A collection of much-anticipated luxury Safari Lodges are set to open to the public at a popular UK safari park this April.
The exotic accommodations at West Midlands Safari Park in Kidderminster certainly got people all across the country talking when they were first announced – with a grand opening date originally planned for last year – but its debut was delayed on a number of occasions due to setbacks as a result of the ever-persistent coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
And sadly, the opening – which was due to take place in February – has been pushed back once again to Easter.
A statement from West Midlands Safari Park on social media said: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce our Safari Lodges opening date will once again be delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We very much hope to be open for Easter, and plan Friday 2nd April 2021 as our revised opening date, providing this is in line with government guidance.”
But what exactly can animal lovers expect from the new lodges once they open?
Located right on the edge of the park’s elephant and cheetah zones, the collection of luxury lodges are set to feature direct views of the animals.
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With eight rooms that can sleep up to five guests, each lodge has an open plan living room, as well as outdoor seating areas and balconies, meaning you can enjoy your morning brew in the company of some of the park’s very special residents, including young male elephant Sutton, his mum Five, and his aunt Latabe.
Two of the lodges also overlook the cheetah enclosure, where you’ll find Asrael and Bappe, who were transported over from France last year.
Each lodge also has a king-size bedroom on the lower floor, with the upper floor sleeping three people,.
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There’s also an option to add a cot if you’ve got a baby on board.
West Midlands Safari Park
After announcing that the lodges would be opening, the park has understandably captured the attentions of many eager fans and animal lovers up and down the country.
Replying to questions and queries about the lodges on social media to give a further insight into what to expect, West Midlands Safari Park said: “The lodges will be authentically themed and allow guests exclusive views of the animals. Guests are encouraged to make use of the outdoor terrace in the elephant lodges, to watch the magnificent creatures approach their pool, situated in front.
“The cheetah lodges include a large window, spanning one side of the building, offering panoramic views of the cheetahs in their new habitat.
“A floor-to-ceiling window offers similar, incredible views in the bedrooms.”
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West Midlands Safari Park
A stay at West Midlands Safari Park’s new Safari Lodges also includes access to the park and wristbands for rides at the theme park, with prices starting at £147 per night for kids, and £171 per night for adults.
You can find more information about the lodges on the West Midlands Safari Park website here, along with more information about COVID-19 protocols.
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Manchester firefighter surprises partner with proposal during new recruits parade
Danny Jones
We’re a sucker for a wholesome little video as we know you are, which is exactly why we thought of you lot when we came across this video of a newly graduated Manchester firefighter surprising his partner with a heartwarming proposal.
Just the kind of heartwarming that usually sets us off after a long week at work.
The clip shared by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) on Thursday, 25 April, shows Manc fireman James popping the question to his girlfriend sat unassumingly in the audience at a recent passing out ceremony.
Pass out ceremonies are when trainees go from recruits to fully qualified firefighters after completing their intensive operational training. It’s a long-standing tradition in the emergency services where friends and family gather to celebrate their achievements – it’s almost like it’s the perfect opportunity…
Watch as a Manc firefighter turns his passing out ceremony into a surprise proposal.
As you can see, since the graduates are usually the centre of attention, James couldn’t help but size his moment and instead of walking and lining up normally like everyone else, he decided to head straight over to his wife-to-be and get down on one knee.
You already know the rest.
Welling up immediately and barely able to remove her hands from her face, Melissa nods and says yes as the crowd cheers and the pair share a smooch.
Writing on social media, the GMFRS said: “We managed to capture a VERY special moment at our new recruits pass out parade today… Congratulations to James and Melissa!”, adding, “Certainly one way to start your new career”.
If we don’t see all the groomsmen dressed as firefighters on a random viral video sometime soon we’re going to be gutted.
All the best to the happy couple and if you’ve got any more lovely clips like this to send in so we can make ourselves cry (in a good way), you know what to do.
Featured Images — Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service
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The Chestergate pub in Stockport is at it again with some of the most wonderfully Manc scenes you’ll ever see
Danny Jones
The legendary Chestergate pub in Stockport is back with another belter of a video, following on from their viral belly-flashing clip of 2022.
The Mersey Square boozer has painted yet another quintessentially Northern depiction of UK pub culture with the latest Manc scenes they’ve captured around the karaoke machine.
If you’ve never had the pleasure of stumbling into The Chestergate in Stockport town centre, the long-standing boozer currently operated by publican chain Blind Tiger Inns, you’re seriously missing out.
While it might not be the flashiest of pubs, when it comes to entertainment, it always delivers.
Whether it’s stunts like renaming themselves ‘The Southgate’ whenever the Euros or World Cup rolls around, or the locals just genuinely having a whale of a time no matter what day of the week it is, it really sums up the best of pub culture.
The Chestergate went viral for some of the most British footage ever caught on film back in 2022 and the videos saw a huge wave of love and support flooding in for the pub, as well as a healthy amount of chuckles. Safe to say we were chuffed to see them pop back up on our feed again recently.
Karaoke night at The Chestergate literally never disappoints.
Forget ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ or ‘Champagne Supernova’ for karaoke songs – we’ll take a cacophony of inaudible throwback pop music, whilst another bloke and his hype man try and MC over a totally ill-fitting beat any day of the week.
And that’s handy because you’ll find those kinds of shenanigans happening at this place all the time.
It’s simultaneously one of the most no-nonsense and somehow a non-stop shenanigan-filled paradise. They also look after their own and consider their regulars part of the family. Case and point: they threw their very own ‘Dancing Queen’ Molly a big bash for her 86th birthday and it’s such wholesome viewing.
At this point, it’s worth flagging that we have nothing but envy for these folks and anyone who’s just out there having the time of their lives on any random weeknight.
Yes, it produced plenty of laughs for those watching online in recent times but this lot won’t mind one bit – not only is the pub seeing more and more new faces through the door but that’s the whole point of a pub, isn’t it? Going for a pint with your nearest and dearest and having a laugh.
Not only is it very Manchester but it’s Britain at its very best.
We hope to see you at The Chestergate pub in Stockport for a pint or two sometime soon and we’re making a bit of a prat of ourselves, don’t worry, we’re sure they’ll have the cameras ready for you.
Emily Sergeant -
20th January 2021 
