FiverrUK Community Event, London 2014

Standard

On November 5th I was invited to the FiverrUK Community Event in Central London at The Lucky Pig along with other UK and International Sellers. Sellers even flew over from Norway and Italy (Danilo!) – and many other far away places! The Fiverr Team flew in from Tel Aviv & NYC!

We left our home at 6.45am and arrived at 12.30pm. I’d visited London once before for a day visit but this time my boyfriend and I stayed in the Hallam Hotel. It was affordable and in a great location! (3 minutes walk from the venue!). Perfect. The cold shower wasn’t perfect but the night made up for that!

We did the usual touristy exploration of Oxford Street, bought some disney mugs, a coat and a bag and then got ready to go! I was a little nervous knowing I hadn’t met any of the people who were going to be there but it put me at ease knowing the sellers I know online were going to be there!

This is Gareth my support/boyfriend! 🙂 ^

We arrived at The Lucky Pig at 7.00pm and stood outside for five minutes where we met the famous top-rated seller OzzieUK aka Wayne and his partner and then in we went!

Inside was a free bar, which I didn’t want to believe until I saw it because i’ve never been out in London nor experienced a FREE bar. I assure you FREE means FREE – Wow! There were delightful cocktails and my favourite was the ‘ello Fiverr! A vodka cocktail which I totally regretted in the morning.

Gareth and I then got pulled over to the FiverrUK London board for some photos and there we met Liron the famous Social Media Fiverr Team member. Everyone then started appearing, Kymmypops & Lewis, Newbold3d & Sophie (she was a real star we partied all night!), Madmoo, Twistedweb123 & his fiancee, logo_business, mrexplainer & his lovely wife… the list goes on! We all had a great time taking photos in the Photo Booth most of the night!

Shiftypop & Gareth

Mrexplainer and his wife. I did some music for him a year or so ago! I also met liverpoolmusic who asked me for advice when he started Fiverr a year or so ago. It was great to see him there and to see him doing so well in the Fiverr marketplace!

Half way through the night three of the top-rated sellers did speeches. They were totally amazing. Those who attended that don’t sell on Fiverr i’m sure were rather tempted to sign up after hearing them talk about it. Well done OzzieUK, Kymmypops & Twistedweb123 you couldn’t have written better speeches.

OzzieUK, Shiftypop & Kymmypops.

The whole event has left me smiling to this day. Being in a room with people who do what I do was quite magical. Meeting those behind the website, especially Micha Kaufman the CEO & Co Founder of Fiverr.com was unbelievable.

Kymmypops, Lewis, Madmoo, Kashem, Shiftypop, Micha.

The efforts of the Fiverr Team really made me, and i’m sure other sellers, feel really appreciated. The pizza, the cocktail menu, the goody bag (t-shirt, portable phone charger and the posh little black notebook which i’m now recording what work I do in to keep track!) Samson & the photobooth, the printer that printed out FiverrUK image tweets, the conversations… everything!

Fiverr is an amazing community and one to be proud of. I used to find it quite difficult boasting about my job as a lot of people don’t really understand it. My sales are increasing every month making it even more stable as a full-time job which wouldn’t be happening without all the hard work of Fiverr’s growing reputation. I love my job and I love Fiverr and i’m going to continue to tell the world about it by wearing my Fiverr T-Shirt!


Car Parks

Further articles featuring Boston Vale on LondonTown.com

Plan the perfect year in London with our pick of the capital's best events in 2014. From January through to December, every month boasts an impressive line-up of entertainment. So, take a look at our guide and be sure not to miss a thing.

Curzon RichmondLondon > Entertainment > Cinemas3 Water Lane, Richmond, TW9 |
2.7 miles from Boston ValeThe most petite member of the Curzon family, the 144-seat Curzon Richmond is also the one whose roots extend the furthest back. Built on the ...More

WatermansLondon > Entertainment > Arts Centres40 High Street, Brentford, TW8 |
27 minutes from Boston ValeAn attractive multi-cultural, multi-purpose arts centre on the river in Brentford, Watermans is a real draw in this part of town. The 238-seat theatre shows a ...More

Syon ParkLondon > Attractions > Activities for KidsBrentford, Middlesex, TW8 |
25 minutes from Boston ValeThere have been gardens at Syon for over 500 years. They include herbaceous beds, a large lake, a rose garden with 100 different varieties of old-fashioned ...More

The Romance of RustLondon > Shopping > MotoringImpact Garage, Culmington Road, W13 |
23 minutes from Boston ValeNow this really is a labour of love – when Rolls Royce trained engineer Lance McCormack set up shop on his own back in 1991, he ...More

Osterley Park and HouseLondon > Leisure > Parks and GardensJersey Road, Isleworth, TW7 |
23 minutes from Boston ValeOriginally built in 1575, architect Robert Adam was later commissioned in 1761 to transform the original Tudor mansion built on this site into an elegant 18th-century ...More

Osterley Park and HouseLondon > Leisure > Parks and GardensJersey Road, Isleworth, Middlesex, TW7 |
23 minutes from Boston ValeThe magnificent Osterley House was originally built in 1576 before the renowned architect Robert Adam was commissioned two centuries later to transform the original Tudor mansion ...More

The GreyhoundLondon > Nightlife > Pubs82 Kew Green, Richmond, TW9 |
36 minutes from Boston ValeThe smallest of four pubs on Kew Green, The Greyhound closed down in 2009 amid fears for its future. Now back open and with its former ...More

Tea BoxLondon > Nightlife > Bars7 Paradise Road, TW9 |
2.7 miles from Boston ValeMostly the pick of London's traditional afternoon teas are found within the city's top hotels. But the Tea Box in Richmond's Paradise Road exists only to ...More

Vinoteca ChiswickLondon > Nightlife > Wine Bars18 Devonshire Road, W4 |
3.1 miles from Boston ValeVinoteca opens 7th October 2013. Vinoteca has been doing a fine job of serving fine wines in an informal setting since the company opened its first ...More

Where to have your meeting, conference, exhibition, private dining or training course near Boston Vale.

Osterley Park and HouseLondon > Business > Venue HireJersey Road, Isleworth, Middlesex, TW7 |
23 minutes from Boston ValeOriginally built in 1575, architect Robert Adam was later commissioned in 1761 to transform the original Tudor mansion built on this site into an elegant 18th-century ...More

Syon ParkLondon > Business > Venue HireBrentford, Middlesex, TW8 |
25 minutes from Boston ValeThere have been gardens at Syon for over 500 years. They include herbaceous beds, a large lake, a rose garden with 100 different varieties of old-fashioned ...More


Sorry if I'm sending this to you twice. So many people told me that they
didn't recieve it that I have decide to send it out again. Thank's for your
patience.

----------
From: Bill Beach <bill@beachheadmusic.com>
Date: Thu, 05 Apr 2001 16:37:05 -0700
To: Austin Pritchard <austinpritchard@earthlink.net>
Subject: FW: Jazz in April

----------
From: Bill Beach <bill@beachheadmusic.com>
Date: Mon, 02 Apr 2001 13:25:50 -0700
To: Bill Beach <bill@beachheadmusic.com>
Bcc: POVA, BRAVO, Bill's gigs, Bill's Gigs add
Subject: Jazz in April

Bill Beach, Jazz Piano, for the month of April.

Mondays:
2,9,16, w/ Ron Steen Trio at Produce Row Cafe, SE 2nd & Oak, 9:00pm to
midnight
23, private event
30, w/ Ron Steen Trio at Produce Row Cafe, SE 2nd & Oak, 9:00pm to midnight

Wednesdays:
4, 11, 18, 25, solo at Heathman Hotel, 6:00-10:00pm

Thursdays:
5,12,19,26, solo in London Grill at Benson Hotel, 5:30-9:30pm

Fridays:
06, Bill Beach Trio at Brasserie Montmartre, SW Park Ave, 8:30pm-12:30am
13, private event
20, solo in London Grill at Benson Hotel, 5:45-9:45pm
20, Bill Beach Quartet at Blue Note Lounge, SW 5th & Burnside, 10:00pm-1:00am
27, solo in London Grill at Benson Hotel, 5:45-9:45pm
27, w/ Bryant Allard Quintet at Blue Note Lounge, SW 5th & Burnside,
10:00pm-1:00am

Saturdays:
07, Bill Beach Trio at Brasserie Montmartre, SW Park Ave, 8:30pm-12:30am
14, private event
21, private event
28, w/ Phil Baker and Ron Steen at Marco Polo, Sw 5th Ave., 8:00-11:00pm

Sundays:
08, w/ Dan Shulte on bass at Brasserie Montmartre, SW Park Ave, 7:30pm-11:30pm
15, solo at Heathman Lodge, Vancouver, Easter Brunch, 10:00am
22, Bill Beach Trio in Mayfair room at Benson Hotel for public jazz event
w/other bands, noon

As always if you would like to be removed from this mailing list send an
Email with "remove" as subject or send reply with "remove" added at the top.
I appolgize for any inconvenience.

Bill Beach
503.234.5534


Éric Chavot

Éric Chavot (born 1967) is a French Michelin starred chef. He is working the head chef at the Bob Bob Cité and Bob Bob Ricard restaurants in London, as well as the consultant chef at the Royal Albert Hall's Coda restaurant. Born in Arcachon, Gironde, Chavot was trained at the Boucanier, then at the Patio.

