When lucy met the Bluetits
https://sites.marjon.ac.uk/doughnut/files/2022/04/Bluetits-AUDIO-CLIP-NO.-2-MP3.mp3 On Tuesday 12th April I went down to the white steps of Tinside on Plymouth Hoe, where I had arranged to meet Claire Cassidy of the Plymouth Ladies Bluetits group. Tinside is where...
How much do Apple slow iPhones down?
Joe McCormick investigates one of the biggest controversies in Apple’s history. Apple are the pioneers of the smartphone world. When the iPhone was first announced in 2007, the keynote’s audience laughed at Steve Jobs when he said that the primary method...
Ella Sampson Newsroom Radio Interview
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The truth behind touch therapy for dementia patients.
Around 5 million adults, at least age 65, have dementia. On the 18th March 2018 my Grandma, 75 years of age, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. It wasn’t sudden, I always knew that things were not quite right as she was slowly forgetting what would have...
The fight goes on to save five Cornish leisure centres from closure
Saltash Leisure Centre is one of five Cornish leisure centres, currently under the threat of imminent closure. Centres at Saltash, Wadebridge, Falmouth, Launceston, and the hydrotherapy pool at St Austell, could all face closure as early as March 2022. In Saltash, the...
Goodbye Great British Bake off 2021
Sadly, we’ve reached the final of the Great British Bake Off 2021 Can it be so? Surely this year’s Great British Bake Off can’t be over already? The last 10 weeks have whipped by, and we’re now so familiar with the bakers in the tent, they...
GBBO – free from week and goodbye Lizzie
We’ve now reached week 8 of 2021’s Great British Bake Off, and this week the bakers were asked to make a range of free from recipes. The first signature challenge saw the contestants asked to create dairy free ice cream sandwich biscuits. Lizzie’s...
GBBO Goodbye George – It’s been sweet
What’s been happining in the world of The Great British Bake off? Since I last reported our GBBO goings on, much has happened. We’ve had pastry week, where the contestants had to produce chouxnuts – yep, you guessed it, yet another delicacy nobody...
Food waste – what is the real cost?
Do we know the real cost of the food that the world wastes? Approximately 14% of all fresh fruit and vegetables produced worldwide is lost, between the time it’s harvested and when it reaches the supermarket shelf. Fact. Billions of litres of water are used in...
GBBO – Is Jurgen really Winnie the pooh?
This week saw the Great British Bake Off’s first ever German week, and the show was opened with Noel and Matt, dressed and singing in the style of 80”s German electropop band Kraftwerk. I guess this shows the age demographic the producers of the show are...
Bake off 2021 the story so far……
We’re now heading into week five of this year’s Great British Bake Off and we’ve seen some unlikely faces leave the famous tent already. Namely, the loveable Maggie, who stole everyone’s hearts in week one, with her infectious girly giggle and...
The Great British bake Off is back!
And we’re off! Tuesday saw the first of this year’s Great British Bake Off and, as always, it started with a bang. I’m slightly stumped by the Bake-Off team’s decision to open this year with the 30-year-old Billy-Ray Cyrus song (that nobody under 30 will even...
The elephant in the room
It’s back – the monster topic that is obesity, has raised it’s ugly head yet again. According to a recent independent review by Henry Dimbleby “there have been 14 government strategies aimed at reducing obesity in the UK since 1992. None have succeeded. The UK is...
Does the Tavistock Viaduct need more Mental Health signs?
Earlier this week, I went for a late-night walk to the Tavistock viaduct, located above Bannawell Street, to appreciate the views of Tavistock. While I was up there, one of my friends pointed something out to me that I have never noticed in the many times I have...
How to Use Traditional Media to Destress Your Life In 650 Words or Less
Imagine this: you have just sat down in front of the TV with your dinner, and you’re searching through Netflix, but you can’t seem to find anything you want to watch – and now, your food is cold. Traditional media such as radio and TV used to be a regular part of most...
Three things’ parents should NOT talk to their children about
How much ‘right’ do parents have to intervene in their children’s personal life? Most relationship and family professionals advise parents to discuss topics that are critical to bringing up with their children as they grow and mature. However, a major downhill...
Do you feel comfortable with restrictions being eased?
