It also cited the costs associated with maintaining the so-called Universal Service Obligation (USO) under which deliveries have to be made six days a week.
How to beat the hike
Money guru Martin Lewis has long advised Brits to buy stamps in bulk before new prices kick in to save a decent chunk of change for all their posting needs.
He said: “For years, every time stamps go up in price I’ve suggested people stock up and bulk-buy in advance, as provided the stamp doesn’t have a price on it and instead just says the postage class, it’s still valid after the hike.
“So you may as well stock up now, even if it’s just for Christmas cards for the next few Christmases.”
Buy from reputable high street outlets and, where possible, hang on to your receipt.
To check whether a stamp is genuine, you can use Royal Mail’s new “fake stamp scanner” on the app.
Stamps are also available directly from the Royal Mail online shop, but you have to spend £50 to get free delivery.
4 weeks agoLatest NewsComments Off on I have to get to school pick up an HOUR early to avoid walking 10k every day – it’s the only way to stop the whinging
A MUM has explained why she arrives at her kids’ school to pick them up a whole hour early.
Lauren is a mother of two, and admitted in a video on her TikTok page that the double yellow lines around the school are placed in such a way that parents can’t park anywhere near it.
Lauren took to TikTok to explain why she gets to school to pick the children up an hour earlyTiktok/@laurenemily91_AlamyIf she parked where there are no double yellow lines, she would have to walk around 10k a day[/caption]
And because of that, they often have to endure a 10k walk on a daily basis when they pick their children up.
So, to avoid that, Lauren gets to the school 60 minutes early, and uses the time to make her “daily FaceTime” calls.
“The reason I get here a whole hour early is because there is double yellow lines on every single part of the road outside their school, unless you choose to park 5k back up the road and walk all the way down,” she said.
“Which means that if you’re parking 5k up the road, you’ve got a 10k walk the whole way around when you’ve picked up two whinging children.”
Lauren added that her “whinging children” leave her like a “bag lady” when they give her their bags, coats and PE kits, and she would then have to walk “5k back up when they’re moaning the whole way”.
“Mummy I’m tired, mummy my feet hurt, mummy have you got a snack, I’m hungry,” she mimicked.
So, she instead uses the time to “contemplate on my life decisions”.
People were quick to comment on the video, with one writing: “I pay £1.20 for 30 mins after school club just to avoid the 3pm rush.”
“Such a good idea!” Lauren replied.
“Petition for all schools around the UK to build car parks dedicated for school pick up and drop off to safely get you kids in and pick them up,” another added.
“I don’t think it’s too much to ask for!”
“I do EXACTLY the same,” a third wrote.
“It’s like my peaceful hour to scroll and catch up on emails etc.
“In fact I am sitting here doing the SAME right now!”
“I have to do this too, my son is special needs and it isn’t safe to walk miles back to the car,” someone else added.
“I end up drinking coffee and reading in peace. It’s my quiet hour to myself.”
If you’re still on the hunt for an outfit for Cheltenham or you’re planning ahead for Ascot in June, we’ve picked out some of the top occasionwear picks from the Coast sale.
Coast’s occasion dresses sale
Chiffon Pleated Floral Dress, £77.40 (was £129)
Coast’s pleated floral dress is designed to flatter the figure
Coast’s blue printed midi dress is the perfect style for both race days and wedding season, and it’s almost half-price in the sale.
Featuring blouson sleeves, a calf-length cut and a tie that pulls in at the waist, the high street number will be so flattering paired with heels and a blue fascinator.
Coast Pleated Wrap Front Dress, £65.40 (was £109)
Coast’s pleated dress could be worn for race days or weddings
Fuschia pink is a great option for occasion dressing as it makes a statment while still being elegant – and the shade suits almost every skin and hair tone.
The maxi dress looks like it flatters in all the right places with its long sleeves and pleated design, complete with floaty fabric that’s ideal for the warmer weather.
Printed Jacquard Floral Dress, £66.44 (was £119)
The printed ruffle dress is reduced from £119 to £95.20
Florals are the trend that will never die, and the summery print is perfect for race day dressing.
The beauty of this Jacquard dress is that it gives a put-together look with minimal effort, thanks to the high neckline and statement ruffle detailing.
