Don't miss out on your State Pension entitlement

The 5 April 2025 deadline for paying voluntary National Insurance contributions to fill any gaps in your record between 2006 and 2018 is approaching.

Watch our video on YouTube to find out how to check for gaps in your National Insurance record: https://youtu.be/_8GkTNgyXqs

Our online form is available to request a call back: https://ow.ly/oGbl50VarlC

The Women in Defence Awards 2025

The Women in Defence Awards 2025 are now open for nominations, until 2nd May 25.

This year there is a new International category; the International Award is designed to recognise individual women or groups of women completing exceptional work in support of the defence of their own country. 

This award is open to individual women, groups or teams, as members of the Armed Forces, Civil or Public services, or those who work in Defence industries or associated bodies. 

Locally Employed Civilians (LECs) in overseas locations have been confirmed as eligible for this category.

Details of all categories and how to nominate can be found at: Women in Defence UK | Awards 2025 Criteria.

Seeing the blooms

From Germany to Holland, you have many great options for visiting the most beautiful blooming gardens.

Spring & Summer 2025 could be really great years for flower blooms. lets get started with a rundown by date order.


Cherry Blossom

Just as in Japan every spring many German cities and towns celebrate the arrival of the cherry blossom.  Enjoy a range of events and the simple pleasure of a walk under the blossom in the following locations. 

Though the exact timing of when the blossoms appear varies each year. The window is roughly 14 days in early to mid April. 

• Bonn 

The Old capital of west Germany  offers a great weekend break . The city is compact and historical features are well preserved. Bonn is just south of Cologne along the Rhine.  

 

Heerstraß ealong with Breite Straße are the main avenue of cherry trees in the city.

 

• Dusseldorf - Rhienpromenade 11th Apr Other places to see Sakura trees can be found around the city.

A small fair on the Rhienpromenade and some special ticketed events can be booked. Dusseldorf is home to a significant Japanese community. To enjoy a tea ceremony at the traditional Eko house in the city visit the park in a neighbourhood on the west bank of the Rheine.

The website Mr Dusseldorf has a really useful page on their site showing all the best spots to visit in Dusseldorf for cherry blossom. 

Tulips 

• Keukenhof - Netherlands  Opens March 20th Probably the most famous spring garden in all of Europe. Tickets are on sale now online here. A longer trip no doubt. You will be rewarded with spectacular gardens and blooms to see. 

Rhodedendrum Gardens

• Bremen This free park in Bremen has a massive area and botanical garden. in Spring you can find Tulips, Snowdrops and seasonal flowers. By the summer the Rhodedendrums take over. The drive time is 2 hours 20. 
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Botanical Gardens 

These locations have botanical gardens or open air gardens ready for you to visit. If the weather is not great the indoor botanical gardens are a good choice for a rainy day visit.