A convoy of coaches from across the North West region headed down the M6 and M55 to Blackpool yesterday to raise awareness and protest against job losses in the travel industry.
Coach companies and operators from across the region made their way to the popular seaside resort and tourism hotspot of Blackpool yesterday as they campaigned against cuts facing the travel industry as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
As there are fears that thousands of drivers could lose their jobs, with many being left unable to work during lockdown, the #HonkForHope rally is aimed at raising awareness of the damaging effects that the pandemic has had on the UK’s coach industry.
The rally, which started at 11am yesterday, saw the convoy make its way down the M6 and M55 to Blackpool.
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Coaches were seen lining the first lane of the motorways.
The convoy’s journey ended at Blackpool Promenade and was widely broadcast by participants and members of the public across social media platforms as it took place.
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This is a great statement, 14552 people spending a minimum of £20 each, one company in 2 months took nearly £300k of direct spend into Blackpool, that’s one family company, and one place! @Douglas4Moray @KateForbesMSP @CharlotteV @FergusEwingMSP @routeonetim pic.twitter.com/lshxFSIp3g
What a brilliant turn out for today’s #HonkforHope in Blackpool. Feels like one big family! @Coatham here representing our corner of the North East 🚌🚌🚌 Never seen so many coaches in one place! pic.twitter.com/z2drmIQKfv
Went to view the convoy, 16 minutes of coaches, non stop from around the UK , impressive turnout, still need to count the number , here’s the start #honkforhopepic.twitter.com/Of0LM09Bxl
The #HonkForHope UK event was organised by Jenna Rush, Managing Director of Seaton Burn-based North East Coach Travel, and Matthew Forsyth, General Manager of Northumberland operator M J Forsyth Travel.
The concept for a convoy rally was said to have moved from idea to reality in around a week.
Organisers said it was conceived to show the diverse nature and needs of the UK’s coach sector, which is something they argue has not yet been understood by the government.
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Jenna Rush said: “This is a large industry and many operators specialise in areas where no support has been received.”
“As an example, our business centres on private hire.”
“We carry out no home-to-school transport and so have not benefited from any continuing contract payments.”
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Three tiny ‘chaos potatoes’ have been born at Chester Zoo and they’re so cute
Emily Sergeant
Three tiny ‘chaos potatoes’ have been born at Chester Zoo… and they’re really flipping cute.
Born to parents Maris and Albert in late summer, the three rock hyrax pups – only affectionately known as ‘chaos potatoes’ – have just passed their first vet check with a clean bill of health, and now weigh roughly 350g.
Hyraxes are found across sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, where they live among rocky landscapes and are most active in daylight.
The litter includes two boys and one girl, and keepers at Chester Zoo have decided to give them potato-themed names – Russ, Spud, and Jackie.
Three tiny ‘chaos potatoes’ have been born at Chester Zoo / Credit: Chester Zoo
Currently, the three pups are a fraction of the size of the adults, which can weigh up to 4kg, but despite their small stature, they have an unlikely relative.
Believe it or not, rock hyraxes are actually a part of the same evolutionary group as elephants, as well as sirenians, which are the family of aquatic mammals that includes dugongs and manatees.
“Hyraxes are one of those species that you have to look for, but once you’ve seen them, they are fascinating to watch,” explained Megan Carpenter, who is a Keeper at Chester Zoo.
“The pups are little chaos potatoes. They are much more energetic than their parents and sometimes get the zoomies, darting about and testing their climbing and parkour skills.
“In contrast, the adults often wedge themselves into corners and grip on to steep rock faces for hours at a time. They’re incredibly well adapted to living among rocks and are much better climbers than you might expect.”
Featured Image – Chester Zoo
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A TV channel playing Christmas films 24/7 is now back on air in the UK
Emily Sergeant
Do you think it’s too early for the ‘C word’? Never mind, you’ve already clicked on this article.
Sure, we may only be into our second full week of September, but given the fact the weather these past couple of days hasn’t exactly screamed summer, it already feels like the festive season is around the corner – but whether or not you think it’s too early to be talking about Christmas, it’ll soon be too tricky to escape from.
Especially not when the famous TV channel showing festive film favourites non-stop is now back on air in the UK.
Yes, you heard that right – Christmas films, 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
If you’re ready to wave goodbye to summer, and in welcome autumn and winter with open arms, then there’s arguably no better way of getting into the festive spirit than with the long-awaited and highly-anticipated return of the TV channel that’s charmed audiences for over half a decade now.
GREAT! Christmas the UK’s biggest seasonal channel, and it’s now live on Sky, Freesat, Freeview and Virgin Media.
You can expect almost four months of back-to-back seasonal movies.
The 24-hour feel-good and free-to-air channel will be bursting with non-stop Christmas spirit, and will be showing a heartwarming lineup of festive films – including some absolute fan-favourite classics that make it to screens every year without fail, alongside some cheesy Hallmark classics, new channel premieres, and so much more.
Emily Sergeant -
15th July 2020 