The look could be styled with neutral heels, espadrilles or flats – and it’s down from £119 to £66.44.
It’s unclear when the Coast occasionwear sale will end, but the brand offers next day delivery, which means there’s still time to shop a discounted dress in time for Cheltenham.
4 weeks agoLatest NewsComments Off on Aldi is launching an ‘intense volume’ £5.99 dupe of Benefit’s viral Bad Gal Bang mascara that costs £27 within days
BEAUTY fans will be racing to Aldi after hearing the German retailer is about to drop an ‘intense volume’ dupe of Benefit’s viral mascara.
The budget-friendly alternative is going to cost just £5.99 – compared to the hefty £27 price tag attached to the hit Badgal Bang! version.
Aldi is set to launch a £5.99 lash intensifying mascaraALDIBenefit’s mascara has been a viral hit for yearsBENEFIT
So it’s ideal for any beauty lovers who want more bang for their buck.
Aldi announced the upcoming release online as part of their SpecialBuys section, due in stores from 9th March.
Their Girl Gone Bad mascara promises to give you “the glam look everyday” and help you “wow your friends with your intense curl lashes.”
It’s part of the Lacura range, which is a beauty, skincare, and haircare brand that exclusive to Aldi.
The formula provides “intense volume” and coats the lash for a base to tip curl.
It says it will keep your lashes in place for up to 36 hours, perfect for those after-work plans.
The mascara is also infused with Vitamin E, known for its nourishing and protecting properties.
So you’ll actually be treating your lashes while flaunting them.
The stylish 15ml bottle can be easily popped into your makeup bag or purse if you fancy topping up your application on the go.
Eagle-eyed beauty enthusiasts will notice it’s a much cheaper alternative to the viral Benefit Badgal Bang! mascara, which has been a viral hit for years.
Benefit’s product offers an “intense pitch black lash that’s all volume, no weight.”
It also boasts 36 hour wear – a claim which is matched by Aldi’s dupe.
But the boujee product (which has previously been dubbed the number one prestige mascara product in the UK), comes with an expensive price point.
So those looking to save their cash will need to keep an eye out for Aldi’s upcoming drop.
Aldi beauty dupes
The mega budget retailer is well known for its competitive designer dupes.
ALDI has become well-known for its affordable beauty dupes that often rival high-end brands in terms of quality and effectiveness.
Here are some of the best Aldi beauty dupes that have garnered rave reviews:
Lacura Healthy Glow Exfoliating Tonic
Dupe for: Pixi Glow Tonic
Price: £3.99 (compared to Pixi’s £18)
Description: This exfoliating tonic contains glycolic acid and works to gently exfoliate and brighten the skin. It’s a fantastic, budget-friendly alternative to the popular Pixi Glow Tonic.
Lacura Q10 Renew Anti-Wrinkle Day Cream
Dupe for: Nivea Q10 Plus Anti-Wrinkle Day Cream
Price: £1.45 (compared to Nivea’s £10)
Lacura Caviar Illumination Day Cream
Dupe for: La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Cream
Price: £6.99 (compared to La Prairie’s £292)
Lacura Hot Cloth Cleanser
Dupe for: Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser
4 weeks agoLatest NewsComments Off on Emotional reason why Bernie Ecclestone, 94, sold £500million car collection in sale that dwarfs previous world record
BERNIE ECCLESTONE has revealed the emotional reason behind selling his stunning car collection worth £500million.
The F1 supremo has sold his 69-car garage that “embodies 70 years of history”.
Tom Hartley Jnr/PA WireBernie Ecclestone has sold his car collection valued at £500m[/caption]
Tom Hartley Jnr/PA WireThe garage features iconic Ferraris driven by Michael Schumacher and Niki Lauda[/caption]
Ecclestone’s collection ’embodies 70 years of F1 history’Tom Hartley Jnr/PA WireIt is the biggest sale in car collection history[/caption]
Ferraris driven by legends Michael Schumacher and Niki Lauda were on offer, as well as the iconic Brabham BT46B that was banned for being too fast.
Ecclestone, 94, said the reason behind the sale was to take stress away from his wife Fabiana, 47, and son Ace, 4, when he dies.
