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‘End of an era!’ cry devastated customers as ‘brilliant’ family business shuts for good after 70 years

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'End of an era!' cry devastated customers as 'brilliant' family business shuts for good after 70 years

CUSTOMERS of a 70-year-old family business are devastated as the shop has closed its doors for good.

Woolsey Cycles, a bicycle shop in Acton, London, served its final customers yesterday (September 28), having been operating since 1955.

Woolsey Cycles in Acton, London had been open since 1955

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Woolsey Cycles in Acton, London had been open since 1955Credit: Facebook

The shop was known for its personal touch and was beloved in the area.

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It was run by Malcolm Woolsey and his father Roger, relations of Donald Woolsey, who originally bought the shop.

Malcolm announced the news of the sad closure on Facebook in July.

He said: “After three generations of our family and the shop owner before that, the time has sadly come to move on to pastures new.

“We would like to thank our customers, both old and new, for their continued support over the years.”

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He went on to give a heartfelt thanks to the shop‘s longest serving employee, saying: “We would like to thank our staff members that have come and gone over the years, but mainly to David.

“He has been working in the business for 27 years and at times running it.

“During Malcolm’s two prolonged sick leave periods, David ran the shop single-handedly and without him involved we’re not sure how we would’ve coped.”

He added: “We have seen many changes over the years, both in life and in bikes with many memories made and laughs over the years, many of which we can thank our ongoing customers for.

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“The occasional gifts we get show the true appreciation from you and means so much to us. The shows of kindness and support during the pandemic were especially well received.”

New Beginning for The Body Shop

The post was flooded with comments from disappointed customers mourning its loss.

One read: “Very sorry to hear this – David and Malcolm were always incredibly helpful and offered the best advice on bikes.”

Another said: “You’ve always been brilliant and will be much missed. Much luck for whatever comes next.”

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A third person wrote: “70 years of serving the local area around Acton, end of an era Malcolm.”

Yesterday, a poem was uploaded to the shop’s Facebook page, titled “THE END OF AN ERA”.

It began: “The end of an era, and of our time, each moment has changed us, and will help us climb.”

The family has not yet explained the reasoning for the closure, which may be related to the uptick in online bike sales.

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The news comes as several other shops have also closed their doors to customers.

This week, a B&M branch in Warrington announced its closure, while a Poundland store in Berkshire also closed just a year after opening.

High streets across the UK have suffered from decline over the past decade.

Since 2018, 6,000 retail outlets have brought down the shutters, according to the British Retail Consortium.

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The trade association’s chief executive Helen Dickinson OBE blamed the closures on “crippling” business rates and the impact of coronavirus lockdowns.

Why are retailers closing stores?

RETAILERS have been feeling the squeeze since the pandemic, while shoppers are cutting back on spending due to the soaring cost of living crisis.

cost of living crisis.

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High energy costs and a move to shopping online after the pandemic are also taking a toll, and many high street shops have struggled to keep going.

The high street has seen a whole raft of closures over the past year, and more are coming.

The number of jobs lost in British retail dropped last year, but 120,000 people still lost their employment, figures have suggested.

Figures from the Centre for Retail Research revealed that 10,494 shops closed for the last time during 2023, and 119,405 jobs were lost in the sector.

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It was fewer shops than had been lost for several years, and a reduction from 151,641 jobs lost in 2022.

The centre’s director, Professor Joshua Bamfield, said the improvement is “less bad” than good.

Although there were some big-name losses from the high street, including Wilko, many large companies had already gone bust before 2022, the centre said, such as Topshop owner Arcadia, Jessops and Debenhams.

“The cost-of-living crisis, inflation and increases in interest rates have led many consumers to tighten their belts, reducing retail spend,” Prof Bamfield said.

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“Retailers themselves have suffered increasing energy and occupancy costs, staff shortages and falling demand that have made rebuilding profits after extensive store closures during the pandemic exceptionally difficult.”

Alongside Wilko, which employed around 12,000 people when it collapsed, 2023’s biggest failures included Paperchase, Cath Kidston, Planet Organic and Tile Giant.

The Centre for Retail Research said most stores were closed because companies were trying to reorganise and cut costs rather than the business failing.

However, experts have warned there will likely be more failures this year as consumers keep their belts tight and borrowing costs soar for businesses.

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The Body Shop and Ted Baker are the biggest names to have already collapsed into administration this year.