In Britain
Chavot trained in France before moving to London to continue his culinary pursuits. He worked as sous chef under Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons in Great Milton, Oxfordshire; and then London's La Tante Claire and Harvey's. He then worked as Head Chef at Marco Pierre White's "The Restaurant", the Hyde Park Hotel and Chez Nico at Ninety, Park Lane, London. He then started his own restaurant Interlude de Chavot and later Chavot on the Fulham Road.

The Capital
Chavot was appointed Head Chef of The Capital Restaurant in August 1999, with the menu based around French cuisine-inspired dishes. His flavourful and creatively presented dishes earned him two Michelin stars. The Guardian's critic Jay Rayner judged:
Marco Pierre White describes Chavot as "The best in London without a doubt." In 2008, Chavot represented the United Kingdom at the 25th anniversary celebration of the International Academy of Gastronomy, held at the Hotel Le Bristol in Paris.

Selfridges and the Weston Family
Chavot left the Capital in 2009 and worked with French chef Pierre Koffman at a special Pop Up restaurant on Selfridges London. The Capital lost both its Michelin stars when he left. Chavot is an occasional columnist in The Observer, and as a guest chef on Saturday Kitchen with James Martin. He caused controversy when accidentally swearing on the programme broadcast on 23 May 2009.

After his stint at Selfridges he spent two seasons at the exclusive Weston estate in Florida troubleshooting their restaurants and implementing processes and methods for delivering his food to the residents.

Brasserie Chavot
At the start of 2013 the eponymous Brasserie Chavot in Conduit Street was launched, next to and part of the Westbury hotel. It received a Michelin star the following year, but closed in 2015.

References

External links
Brasserie Chavot official website

Category:French chefs
Category:French expatriates in the United Kingdom
Category:Head chefs of Michelin starred restaurants
Category:Living people
Category:People from Arcachon
Category:1967 births


Geoff Lewis

Geoff Lewis (born 21 December 1935) is a Welsh retired jockey who was born in Talgarth, Breconshire.

He moved to London with his family (he was one of thirteen children) in 1946. After initially working as a hotel page boy, he started his racing career as an apprentice with Ron Smyth, who was a trainer in Epsom. He will be best remembered as the jockey who won the 1,000 Guineas, 2,000 Guineas, Epsom Oaks (twice), Coronation Cup, and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Most watchers of the sport of horse racing would consider that his greatest moment came in 1971 when he rode Mill Reef to win The Derby. He was regarded as one of Europe's leading jockeys between 1953 and 1979.

Geoff Lewis retired as a jockey in 1979, after which he applied for a trainer's licence and began to train at Thirty Acre Barn, near Epsom racecourse. He trained almost 500 winners before his retirement to Spain in 1999. In 2014 he moved back to Cranleigh, to be near his daughter in Ewhurst.

Major wins
 Great Britain
1,000 Guineas Stakes - Mysterious (1973)
2,000 Guineas Stakes - Right Tack (1969)
Ascot Gold Cup - Random Shot (1971)
Champion Stakes - (2) - Silly Season (1965), Lorenzaccio (1970)
Coronation Cup - (2) - Lupe (1971), Mill Reef (1972)
Coronation Stakes - (2) - St Lucia (1958), Magic Flute (1971)
Epsom Derby - Mill Reef (1971)
Epsom Oaks - (2) - Altesse Royale (1971), Mysterious (1973)
Dewhurst Stakes - (2) - Silly Season (1964), Mill Reef (1970)
Eclipse Stakes - Mill Reef (1971)
Haydock Sprint Cup - Double Form (1979)
International Stakes - Moulton (1973)
July Cup - Secret Step (1963)
King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes - Mill Reef (1971)
Lockinge Stakes - (2) - Silly Season (1966), Welsh Pageant (1971)
Sun Chariot Stakes - Hill Circus (1971)
Sussex Stakes - Jimmy Reppin (1969)
Yorkshire Oaks - Mysterious (1973)

 France
Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe - Mill Reef (1971)
Prix Ganay - Mill Reef (1972)
Danish Derby - Eminent (1966)

References

Bibliography

External links
BBC bio

Category:People from Powys
Category:Welsh jockeys
Category:British horse trainers
Category:1935 births
Category:Living people


More Slideshows

What do
Buckingham Palace, the White House, and Sydney's downtown Swissôtel have in common?

Bees. And
lots of them.

From London to Hong Kong to France, companies
are entering the world of urban beekeeping by installing hives on roof decks, some
containing more than 100,000 insects. For the companies and beekeepers that
install and maintain the hives, it’s a chance to make their own honey, plus make
other products to sell or use, create a selling point and bolster an
environmentally-friendly reputation.

In London’s Piccadilly Circus area, department store Fortnum & Mason maintains live-stream cameras to document 24-hour bee activity around their four hives, which are outfitted with gilded roofs and copper finials. The store sells Fortnum’s Bees’ Honey for £10 ($13.25) a jar and also sells hive visitation tickets that include a champagne honey tasting for £35 ($46.40).

Businesses like Swissôtel in Sydney that don’t sell their honey or allow hive visitation say they still find value in bee keeping’s indirect benefits, both as a source of sweetener for their restaurants and as a conversation starter

Buchanan said beekeeping supports their brand’s commitment to environmental sustainability, a concern at the forefront of many businesses’ choice to install hives.

Some say this nascent effort by companies and organisations to keep bees atop their buildings provides a city-based solution to the problem of declining bee populations, but critics contend it puts more stress on bee populations that compete in cities for scarce food sources.

In Australia, honey is an AUD$80 million ($116 million) industry and the country is the 10th-largest exporter of the product. Apart from honey, bees make a significant contribution to agricultural plant pollination. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, about one third of plant products consumed by humans are pollinated by bees.

Honey-infused profits

Swissôtel’s hives have occupied a surreptitious northeast hotel corner on the tenth floor since November 2011. Buchanan said the hive contains 200,000 bees and produced 413 kilos (911 pounds) of honey in 18 months. Their chefs incorporate the yield into menu items like honey-infused goat cheese croquettes and guests can self-serve chunks of honeycomb at breakfast. Excess honey is given to the hotel’s apiarist Doug Purdie who sells it at retail stores and farmers markets — and keeps the profits. His margins, however, are slim due to the amount of work hours and costs involved in getting products ready for sale.

For most businesses, Purdie said, owning a hive is partly a passion project because it costs more to maintain than it does to purchase bulk wholesale honey, which sells for AUD $4 ($3.67) per kilo in Australia. “Bees are essential in our food chain and it’s nice to see businesses think beyond their bottom line,” Purdie said.

For AUD $150 ($137) per month, Swissôtel leases hives from Purdie who normally charges businesses an annual AUD $370 fee. This price increase allows Swissôtel to keep the majority of the honey Purdie harvests whereas his standard fee allots his clients a single bucket of honey. Purdie’s price also includes installation and maintenance on company grounds — his biggest expense is parking. So far he maintains 55 hives across 15 clients including Swissôtel.

Purdie began his beekeeping business, the Urban Beehive, in 2010 after he learned of the drastic drop in bee populations. Across the Middle East, Europe and the United States, cases of Colony Collapse Disorder (the sudden disappearance of bees from their hives) have increased exponentially since 2005. Experts point to parasitic viruses like Varroa mites and pesticides as a potential cause.

In April this year, the European Commission banned the use of the widely-used pesticide neonicotinoids for two years because of its potential association with bee deaths. Lack of bee pollination, the UN contends, can mean up to a 75% crop loss for farmers, leading to smaller harvests and higher food prices. But as the only Varroa-free country in the world, Purdie said, Australia’s urban beekeeping movement has been slow to catch on.

“People don't see a reason to look after bees here. But once the disease comes over they will be concerned, so it’s a chicken and egg thing,” Purdie said.

Too many urban hives?

Since New York City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Board lifted a decade-long city beekeeping ban in March of 2010, businesses, including the Waldorf-Astoria and the Times Square Intercontinental Hotel have gotten in on the buzz.London overturned a similar ban in 2010, which led to a flourish in urban apiaries, including installations at the Tate Modern, the London Stock Exchange and Buckingham Palace. The greater London area maintains an estimated 3,500 apiaries — that’s 10 hives per square kilometre — although that figure may be higher since only 75% of beekeepers register their hives.

But that explosion may come with a downside. London Beekeeping Association Secretary Angela Woods and others say there is not enough nectar and pollen from flowering plants to sustain booming bee populations in some cities. “If you want to save the tiger you don't buy one, you make sure it’s protected, healthy and has a good environment to thrive in,” said Woods, adding that planting for bees would be more sustainable and useful.

“We are not anti-urban beekeeping,” Woods said. “We want well-trained bee keepers and forage planting. You can do a lot for bees without actually having to keep them.”

Purdie continues to install hives at Sydney-based businesses and other venues. At marketing company Pollinate, Purdie was surprised when staff asked him to clean the windows by their hive; they were too afraid to go near it.

“Sometimes companies just need reassurance that they won't get stung,” Purdie said.

Sometimes companies just need reassurance that they won't get stung — Doug Purdie


Thursday, 5 July 2007

This will be the last blog I will file before heading off to New York for the second Internationl Thriller Writers convention, aka ThrillerFest. Of course, I'll be going with Ali "Snapper" Karim, and it's strange that we both hadn't been to the Big Apple for almost thirty years. I'm looking forward to meeting old friends and making new ones. I will be moderating a panel on the Saturday afternoon featuring Jeremiah Healy, Justin Scott, Don Bruns, Tina Wainscott and Rick Mofina on the subject of STRANGERS IN PARADISE: TOTING GUNS AND SUNBLOCK. Hmmm, and the UK has just had the worst weather for June since records started.