On Monday May 17th, the UK will be entering the next stage of lockdown restrictions being eased, despite the PM feeling concerned over the new Indian Covid-19 variant. As we approach this date, some people are feeling more anxious than others over the relaxation, with...
The Demise of Debenhams: Helping highlight the worker strike
The last Debenhams stores will close as of this Friday and Saturday, after it was announced the brand was moving online on April 9th, 2020. Since then, stores around the country have been slowly shutting down, and this weekend marks the end of a high street era....
Do teenagers and children chat openly with their parents?
The question around whether teenagers and children actually feel able to communicate openly with their parents, is one which will always prove difficult to answer. Over time, there has been many changes in society, in terms of family dynamics and job roles which...
2021 Spanish Grand Prix Preview: What should we expect?
The Formula One circus has arrived in Spain, just a week after the Portuguese Grand Prix, that saw Lewis Hamilton extend his championship lead over Red Bull rival, Max Verstappen. But what can we expect from this weekend? Here are the headlines you should expect to...
Marjon’s Latest Campus Attraction
Following the continuous lifting of lockdown restrictions, Marjon campus has a new addition: A beach! An instagram story teased the new arrival less than a week ago on Marjon’s official account (@marjonuni), and yesterday the page posted a series of photos to...
Here is what your fashion sense says about your personality
Did you know that you really are what you wear? You don’t have to be a vogue model to know that our fashion choices personify our social status and reputation. There is a lot more psychology behind picking out an item of clothing than you think; and here is why....
‘Hot girl Summer’ are women feeling more confident?
As the weather starts to get warmer, it is a given that many women will be showing more skin and more of their real body shape, which may have been hidden away in the Winter months. During 2020 and 2021, the UK has been stuck in various national lockdowns, forcing us...
Couples expecting babies spent the duration of their pregnancy feeling lonely, anxious and depressed due to coronavirus restrictions
In 2020 lockdown left parents expecting the arrival of their babies feeling extremely lonely, anxious and depressed during pregnancy due to restrictions which were put in place following the coronavirus pandemic. Pregnancy is supposed to be a happy time surrounded by...
Young Peruvian bear usurps media mogul
Three days before its 80th Anniversary on May 1st, ‘Citizen Kane’ has been toppled by ‘Paddington 2’ after being dethroned of its status on Rotten Tomatoes ‘100 Club’ following the addition of a review published in The Chicago...
The Public’s Reaction to Zero Derriford Hospital COVID-19 Cases
Derriford Hospital is one of four hospitals in Devon that is now able to declare itself as ‘COVID-19-free’, with their last case ending on April 23rd, according to Plymouth Live. In hospitals all across the country, there have been many people that have...
Celebrity Bake of SU2C final week
Last night saw the final Celebrity Bake off su2C of 2021, opening with Prue appearing to be dressed ready for an appearance in Dee-Lite’s Groove Is In the Heart 1990 video, and Matt Lucas now officially as round as a weeble. The contestants participating this...
Celebrity BAke Off SU2C week 4
This week’s Bake Off tent saw the arrival of 4 new celebrities, all ready to show us their baking skills (or lack of them), and to participate in the nation’s favourite baking show in aid of Channel 4’s Stand Up 2 Cancer charity. Strictly winner and...
Celebrity Bake off su2c 2021 Week 3
We’ve now reached the third and penultimate week of Celebrity Bake Off su2c. The celebrities competing for the coveted star baker pinny this week were Nick Grimshaw, Dizzee Rascal, Reece Shearsmith and Phillipa Perry (more widely known for being the wife of...
Returning to school – a student’s perspective
Students have been attending lessons in-person for a week now, following the slow ease of national lockdown restrictions from the UK Government. The UK’s third national lockdown started on the 4th January 2021 after a Christmas of relaxed COVID-19 rules. Boris...
Sufc Bake Off Week 2
We’ve already reached week 2 of Celebrity Bake off Stand Up For Cancer and another round of celebrities purporting to have never baked before, eagerly took their places in the tent. This week we saw Professor X himself – James McAvoy, comedy has-been and...
Bake off – It’s back!
With the new series nowhere in sight, last night saw the return of Stand Up To Cancer Celebrity Bake Off, which for most Bake Off fans (like me) will definitely do, while we’re waiting for the real thing. Who knew that geeky Rob Beckett would be good at doing...
