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## A brief history of Battersea Power Station

Battersea Power Station is a stunning Grade II\* listed Art Deco building, and its four tall white chimneys make it an iconic part of the London Skyline.

Designed by renowned architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, it stands grandly on the banks of the River Thames, and if you're on a train from Gatwick into London Bridge it's sure to grab your attention.

It served as a coal-fired power station that generated electricity for London from the 1930s up until 1983. At its peak, it was providing a fifth of London's power.

After it was decommissioned, Battersea Power Station's future remained uncertain.

There were lots of fruitless proposals about what to do with the site (including ideas of turning it into a theme park!).

But in 2014 it was bought by a Malaysian consortium of investors and underwent huge redevelopment to breathe new life into the iconic building.

The renovated Battersea Power Station was officially opened to the public in October 2022 and is now a swanky development, featuring residential, commercial and cultural spaces. It's a place to live, work, shop, eat, drink, and play, and it's an attraction that has transformed Battersea into one of the most desirable areas to live in London.

Lift 109 opened at Battersea Power Station in November 2022. It's a paid-for experience that includes a glass elevator ride to the top of the Power Station's north-west chimney.

I visited with my husband and our two sons, Odhran, 10, and Reuben, 7, on a Friday evening during the summer holidays.

Reuben still talks about the time we went to the top of 'The Walkie-Talkie' building in central London, and he enjoyed the view from :a[ArcelorMittal Orbit]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/holidays/take-a-break-holidays/we-went-on-the-worlds-longest-and-tallest-tunnel-slide-would-you-brave-this-attraction/' }, so I knew he'd be excited to hear we would be going up one of the chimneys at Battersea Power Station. It's also nice for the kids to have the opportunity to step inside some of :a[London's most iconic buildings]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/holidays/take-a-break-holidays/walk-in-the-footsteps-of-the-bard-at-one-of-the-most-unique-theatre-attractions/' } and have the opportunity to learn more about the history of the city they're growing up in.

The Lift 109 experience begins at the Power Stations Art Deco Turbine Hall. There was a bag search and we had to step through a metal detector before entering a small exhibition space, where there were displays detailing how Battersea Power Station has evolved through the decades and been reinvented and transformed. I wasn't aware it held such cultural significance in terms of its role in film and music history. So, it was interesting to follow the timeline of its evolution, and the boys enjoyed the big interactive display table in the centre of the space. There's a small bar if you wish to purchase a drink before your ascent.

We were in a group of about 12 people, including another family, a couple, and a group of three friends. After the exhibition space, we entered a room with interactive walls for a lights show, where swirling energy particles react to your touch. Then we had to climb 39 steps to the main lift for the chimney ascent (Hint: try to enter first to you can nab a seat at the centre of the lift for the best view as the circular glass elevator makes it's way up the north-west chimney ). It's a short but impressive ride through a tunnel of lights. There was a collective 'wow' as the elevator emerged from the top of the chimney and we were presented with incredible 360° views.

Standing 109 metres above ground (hence the name Lift 109), the panoramic view takes in loads of other London landmarks. There were little information plaques around the lift pointing out attractions to search out. The boys enjoyed spotting the Elizabeth Tower with Big Ben, The Shard, the London Eye, and St Paul's Cathedral. But it was also a great way to get a birds eye view of Battersea Power Station itself, and there was something incredibly relaxing about allowing your gaze to wander down along the Thames, especially as it was a clear evening with the sun setting. But it felt like we only had about 10 minutes viewing time and I would have liked five or 10 minutes longer to find all of the places highlighted on the information plaques.

Overall, we loved the Willy Wonka style glass elevator, and the views from the top of the chimney were truly spectacular.

It's cheapest to purchase your tickets online in advance. A booked time slot will cost from £16 for an adult (16+ years old) and from £12 for a child (3-15 years old). Kids aged 2 and under can enter free of charge and do not need a ticket. A family ticket (admission for four guests, max two adults) will cost you from £48. There are options to purchase flexible tickets, where you can reschedule if necessary, or an Any Time Ticket (allowing you to arrive at any time on your selected date. But these will cost you more.