The film rights to John Burdett's BANGKOK 8 and his two subsequent police thrillers set in Bangkok, featuring Buddhist police detective Sonchai Jitpleecheep, in a new option to Millennium Films, with James McTeigue (V For Vendetta) directing. The books are published in the UK by Transworld.

Our old chum Simon Kernick has sold two new thrillers, the first featuring a kidnap-attempt gone badly wrong, to another of our old chums, Selina Walker at Transworld. By the time the new book comes out, he would be riding high on the success of the Richard and Judy Summer Read promotion. And he will be next year's Chairperson for the Theakston Old Peculiar Crime Festival to boot.

Michael Cordy's thriller THE SOURCE, about the surprise deciphering of the elusive Voynich manuscript at Yale's Beinecke Library by a young female professor, leading to the discovery of what seems to be a Garden of Eden deep in the jungles of Peru --and a fight between the Vatican and various scholars for possession of the secrets which the garden contains, has been picked up by Bantam UK.

The subject of book awards has always been a sore subject one for crime writers, many of whom have long nursed grudges against the bigger literary prizes. PD James and Ian Rankin have both complained that crime - not to mention other genre writing - is unfavourably overlooked in these matters. When he picked up his Nibby from Richard and Judy earlier this year, winning in the crime thriller category, Ian Rankin couldn't help but bring the issue up again. Look at the article and already the writer is alienating his audience in calling Rankin et al "crime writers". How would he categorise Salmun Rushdie or even Charles Dickens?

Guardian Bloghttp://blogs.guardian.co.uk/books/2007/07/we_should_pay_crime_writers_mo.htmlIt is especially poignant on the day of the Duncan Lawrie Crime Writers' Association Daggers.The winners will be revealed tonight (5 July) at a black tie dinner at the elegant Four Seasons Hotel on Park Lane in London. The event will begin with a drinks reception at 6:30pm, followed by dinner in the ballroom at 7:45pm. Guest of honour will be Bob Marshall-Andrews, QC, MP. The winners will be announced after the dinner. It should be on the wire from 2300hrs tonight. And we will carry our usual photo shoot report.

But going back to the argument, it's hard to say just who is to blame. Elitism by the readers, publishers focusing their attention on the genre much in the same way that the UK library system categorise their books? Who knows? Does it really matter? Obviously it does to some people.

A few years back when Henning Mankell's Sidetracked won the Gold Dagger (as it was in old money), it started a simliar argument over translated books. Many author's had their noses put out of joint and created such a hue and cry that now the CWA has a separate award for a book in translation aka The Duncan Lawrie International Dagger.


Heroine In Heels is a top 10 London lifestyle blog aimed at the modern day woman. Covering things to do in London, restaurant reviews, hotels as well as where to go in the world when you want to escape London

England v Ireland Rugby with Samsung

One thing you won't have seen on my blog before is sport. Not since high school hockey have I played anything with a decent commitment.

Now coming from Warrington, I should be a little clued up on my Rugby, which was just as well as on Saturday I headed to watch watch England v Ireland at Twickenham with Samsung.

However I was doing things a little more fancy than just watching the game from the stands.

As Samsung is the RFU’s Official Consumer Electronics & Smartphone Partner (e.g they provide the large screens and other tech) they were hosting a pre game lunch in their executive box with Jason Robinson- rugby legend.

The views of the pitch from the box are outstanding- the photo really doesn't do it justice. Plus it's nice to have space to roam around in.

Oh and a bar. A well stocked bar.

Before lunch I also got to play around with Samsung Virtual Reality head set, the Gear VR.

It's really quite strange as you really do feel like you are somewhere else. In this case in the middle of a rugby pitch. I got totally disorientated and ended up hitting a chair. Classic.

After schmoozing (and making use of the bar of course) it was time for lunch.

First though, Samsung had just debuted their new adverts featuring Jack Whitehall called the Samsung School of Rugby. I've put the video below as they are actually really funny. There are 4 in total but this one is my favourite.

After the little comedy show, it was down to the good stuff, the food.

I was never in any doubt the food was going to be good here, and it was. Smoked salmon is fast becoming a favourite of mine,

The main though was a good hearty piece of lamb which I think is rather appropriate for a rugby game. You need a solid cut of meat for watching sport.

Finally we had cheese and crackers (which is one of my other great loves) and to round it off a creamy chocolate mousse. Oh it was delightful.

After lunch, Jason gave us his thoughts on how the game was going to go. In short he said England should win. Positive thinking and all.

Then before we knew it, it was time for the main event.

England v Ireland.

Outside the box are seats for the match. As you can, we had a pretty good central view.

Rugby is actually a sport I can watch. It's action pact, and always something to keep you on your toes, unlike football where there sometimes can be a lot of passing and not much else.

With a box, you aren't limited to your seat, and if you wish to pop back in for a drink, then that's ok.

You can even watch it through the glass.

Within 14 minutes we were up, and soon were rising in points. Ireland made some good comebacks which got tense, but in the end we won with an amazing score of 21-13! Come on England!

After the game the celebrations started, and a few bottles were opened. Oh and more food arrived.

It would be wrong not to have a meat pie at a rugby game. Although this has to be the cutest I've ever seen!

Make sure you support England in the Rugby World Cup, after that game, I think we have a good chance this year.

Being a kid was amazing. Running around the park, swinging from trees, grazed knees and muddy hands. Then there were the birthday par...

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Laura

Hi, I'm Laura, a Cloud computing engineer, blogger by night, living the girl boss dream here in London. You'll find me either sipping on a cocktail in the latest London bar, chowing down on some amazing food or when I can, exploring the rest of the world... all in good heels of course!


Scottish pubs tied to large pub companies should get the same legal protections as their counterparts in England and Wales, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

Tied pub tenants are required to pay rent to and buy supplies of beer and other products from their big business owners. Many complain that they’re forced to pay substantially more than their non-tied, or free-house, competitors.

In England and Wales, a statutory pubs code and an independent adjudicator governs the relationship between tied tenants and large pub companies (Pubcos). FSB is therefore backing Neil Bibby MSP’s Holyrood member’s bill to give Scotland’s 500 tied pubs and their customers a fairer deal.

Andy Willox, the Federation of Small Businesses’ (FSB) Scottish policy convenor said: “Independent Scottish pubs showcase the best in food and drink that the country has to offer. But many are faced with punishing overheads and tough competition.

“Tenants of tied pubs can pay around two thirds more for a keg of beer. It is of little wonder, then, that three quarters of them say that they’re worse off as a consequence of the tie.

“South of the border, they’ve taken action to protect pubs – they called time on ineffective industry self-regulation and limited the Pubcos’ power. Scotland must introduce similar measures.”

A Pubs Code, and associated adjudicator, has been in place in England and Wales since last year. Its stated aim is to ensure that tied tenants are no worse off than if they were free of tie.

Craig MacLeod, landlord of tied pub The Innes Bar in Inverness, said: “It isn’t fair that I’m forced to pay over the odds for beer, as well as limit my selection. A new code could allow me to bring down prices, invest in the business and expand my stock.”

In a submission to the proposals, FSB highlights that such a move could also help Scottish microbreweries by making it easier for pubs to stock their products. In addition to a wider range of beers at the bar, the submission also argues that customers stand to benefit from more affordable prices.

Andy Willox said: “All Scottish small pubs should be free to support Scotland’s internationally renowned micro-brewing industry. A Scottish code could help to stimulate both choice and competition.”

3 October - Guoman Tower Hotel, Central London

CCRInteractive, in association with Marston Holdings, is the largest and leading one-day conference from the publishers of CCRMagazine – a truly national and international event for the credit industry.

This landmark event allows delegates to: Learn best practice of how to increase profitable sales in today’s economy. Understand the key compliance issues and how they will impact upon you. Discuss the legislative and regulatory framework and how it will effect you. Consider the potential effects of Brexit on your business. Discover the latest innovations in the market to improve your collections. Motivate your staff to achieve ever improved results.


You all know Roger Moore, 007? If you are too young to know what he looks like, he looks like me,’ said our small, squat, spectacularly un-debonair Thai tour guide, Captain Alex, with a deadpan face.

While not exactly shaken with laughter at his wry quips, everyone was stirred by the stunning scenery at Ko Khao Phing Kan, or James Bond Island, as this place is more famously known.

It became a must-see site due to its double-O heaven setting in The Man With The Golden Gun, when Moore’s Bond goes in search of Scaramanga, played with relish by Christopher Lee.

This speck in Phang Nga Bay, known as James Bond Island, is firmly on the tourist track as boatloads arrive to get their fix of the legendary spy

Deadly duel: Christopher Lee as Scaramanga and Roger Moore as 007 filmed The Man With The Golden Gun on Ko Khao Phing Kan

This was all heady stuff for a first-time visitor to Thailand, an exotic land that has also inspired on the big screen the sublime (The Beach) and the ridiculous (The Hangover, Part II).

Many writers, from Somerset Maugham to Graham Greene, have fallen for Thailand’s bars, silk, curry and hospitality. Its ancient history, temples, islands and beaches, as well as the gentle people of unrivalled grace, have made it endlessly enchanting.