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Labour could scrap criminal prosecutions for failing to pay BBC licence fee

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Labour could scrap criminal prosecutions for failing to pay BBC licence fee

CRIMINAL prosecutions for failing to pay the BBC licence fee could be scrapped by Labour.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is understood to be “concerned” by the disproportionate number of women being punished.

Criminal prosecutions for failing to pay the BBC licence fee could be scrapped by Labour

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Criminal prosecutions for failing to pay the BBC licence fee could be scrapped by LabourCredit: PA
Lisa Nandy is understood to be 'concerned' by the disproportionate number of women being punished

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Lisa Nandy is understood to be ‘concerned’ by the disproportionate number of women being punishedCredit: Rex

And there is agreement between Ms Nandy and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood that taxpayers should not have to fork out for the “administrative burden”.

Almost 1,000 Brits are prosecuted every week for ignoring the £169.50 annual fee.

Seventy per cent are women.

They are more likely to be poorly paid, coping with single families or taking charge of household bills — and also more likely to be at home when investigators call.

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But last night an insider said prosecutions will continue until at least 2027, when the BBC’s Royal Charter is due for renewal.

Ministers will then meet Beeb bosses to “explore options” for new funding models.

These are set to include decriminalisation.

Last year half a million people stopped paying as they opted for US-based subscription services instead.

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At the same time former Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer branded criminal prosecutions “morally indefensible in modern times”.

A TV Licensing spokesman said: “We have a duty to enforce the law.

BBC Licence Fee FROZEN for two years – but households face bigger bills for four more years

“But we have made considerable efforts to help people get licensed and offer help and support.

“Our focus on collecting the licence fee fairly and efficiently.”

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We found a mundane mug gathering dust in a loft for 20 years – now it’s sold for £13,500 due to unique detail

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We found a mundane mug gathering dust in a loft for 20 years - now it's sold for £13,500 due to unique detail

A MUNDANE ceramic mug left inside a loft for 20 years has been sold at an auction for a whopping £13,500 because of one unique detail.

The 87-year-old souvenir cup was designed by British artist Eric Ravilious for Wedgwood to mark the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1937.

The pale yellow lower band and green detailing from a collection of five Ravilious 1937 Wedgwood coronation mugs sold for £13,500

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The pale yellow lower band and green detailing from a collection of five Ravilious 1937 Wedgwood coronation mugs sold for £13,500Credit: SWNS
The 87-year-old souvenir cup was designed by British artist Eric Ravilious for Wedgwood to mark the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1937

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The 87-year-old souvenir cup was designed by British artist Eric Ravilious for Wedgwood to mark the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1937Credit: SWNS
The collection of five Ravilious 1937 Wedgwood coronation mugs

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The collection of five Ravilious 1937 Wedgwood coronation mugsCredit: SWNS

It is said to be a rare example because of its unique yellow and green detailing which had sat undisturbed in a box in the vendor’s loft since the late 1990s.

Adapted from a previous version intended to mark King Edward VIII taking the throne before his abdication, the design features celebratory fireworks and the royal coat of arms.

The mug was given an estimate of £800 when it went under the hammer at Gildings Auctioneers in Market Harborough, Leics earlier this week.

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But it smashed its estimate and sold to a private buyer for £13,500 – more than 16 times its guide price.

Gildings director Will Gilding said: “We’re thrilled to achieve this astonishing result for this very special mug which although highly collectable, is still intrinsically just a mundane household item.

“We were unable to find any other examples of this particular colourway, which also has a slightly differently shaped rim to the other mugs in the sale, so this one may well be unique.

“As a result, we knew it had the potential to soar far beyond its guide price.

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“But for the hammer to go down at £13,500 is truly remarkable and just goes to show the magic that can happen when two determined collectors identify a must-have treasure.”

The cup was from a collection of five of Ravilious’s 1937 Wedgwood coronation mugs – and was kept inside an attic for 20 years.

Three of the mugs in more commonly seen but still sought-after turquoise, blue and pink-based colourways sold for £270, £360 and £2,700 respectively.

Coin expert shows exact detail on 1993 penny that makes it worth over $50,000 ahead of auction

Another blue version made for the planned coronation of Edward VIII fetched £480.

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Born in 1903, Eric Ravilious was a highly regarded Sussex-based painter, designer, book illustrator and wood engraver.

He is best known for his modernist watercolour interpretations of English landscapes and World War II scenes, some of which are displayed in the Imperial War Museum in London.