Has Cornwall become a playground for the rich?
Cornwall’s affordability crisis is being noticed more and more by locals, as the younger generation struggle to get on the housing ladder. Local business owner Helen Morton, speaks out about her housing situation and what she thinks her children’s future...
Schools days can potentially be extended by the Government in England after reopening on March 8th
Plans to extend the school days, either through holidays or extra hours added on, are currently being debated and discussed within the government and the education board. The goal is to allow children to catch up after all the lockdowns they have faced that has...
Covid vaccination passports may be the only way for us to travel again
It’s been nearly two years since a lot of us have been on a covid free holiday and the idea of being able to hop on a plane and travel somewhere warm seems unimaginable. That was until British Officials announced that they are planning a system in which travellers may...
Graham Potter – The New Manager Of The Month?
Is Graham Potter to be the new Premier League Manger of the Month? It has not been an easy ride for the Seagulls with the teams first win of this year against Leeds in early January. Potter is up against Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta, Manchester City’s Pep...
Thinking of getting a dog? Read this first…..
So, you think you like dogs? They’re cute fluffy bundles of endless fun, aren’t they? Well, read on and you may change your mind… It is often said ‘a dog is for life not just for Christmas’ and this is absolutely true. But there are many...
Dance Moms star JoJo Siwa comes out as gay to her fans
17 year old JoJo Siwa, known for her appearance on American TV show Dance Moms, social media presence and creator of JoJo bows, has recently come out to her fans online. The teenager posted a photo of her on Twitter wearing a t-shirt with the words ‘Best. Gay....
UK schools are told not to provide free meals for their students at half-term
Arguments have once again arised when it was found out that the government has told schools not to supply food vouchers, parcels and meals to disadvantaged children over February half-term. Teachers, parents and council leaders expressed their undeniable frustration...
The Impact of Fashion in Football
The king of sports from the 70s and 80s took the leap and put more importance to fashion in football, not only with the introduction of a third / alternative kit, with a more commercial rather than functional purpose. One of the intentions was that it will be liked by...
So this is Christmas
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The four types of exercise you need to keep fit in the new year
There are four main types of exercise, each will benefit your health and wellbeing in different ways. They include aerobic (cardio or endurance), strength, flexibility and balance. For whatever reason, you are looking to start exercising be sure to incorporate all...
The joys and the agony….
Ask anyone who’s become a mum what it’s like, and I can guarantee they’ll never be able to describe the magnitude of how it feels. Firstly, please don’t misunderstand, I realise how lucky I am to have had the good fortune to bear three healthy children, and I will...
Bake off or bog off?
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Twice the number of people expected to be spending Christmas alone this year due to the pandemic
This year, twice the number of people are expected to be spending Christmas alone due to the pandemic, a recent poll conducted by the Observer has revealed. 2020 has been extremely hard for everyone across the world due to the Coronavirus pandemic. With the news of...
Holiday homes in Cornwall… are locals being pushed out for good, and what affect is this having?
Most people think of Cornwall as a rich county, full of life and beautiful scenery. But is this really all it is? Many towns in Cornwall are upmarket, with newly built houses and popular shops… However, there is also another side to Cornwall if you look past the...
Protecting black bees in the south-west
George Mitchell is a 24-year-old insect enthusiast who recently embarked on an apprenticeship in the Rame Peninsula looking after Cornwall’s very own black bees. Mitchell is interested in all types of insects, but is primarily concerned about the decline of bees. He...
More than 450 admitted to hospital in Indian state of Andhra Pradesh
Over the weekend mystery has swept through the city of Eluru In Southern India, hundreds of people collapsed and experienced nausea and epilepsy-like behaviour, there have been reports of people loosing consciousness and foaming at the mouth. Andhra Pradesh is already...
The Monolith on Monarch Marl
First, odd metallic Monolith were seen in Utah, California, the Netherlands and Romania, and now, the Isle of Wight. The First case: November 18th, the Red Rock Desert Monolith. (12ft Tall) Removed 27th November, by an unidentified group, supposedly including Andy...
Are snowy winters in the UK becoming a thing of the past?
