch, Wilf played a vital role in some of the Club’s most successful moments in recent years - helping the club to consecutive fifth place finishes in the Premier League, lifting the Emirates FA Cup and FA Community Shield in 2021, and winning the Sky Bet Championship title in 2023/24. Having arrived as a promising 20-year-old, Wilf departs as a seasoned international with the admiration of team-mates, staff and supporters alike for his efforts and achievements in a Leicester City shirt. He leaves with the sincere thanks and best wishes of everyone at Leicester City for the next chapter of his career.