A small bit of detective work led me to deduce that John le Carré found his original inspiration for The Night Manager – his recently televised thriller – in Thailand after staying at The Mandarin Oriental hotel in Bangkok, on the banks of the Chao Phraya river.

I discovered his fascination for the legendary hotelier Kurt Wachtveitl, famed for decades for arranging anything and everything with charm and discretion, just as we saw Tom Hiddleston’s character do in the BBC series.

More later about le Carré, a drunken night on champagne, and his eternal gratitude to the night manager.

But first back to James Bond Island. This speck in Phang Nga Bay is firmly on the tourist track as boatloads arrive to get their fix of the legendary spy.

Indeed, everyone else on our boat seemed to think they were wannabe secret agents, as the men stripped down to Daniel Craig-style swimming shorts and the women wore Bond-girl bikinis.

Calm: The Banyan Tree in Phuket is a tranquil base after a day spent in little towns with noisy bars and shops. Here smiling courtesy is second nature to its staff

Prime location: The Mandarin Oriental hotel in Bangkok is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya river

They also donned their best Bond-villain shades for selfies in front of the limestone outcrops. But then Thailand plays to everyone’s beach fantasy.

Captain Alex’s tour included kayaking into sea caves, shopping for silk, and then a lunch of fresh grilled fish, before driving back to the Banyan Tree Hotel in Phuket, where smiling courtesy is second nature to its staff. It is a tranquil base after a day spent in little towns with noisy bars and shops.

Phuket became a favourite destination of backpackers in the 1960s and 1970s thanks to its sleepy beauty and sensational beaches, and the luxury hotel chains soon discovered its appeal too.

Many of the villas in the Banyan have a private pool, and there’s a complimentary spa treatment every day in your garden overlooking the lagoon. Bicycles make it easy to get to and from the main lobby and its zen-like spa.

The starting point for my trip before heading to Phuket was Bangkok and the splendid Mandarin Oriental Hotel, which for decades has been the grand meeting point of kings and queens, rock stars and writers, who have made it their essential stopover.

It is oddly relaxed and ungrand, but leave so much as half an apple in your room and it will be replaced within the hour.

Some simple sleuthing persuaded Frank that le Carré first came across his inspiration for The Night Manager in Bangkok's Mandarin Oriental hotel. Pictured here are cast members Tom Hollander, Olivia Colman, Elizabeth Debicki, Tom Hiddleston and Hugh Laurie

As well as supreme service, there is nothing the staff haven’t seen, from Billy Idol smashing up his suite to Somerset Maugham fighting off a bout of malaria.

Some simple sleuthing persuaded me that le Carré first came across his inspiration for The Night Manager here. The clues were staring me in the face in the le Carré suite on the tenth floor.

A typed letter from the author is framed on the wall. He thanks the hotel manager for the incredible care and hospitality, having arrived ‘tired, dusty and unannounced’ after a ‘swing through divided Laos’ while researching his novel, The Honourable Schoolboy.

He recounts how he met up with a friend in the hotel and drank copious amounts of champagne, which annoyed a journalist from ‘a lofty London paper’ who was also staying there.

‘I fear we may not have seemed as funny to him as we did to one another.

Effortless charm: Kurt Wachtveitl is a legendary hotelier at The Mandarin Oriental hotel who is famed for decades for arranging anything and everything with charm and discretion, just as we saw Tom Hiddleston’s character do in the BBC series

A year later, when The Honourable Schoolboy finally appeared, the same correspondent took time off from his political musing to give it a perfectly dreadful review.

How sobering to reflect the Mandarin Oriental can dispense correction to the overbearing as well as champagne to the thirsty.’

The fact that le Carré bothered to send such a letter to the manager indicates his fascination at how Wachtveitl looked after him and the dozens of others guests, all seemingly effortlessly.

Incidentally, the room opposite le Carré’s is the Barbara Cartland suite, for those who are more inclined to soft romance than spy thriller.

Just outside the hotel, Bangkok shows all its buzz and brashness, with street food, shopping (incredible silver), mai tai cocktails at sunset at bars both grand and grubby.

There has always a sense of being about to enter the land of all possibilities, be it The Beach, Bridge On The River Kwai, or Bond.

Just remember not to turn it into The Hangover…


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I told my friends about what happened to me in London, especially when I was with a Rochester escort. They were very excited to visit the place if they ever had the chance. I told them how beautiful the streets of Rochester, and how good the people lived there. I also said them how gorgeous the Rochester escorts are. I even saved some money now to visit London once again, and I cannot wait to book myself again a Rochester escort from https://charlotteaction.org/rochester-escorts.

For me, having a lone trip somewhere else is a good habit. It will give you peace of mind, and it can also restore your inner thoughts. Going to a different place will change how you see life because you will surely meet a lot of different people with different views and perspective in life. Some even said that there is a study about it, that the more the person goes to a different place the more he gains a positive point of view. The trip I had in London indeed changed my life. I felt like I was just born yesterday, and I have so much to explore!


Are you planning your flight from Hong Kong to London?
Here you will find the best offers for flights to London from Hong Kong.

In addition to that, we propose also a selection of the best hotels in London, categorized by their star ratings, and the best car hire deals, just in case you would like to enjoy your vacation with a lot of autonomy.


I INFORMALLY SOUNDED PAUL OUT, AND HE EXPRESSED AN INTEREST IF THE DATES WORK.
Possible letter to Paul Joskow from Ken Lay
Dear Paul:
As you may have heard, Enron has an advisory committee consisting of
leaders in the academic and business communities (list attached). This
committee meets twice each year, along with invited speakers on subjects of
interest to Enron. Top executives of our company do their best to attend.
Starting on the afternoon of October 30, and concluding late in the day
on October 31, we will be meeting in London. I was most impressed with your
presentation at the Aspen Institute energy forum, and am hoping that you
might consider joining our meeting to discuss "Where do we go from here: how
to preserve the momentum of deregulation after California."
We would be delighted to cover business class travel costs and all other
expenses incident to your trip to London, including hotel costs should you
choose to extend your stay for several days. In addition, there would be an
honorarium of $XXXXXX.
Do try to join us: you will find the other speakers interesting, and
London a delightful place in which to spend a bit of time. And we would
benefit enormously from your participation.
Sincerely,


Image caption Ninety-six Liverpool fans lost their lives as a result of the Hillsborough disaster in 1989

Fresh inquests into the deaths of the 96 Hillsborough victims will be held in the North West of England, a coroner has confirmed.

Lord Justice Goldring said a search had now started "to locate suitable premises" in the region.

New inquests were ordered in December when the High Court quashed the original accidental death verdicts.

Last week, Lord Justice Goldring confirmed the inquests will take place in early 2014.

Barry Devonside, from the Hillsborough Justice Campaign (HJC), said: "It was the best decision we could have hoped for [as] the witnesses are in the north."

The Liverpool fans died following a crush during the 1989 FA Cup semi-final match at Hillsborough stadium, in Sheffield.

'Clear directions'

Lawyers for the Hillsborough Family Support Group (HFSG) had argued for the inquests to be held in London, while those for the smaller HJC asked for it to take place in the North West, but outside Liverpool or Manchester.

Margaret Aspinall, HFSG chairwoman, said: "To be honest, I personally don't mind where it is held.

"I'm quite happy wherever it is held as long as everything goes accordingly and we get the right verdicts on the death certificates."

Within the ruling, the coroner said he had "no doubt that a location can be found in the North West without the risk of actual or perceived prejudice".

Lord Justice Goldring said: "If there is a jury, those of us with experience of them know perfectly well that with proper and clear directions they soon put behind them anything they may have read or thought and concentrate on the evidence before them".

He added: "The hearing is bound, it seems to me, to take several months. If it is held in London, those who wish to follow it in person will be away from home and living in hotels for a very long time.

"It is plainly not a practicable solution for someone to commute from Liverpool or the North West on a daily basis."


Cumberland hotel

Cumberland hotel

Cumberland hotel

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Thank you, !

Coulsdon Manor Hotel & Golf Club
is rated 4.3out of 5 based on
3
verified reviews
from YGT customers.

The parkland course at Coulsdon Manor is a superb resort layout, with many challenging holes, but is also very manageable for all standards of visiting golfer. As it wraps itself around the hotel, the golf course allows for superb views of the estate.

Coulsdon Manor Hotel & Golf Club

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Coulsdon Manor Golf Club

The layout was originally conceived by Harry S. Colt, whose trademark is best seen at the revered Sunningdale Golf Club, and was inaugurated in the late 1930s. Coulsdon Manor remains in good condition throughout the year, making it a great choice for your next golf break.

The downhill par-3 sixth is the best hole at Cousldon Manor, a testing iron shot played from an elevated tee.

Accommodation

Set in 140 acres of stunning Surrey countryside, the Coulsdon Manor hotel is a picturesque manor house that has now been tastefully converted and restored to provide excellent hospitality in a fine, traditional setting.

The 35 bedrooms have been fitted with all the contemporary amenities that are required of a good modern hotel, but the traditional character and atmosphere has been sympathetically retained. In the surrounding estate, visitors will be impressed with the array of mature woodland that plays host to an abundance of wildlife.

The proximity to London's city centre, in addition to the comprehensive conference facilities, makes this a great corporate venue. With superb golf, dining and leisure options, Coulsdon Manor has the complete package for your next weekend away.