It's worth noting that pushchairs are not allowed into the experience but can be stored in a buggy area. There are 39 steps to climb up and down during the experience. If you need step free access you need to reserve the Accessibility Lift during the booking process.

The Lift 109 experience is open seven days a week and until 8pm Thursday to Sunday. Find out more :a[here]{href='https://lift109.co.uk' }.

## Where to eat with kids at Battersea Power Station?

You'll be spoilt for choice with dining options, but we were drawn to Arcade Food Hall & Bar. It has 13 kitchens, serving a variety of street food under one roof. But there's the sense of being in one restaurant, as you take your seat and a waiter comes to your table to take your order from a menu that lists the offerings from each kitchen. There's everything from burgers, tacos, Middle Eastern food and dumplings, to pizza, Indian food, dim sum, and sushi. The venue is low-lit and stylish. But there are big family-friendly tables.

Arcade also has two bars, and we spent time pouring over the extensive drinks menu. The cocktail section had a broad range of classics with a twist and signature offerings. The Solero - gin, spiced Brandy, syrup, passionfruit, yogurt and coconut - sounded tempting. But after much indecision, I ordered the Baijiu Bramble - blackberry gin, tarragon, lemon juice and raspberries. It was one of the best cocktails I've ever had! My husband was equally impressed by the Piña Colada Old Fashioned - a lovechild of two popular classics. Cocktail prices are between £9 and £16. Arcade has an 888 offer - 8 select cocktails, for £8 each, from 8pm.

It took us a while to order, as the menu is extensive and it all sounded so appetising. Reuben ordered and polished off the Sushi Set - six pieces with a choice of salmon or tune (priced £15.50/£17). Odhran opted for a choice of bao buns, priced from £6.50 each. I went for vegetable MOMO - handmade Nepali dumplings, served in a hot and spicy sauce. You can choose between three or five, priced £9.50 or £13.50. My husband went for a chicken version of the same dish, priced £10 or £14.

There is something here to tickle all tastebuds, and there are also sharing menus available. The staff at Arcade were friendly and the atmosphere was relaxed. We ate before doing the Lift 109 experience and didn't have time for dessert, but the choice of sundaes, puddings and tortes, (priced from £6) sounded delicious. Family days out can involved disagreements around what to eat. Arcade takes away the headache by offering plenty to keep everyone happy!

## Where to shop with kids at Battersea Power Station?

Battersea Power Station is home to the only official, standalone Transformers store in the World! Fans travel from all across the globe to visit this store, which sells all sorts of merchandise, from comics, clothing, and accessories, to toys, gifts and collectibles. Visitors can play video games and enjoy the photo opportunities. Reuben was keen to have his picture taken next to a giant D-16. I thought this was Megatron, but apparently D-16 is the character who later becomes Megatron. There are other fan favourites standing guard at the top of the stairs outside the store, and Odhran hopped in for a picture next to Bumblebee.

The staff are exactly as you'd hope for in this kind of store - passionate about Transformers and incredibly knowledgeable on this specialist subject. We loved watching a demonstration by one of the sales assistants of the transforming figures. Through voice recognition he was also to command them to transform and engage. Around me, kids were turning to parents and saying 'I want one of those!'. But these were prototypes of big boy toys with hefty price tags. Still, it was great fun to watch. And from smaller transformer figures to stationary and plushies, there are plenty of pocket friendly items on offer if you want to treat your child.

The industrial history of Battersea Power Station makes it a fitting building to house the world's only standalone Transformers store, and you can purchase limited edition clothing merch with stylish designs that set popular Transformer characters against the iconic profile of Battersea Power Station. If you're visiting the complex with kids, you must stop in at the Transformers store. And right next door, there's the world's first standalone Peppa Pig store for those shopping with toddlers.