He told The Telegraph: “With a bit of luck I might get two or three more years and I don’t want to leave all this for Fabiana to sort.
“All these car dealers would be driving her mad. So the best thing to do is to get all the cars together and try to make sure they go to proper homes.
“Ace might not be interested in handling all this either. He might be more into football. Sooner or later, this had to happen.
“I’m still more or less in control, so I can do what I like. Maybe in another year I won’t be able to.”
Opening up on the sale to Mateschitz, high-end car dealer Tom Hartley Jnr said: “There has never been a transaction in the collectors’ car world that even comes close to this.
“By several multiples it is the biggest sale price ever achieved.
“When we put the cars up for sale before Christmas I don’t think we could have anticipated how much interest there would be. It’s been utterly incredible.
“We received offers from all over the world, including from two separate sovereign wealth funds.
“But I do feel the collection has gone to the best home, and to the buyer which Bernie most favoured.
“The buyer moved extremely quickly. We spoke with him before Christmas, he flew over, we showed him the cars and he was very, very excited.
“He was definitely a favoured buyer of Bernie’s.”
ReutersBernie Ecclestone has sold the cars to not leave his wife Fabiana with the stress when he passes away[/caption]
GettyBillionaire and Red Bull heir Mark Mateschitz son has bought the 69 cars[/caption]
4 weeks agoLatest NewsComments Off on Inspector Morse, The Bill & Poirot star ‘died unexpectedly hours after routine surgery’ – as family pay poignant tribute
A STAR who featured in Inspector Morse, The Bill, and Poirot has died unexpectedly just hours after a routine surgery.
Tony Mathews, 81, has been remembered by his family for how “he lit up the room” following his death in 2023.
The star died following routine surgery in 2023RexShutterstock EditorialTony Mathews portrayed Lord Lucan in Escape[/caption]
An inquest into his sudden death concluded on Thursday, with Coroner Sarah Clarke saying clinicians had been “perplexed” by how he died.
However, the inquest at Kent and Medway Coroners Court concluded that Tony had suffered from an abdominal bleed, known as an intraperitoneal haemorrhage.
He had gone in for an elective stoma reversal on December 13 that was “uneventful” at the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate, Kent.
However, his abdominal bleed began post-surgery and it was exacerbated by the administration of anti-coagulant treatment, the coroner said.
Although this was correctly given for his atrial fibrillation, and despite showing signs of improvement, Tony was later found dead on December 16, as a result of a cardiac shock.
In a statement, Tony’s son Kent said: “My Dad, Tony Mathews was a loving father, and a talented actor and painter.
“He was a sharp, funny man and his energy always lit up a room. Even at the end he was making jokes with doctors from what we now realise was his death bed.
“The family are very thankful to the court and to our lawyer for all their work to find out what happened to him and come to a conclusion about how and why he died.
“It has been a thorough investigation, and we now have some closure, which is what we hoped for.
“Rest in peace, Dad.”
Tony was best known for his roles in Inspector Morse,The Billand Poirot.
He also starred in The Duellists and played Royston Andrews in The Governor during his fruitful acting spell.
Tony was born in Chichester, West Sussex, in 1942 and later moved to Canterbury, Kent, for his education before becoming an actor.
He appeared in numerous TV shows over two decades during a long career on the screen.
Tony first appeared in The Duellists in 1977, playing the role of Gen. Treillard’s Aide-de-Camp.
In 1980 Tony appeared in The Dogs of War as the Bank Vice President before taking on the role of Gerald Lowen in Poirot a decade later.
Popular drama Poirot aired from January 1989 to November 2013, with David Suchet starring as the the fictional private investigator and title character.
Tony then went on to play a pathologist in Inspector Morse in 1992.
The experienced actor also starred in episodes of the popular drama The Bill from 1990 until 1993.
The Bill focuses on the lives and work of one shift of police officers of all ranks.
Storylines deal with situations faced by uniformed officers working on the beat, as well as plainclothes detectives.
It was broadcast on ITV from October 16, 1984, until August 31, 2010.
Tony also played Lord Lucan in Escape and featured in Winston Churchill: The Wilderness Years as Anthony Eden.