Features

Golf Buggies

Tuition

Conference Facilities

Wireless Internet

TV

Golfer reviews

Rich

Very good value for money

We had a great weekends golf at Coulsdon Manor. Very blustery conditions on Saturday led to some poor scores and the rain on the last few holes hurried us back into the 19th. The hotel itself was an impressive building and the rooms were clean and well presented. Thanks for your help in organising.

Oliver

Can't beat it for the price
May 2015

For the money it is very hard not to be impressed with this place. We've been on a lot of golf breaks in the past and this was really good. We stayed on a Sunday so the course wasn't busy on the afternoon when we arrived and managed a pretty free run round in the Monday morning. The course isn't long but there are plenty of opportunities to mess up your score. Nice and easy to get to off the M25 or if coming from London, staff were welcoming and service was good.

Tommy

Good golf hotel
May 2015

Really enjoyed our stay at Coulsdon, the staff were accommodating, the hotel was nice and the golf course was enjoyable. We thought the break was great value for money and will be coming back.


Axminster

Axminster is a market town and civil parish on the eastern border of the county of Devon in England, some  from the county town of Exeter. The town is built on a hill overlooking the River Axe which heads towards the English Channel at Axmouth, and is in the East Devon local government district.  At the 2001 census, it had a population of 5,626, increasing to 5,761 at the 2011 census. The town contains two electoral wards (town and rural) the total sum of both wards being a population of 7,110. The market is still held every Thursday.

Axminster gave its name to a type of carpet. An Axminster-type power loom is capable of weaving high quality carpets with many varying colours and patterns. While Axminster carpets are made in the town by Axminster Carpets Ltd, this type of carpet is now manufactured all over the world.

History

The town dates back to the Celtic times of around 300 BC. It lies on two major Roman roads: the Fosse Way from Lincoln to Seaton, and the Dorchester to Exeter road. There was a Roman fort on the crossroads at Woodbury Farm, just south of the present town. Axminster appears on the Peutinger Map, one of only 15 British towns on that Roman era map.

Axminster was recorded in the late 9th century as  and in the Domesday Book of 1086 as . The name means "monastery or large church by the River Axe" and is a mixture of languages; the river name Axe has Celtic origins and  is an Old English word.

The history of the town is very much linked to the carpet industry, started by Thomas Whitty at Court House near the church in 1755. The completion of the early hand tufted carpets was marked by a peal of bells from the parish church as it took a great amount of time and labour to complete them. Axminster carpets continue to this day providing carpets for Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and other royalty-owned addresses.

In 1210, a charter was granted to the town that included the right to hold a weekly cattle market which took place in the market square until it was moved to Trinity Square in 1834. It then moved in October 1912 to a site off South Street where it was held for 94 years. It finally closed in 2006 in the aftermath of the 2001 United Kingdom foot-and-mouth outbreak. A building on the site then continued to be used for a general auction until all the buildings were demolished and replaced by a housing development.

The town was on the coaching route from London to Exeter. In 1760 a coaching inn named The George Hotel was opened on the corner of Lyme Street and Chard Street on the site of an old inn called the Cross Keys that was destroyed by fire in 1759. Over 16 coaches a day would stop at the hotel in its heyday for refreshments and to change horses, the building is now currently under refurbishment. Axminster was on the route of The Trafalgar Way which is the name given to the historic route used to carry dispatches with the news of the Battle of Trafalgar overland from Falmouth, Cornwall, to the Admiralty in London in 1805 and there is a plaque commemorating this fact in the town centre.

Part of the parish of Axminster had historically been an exclave of Dorset until the Counties (Detached Parts) Act 1844, when it was fully incorporated into Devon.

Axminster railway station was opened on 19 July 1860, with the London and South Western Railway (LSWR) offering direct services between Queen Street station in Exeter and Yeovil.  The station building was designed by the LSWR's architect Sir William Tite in mock gothic style. In 1903, the branch line from Axminster to Lyme Regis was opened. This branch line was closed with the Beeching cuts, in the 1960s. One engine has been preserved on the Bluebell Line, in Sussex, while the station was dismantled and reconstructed at New Alresford, on the Watercress Line, in Hampshire.

Axminster is the southern starting point of the Taunton Stop Line, a World War II defensive line consisting of pillboxes and anti-tank obstacles, which runs north to the Somerset coast near Highbridge.

Nearby Kilmington was used as a location for the 1998 LWT adaptation of Tess of the d'Urbervilles. The celebrity chef and TV presenter Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall has his River Cottage H.Q. at a  farm in the Axe valley. He has since purchased an old inn that once provided the ballroom of the town, now converted to an organic produce shop/market and canteen.

Geography
The hamlet of Abbey Gate lies to the south of the town near the A35 and A358 intersection.

Other villages within  of Axminster include Chardstock, Colyford, Combpyne, Dalwood, Hawkchurch, Kilmington, Membury, Musbury, Raymond's Hill, Rousdon, Shute, Smallridge, Tytherleigh, Uplyme and Whitford.

Landmarks
 Axminster Museum
 Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
 East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
 East Devon Way
 Forde Abbey
 Jurassic Coast
 Lambert's Castle
 Loughwood Meeting House
 Musbury Castle
 Shute Barton

Amenities

The town has Cloakham Lawns, the Axe Valley Sports Centre and Flamingo Swimming Pool, a library, several churches and a museum of local history. Shops include three supermarkets, a small department store, Trinity House, and several independent retailers. The Guildhall is a theatre with meeting rooms that hosts many events and clubs such as Axminster Drama Club and Axminster Operatic Society. The town is also home to a small, local hospital.

Education
 Axe Valley Academy
 Axminster Community Primary School
 St. Mary's Primary School
 All Saints Community Primary School

Transport

Road
Axminster is at the crossroads of the A358, which links with the A303 at Ilminster, and the A35 from Southampton to Honiton, which has been diverted by a bypass to the south of the town.

Rail
Axminster railway station is on the West of England Main Line that runs from Exeter via Salisbury to London Waterloo.

Twin towns
 Douvres-la-Délivrande, France

Historic estates
Weycroft, Axminster

Notable people
Steve Benbow, folk musician
William Buckland, geologist and palaeontologist

See also
Taunton Stop Line

Notes

References
 Mee, A. The King's England: Devon (Hodder and Stoughton, 1965); pp. 25–26.
 Mills, A. D. Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford University Press. .

External links

 Devon Local Studies – Axminster community page

Category:Towns in Devon
Category:Market towns in Devon
Category:British rugs and carpets
Category:East Devon District


BBC staff spent more than £300,000 sitting very comfortably on first class train seats last year, despite a ban on luxury travel.

BBC have money to waste as staff spend thousands on first class travel

The £332,694 of licence-fee-payers cash for 4,464 journeys was part of a total of £5,488,423 spent on rail fares alone in the 12 months to April, up £140,000 on 2013-14. One ticket, a standard return from London to Manchester, cost £325.

The bill has caused a public spending watchdog to ask if this was appropriate use of the licence fee. John O’Connell, director of the Taxpayers’ Alliance, said: “The BBC is a national organisation so some travel is inevitable, but the amount spent on first-class tickets, in particular, will leave licence fee payers nothing short of furious.

“The licence fee takes a big chunk out of family budgets and that money needs to be treated with more respect.

The BBC needs to revisit its policy for train bookings for both guests and staff, with first class used sparingly if at all, and if these costs don’t fall significantly staff need to be held accountable.”

First class rail travel is not permitted, except where it is the cheapest available ticket ... as such they are only a small proportion of our business travel

A spokesman for the BBC

The organisation’s controversial Media City in Salford, near Manchester, has been criticised for increasing travel and hotel bills.

The most expensive train ticket booked for a member of staff was an Anytime Return between London Euston and the Salford Metrolink station. One staffer spent £352.28 per night on a hotel in Barcelona when the Mobile World Congress conference was hosted in Spain.

A spokesman denied it was technology correspondent Rory Cellan-Jones. The organisation has spent £44.5million on hotels for guests and staff over the past five years.

It receives more than £3.7billion each year from the licence fee, which costs each household £145. Andrew Allison, head of campaigns at The Freedom Association which is calling to Axe The TV Tax, said: “Although the BBC pleads poverty, which is why it is threatening to remove BBC3 from our television screens, once again we see that with a guaranteed multi-billion-pound income, it still has enough of our money to burn.

“It should be spending every pound of licence fee payers’ money wisely but instead, the top brass are more interested in their perks. As Charter renewal approaches, there is still plenty of fat to trim.”

A spokesman for the BBC said: “First class rail travel is not permitted, except where it is the cheapest available ticket ... as such they are only a small proportion of our business travel.

“As the world’s biggest public service broadcaster, of course our journalists, programme makers and leaders need to travel which can often be at short notice, and value for money is a priority."


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An amble around London and the Cotswolds

Classic itinerary day-by-day

Tap on each day’s photo to view your hotel’s website.

1. Day one

London

Arrive in London and check into your hotel located in the centre of this great metropolis. The next three days are yours to explore London in the way you choose. We will provide you with our suggestions for seeing the best of what's traditional, discovering what's less known but inspirational and rubbing shoulders with the locals whilst enjoying real London.

2. Day two

London

Enjoy London.

3. Day three

London

Enjoy London.