Battersea Power Station makes the most of its location by the Thames with a beautiful outdoor space. Sit and enjoy food or a drink along the river, or relax on one of the many colourful deck chairs on the grass. Throughout the year, there are several great events taking place. So, keep an eye on website for details. CelebrASIA returns this weekend (5th-7th September) for a free-to-enter, three-day celebration of South East Asian food, culture and community. Pop-up food outlets will take over the neighbourhood, and there are lots of bookable workshops and masterclasses for both adults and kids, from paper lantern making to creating a handcrafted pewter bowl. Find out more :a[here]{href='https://batterseapowerstation.co.uk/celebrasia/' }. Meanwhile, for dino fans, :a[Jurassic World: The Experience]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/holidays/take-a-break-holidays/review-of-jurassic-world-the-experience/' } has come stomping into NEON - a new immersive visitor destination, right next door. So, whatever you decide to do, you won't be short of fun options for keeping the kids occupied on a family day out to Battersea Power Station.

We went on a Willy Wonka style GLASS ELEVATOR for the most UNIQUE way to view the London skyline…

Page 14. Now 4 Something Different: **Superstar**

## Scroll to the bottom and enter for your chance to WIN a Family Palace and Play Pass worth £165

A masterpiece of Baroque architecture, sitting proudly in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, Blenheim Palace is the seat of the 12th Duke of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. It's surrounded by beautiful Formal Gardens, and visitors can explore its 2,000 acre Parkland. It's the perfect day out for adults who fancy an historical outing, but there's loads on offer for children too, with a maze, little train, butterfly house and an incredible Adventure Playground that's a day out in itself!

I visited with my husband and sons Odhran, 9, and Reuben, 6, on a lovely Summer's day at the end of June. Blenheim Palace is open throughout the year except for Christmas Day. The Adventure Playground is open during Spring, Summer and school holidays. During Autumn and Winter, it's open Friday to Sunday. Different parts of Blenheim Palace and Gardens open and close at different times. For example, The Palace and Formal Gardens close before the Parkland and the Adventure Playground, and the miniature train tends to stop running around 3.30pm. So visit blenheimpalace.com/app to get up-to-date opening times for the day of your visit.

I've started with the Adventure Playground because we arrived through the main entrance, and as the boys cycled up towards The Palace, they spotted the sign for the Adventure Playground and started veering left, adamant we visited there first. I had to promise them we were only heading on towards The Palace to drop the bikes at the ticket kiosk (a little black hut to the left before the entrance to the East Courtyard). There, they spotted an ice-cream kiosk and I was pleased we indulged in this treat early in the day, as when we returned later, there was a long queue.

Turning back on ourselves, we walked for about another 10 minutes before we reached the Walled Garden. There's a miniature train that runs from The Place to the Walled Garden (£1 each way to ride, under 3's go free) but one had just departed and the boys didn't want to wait for it to return, as they were too excited to get to the playground. After all the walking, I was happy to see that all the kiddy-friendly parts of the attraction were located next to each other (The Adventure Playground, Hedge Maze and Butterfly House) in the family-friendly Walled Garden area of Blenheim Palace.

There was a marquee with a kids-friendly theatre show taking place on the day we visited. The next show was in a hour and a half's time. We thought that would give us enough time to explore the playground before going to see the show. But as soon as we walked through the flower archway into The Adventure Playground, it was obvious the boys were going to be in no hurry to leave and we would miss the show.

The boys' eyes lit up when they saw all the climbing structures, and Odhran dived straight into the little man-made stream that trickles through the middle of the playground. With a water pump and water features including little water fountain jets, this part of the playground was a big hit, with lots of little kids splashing about in swimwear.

But there are also fantastic wooden structures, including giant carrots, with slides, tunnels, nets and rope bridges. There's a designated are for toddlers and zip wires for bigger kids. We had a great time playing hide and seek, and Odhran was having such a great time, he slipped and badly grazed his elbow and leg. I'd come unprepared without wipes or plasters.

Another mum jumped to my help before a member of staff was quick to offer assistance, and phoned for a first-aider. A lot of the staff are first-aid trained and on-hand to help with any issues that may arise. The first-aider was super helpful, and took us into a room (which doubles up as a first-aid room and a room can be used for children who might become over-stimulated and need a bit of time out). He cleaned Odhran's cuts with antiseptic wipes and bandaged him up well, all the while chatting in a friendly and reassuring way. We were super appreciative of his lovely, helpful manner, which allowed us to carry on and fully enjoy the rest of our day.