4 weeks agoLatest NewsComments Off on Guinness confirms above inflation price hike in fresh blow for pubgoers
GUINNESS has confirmed it is bringing in an above-inflation price hike in a fresh blow for drinkers.
Diageo, which makes the beloved Irish stout, has increased the amount it charges pubs to buy draught Guinness products by 4.2%.
Guinness has increased the price of draught products bought by pubs and other licensed retailersAlamy
This rise is significantly higher than the reported inflation rate for January, which stood at 3%.
Drinkers can expect the rise to hit prices at the bar as pubs are already struggling with a cost increases.
The price hike will come into effect on May 1 this year – a month after operators are set to be hit by increases to employer National Insurance (NI) Contributions and the National Living Wage.
Pub bosses shared their frustration at the news with industry newspaper the Morning Advertiser.
JKS Pubs managing director Dom Jacobs said many had anticipated the increase and set out plans to put up prices.
He added: “We will limit this as much as we can, but there will be no getting around it.”
Meanwhile, Ash Corbett-Collins, chairman of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) told The Sun: “The news that Diageo is hiking draught Guinness prices by 4.2% for UK pubs highlights the grim choice that publicans are facing; having to put up prices for customers or absorbing that cost themselves, putting the survival of their own business at risk.
“Pubs, bars and taprooms are doing all they can as a means to survive as they battle against a tidal wave of issues such as high energy bills, NI increases and rising costs of goods.”
Guinness has said the price increase will affect Guinness draught in kegs, Guinness Microdraught and Guinness Surger.
However, Guinness products sold in cans and retail settings will not be impacted.
The stout giant defended the price of a pint of draught Guinness and said that with an average price of £4.62 it was 16% lower than a world premium lager.
Parent brand Diageo said: “We have today informed our on-trade customers of a cost price increase (CPI) on Guinness draught products.
“Guinness is a high-quality beer that is a significant footfall generator for hospitality, and this CPI ensures we can sustain investment levels in, and continue to grow, the Guinness brand.”
Pubs have reported continuing limits on supply. A Diageo spokesperson added: “While demand for Guinness continues to grow, we have made progress in replenishing stock levels in Great Britain so that supply has returned to more normal levels.
“We will continue to manage supply responsibly so that consumers can look forward to enjoying high-quality pints through the spring and summer.”
However, it’s not all bad news for consumers as JD Wetherspoon has confirmed it has no plans to increase prices as a result of the rise.
A spokesperson said the average price of a pint of Guinness in around 670 of its pubs is £3.60, or £3.20 on a Monday when it’s included in a promotion.
Guinness has seen a surge in popularity in recent years and in January there were reports it could be sold off for as much as £8billion as Diageo eyes cashing in.
The pub industry is facing mounting pressures, including soaring energy bills, rising costs, and squeezed household budgets.
In April they will also be hit by upcoming hikes in employer National Insurance Contributions and the National Living Wage.
As costs increase the British Beer and Pub Association has warned that more pub closures could also be on the horizon.
The trade body estimates that the cumulative impact of the Autumn Budget will create an extra £650 million in costs for the sector.
Many pubs are also bracing for a planned reduction in the business rates discount for hospitality, leisure, and retail firms, which will drop from 75% to 40%.
Camra’s Corbett-Collins has also renewed calls for business rates reform alongside changes to help publicans stock more beers from independent brewers to support the industry.
Alcohol can be pricey if you’re planning a party or hosting an event but there are ways to cut costs.
It’s always important to drink responsibly, here, Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements share some tips on getting booze for the best price.
Stocking up can mean big savings on drinks, especially if you want to buy wine or fizz.
The big supermarkets regularly offer discounts of 25% when you buy six or more bottles of wine. The promotions typically run in the lead up to occasions such as Bank Holidays, Christmas and Easter.
If you know you are going to need booze later in the year, it can be worth acting when you see offers.
Before buying your preferred drink make sure you shop around to find the best price – you can use a comparison site such as pricerunner.com or trolley.co.uk.
Don’t forget that loyalty cards can unlock better savings so make sure you factor that in too.