After Met Office analysis, climate change in the UK could start to affect the cold weather we experience in the winter months. The average coldest day across the past three decades in the UK has been -4.3 Celsius, but if emissions keep rising, the coldest day in the...
Plymouth reveals the truth behind closed doors over family poverty: Poverty in the pandemic
The person who is quoted various times in this article wanted to be left anonymous; the name used instead for him is ‘Charlie’ With some areas of England already struggling to support their families, coronavirus has turned the lives of many people upside down. Jobs...
The duchess warns of lockdown loneliness for parents
Research from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s Royal Foundation shows loneliness among parents of young children has “dramatically increased” during the Covid-19 pandemic. People who are in more deprived areas of the UK have felt the most cut off...
Caffeine, why drinking it may not be for everyone.
Your morning cup of coffee believe it or not is a psychoactive drug, one that is not controlled by the government and is widely available around the world. Caffeine is in fact the most widely consumed psychoactive substance on the planet. Although caffeine has no...
The Grand Tour takes Madagascar
Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May have yet another special arriving on Amazon Prime, this time hunting pirate treasure in Madagascar. ‘The Grand Tour presents: A Massive Hunt’ is set to drop on the...
How Coronavirus has impacted the already struggling High Street
Following the closure of non-essential shops following the start of the second and most recent lockdown, which was on the 5th November, many retail industries are facing a possible collapse. The biggest names that have been suffering come under Sir Philip...
Great British Bake Off – the Final
Sadly, we’ve reached the Final of 2020’s Great British Bake Off. A slightly subdued undertone was apparent with the lack of usual family and friends in the beautiful gardens surrounding the tent, awaiting the outcome. This year the guests comprised of a combination of...
BGGO – It’s the semi final
So, this week has brought us, far too quickly, to the semi-final of this year’s GBBO. Unbelievably, we’ve seen Noel’s favourite lovely Lottie, Linda and Sura all leave the tent. Who could ever forget Rowan and his bizarre creations? The two Marks are now just a...
Chilli con carne 4 ways
Ingredients2 Red or white onions – 15p2–3 Cloves of garlic – 5p – 25p a bulb 1 Pepper – 18p 1/5 of a 90p pack 500g Mince beef £1.49 400g Tin of tomatoes 28p 400g Red kidney beans 33p 2 tbsp Tomato purée 5p – 27p a tube 1 Beef stock cube 11p –...
The student shopping list – How to eat well without breaking the bank.
My name is Charlie and I work in a kitchen, for one reason, because I love cooking. I always liked cooking from a young age, mainly baking, but at a certain point you work out that eating cake and brownies is not a sustainable way to live. I am going to attempt to...
Covid 19 and the cost of PPE to the planet
I can’t be the only person to have noticed discarded disposable (or not) masks littering our streets and outside spaces over the last few months. This has become an increasing worry, so even though I knew I would be horrified by what I found; I decided the time had to...
Chocolate expert reveals how to eat yours and reap the health benefits
Have you been eating your chocolate in the wrong way? UK chocolate expert Jennifer Earle from Ecstasy Tours has explained how we should be munching our chocolate in a completely different way than we have done for years. Instead of just chucking it in and chomping,...
Breakfast – The most important meal of the day
Breakfast has always been the most important meal of the day, or at least that is what I was always told by my mother. I believe the thinking behind this saying stem from the fact that when you sleep your body has been fasting for 8-9 hours and your blood glucose...
Nature’s little helper
With the approaching onset of winter, light levels are now lessening, and depression and low mood can become an increasing problem for many people. This, combined with a second lockdown in progress, means it’s never been more important for us to connect...
Beach walks found to have positive mental health impacts
As the UK enter a second lockdown, many people find themselves wanting some time out of the house for some fresh air. For those living in Cornwall, there are many scenic routes, coastal paths and beaches to explore for some daily exercise. With PM Boris Johnson asking...
Return of the pool
It was the news I’d been waiting for, and I discovered it by accident on the last day of September. An announcement by Saltash Councillor Hilary Frank was made on her Facebook page: “I’m pleased (and relieved) to say that the Saltash Leisure Centre will re-open...
Doughnuts
Doughnuts first made their debut back in the early 1800’s and its believed that they were brought to the USA by Dutch settlers who named them oly-koeks (oily cakes). They were originally made from a sweetened dough of flour, butter, sugar, eggs and milk and were then...