The first aid care is just an example of how the playground has been so carefully thought out. There are toilets and changing facilities within the playground area, picnic tables and plenty of areas for parents to perch while their children play, a kiosk selling ice-cream and hot drinks, and a standalone water fountain to fill up your water bottle.

The Adventure Playground is an attraction in itself. It's suitable from toddlers up to kids around 12, and kids could easily spend three hours in here. We just accepted that we would probably miss out on seeing some other part of Blenheim Palace as a result, but the boys were having such a fun time, we didn't want to drag them away.

The boys love a game of chase around a maze, and the promise of this was what eventually lured them out of the playground. Their dad was 'It', while myself and the boys tired to find our way out of the maze before he caught us. We had to climb the wooden structures in the middle a couple of times to get a bird's eye view and establish our route out, but eventually we managed to escape without being caught. If your family love a maze, then you'll want to make time to visit this part of the attraction.

Next, we headed for Butterfly House. Here, a member of staff showed the boys how to gently coax the butterflies on to their finger, and Reuben was delighted when a butterfly landed on his head. One attached itself to Odhran's arm and seemed reluctant to fly away.

There were lots of different species and we spent more time in here than I thought we would. Just be careful there aren't any still attached to you before you leave! I had to step back inside, as, much to the boys amusement, one was trying to make a cunning escape by attaching itself to my bottom.

After the Butterfly House, we went to The Palace. The day was getting on and there was still lots to do. I wanted to make sure we didn't leave without even setting foot inside The Palace! I was glad we did this after The Adventure Playground, Maze and Butterfly House, as I feel if we'd done The Palace first, the boys would have rushed us round to get to what they considered the fun bits! But, after being entertained for hours, they were happy to indulge us. At our time of visiting, there was a fantastic Icons of British Fashion exhibition taking place, and I loved following the route around this showcase of clothing, shoes and accessories by legendary designers through the decades, including Stella McCartney, Vivienne Westwood and Lulu Guinness. As we wandered around, I heard another visitor telling his friends how amazing Blenheim looked at Christmas, and I could only imagine how magical the rooms would look, filled with baubles and giant Christmas trees. I also loved reading about the history of The Palace. Before our visit, I only knew that it was the birth place of Winston Churchill. So, I abandoned my husband to rush ahead with the boys, while I took my time to read all the information about Churchill's grandfather and how Blenheim Palace came to be built. I found all the information really fascinating.

This new interactive space invited families to explore the important role of bees and other pollinators in our ecosystem. It's a hands-on experience where families can learn about bees, hedgerows and the best plants for attracting pollinators to their own gardens. There are immersive activities here for little ones to enjoy.

There is so much to do at Blenheim, and that's even before we get into the boating, paddle boarding and kayaking! On top of this, there are so many different events taking place at Blenheim Palace throughout the year that you could visit several times and find something new to explore on each visit. In celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the birth of Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace is hosting special events throughout this year. I loved the exhibition that allowed us to discover the pivotal moments of Churchill's life that unfolded at Blenheim Palace. After a family day out at Chartwell (former home and gardens of Sir Winston Churchill in Kent), it was really interesting to put further aspects of his life into perspective. My nine-year-old was interested in Sir Winston's not so exemplary school report card! And I was moved by his childhood letters begging his parents to visit him in boarding school. It added so many more dimensions to such a historical figure, and I'm always hoping that little bits of history seep into my sons' brains as we wander round these places.

Blenheim thinks of events for kids and adults alike, and this Summer (now until 1 September) little ones can enjoy a fun Shaun the Sheep Trail. Find out more:a[here]{href='https://www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/shaun-the-sheep-at-adventure-play/' }. And Bridgerton fans can stand in stunning locations from the hit show on The Bridgerton Trail. Find out more :a[here]{href='https://www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/bridgerton-trail/' }. This Halloween, there's a spooky Illuminate Trail, and Christmas market at Blenheim is always a hit. So, check the website to make sure you visit at a time that offers the most exciting events for you.