4. Day four

London to Bourton on Water

Today you head into the glorious Cotwolds with a train ride to Kingham. Mid morning our host we will meet you at the station there, brief you on the itinerary and transfer your luggage. Then you are off to walk some of the Oxfordshire Way as it threads through woodland and fields past tiny hamlets. Gawp at the marvellous view as you look over the Windrush valley before dropping down into Bourton on Water, where the river flows through the heart of the village. Sometimes described as the Venice of the Cotswolds, the village has your overnight stop located at its centre.

7 miles (11 km)

5. Day five

Bourton on Water to Winchcombe

This is an idyllic day of walking as you follow the Windrush Valley this morning and discover yet more classic Cotswold villages. The footpath leads through sheltered woods before you take a very pretty descent down the Cotswold scarp with amazing views. Stop at Sudeley Castle if you wish, where many Royal tales can be told before relaxing in Winchcombe - an unspoilt small Cotswold town.

12 miles (20 km)

6. Day six

Winchcombe to Broadway

Walking for much of the time below the scarp face of the Cotswolds, this is a gentle day - a lowland treasure of long views and tiny villages, of superb specimen trees and individual buildings that make you pause and wonder. There's splendour, peace and finally the bustle of Broadway where you will spend the night.

10 miles (16 km)

7. Day seven

Stratford on Avon

This morning we will transfer you the short distance to Stratford where you will find your overnight stay in the heart of the riverside town. From here you can explore Shakespeare's world by visiting his family's 5 houses (entrances included), discovering the town where he grew up and enjoying one of his plays at The Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

8. Day eight

Return to London

Depart at your leisure.

Luxury itinerary day-by-day

1. Day one

London

Arrive in London and check into your hotel located in the centre of this great metropolis. The next three days are yours to explore London in the way you choose. We will provide you with our suggestions for seeing the best of what's traditional, discovering what's less known but inspirational and rubbing shoulders with the locals whilst enjoying real London.

2. Day two

London

Enjoy London.

3. Day three

London

Enjoy London.

4. Day four

London to Lower Slaughter

Today you head into the glorious Cotwolds with a train ride to Kingham. Mid morning our host we will meet you at the station there, brief you on the itinerary and transfer your luggage. Then you are off to walk some of the Oxfordshire Way as it threads through woodland and fields past tiny hamlets. Gawp at the marvellous view as you look over the Windrush valley before dropping down into Bourton on Water, where the river flows through the heart of the village which is sometimes described as the Venice of the Cotswolds. We will meet you here and transfer you the short distance to Lower Slaughter for your overnight stay

7 miles (11 km)

5. Day five

Bourton on Water to Winchcombe

We transfer you after breakfast back to Bourton for an idyllic day of walking as you follow the Windrush Valley this morning and discover yet more classic Cotswold villages. The footpath leads through sheltered woods before you take a very pretty descent down the Cotswold scarp with amazing views. Stop at Sudeley Castle if you wish, where many Royal tales can be told before relaxing in Winchcombe - an unspoilt small Cotswold town.

12 miles (20 km)

6. Day six

Winchcombe to Broadway

Walking for much of the time below the scarp face of the Cotswolds, this is a gentle day - a lowland treasure of long views and tiny villages, of superb specimen trees and individual buildings that make you pause and wonder. There's splendour, peace and finally the bustle of Broadway where you will spend the night.

10 miles (16 km)

7. Day seven

Stratford on Avon

This morning we will transfer you the short distance to Stratford where you will find your overnight stay in the heart of the riverside town From here you can explore Shakespeare's world by visiting his family's 5 houses (entrances included), discovering the town where he grew up and enjoying one of his plays at The Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

8. Day eight

Return to London

Depart at your leisure.

take a very pretty descent down the Cotswold scarp with amazing views…


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Full Profile Emerald Age: 25 Bust Size: 34D Nationality: Eastern European Full Profile London Escort Girls Our agency has built its reputation on delivering what it promises, and we don’t make promises that we can’t keep. This is essential in order to maintain the standards we have set in the escort industry. We take commitment to our clients very seriously, and this is why you can be sure all the girls we choose to work with will try their utmost to realise your expectations. When it comes to entertaining and making you comfortable, our girls are very experienced and happy to help. Many of them are experienced in massage too, so relaxing in the company of one of our girls can have a very personal touch, offering you the ultimate satisfaction. Many of our escorts are genuine glamour and/or fashion models, and all of them are beautiful beyond belief; this much is very clear. Most are remarkably well educated too, with a keen interest in English and other cultures. Each one is unique and refreshing, with very individual characteristics. The girls all speak English of course (although admittedly not always very well), and some speak several other languages including: Russian, Polish, Italian, Spanish, Lithuanian, Latvian and Portuguese. Those girls who are not fluent in English have excellent conversational skills however and are very keen to expand their knowledge. Escort Locations Our incall Escort services are all located in and around central London, mostly close to the tube stations, in areas that include: Baker Street, Bayswater, Earls Court, Kensington, Mayfair and Knightsbridge, so that you can be at one of our girls' luxury apartments in no time at all. However, at Babylon Girls we also pride ourselves on being able to accommodate your needs, no matter where you are. Our girls can visit your residence, hotel, or apartment, or sometimes even travel outside of London as a travel companion (contact us with any queries in this area) Putting escort hobbyists first We have taken a lot of time to get to know our clients, and we are proud to say that during our extensive time in the escort business, we have developed a much better understanding of your desires and preferences, and of course some of the frustrations you face when choosing an escort from an agency. We like to think that we have a good relationship with our regular clients and we look forward to building many new ones in the future. We appreciate every one of our bookings, whether they’re for an hour, or all night long. And we try our very best to help as much as we can during the booking process. It’s not easy having to choose from such a vast number of girls, that are changing all the time, we realise. We do all we can to accurately represent them based on the resources we have available to us; even when it does become difficult to differentiate between them! Booking an Escort at Babylon Girls Call or message our friendly and discreet receptionists anytime 07919077777 - 24/7 - and it will be our pleasure to arrange a booking at your convenience. Our receptionists are incredibly experienced and have been with us for a long time. They are professional and discreet, and with the exception of your booking confirmation message, or answers to any of your questions), they will not contact you at any other time. They are very happy to offer you recommendations based on your previous booking pattern too, they like to help us build lasting relationships with our clients. Please also remember that we are happy to discuss your requirements concerning a variety of specifications, including attire, or any fantasy roleplay etc that you may be interested in. If you're unsure, we are also happy to help you make your selection. We know most of the girls very well, and we are very capable of making a recommendation based on your preferences. We like to work with our clients to ensure their experience is everything they dream it can be. Call reservations on : 07919077777 - book by the hour or longer - incall or outcall 24/7.

WARNING: Adult content: This website contains adult content, including images that some may find offensive. You must be aged 18 years or above to view any page on this website and ensure that it’s legal to view pages of an adult nature wherever you are attempting to access the site. Disclaimer: Babylon Girls is an escort agency that offers companionship services only. This means that we act in a strictly advertising and marketing capacity, to promote and facilitate meetings between clients and escorts for predetermined periods of time. Babylon Girls accepts no responsibility beyond this service. Any activity that may or may not take place during or following a meeting, is a matter of agreement between the consenting adults involved, namely: the client(s) and the escort(s). Babylon Girls refuses to represent any escort under the age of 18, and we never accept bookings from anyone below this age. All escorts on the website freely choose to be represented by Babylon Girls, they operate independently, choose their own hours and days of work and are responsible for the payment of their own taxes and national insurance contributions. If you don’t accept the above conditions, please click here to leave the web site. Covid-19 Update: Babylon Girls accepts no responsibility for escorts who do not adhere to government guidelines regarding Corona Virus (or Covid-19). Clients book escorts at their own risk. See our FAQs for more information.

Advance Bookings

Booking your escorts in advance is very convenient, and often necessary when they’re so very popular. Here at Babylon, we are happy to take advance bookings through the website booking form, or alternatively you can send us an email or call at your convenience. Our receptionists will work hard to get in touch with the girl you choose and arrange it for you. You may be required to call or message us on the day of your booking however, just to confirm that it’s still on. We’re sure you understand that your chosen girl would like to make other arrangements if you no longer wish to see her.

This is not without its problems of course, and whilst we don’t mind making the booking for you and sending frequent reminders to your chosen girl, there are those rare occurrences when something goes wrong and a girl becomes no longer available. We do our utmost to put you first, but whilst we realise just how incredibly frustrating this is, it’s not something we have control over. You must appreciate that we are dealing with young women, who are often very busy, and in some cases struggle with communication.

There is one more obstacle that presents itself from time to time with advance bookings. It’s not always possible to book more than a week in advance. This is because many of the beautiful girls we have from Russia and Europe only tour in London for short periods of time, and we are not always aware when they are going to leave. Again, it’s not something we can control, so we apologise for any frustrations this may present you with, but it’s out of our hands. We will always do our very best to make your booking, but some things are just impossible. We would much rather be honest with you than make promises we can’t keep!

Escort Services

Whilst we are on the subject of promises, we would like to take a moment to draw your attention to our FAQ page, where you will find more in-depth information regarding our policy on escort services. This is not something we wish to go into any great details about here, and we absolutely refuse to make any promises to our clients when we can’t possibly verify what happens between escorts and their clients.


Saakashvili charged with embezzlement of security force money

Saakashvili charged with embezzlement of security force money

USD 4,600 spent on two tailor made suits is one of the expenses former President Saakashvili must answer for. (Photo published by the president.)

TBILISI, DFWatch–Prosecutors in Georgia have brought further charges against former President Mikheil Saakashvili about embezzlement of public money.