If you like your plonk, wine clubs can also be a good way to save money and try new varieties. You’ll usually have to pay a membership fee in return for cheaper price so work out if you will be buying enough to make the one off cost worthwhile.
OTHER BEER NEWS
Brewers have also been impacted by escalating costs with many cutting product lines or reducing the strength of much-loved brews.
4 weeks agoLatest NewsComments Off on Footballer, 19, dies after drowning in his own stomach acid and ringing mum to say ‘I can’t do this anymore’
A 19-year-old footballer has died suddenly after suffering from a mystery illness for months.
Luca Manolache tragically called his mum in his final moments, and expressed concern that he may be dying to a nurse.
Jam PressLuca Manolache has tragically passed away aged 19[/caption]
The teenager’s cause of death was put down to drowning on his own stomach acid and a severe lung infection, according to the autopsy verdict.
Reports suggest he also suffered a ruptuered aorta, triggering an internal haemorrhage.
His mum, Ana Maria Manolache, and his dad Viorel, have been left utterly devastated over their son’s tragic passing.
The former FCSB – previously known as Steaua Bucharest – and Dinamo player was extremely dedicated to his football, and never liked to miss a single game.
On 28 February, he began feeling severely unwell whilst out with a family member, Ana’s godson, who called an ambulance.
Ana told local press that her son called her whilst she was in Bucharest, Romania, where she works.
As his condition worsened, in the brief phone call, Luca was fearful and said: “Mum, Mum, I can’t do it anymore”.
While Ana told press that he has asked a nurse on the scene: “Do you think I’m going to die?”.
IMAGO/sport pictures-Razvan PasaricaManolache used to play for FCSB[/caption]
Whilst in the ambulance, Luca began to complain that his vision disappeared, and that he couldn’t see anything.
Ana rushed to be with her son who was transported to the County Hospital in Târgoviște, Romania.
She unfortunately did not make it there in time, and Luca’s sister called her to tell her that he had passed away.
Doctors worked hard to save his life however his body began to negatively react with his stomach acid, causing him to drown.
Doctors told Ana that the circumstances of her son’s death were extremely rare.
Luca was a midfielder for Metaloglobus București, but hadn’t played a single match since August 2024.
He was forced to stop playing due to a series of incidents which saw him suffer from prolonged fatigue, dizziness and chills.
The team and his parents began noticing that he was struggling to get through even just half of a football match.
His football coach began to believe that he wasn’t preparing properly for his football games.
One match even resulted in an ambulance being called as Luca complained that his vision had become black, and that he felt weak.
He would have convulsions and a high temperature, but x-rays of his lungs and blood tests all came back normal.
A physical test showed that he could only run on a treadmill for 10 minutes, and after stopping he immediately started to shake and had a fever.
Jam PressManolache had been suffering from illness for months[/caption]
Doctors presumed that Luca must have a strong infection in the body, and so they administered him antibiotics, paracetamol and pain medication.
Luca took these tablets for a short time, and further repeated tests on his lungs, heart and gallbladder came back clear.
One medical episode saw him spend two weeks in hospital after being taken in as an emergency.
A doctor found that he had some peripheral blood vessels in his lungs however this was not seen as a serious issue.
He had injections and took some medication to prevent his blood from clotting, a treatment which he had for six months.
During this time, he was prohibited from exercise and his parents even took him to private clinics so he could be examined.
His death came suddenly, shocking his relatives but also his teammates who he played football with.
Metaloglobus București shared an emotional post on their Instagram just days ago in tribute to Luca, as reported by NeedToKnow.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened by this tragic loss,” they wrote.
“His love for football and his smile brought happiness on the field.
“The last appearance in the Metaloglobus shirt was on August 24, 2024, in the match against CS Afumati, playing 10 minutes from the reserve position.
“Following the game against CS Afumati, the player complained of fatigue during training, which led the technical staff to stop him from training and recommend thorough medical examinations.
“Rest in peace dear ‘Mano’.
“Sincere condolences to the grieving family, the entire Metaloglobus family is with you in these devastating moments.”