Whether you choose to explore the Formal Gardens or the land extending around Blenheim Palace, there is plenty of ground to be covered here! The Tree Trail will take you on a journey through the magnificent landscaped across the estate, and the Formal Gardens reflect the styles throughout the ages. Standing on the bank of The Lake is The Harry Potter Tree, which fans of the 2007 film Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix won't want to miss out on.

There are cafés, restaurants and ice-cream and hot drinks kiosks on site. So, if whether you're after a hearty meal, and afternoon tea or a quick bite, you're covered. The Orangery Restaurant offers a touch of sophistication for those wanting to treat themselves to something a bit fancy. The Oxfordshire Pantry and The Stables Café are a good pit-stop for those in search of a quick sweet or savoury bite to eat. The pizzeria is well places next to The Walled Garden for lunch times with kids. We packed a picnic (there are lots or spots to relax and eat, including picnic tables both outside and inside the Adventure Playground. We stopped for a treat in the courtyard and spent £17 on a Rocky Road, Scone with jam and butter, and three Mansfield ice-pops.

## How long does it take to go around Blenheim Palace and Garden

We didn't manage to see everything in a day. The boys spent so much time in the Adventure Playground alone that by the time we'd finished, their little legs were exhausted. So, although, I've loved to have explored the grounds around Blenheim, we were lucky to get a glance at the Formal Gardens. We'll definitely be back when we're next in the area.

All tickets must be booked in advance and you can even book online on the day of your visit. There are different passes. But if you're looking to visit The Palace and its gardens and the Adventure Playground, you'll needed the Palace and Play Pass - adult ticket costs £50, child £40 (free for under 3s), or a family ticket (two adults, two children) costs £150. A Palace Park and Gardens Pass (not including Adventure Playground) costs £38 for an adult, £22 for children over age three, or £99 for a family ticket (two adults, two children). But both these tickets included unlimited access for 12 months after date of purchase. It's also possible to purchase just a Park and Gardens ticket (so not including Adventure Playground). This costs £28 for an adult, £13.50 a child over age three, or £80 for a family ticket. A single visit Adventure Playground ticket can be added to the Palace Park and Gardens, and the Park and Gardens Pass at a cost of £5 for an adult and £7 a child. But if you're planning to return, it's more cost effective to purchase the Palace and Play Pass.

**Discounts:** NHS staff, blue light card holders and member of the Armed Forces can enjoy 10 per cent off the cost of entrance (not available on Christmas at Blenheim Palace tickets). Email customerservice@blenheimpalace.com to access a special discount code.

Blenheim Palace is a day out that has something to offer everyone in the family, from grandparents and parents to kids. There's more to pack in than you can manage in a single day. So, it's a good job the pass is valid for 12 months. But even if you live a distance away and are only likely to make the one trip, we found it to be full and fun-packed day that makes it still worth the money. It's also, an attraction that's definitely worth the journey. We rate it a 5/5 attraction.

Blenheim Palace has partnered with Darwin Escapes to create Blenheim Palace Lodge Retreat - a collection of luxury self-catering lodges set in the grounds of the Blenheim Palace Estate. We had a three-night stay here, and from the moment we arrived, we could tell it was going to be a relaxing and restorative break. The grounds around the lodges were so peaceful and serene, with wildflower beds around each lodge. We stayed in Vanbrugh Lodge, which I later learnt was named after John Vanbrugh, the English architect who designed Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard. We've stayed in chalets and lodges before. But as we stepped through the doors of our lodge at this retreat, we were instantly struck by the sense of luxury and the quality of the design, colour schemes and materials used in the creation of these lodges. The luxury lodges at Blenheim Palace Lodge have featured in the final of the TV show Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr, and you can choose to stay in one of the two lodges that the two finalists designed.