The case describes embezzlement of about 8.8 million lari (USD 5.2 million) meant to be used for the protection service SSPS, but instead spent on luxury hotels, clothes and expensive cars.

Former SSPS head Temur Janashia is also charged.

In a statement published on Wednesday, the Prosecutor’s Office wrote that the money was spent from September 2009 to February 2013 based on an agreement between the ex-president and the former SSPS head as well as decrees issued by the president.

Some of it was used on vacations for Saakashvili and his friends and relatives, some on luxurious car services, luxurious hotels and items, including money paid for Saakashvili’s clothes, for him hiring a foreign chef who required expenses to live in Georgia and get paid, for Saakashvili’s hairdresser and even GEL 15 989 (USD 9,300) which were paid for a painting by Meredith Ostrom, the breast painter, in London.

The list is quite lengthy and includes money paid for hiring a bicycle for him abroad about USD 20 500, GEL 503 383 were paid for renting an airliner for Mikheil Saakashvili; GEL 58 876 were paid for renting Porsche, Mercedes and Audi brand vehicles for Mikheil Saakashvili and Giorgi Ugulava in Austria; GEL 45 214 were paid for renting limousine and minivan during Saakashvili’s visit to Verona, Italy; GEL 33 204 were paid for renting a helicopter in Peru; GEL 35 350 were paid for renting bicycles for Mikheil Saakashvili in various foreign states; GEL 25 237 was paid for renting yacht in the City of Pisa, Italy; GEL 49 499 were paid for seven jackets and one sport cashmere coat purchased for Saakashvili in Great Britain; GEL 7 994,84 were paid for two tailor made suits; GEL 53 283 were paid for ten wristwatches purchased in the USA, England and Georgia; GEL 15 989 were paid for the painting of Meredith Ostrom, the breast painter, in London; hotel, vehicle, food expenses and the air tickets costs for Saakashvili, Davit Bakradze and Levan Varshalomidze in Phuket Thailand, for two days amounted to GEL 127 858. Read the complete list here: http://pog.gov.ge/eng/news?info_id=528

In order to prevent these documents from becoming public, Saakashvili made a decision in April 2009 to classify expenses for his own purposes as top secret.

Two days ago, the Prosecutor’s Office and the president’s administration had a disagreement over whether these documents should be made public. The Prosecutor’s Office published letters written to President Giorgi Margvelashvili asking to make them public, after which the president’s administration complained that publishing the letters was a violation of law as they must remain secret. In the end, it was decided to declassify the documents and people learned about their content.

The investigation is launched pursuant to article 182, passage 3, of the Criminal Code, which foresees a punishment of from seven to eleven years in prison.

Members of Saakashvili’s party continue to claim that the charges are a form of political harassment despite the fact that there was frequently talk about Saakashvili’s personal expenses during his presidency.

Saakashvili, who is not in Georgia, currently faces three charges: for the violent dispersal of anti-government demonstrations on November 7, 2007, and breaking into the office of Imedi TV, for the beating of former parlamentarian Valeri Gelashvili and one week after the first charges, the Prosecutor’s Office introduced charges of embezzlement.

National Movement members DF Watch talked to chose not to talk about the embezzlement charge itself, but focused instead on the content of the spending, which they don’t think there is anything suspicious about. They say these kind of expenses are normal for any president and therefore Saakashvili can’t have broken the law.

Goka Gabashvili told DF Watch that any president can use the services of a masseuse, a dentist, buy clothes and hold parties. He says the government is being ridiculous by making such charges.

He is also sure that the current government is having the same type of expenses and suggests looking at the expenses for the recent visit of a Georgian delegation to Brussels in connection with the signing of an association agreement with the EU in June.

“I assure you they didn’t go there on bicycle but took a plane, stayed at hotels and it wasn’t cheap hotels, and this is actually right, limousines served them and they didn’t take a bus to go there and sign the document, and after the signing they had a dinner and a party and this is good. And so this is natural expenses. If every future government will add up such expenses by the government that was before it, I assure you it will be more than eight million.”

Sergo Ratiani, a member of parliament from UNM, told DF Watch that these expenses aren’t big, especially considering that the list span a period of five years.

“Especially considering that Saakashvili was creating a foreign policy by his special activities, which of course was related to expenses.”

He says that the government again tries to make up myths and blame the previous government for many things.

“People abroad know perfectly well what is happening and criticize the government for carrying out political persecution for different reasons,” Ratiani says, adding that it is aimed at a domestic audience.

In his opinion it is ridiculous when a government which cut the budget by one billion and took a loan of more than one billion and four hundred million and spent 138 million more on awards and salaries than what was defined argues about eight million spent by a president in five years.

Ratiani explains that making these type of documents is examined practice because money may be spent on the security of the country and this shouldn’t be public. When it comes to luxury items, the MP thinks it is based on myth and that the government is trying to hide its real goals with these myths.


A$AP Rocky's new album, At.Long.Last.A$AP, features a number of notable contributors. M.I.A., Future, SchHoolboy Q, Kanye West, Juicy J, UGK, Mos Def, Danger Mouse and Mark Ronson – the list is like a Rolodex of hip-hop's best-known talent. Then there's Joe Fox – a man who appears a staggering five times on the album – and who we'd hazard a guess most people would struggle to identify on the street if he were standing there, right in front of them, wearing a T-shirt that said "Hi, I'm Joe Fox."

So who is this mysterious singer/songwriter with the modest web presence and zero pre-existing hip-hop credentials? Here's what we do know.

He met A$AP Rocky on the streets in London.

According to GQ, "We were literally wandering the streets at 4 a.m. on a Tuesday and this guy walked up holding a guitar," says Rocky's longtime collaborator Hector Delgado of Clockwork Studios. "Fox played them a song, and now he pops up all over the new album."

As Fox himself notes, "I had nowhere to live in London so I was selling mixtapes of my music anywhere I could so that I'd have money to live somewhere. I was doing that for a while, and I was making quite good money. So I'm on Wardour Street and I see this guy – I don't know who he is 'cause I don't listen to new music – and he's with this other guy who turns out to be Hector Delgado, who's produced a lot of songs on Rocky's album.

"I go up to them and say 'Do you want to buy a CD' and Rocky says, 'Can you play me a song'. So I play a whole song and I get to the end – that's usually when people buy a CD – so I say 'Do you want to buy a CD?' and he said 'No, but we're going to Starbucks, and then to the studio, you should come and work with us. Jump in the car'. So I got in the car and he says, 'My name's A$AP Rocky, you've got an amazing sound, lets record together.' So we did. I checked out his stuff later that week and I quite liked it, which I wasn't expecting, because I don't like much modern music. I really liked Long.Live.A$AP."

He described At.Long.Last.A$AP in three words.

In speaking with Hattie Collins at London’s St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, he called A$AP Rocky's album, "psychedelic, forward-thinking, and a masterpiece."

The first song they recorded was "Max B" which made the album.

"It's about the situation he's currently in [Max B was sentenced to 75 years in prison on murder conspiracy and kidnapping charges that he heavily denies], Fox told i-D. "I can't say too much, other than the song is amazing and Rocky asked me to write a chorus about the situation and that's what I did. Rocky told me the story and I just wrote about it."

Ahead of the album's release, check out the 10 things you should know about A$AP Rocky. Afterwards, watch the trippy video for "LSD."


Seit Monaten bereitete sich die Salzburger Rollstuhltänzergruppe auf die British Open Championships in London vor. Über Ryanair buchten sie im Sommer Flugtickets für elf Personen, sieben Passagiere davon wären Athleten im Rollstuhl gewesen. Jede einzelne der Sportlerinnen wurde im Zuge der Buchung angemeldet. Mehrfach habe die Trainerin der Tanzgruppe auch telefonisch und schriftlich bei der Fluglinie nachgefragt und sich versichern lassen, dass die Buchung der Rollstuhlplätze abgearbeitet worden sei.

Trainerin ließ sich Buchung mehrmals bestätigen

Die letzte telefonische Abstimmung mit Ryanair habe die Trainerin der Tanzgruppe noch Anfang Oktober gehabt. „Die Fluglinie hat mir Bescheid gegeben, dass alles eingebucht ist und ich die Boardkarten ausdrucken und mitnehmen soll. Als wir am Salzburger Flughafen eintreffen, erklärt uns Ryanair, dass wir nicht mitgenommen werden. Das haben wir nur auf Rückfrage vom Bodenpersonal erfahren. Wir hätten zu wenige Begleitpersonen dabei und wir wären zu viele Rollstuhlfahrer. Die Fluglinie meinte, sie würden nur sechs von uns mitnehmen, aber nicht sieben“, sagte die Gründerin der Wheelchairdancers Kerstin Govekar. Von der Billigfluggesellschaft gab es auf ORF-Anfrage keine Stellungnahme.

Tanzgruppe bleibt auf 4.000 Euro sitzen

Das Bodenpersonal am Salzburger Flughafen habe noch bis zur letzten Minute helfen wollen, ergänzte die Trainerin. Es sei sogar versucht worden, alle auf eine andere Fluglinie umzubuchen, für das Team habe es dann aber keinen Rückflug mehr von London nach Salzburg gegeben. Die Rollstuhltänzer bleiben auf Kosten von rund 4.000 Euro für die Flüge und das Hotel sitzen. Trainerin Kerstin Govekar hofft zumindest, dass es mit dem Hotel in London zu einer kulanten Einigung kommt.