In December 1939 Ravilious became an official World War Two war artist with the rank of Honorary Captain in the Royal Marines.

On September 2, 1942, he joined one of three aircraft dispatched on a search and rescue mission for a plane that had failed to return to RAF Kaldadarnes in Iceland.

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The aircraft he boarded also failed to return, and he and the four-man crew were recorded as lost in action four days later, making him the first of three British war artists to die in active service during World War Two.

Will added: “This vanishingly rare example of a striking design by a renowned artist who suffered a tragic wartime death was sold in very good condition given its age and ceramic nature.

“Such is the power of its scarcity, and the demand for works by Ravilious, this high quality but relatively inexpensive souvenir has taken on a previously unimagined value several decades later.

“When I brought the gavel down, I think everyone in the room felt like we needed a cup of tea to calm us all down – not least the buyer – but in a slightly more affordable mug.”

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Five savvy ways to give your old winter coats a new lease of life

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Five savvy ways to give your old winter coats a new lease of life

THERE is a chill in the air and before you know it you will be reaching for a winter coat.

But instead of splurging at the shops for something new, take a look at these creative ideas to breathe new life into your trusty old jacket.

We have great tips on how to breathe new life into your winter coat

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We have great tips on how to breathe new life into your winter coatCredit: Getty

STEAMY SOLUTION: One way to freshen up your coat at home is to use steam.

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Hang your coat in the bathroom while you take a hot shower. The steam should release any creases and revive the fabric, hopefully giving it that just-bought appearance.

If you have a handheld steamer, a quick pass over your coat can make it look polished.

BOBBLE BUSTER: Those pesky fabric bobbles can make even the nicest coat look worn out.

But instead of buying an expensive bobble remover, grab an old razor and gently shave the surface of your coat.

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This trick works particularly well on wool and knit fabrics.

BUTTON UP: If your coat’s buttons are looking dirty, mix vinegar with water, then scrub them with an old toothbrush. If the buttons are beyond cleaning, replace them.

You can often find inexpensive buttons at charity shops or thrift stores.

PIT STOP: Worried about sweaty armpit stains on your coat? A simple mixture of lemon juice and baking soda can work wonders.

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Test a little on a hidden area of fabric first and check it after five minutes.

Beauty fans go wild over a 1p hack to remove stubborn make-up stains from your winter coats in seconds

If OK, then spray the mixture on the underarm areas of your coat, let it sit for a few minutes, and wipe it clean with a damp cloth.

The natural cleaning properties of lemon and baking soda should lift stubborn sweat stains.

SOCK SAVER: If your padded coat has lost some of its puff, there’s an easy fix. Restuff it with old socks to give it back some volume.

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For an extra update, try adding a new belt to adjust the fit slightly. Small alterations can make a big difference to your coat.

  • All prices correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.

Deal of the day

Save £20 on the Road Angel Halo Go 1080p HD Discreet Dash Cam at Halfords

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Save £20 on the Road Angel Halo Go 1080p HD Discreet Dash Cam at HalfordsCredit: Supplied

KEEP an eye on other drivers with the Road Angel Halo Go 1080p HD Discreet Dash Cam, previously £99.99, now £79.99 at Halfords.

SAVE: £20

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Cheap treat

The Dunelm Boston Pumpkin Pie Multi-wick candle is now £4.20

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The Dunelm Boston Pumpkin Pie Multi-wick candle is now £4.20Credit: Supplied

FILL your home with a sweet scent when you pick up the Dunelm Boston Pumpkin Pie Multi-wick candle, it was £6, now £4.20.

What’s new?

CLEAN up using the VAX ONEPWR Blade 4 Pet & Car Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, previously £299.99, now £169.99 plus get a free kit of extra cleaning tools, worth £50, when you buy one at vax.co.uk.

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Top swap

Cadbury’s Dairy Milk Pots Of Joy will set you back £1.75

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Cadbury’s Dairy Milk Pots Of Joy will set you back £1.75Credit: Supplied
Aldi's Dairyfine Pots Of Choc are only £1.35

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Aldi’s Dairyfine Pots Of Choc are only £1.35Credit: Supplied

TRY the delicious Cadbury’s Dairy Milk Pots Of Joy, £1.75 for 4x65g, at Co-op or run to Aldi where the new Dairyfine Pots Of Choc, 4x65g, are £1.35 – in stores only.

