HMRC ‘secret festive loophole’ of a tax free Β£150 Christmas boost
She says: “Most directors don’t actually realize that HMRC really encourage you to throw a Christmas party. “As long as you follow one rule, every limited company gets a Β£150 per head allowance for staff events that is completely tax free, that includes the food, the drink, the entertainment and even the travel home.” “But…
Inshanghai in Durham rebrands to KING Buffet Durham
Inshanghai, a Chinese buffet, first opened in May 2007. It announced it will be known as KING Buffet Durham and will be under new management and ownership as of yesterday (December 1). Pictures taken today show the original signage remains on the building, but a new menu is posted outside. In a post on Facebook…
Are Yorkshire Puddings allowed on Christmas Dinner?
Do Yorkshire Puddings belong on the plate? One North East family claimed ‘there would be a riot’ if they were missed off, but some claimed they had no place at the festive dinner table. Every year, perhaps nothing divides local dinner tables as much as whether Yorkshire puddings are a Christmas staple or strictly reserved…
Renowned astronomers push to protect Chile’s cherished night sky from an industrial project
SANTIAGO β Chileβs Atacama Desert is one of the darkest spots on Earth, a crown jewel for astronomers who flock to study the origins of the universe in this inhospitable desert along the Pacific coast. A rare confluence of factors makes the Atacama an ideal home for some of the worldβs biggest ground-based astronomical projects…
San Francisco’s beloved albino alligator Claude dies at 30
SAN FRANCISCO β A rare albino alligator named Claude who was beloved by fans around the world died Tuesday, according to the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. He was 30. The science museum in Golden Gate Park is popular with Bay Area school children and international tourists, and many kids over the years…
Black Ferns set for three-Test showdown vs France at home in 2026
New Zealand celebrate during the Women’s Rugby World Cup third-place match against France, 2025. Photo: ADRIAN DENNIS / AFP The Black Ferns will resume their rivalry with France for a three-Test home series in 2026, as part of the new WXV Global Series. The series headlines a four-match home schedule between August and the end…
NZ jockey crowned Worldβs Best Jockey for third time
NZ Jockey James McDonald. Photo: DAN HIMBRECHTS New Zealand jockey James McDonald has won the Longines World’s Best Jockey title for the second consecutive year and third time overall. The 33-year-old, who is based in Australia, also won the Longines World’s Best Jockey Award in 2022. On his way to claiming the 2025 title, McDonald…
London police could expose Banksyβs identity β Telegraph β RT Entertainment
Secretive street artist Banksy could be unmasked by a UK police probe into his new mural in London, The Telegraph has reported. Known for his politically charged and socially critical works, Banksy has kept his identity hidden for more than 25 years. According to the newspaper, the Metropolitan Police is investigating graffiti that appeared on…