They were recently spotted sharing a passionate kiss during a boozy event in London.

And Ferne McCann and Jordan Hames were reunited as they both attended the Mirror's Animal Hero Awards, in partnership with People's Postcode Lottery and Webbox, at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Monday.

Making her intentions clear, the 29-year-old single mother revealed that she doesn't want to feel 'mumsy' and is taking control of her sexuality by pursuing the Love Island lothario, 24.

Reunion: Ferne McCann, 29, and Jordan Hames, 24, were reunited once again as they both attended the Animal Hero Awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Monday

The pair were spotted kissing during a night out in London last week, and Ferne revealed she was eager to see where things go.

She told Mirror Online: 'I really don't know what to say, I think he's so handsome. I met him the other night so we're not dating, it was literally I met him and he seems like a nice guy, but we'll see after tonight.'

She added to The Sun: 'What's a snog between two reality stars? Why's it always me that gets snapped doing it?

'There was a part of me that was like "still got it". You don't want to write yourself off just because you have children.

'I don't want to feel mumsy or I've lost my own identity. I am single so I feel like I can mingle.'

Suave: Jordan looked dapper on the red carpet in a grey houndstooth blazer and matching trousers

Despite coming face to face at the awards, the pair headed home separately after wowing on the red carpet.

Yet Ferne will no doubt have turned Jordan's head as she looked radiant in a daring white jumpsuit that featured a slit across the centre held together with pins and gave way to a daring leg slit.

Ferne added height to her frame with a pair of white heels while she let her blonde locks fall loose down her shoulders.

Style: Ferne looked radiant in a daring white jumpsuit that featured a slit across the centre held together with straps and gave way to a leg slit

Stunning: The former TOWIE star let her blonde locks fall loose down her shoulders for the awards show

The reality star completed her look for the evening with a Union flag umbrella.

Jordan looked dapper on the red carpet where he posed alongside fellow Love Island stars Lucie Donlan and Bella Hassan.

He cut a stylish figure in a grey houndstooth blazer and matching trousers which he paired with a crisp white shirt and brown shoes.

Pals: Jordan was joined on the red carpet by fellow Love Island stars (L-R) Lucie Donlan and Bella Hassan

Beauties: Lucy looked stunning in a deep red dress with a pleated finish while Bella donned a black gown with a plunging neckline and floral print

Meanwhile, Lucie looked stunning in a blood red long-sleeved dress with a pleated finish while she styled her blonde tresses into loose waves.

Bella looked glamorous for the evening in a flowing black dress with a plunging neckline and a deep red floral print.

Fellow Love Islanders Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury were also in attendance at the star-studded bash.

Wow: Lucie's outfit came complete with a cut out at the back while she added further glamour to her look with a striking red lip

Molly-Mae turned heads in a black off the shoulder gown with a train while her blonde locks were styled into an elegant updo.

Elsewhere, Laura Anderson was all smiles as she made her way down the red carpet with her pet pooch.

The reality star wore a figure-hugging metallic floral print blazer and matching trousers she paired with a black lace bralet.

Loved-up: Fellow Love Island couple Maura Higgins and Curtis Pritchard also cosied up next to each other on the red carpet

Fun: Laura Anderson was all smiles as she made her way down the red carpet with her pet pooch

Fashion: The reality star wore a figure-hugging metallic floral print blazer and matching trousers she paired with a black lace bralet

Couple: Fellow Love Islanders Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury were also in attendance at the star-studded bash

Glamour: Molly-Mae turned heads in a black off the shoulder gown with a train while her blonde locks were styled into an elegant updo

Dapper: Tommy sported a navy blazer with a matching bow tie along with a white shirt and black trousers

Glam: Great British Bake Off star Candice Brown looked sensational as she posed with her pooch in a baby blue dress with a pleated detail and a floral print

Meanwhile, Olivia Buckland and Alex Bowen looked every inch the happy couple as they wrapped their arms around each other while posing for the cameras.

OIivia donned a black sleeveless dress with a scooped neckline while she added height to her frame with black, strappy heels.

Alex looked dapper in a black top and matching trousers while he added colour to his look with a stone jacket.

Fellow Love Island couple Maura Higgins and Curtis Pritchard also cosied up next to each other on the red carpet.

Romance: Olivia Buckland and Alex Bowen looked every inch the happy couple as they wrapped their arms around each other while posing for the cameras

Pet: Jack Fincham looked in high spirits on the red carpet where he sported a pale pink blazer and black trousers

Event: Love Islander Eyal Booker sported a light grey blazer with matching trousers and a white shirt

Maura looked stunning in a white backless jumpsuit with a sequined detail which she paired with pearl earrings.

The grid girl also sported a dramatic ponytail for the evening while Curtis looked suave in a tuxedo.

Steve Backshall also attended the event where his wife Helen Glover appeared to reveal she is pregnant.

Looking good: Pete Wicks kept his dapper suit more casual by teaming it with a plain white tee

Handsome: The tattooed TOWIE wore his naturally curly locks down, to rest on his shoulders

The rower cradled her growing baby bump on the red carpet as she proudly posed alongside her husband.

The event comes after Ferne was seen locking lips with Love Islander Jordan at The Ferne McCann cocktail launch at Boisdale bar last Monday.

In photos exclusively obtained by MailOnline, the shock couple were seen putting on a very cosy display before passionately kissing for all to see.

Expecting: Steve Backshall also attended the event where his wife Helen Glover appeared to reveal she is pregnant

Elegant: Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips wore a white floral print dress which she paired with gold heels

Stylish: Britain's Got Talent star Ashleigh Butler donned a sleeveless black dress with an a-symmetric hemline as she posed alongside her dog Sully

Classic: Jeff Brazer looked suave in a houndstooth blazer with a white shirt, black tie and matching trousers

Outfit: Dr Dawn Harper cut a glamorous figure in a navy dress with a lace collar and sleeves

Red carpet: TV presenter Angela Rippon donned a black jacket with a large red scarf with flared teal trousers

Soap stars: EastEnders actresses Danielle Harold and Maisie Smith looked stunning on the red carpet

Ferne, who was last romantically linked to another Love Island star - millionaire Charlie Brake last year, couldn't resist wrapping her arms around Jordan during the event as they appeared to go public with their shock romance.

Earlier in the night, the duo posed for pictures together at the boozy event and despite not kissing they did put on a very cosy display.

Jordan rose to fame over the summer when he entered the Love Island villa and struck up a romance with ex Anna Vakili.

MailOnline contacted both Ferne and Jordan's representatives for comment at the time.

Fashion: Designer Julien Macdonald looked stylish as he walked the red carpet with pal Melissa Odabash

Dapper: TV presenter and author Chris Packham donned a navy suit with a light blue shirt for the awards

Flying solo: Despite coming face to face at the awards, Ferne and Jordan headed home separately after wowing on the red carpet

Homeward bound: Ferne cut a stylish figure as she got a taxi home following the after party

Loving life: Ferne seemed in high spirits as she strutted out of the venue

Pals: Ferne was seen chatting away to her TOWIE pal Mario Falcone as he left the awards

Friends: Love Island's Jack Fincham and TOWIE's Mario Falcone both attended the after party


JAMIE REDKNAPP: Scott Parker's award is a victory for his honesty in a game blighted by cheats

23 April 2011 01:55

In an age where it seems acceptable for modern footballers to be obsessed with diving and feigning injury to achieve an advantage, Scott Parker's award is also a victory for his honesty.

It is proof that football is still in good hands when players like Parker and Jamie Carragher are proving their value each week in the Barclays Premier League.

It's easier for the eye-catching flair players at the elite clubs to win awards. Scott has won this because he has carried West Ham all season. The Hammers might have been relegated just after Christmas were it not for his influence.

Integrity: Scott Parker (right) has been in impressive form for West Ham

Whether he stays at Upton Park beyond the summer may be determined by what happens next. I know he is committed to that club and, in many ways, it is the right place for him. The supporters there especially love a player who performs with pride in the shirt; think Carlos Tevez and Paolo Di Canio before. Both were revered for their effort and passion. They played as if they cared.

International man:Scott Parker featured against Denmark in February

This season, Scott has played with more confidence, he's added goals to his repertoire and, as I have written before, every team needs a Scott Parker.

He thrives on making other players look better and, finally, the England manager Fabio Capello has recognised that. I still cannot believe he didn't make the World Cup 23 last summer.

This year's award could have gone to Charlie Adam, Gareth Bale or Dimitar Berbatov, but Scott stood out for his effort and desire. And for the best season of his career.

I should declare here that he is a good friend of mine. When I called him to offer my congratulations, he was typically modest and honoured to have been voted Footballer of the Year.

I have been to the presentation nightevery year since I retired. One piece of advice I have offered him is that he won't fully understand the significance of winning until he stands up at the London Lancaster Hotel to give his acceptance speech onMay 12.

When he looks up, he will see giant posters of George Best, Stanley Matthews, Bobby Moore, Kenny Dalglish and a roll call of the other winners around the room. It will be an emotional moment, but one that he richly deserves.

West Ham's talismanic midfielder Scott Parker voted player of the year by the Football Writers AssociationThe PFA gave it to Bale, but as voters go to the polls, who IS football's No 1?Brilliant Bale wins PFA player of the year as Wilshere scoops young player awardBale and Wilshere feature in PFA Premier League Team of the Year