Boris Johnson Confirms Second UK Lockdown
On Saturday 31st October 2020, millions of people around the UK were anticipating the annoucement of the second national lockdown after a government report was leaked to the press. The number of COVID-19 cases have been rising dramatically over the recent weeks as...
Bake off or Bog off?
Us Brits love a national treasure, and over the last 11 years that’s exactly what the Great British Bake Off has become for its hundreds and thousands of disciples. Originally, the GBBO as it’s now fondly known to its fans, first aired on BBC2, presumably because the...
Blackwing Pencils – the best money can buy?
Recently, I had become completely infatuated with stationary – more specifically antique, unique and reliable stationary. After doing hours of research into ‘pen and pencil reviews’ (as sad as it sounds), I came across Blackwing, which are touted as...
Sandy or Matt?
When the news broke that C4 had managed to navigate their way around Covid 19 regulations to bring us a new series of Bake Off, our first thought was how could they possibly replace Sandy Toksvig? The relationship between Sandy and Noel worked perfectly, with their...
Can we trust a former US Deputy Secretary with our private information?
Facebook have appointed Robert M Kimmitt as the lead independent board director, as of March 2020. In a statement the CEO of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, addressed that Facebook were “looking for a leader who can bring significant oversight and governance experience”....
Pet Of The Month – Therapy Dog, Pippin.
PIPPIN THE UNIVERSITY THERAPY DOG University therapy dog, Pippin, outside the Plymouth Marjon Chaplaincy. Lecturers have you on a tight leash? Flatmates barking you up the wrong tree? After a ‘ruff’ week at university, Pippin, the four year old Golden...
Procrastination: We all do it
Definition: to keep delaying something that must be done, often because it is unpleasant or boring – “I know I’ve got to deal with the problem at some point – I’m just procrastinating.” Procrastination is something we all do, some people make...
“I love my job, but it isn’t easy” – An interview with online Entrepreneur, Natalie Hunt
The January blues are in full swing and many people are attempting to work on their New Year’s resolutions. With the exciting idea of a fresh start, numerous friends of mine expressed their interests in starting their own businesses online, panning from clothing to...
With delays here and cancellations there, why are we paying so much to travel by train?
It’s the same thing every year. Big Ben chimes midnight, fireworks go off, we spend a day welcoming in the new year and then it’s back to reality to an almighty bang when the rail fares once again rise, and we all ask ourselves ‘what exactly are we paying for’? Year...
Christmas Day: A Timeline
8:15 am You get up for the day. Crash into your parents’ room with more Christmas cheer and festive spirit than all the elves in the North Pole. Whack on a speaker and start blasting Christmas anthems throughout the house and the neighbourhood to ready their festive...
8 Ethical clothing brands perfect for Christmas gifts
We do nothing We do Nothing is an ethical clothing brand based in Newquay, Cornwall. They truly fulfill their slogan ‘ethical clothing for the conscious consumer’ by selling ethically made organic clothing such as jumpers, hoodies, hats, T-shirts and bags. Their...
Dogs Trust: Fur-ever Homes At Christmas.
Every 6 minutes the canine charity ‘Dogs Trust’ receives a call from a family wanting to give up their dog. Nearing the Festive season, it can be very tempting to make many impulsive purchases for your loved ones, or even yourself, and more often than...
A Insight To My Traditional Christmas
There is such a big build up to Christmas; the advent calendars, buying presents, decorating houses, buying trees…the list is almost endless. But once you get to the 25th of December, the fun is all over. All families celebrate Christmas is different ways and set...
Christmas Shopping as a Student: Top Tips
Being a student is stressful enough without the looming pressures of the mission that is Christmas shopping. Tasked with finding the right gifts for your nearest and dearest is tough enough, but this time you’re on a tight, tight budget. Oh, and if you weren’t already...
International Men’s Day At Marjon
What a fine looking bunch- International Men’s Day is celebrated across 80 countries worldwide. We’re well over halfway through Movember, and you gents have certainly impressed (some more than others, sorry lads) with your moustache efforts. From the...