SAVE: 40p

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Little helper

MUMS-TO-BE should check out the H&M sale section where you can pick items from the Mama maternity range starting at £5.

Shop & save

Save £5 on this cosy Simply Everyday waffle throw from B&M

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Save £5 on this cosy Simply Everyday waffle throw from B&MCredit: Supplied

SNUGGLE up in a cosy new throw from B&M. This Simply Everyday waffle throw (200 x 200cm) was £15, now £10.

SAVE: £5

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Hot right now

TIME for a new coat of paint? Get 20 per cent off Lick paints and samples at B&Q now.

PLAY NOW TO WIN £200

Join thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle

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Join thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle

JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.

Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered.

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Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.

The more codes you enter, the more tickets you’ll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!

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Significant specific date on rare £2 coin that makes it worth SEVENTEEN times more – is it in your wallet?

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Significant specific date on rare £2 coin that makes it worth SEVENTEEN times more - is it in your wallet?

2002 Commonwealth Games Northern Ireland – £60

In 2002, four different designs of this £2 coin were created to commemorate the Commonwealth games, but the Irish version is the rarest with only 485,500 minted.

We’ve seen this coin listed for as much as £60 on eBay in May with one bid.

There’s more money on the line if you’ve got the complete set though.

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One seller proved this right when all four coins went for a whopping £100.

2002 Commonwealth Games England – £35

Another in the 2002 Commonwealth series, the English version is one of the rarest coins in circulation.

Some 650,500 were minted at the time, making the coin rare enough for eBay bidders to happily pay as much as £35 for it.

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The edge of this coin also has the inscription “Spirit of Friendship, Manchester 2002″, which adds appeal to collectors too.

One recently went on the market on eBay for £27 with one bid.

2002 Commonwealth Games Wales – £27

With only 588,500 put into circulation, the 2002 Commonwealth Games Wales £2 coin celebrates Wales’ achievements in the event.

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The piece features a figure in motion holding a banner, encircling the Welsh flag.

It is the fourth rarest in the Commonwealth set and the fourth rarest in the overall list.

We’ve seen one sell on eBay for £26.97 in May this year with 10 bids.

London 2012 Handover – £35

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At the end of each Olympic Games, the next host city of the Games is celebrated with a flag handover ceremony.

In 2012 we gave the flag to Rio to take on the next tournament.

That event was immortalised on the design of a £2 coin, with just 845,000 released into circulation.

We saw one sell for £35 on eBay this month after 10 bids.

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Olympic centenary – £37.95

Carrying on the sporting theme, the Olympic centenary £2 marked 100 years of the modern games in 2008.

There are 910,000 in circulation so finding one isn’t such a tough ask.

We’ve seen one version sell on eBay for £37.95 in February.

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2002 Commonwealth Games Scotland – £24.97

Out of all of the valuable Commonwealth coins, Scotland’s is the sixth rarest out of all rare £2 coins.

It has a mintage of 771,750 – some 286,250 more than were released in the Irish version.

It features pretty much the same design as the other coins in the series but the Scottish flag is on the design instead.

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Bidders on eBay have still paid higher than face value, we’ve seen one version sell on eBay for £24.97 in May.

Olympic handover – £9.99

Still in the top ten is the Olympic Handover coin.

This £2 details Beijing in 2008 handing over the Olympics to London in 2012, and shows the Olympic flag and two hands shaking.

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One sold for precisely £9.99 in May on eBay with one bid.

There are 918,000 of these in circulation.

King James Bible – £23.95

Next on the list is a coin showing the King James Bible.

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One was for £23.95 in May on eBay with one bid.

According to Change Checker, there are 975,000 in circulation.

Mary Rose – £19.50

A circulated £2 showing the famous Mary Rose ship sold on eBay for £19.50.

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There are just over one million in circulation, and it lands ninth on Change Checker’s scarcity index.

2015 First World War (Navy) – £10.50

There were also 650,000 of the First World War Navy £2 coins minted in 2015.

The coin features a battleship design by military artist David Rowlands and the 5th portrait of the Queen.

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It’s also the second in a five-coin series remembering the First World War and celebrates the efforts of the Royal Navy and their contribution to the war effort.

One sold on eBay in May for £10.50 with two bids.

Great Fire of London – £14.95

The Great Fire of London £2 coin was first put into circulation in 2016 to mark the 350th anniversary of the historic event.

