Author: Blake Foster

Opening in Clarence Street, the new chain of stores are focused on serving meals throughout the day, to cater to the high-demand for high quality ‘food-for-now’. Open between 7am-7pm, shoppers will be able to pop in for breakfast, lunch and dinner, whether grabbing a Costa Coffee, hot baguette, buttermilk chicken tenders or wholesome protein pots. Hot food served over the counter will also be on offer for customers. (Image: Co-op On-The-Go, Kingston On Thames, Surrey. 2/12/25) The stores also offer exclusive products. Customers can choose between all day breakfast meal pots, berry burst bircher and, apple and cinnamon overnight oats…

A holidaymaker’s dream trip to Sardinia turned to horror when she had an epileptic seizure in a hot shower – suffering such severe burns she couldn’t walk for 18 months. Annie Perez, who was diagnosed with epilepsy at 15, jetted off to Sardinia, Italy, to see a band with her friends. After enjoying a leisurely breakfast on their villa balcony, the 38-year-old went for a shower and suffered a seizure while in the bathtub, sustaining severe burns on her right arm and both legs. Her friends, alerted to a problem after seeing water flood under the bathroom door, rushed in and took her…

Poet and author Michael Rosen and Hampstead-based illustrator Helen Oxenbury will publish their timely story exclusively in next week’s The Big Issue. Pax: A Festive Tale follows a family living on the breadline, whose cat Pax ventures out into the cold when they are unable to afford his food. Helen Oxenbury’s illustration for Pax: A Festive Tale, a story exclusively written by Michael Rosen for The Big Issue magazine. (Image: Helen Oxenbury) Little Evie and her mum then head out on a Christmas quest to find their beloved pet – highlighting the brutal reality endured by 3.8 million Brits who…

The event included free activities such as face painting, Santa’s grotto, and a magician, thanks to money raised by Elm Park Regeneration. It also featured performances by the Benhurst School Choir and Flukes ukulele band, with stilt walkers and costumed characters adding to the festive spirit. Santa and supporters celebrate successful Elm Park illuminations event (Image: Hornchurch Residents’ Association) Deputy mayor Councillor Barry Mugglestone, a lifelong resident of Elm Park, turned on the Christmas tree lights. Costumed performers and community leaders gather beneath Elm Park tree (Image: Hornchurch Residents’ Association) Councillor Stephanie Nunn, who coordinated the event, said: “Thank you…

The lottery – which was set up to raise money for good causes in the community – will hold its next super draw on Saturday, December 20. The lucky winner will claim a £3,000 Christmas cash prize. Entrants have until December 20 for your chance to win this great prize. They will also be helping raise money for local good causes as at least 60% from each ticket sold goes to support community projects in the Epping Forest district. Those who buy their usual £1 ticket will automatically be entered into this draw. Tickets cost £1 each, and winners could…

Singer Kimberly Wyatt cut the ribbon at Chase Lodge Hospital in Mill Hill on November 13. The centre, which aims to offer rapid, expert medical care for patients who need urgent attention, will operate as an alternative to long waiting times in A&E departments. Kimberly Wyatt cuts ribbon to officially launch Chase Lodge urgent care (Image: Alan Walter) Ms Wyatt said: “As a mum, I know how stressful it can be when someone you love suddenly gets sick or hurt. “At Chase Lodge Hospital, you’re triaged quickly — within about 20 minutes — and can get instant diagnostics on-site. “It…

Havering Council is set to review plans for the Gidea Park, Harold Wood and South Hornchurch libraries at a cabinet meeting next Wednesday (December 10). The three libraries – which shut in April this year in an attempt to save the council money – have undergone a review process, whereby council officers and cabinet members have considered future options for each site. A council report published ahead of next Wednesday’s meeting reveals that, following this process, two of the three libraries are earmarked for demolition. Gidea Park Library could be demolished to make way for accommodation for children with disabilities…

Harry Foster-Smith, 19, of Brunswick Street knocked the ambulance onto its side following a police chase down the M2. He stole the Volkswagen Golf in London on the morning of August 25. That evening, police chased the car on the M2 after they received reports of the it heading towards the coast on the between junctions two and three.  Harry Foster-Smith, 19, has been jailed (Image: Kent Police) Foster-Smith refused to stop and raced at over 100mph before leaving the motorway at junction four, where officers lost sight of the car. Shortly afterwards, the stolen vehicle collided with an ambulance…

Musician and entrepreneur Abi Gilchrist, founder and director of Soul Choirs, claimed the honour for her “outstanding contribution” to music, community, and the arts. Ms Gilchrist, who attended Blackheath High School from 1988 to 1995, studied classical singing at the Guildhall School of Music before launching her success-driven career. She has created a thriving business oriented around the joy and health benefits of group singing. Her choirs, recognised with a Kent Mental Wellbeing Award in 2024, have raised £60,000 for charities, and this year supported the “Baton of Hope” campaign focused on suicide prevention. Soul Choirs founder honoured for impact…

The properties are part of Northwick Parkside, a regeneration scheme in Harrow being delivered by Sovereign Network Group (SNG) next to Northwick Park Hospital and the University of Westminster. SNG says the development has attracted significant interest from NHS workers and other public sector employees seeking good quality housing close to their workplaces. Kalumba Musambachime, head of sales for London and East at SNG, said: “Northwick Parkside demonstrates our commitment to providing affordable housing options that meet the needs of the local community. “By offering both shared ownership and dedicated rental accommodation, we are helping NHS staff and other public…