Jam PressTributes have poured in for the 19-year-old[/caption]
4 weeks agoLatest NewsComments Off on Ben Cohen & Kristina Rihanoff’s company debt rockets to £1MILLION as marriage crumbled amid money woes
STRICTLY’S Kristina Rihanoff and Ben Cohen were struggling with £1million debt as their 12-year romance crumbled around them.
Yesterday The Sun told how their marriage has ended and now the full extent of their financial difficulties can be revealed.
Kristina RihanoffKristina Rihanoff and Ben Cohen have struggled financially after launching their company[/caption]
sooyoga.comThe couple set up the company to combine their passions[/caption]
PA:Press AssociationThey have now split after 12 years together[/caption]
sooyoga.comKristina Rihanoff Ben Cohen Soo Yoga[/caption]
The issues started when the pair, who own a £1.75m house in Northamptonshire, went into business together, with Kristina also working as a dance instructor.
Kristina said the pair had “invested everything we’ve ever had” into their company Soo Yoga, after turning her passion for the exercise into a business.
However after the pandemic hit, they ran into serious trouble.
Their financial difficulties were made public in court last September, when Kristina was caught driving her £30,000 Audi without insurance.
Kristina sobbed as Ben took to the stand and admitted human error on his part meant Kristina had been driving without insurance – meaning she was facing a driving ban which would be financially devastating for her business as a dance instructor.
As Ben spoke to the court, he revealed the pair were fighting to save their relationship, admitting he was crippled with debts from their businesses, including their joint yoga venture.
Paperwork reveals that debts accrued by their companies now add up to £1million.
Their Soo Yoga Group ran up debts of £488,470 and another of their fitness firms – Yoga Wellbeing Limited – had debts of £63,000.
Their business Soo Greens Limited also racked up £54,000 of debts and fitness company Beyond Wellbeing was dissolved in 2022 with debts of £22,000.
Ben also quit as a company director of struggling web firm Silicon Networks in 2020 and the company is now in liquidation with debts of £275,000, including a £98,000 tax bill owed to HMRC.
Speaking in court last year, Ben became emotional as he spoke about the realities of the financial crisis they were facing.
He said: “I get up every day and I fight not to lose everything – to lose my cars and my house and my relationship. I’m so overdrawn.”
When asked about the strain it had put on their relationship, Ben said: “We’re still living together. We’re in it financially.
“We’re in business together so the problem is that we opened the business before Covid and we got the worst severities of it and in all honestly this is just another problem for me to deal with.
GettyKristina was spared a driving ban last year[/caption]
HandoutThe pair met and fell in love on Strictly[/caption]
“I’ve got credit cards that are overdrawn. I’m overdrawn in both accounts. We have got a business debt because of Covid. It’s just another problem.”
Following the court case, where Kristina was spared a driving ban due to “exceptional hardship”, the pair put their Northamptonshire home up for sale.
But rather than choosing to limp on, the pair have now split and are trying to move on with their lives.
“There is only so much one couple can take,” a friend explained.
“The financial problems Kristina and Ben were facing pushed them to the brink and it has been incredibly stressful for them.
“This was what properly broke them and ended the relationship.
“But their union hasn’t always been rosy and they have had an up-and-down relationship for many years.”
Strictly Curse - The Lowdown
STRICTLY Come Dancing's latest series has already been hit by rumours of a BBC show 'curse' - yet what is it?
A host of Strictly Come Dancing stars have been struck by the Strictly Curse during the past two decades.
This is where celebrities who may or may not be attached in the outside world become more than friends with their professional partners.
It has seen relationships crumble with dance floor romances and punishing rehearsal schedules to blame.
This includes the partnerships of Louise and Jamie Redknapp as well as Kevin Clifton and Karen Hauer.
Controversially, Judge Craig Revel Horwood once said of the curse: “I think of it as a blessing, to be honest. One person is married, the other one had a girlfriend but my point in this entire thing is: if you come on Strictly, sometimes you are in a relationship that is not working anyway.
“There has to be something wrong in your relationship before it all goes awry.”
Series one winner Brendan Cole left his fiancé, fellow Strictly professional Camilla Dallerup, during filming for the very first series in spring 2004.
Brendan was said to have fallen for his celebrity partner and inaugural winner Natasha Kaplinsky, although the duo didn’t confirm they were romantically involved.