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The reverse side of the piece was designed by Aaron West, depicting the city of London burning.

The coin wasn’t always considered so rare, but it has since transpired its mintage figure was incorrectly published.

A recent auction on eBay saw the piece go for £14.95 with one bid.

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I won £83k People’s Postcode Lottery jackpot but refused to believe it… then I saw the camera crew

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I won £83k People’s Postcode Lottery jackpot but refused to believe it… then I saw the camera crew

ONE woman who won £83,000 on the People’s Postcode Lottery refused to believe her luck until she saw the camera crew.

Lucky winner Michaela Jones says she’s in a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Australia for the British & Irish Lions Tour after the jackpot.

Winner Michaela is set to take her family to Australia for the Lions

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Winner Michaela is set to take her family to Australia for the LionsCredit: Postcode Lottery
Nantymoel local Grant Williams also won

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Nantymoel local Grant Williams also wonCredit: Postcode Lottery

Michaela scored the windfall with 10 neighbours in Nantymoel, Wales, after CF32 7SU won the lottery’s weekly £1M Millionaire Street prize.

Every ticket was worth a whopping £83,333 with one winner doubling their prize to £166,666, thanks to playing with two tickets.

The buzzing winner said: “It’s felt like a dream. I was waiting for the rug to be pulled from underneath me, to be honest.

“Until I saw the camera crew, I didn’t believe it.”

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The mum-of-two is now planning a trip next year to see the combined British Isles team take on the Wallabies.

Michaela, who makes parachutes for a living, has fibromyalgia and made the decision to cut her hours to part-time recently leaving the trip in the balance.

She said: “Fibromyalgia affects my whole body and because the parachutes are heavy and I stand most of the day, I cut my hours back. Thankfully, my company have been brilliant with me, I can’t wait to tell them.

“We were planning on going to Australia next year for the rugby, that might be back on the cards.”

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Michaela and her groundworker husband Rob are planning on helping their 24-year daughter with house renovations and will all go to a Liverpool FC match.

She’ll also likely be shouting something for her colleagues at the parachute factory.

Heartbroken Postcode Lottery winner plans new life in Spain with share of £2million after family hit by double tragedy

“My work family at the factory will be over the moon. They’ve been checking on the Postcode Lottery website all week to try and suss out how much I might win.”

Another winner, Grant Williams, hopes to take his first-ever flight in first class after winning his share of the prize.

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He said he’s now dreaming of adventures abroad with his wife Katrina as a result.

Born and bred in Nantymoel, Grant has never wandered too far from his beloved home, but now he’s set to see the world.

He said: “I’ve never been abroad, I’ve never been on a plane.

“I’m going to have to sort that out now and first class is even an option now.”

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How to play the People’s Postcode Lottery?

For just £12 a month, players can sign up through the official website to have a chance of winning millions of pounds.

Once signed up, players are automatically entered into every draw and prizes are announced every day of each month.

Tickets play for the Daily Prize, worth £1000 and revealed every single day.

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Tickets could also win a jackpot of £30,000 for Saturday and Sunday’s Street Prize draws.

People’s Postcode Lottery also offers a £3million Postcode Millions draw each month – where your ticket plays for a share of the cash prize fund.

Winners are notified by email, text, post, or phone call, depending on the prize they win.

Jackpot winners are visited by the lottery team in person.

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I bought a narrowboat to save £1,000s-a-month but I have three major warnings to anyone considering the move

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I bought a narrowboat to save £1,000s-a-month but I have three major warnings to anyone considering the move

A WOMAN who now lives on a narrowboat to save thousands of pounds each month has given three major warnings to people looking to start living in waterways.

Nesha, who vlogs her life while living on her dream boat, revealed how starting a life on narrowboats may be as easy as it looks.

A woman who lives on a narrowboat full-time has shared some expert advice

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A woman who lives on a narrowboat full-time has shared some expert adviceCredit: YouTube/Driftwood Folk
Nesha vlogs her life while living on her dream boat

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Nesha vlogs her life while living on her dream boatCredit: YouTube/Driftwood Folk
The expert said buying a narrowboat could be more expensive than imagined

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The expert said buying a narrowboat could be more expensive than imaginedCredit: YouTube/Driftwood Folk

The expert, who posts her video on her YouTube channel Driftwood Folk, has now revealed a few tips that could help anyone ditch their homes and start a life on boats.