How to survive your first term at University
A GUIDE TO HANGOVERS, HALLS, AND HOMEWORK. Your first term of University can be a very overwhelming time, with many students living away from home, family and friends. For many it will be a brand new experience, delving into higher education and navigating the waters...
Top 5 places to visit in or near Plymouth
Royal William Yard Royal William Yard is a complex full of restaurants, cafes, a wine bar and various clothing shops. The complex is an ex-Naval yard that also holds many unique and interesting events. Plymouth’s annual Illuminate light festival is held here and is a...
5 Hidden Gems at Plymouth Marjon
So you think you know your University? We walk its halls every day, but you’d be forgiven for missing these five hidden spots as you go about your day-to-day business at Marjon. Prepare to have your eyes opened… Lets get stuck in. Games Room Tucked away in Marjon’s...
Top Five Reasons To Visit Brighton
Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club Home to the city’s very own, Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club. The Albion continue to fight from strength to strength alongside Head Coach Graham Potter to remain in the Premier League. Not only do the Seagulls always...
Best Plymouth Costas ranked in order
Everyone must have had a Costa at least once in their lives, especially those who live in Plymouth and have seen the sheer amounts of Coffee establishments the ocean city contains. weather you like Costa or not we cannot deny these penultimate locations for an...
BBC’s “CountryFile” Visits Local Plymouth Beach
On Sunday 13th October, BBC One viewers were treated to an episode of Countryfile featuring local Plymouth beach, Wembury. Wembury itself is a place well-known for its outstanding natural beauty, stunning coastal walks and is host to the distinctive island, The Great...
Women’s Lacrosse #get involved
2019 promotional film for Plymouth Marjon University’s women’s lacrosse...
You look lovely – and not just cos it’s national compliment day
By Ben Moran, Katie Lawson, Bella Payne In a modern world that revolves around “likes” and Instagram “comments”, the traditional compliment is rarely given. It seems as though a young person’s confidence now relies on the number of likes on a selfie or the number of...
Hobby v addiction: how much is too much?
By Mollie York, Kaya Bos, Reece Carter How much is too much when it comes to exercise? One million of the 46 million physically active people in the UK are taking performance enhancers like anabolic steroids. Though the number of people indulging in steroids may seem...
How will Brexit affect the tourism section?
Why do we sing Auld Lang Syne?
In a matter of hours, the annul countdown is due to beckon across the world and we’ll conclude it with a familiar tune. ‘Auld Lang Syne’ is an old timey and lyrically-archaic Scottish song that, year-after-year, we shamelessly slur out with our arms linked to the ones...
Where you should go for Christmas lunch
One of my favourite things about the Holliday’s has to be the Christmas food. With only a few days to go loads of restaurants are offering something Festive at this time of year. Quay 33 If your feeling like a local homemade meal in a quiet part of Plymouth Quay 33...
As rail fares rise again, what exactly are we paying for?
By Rebecca Wallis Recently, we have been told that rail fares will rise again in the new year. Year after year, the prices increase and commuters have to grin and bear it. Ticket prices have risen by a huge 37% in the last decade with an average annual increase of...
How to stay healthy on a budget at uni
By Ollie Noy Scott, Mia Prescott, Kieran Gilbert, Neve Solomon and Ben Scott Although you may think you’re ready to jump into life at uni – things may be more complicated than you think. Planning is essential, especially if you want to keep yourself healthy and active...
Bad breakups at Marjon
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ShimmyShine Clothing- The student entrepreneur
Us students are always looking for ways to make money. With our student loans causing us crippling debt for the foreseeable future, we are all already stricken with money worries and financial uncertainty. We caught up with Exeter University student; Kate Ward, who...
(Amster)-DAM I need a budget break
In your twenties, running up big student debts, too many shifts, deadlines are looming and a quick, getaway trip to de-stress and re-fuel is needed. So how is it possible? It’s easy. Choose wisely where you go and be careful with your pennies. Make handfuls of...
5 Pantomimes to watch in Devon this Christmas
’Tis the season for dad jokes and glitter as Devon’s theatres are taken over by bizarre costumes and comical baddies. What is Christmas without your gran taking you to a panto? It’s boring, that’s what. So gather all the kids in your family and head on down to your...
Feeling low this winter? Watch this!
By Abby Davies featuring Jude...