Nesha said that people should have a good budget before they plan to buy a narrowboat and renovate it as it may not always be cheap.

She then revealed how it could cost a lot of money just to maintain it over time.

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Her advice was to be prepared to spend at least £35,000 to start a life on a boat.

Furthermore, Nesha explained why painting boats can cost a fortune.

She said: “Every work that you get done on a boat counts as a specialist job. You’ll be more likely to get work done on the boat at a boatyard.

“The problem is that it tends to be quite pricey, especially if you’re getting work done like welding.”

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“And when you live in a metal tube, it’s very likely that you will get some welding done at some point.”

Nesha’s next tip for anyone looking to live on a canal boat was to be prepared to live in a tight space, especially if someone is moving out from a traditional hopping structure.

We took our kids, 15 and 10, out of school to live on a 35-foot boat – we brought our dog too but it almost ended in tragedy

She advised: “If you are someone who really likes their own space and you live with a partner or you have children, you might find living on a canal boat a bit difficult because space is very limited.”

She also emphasised how maintaining boats can be a difficult job – but an extremely important one.

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The expert said: “Even though it’s portrayed as a simple life – which it can be to some degree –  there is a lot of maintenance involved

“It isn’t just a case of living a slow, simple life and never having to do much. There is always something to do on a boat.”

It comes after a woman who lives on a 20ft micro narrowboat said she’s terrified it might tip over, but revealed a hidden compartment that keeps her safe.

Kat, known as Gentil Lentil’s Green Life on YouTube, shared an insight with her viewers about what it’s like to live on a small boat.

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The content creator explained that she fears storms could tip over her 20ft micro narrowboat.

Fortunately, in the video, she revealed two compartments designed to help prevent it from tipping.

One of the compartments, located beneath her bed, contains a water pump that removes excess water from the bottom of the hull.

These are found on most boats and are an essential piece of equipment.

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What it’s like living on a boat

A WOMAN who quit her job and sold everything to live in a storm-damaged £6,000 boat has revealed how it is living on a boat.

Elizabeth Earle from Nuneaton, Warwickshire, hoped to sail across the world and realise her dreams of freedom.

Upon return to England, she decided to buy a different kind of boat and live on there instead – a canal boat.

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She bought an initial narrow boat in 2019 and then paid £35,000 for a second one from a close friend and nicknamed the boat Maggie.

Elizabeth has decided against buying a home and paying a mortgage and said the system doesn’t work for people who have unstable work.

She said: “It does not favour the solo, self-employed, slightly hungover, 30-something artist from the Midlands.”

Elizabeth said that living on a canal boat can be cheap and gives you great flexibility in life.

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She said: “My bills are extremely minimal, I’ve gone from paying £1200 a month with rent, gas and electric to just £254 a month on the boat.

“The rent for my marina spot at Mancetter is £120 a month, but it allows me to use the facilities, so that’s been quite nice during the winter as I’ve been able to get hot showers – as I’ve not managed to get the gas and hot water sorted yet.

“I pay £96 a month for my boating licence, boat insurance is £10 a month and the Canal and River Trust tax is £100.

“I cook off a camp stove and rely on my log burner to keep me warm.”

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Elizabeth said you have to make other compromises like emptying a porta-potty and battling condensation in the morning.

“But it’s all worth it when you wake up in the morning to the beautiful countryside.”

It comes after an artist shared what it’s like to live off-grid in a canal boat where she can save £600 a month.

Shannon Lane, 29, ditched her room in Clapham for a 30ft narrowboat which she cruises in with her pug, Gilbert.

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She decided to move on the water after learning her landlord was raising the price of her rent to £1,000 a month.

The freelance artist and video producer took out a loan to buy a £24,000 narrowboat and now spends just £300 a month paying it off.

Ever since Shanon moved, her mental health has improved and she no longer suffers from “bad anxiety and depression“.

Nonetheless, the transition from bricks to a floating home takes adjusting to.

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She told The Sun: “The first night I moved in I thought what the hell have I done.”

She couldn’t figure out how to get her electrics to work and at one point ended up blindly making her way through a 20-minute tunnel because her headlights didn’t switch on.

She added: “There have been incredibly stressful moments. I moved in in January and I had to learn how to use the stove fire.

“I’d envisioned this amazing life and suddenly everything was actually really hard.”

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But Shannon was saving thousands.

She said: “My electricity all comes from solar panels and then everything else is normal household spending like food and toiletries.”

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