Our lodge wasn't one of these, but still it felt like a very large suite in a fancy boutique hotel or a stay in a chic little holiday home. It was so stylish and cosy. Two double bedrooms were separated by a living area that included a kitchen with an island and breakfast table, and a comfortable living space with a sofa, coffee table and flatscreen TV. There were two shower rooms opposite each bedroom - each with a waterfall shower and stocked with luxury shower and body products from Arran Aromatics. There was great use of space in the lodge, with plenty of storage and a cute dressing table with a touch sensor light-up mirror in the area between each bedroom and its opposite shower room. Glass panelled doors opened out on to a back area where there was rattan furniture to relax on with a drink while we watched the sunset during the evening, or to enjoy breakfast outdoors on a morning. Our lodge overlooked a wild meadow, and we cut through here to make the short walk (about 15 minutes) to the entrance gate to Blenheim Palace. Even the bedding felt luxurious, and we had the most comfortable sleep.

The lodge came equipped with everything you need to enjoy a break away. I'd packed a hair-dryer and an iron but the lodge was already equipped with these things, including an ironing board. There was a fully equipped kitchen with fridge, freezer, microwave, washing machine and dishwasher. We were even provided with tea, coffee and milk sachets, and a sponge for washing dishes, dishcloth and a single dishwasher tablet. There were fluffy towels and toilet paper - pretty much everything you need to just whack your clothes in a bag and set off for a weekend away without having to thing about all the finer details (bring some laundry powered if you think you might need to wash clothes). The only thing that would have added to the experience is if the TVs (they're in the bedrooms as well as the living area) had been set up so we could connect to our personal Netflix account. It's also worth mentioning that the lodges are pet friendly, so your four legged friend is welcome to join in your family break away.

Blenheim Palace Lodge Retreat is ideally located within walking distance of Woodstock and you'll find a Co-op food store nearby to top up in supplies. Woodstock is a charming town and we stopped off for a drink and chips and dips in the beer garden of the Back Lane Tavern. You'll find nice pubs, restaurants and boutique shops here to explore. Bring your bikes, as nearby, there's Cutteslowe and Sunnymead Park, and little ones will enjoy Cogges Manor Farm. Further afield, there's Oxford Botanic Garden, Bicester Village (if you're looking for a bit of designer shopping!) and Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens.

If you're looking for a tranquil retreat, from which there's plenty to explore, then Blenheim Palace Lodge Retreat ticks all the boxes. We returned from our visit feeling completely relaxed and restored.

Blenheim Palace is marking 75 years since first opening its doors to the public with a summer of celebration, featuring ‘75 Things To Do’ across the Palace, Park and Gardens.

From history lovers to families and adventure seekers, the summer-long celebration promises something for everyone. Among the highlights is a unique chance to experience Life Below Stairs, offering visitors a glimpse into the day-to-day workings of a grand country house. The new immersive experience showcases a recreation of a Victorian Kitchen and its adjacent quarters, with visitors entering into the Delivery Room, before being guided through the Ale & Wine Cellar, the Scullery, the Kitchen, the Butler’s Pantry and the Servants Hall with the Housekeeper’s Desk.

Families with young children can step into the world of Pip and Posy as they embark on a Rainbow Treasure Hunt, inspired by an episode from Pip and Posy Magic Light Pictures’ hugely popular pre-school series which airs on Sky Kids and Channel 5’s Milkshake. The all-new interactive experience will captivate visitors with 3D character installations, themed activities, and a magical treasure trail to delight little explorers.

For a view like no other, visitors can also visit the new Rooftop View experience, launched as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s ongoing roof restoration project. For the first time, guests can access a specially built platform on the rooftop and enjoy views over the Estate. The viewing point offers a rare chance to see the Grand Bridge, Great Court, and the Column of Victory from above. It’s a unique opportunity to explore the scale of the building from a new perspective, available for a limited time only.

With all-new garden tours and walks launched, a Bridget McCrum sculpture trail, a visit to the Standing with Giants installation, stepping inside the Rowse Honey Hive, and a packaged calendar of events - this summer at _Britain’s Greatest Palace_ has a fantastic line-up of events and activities for every visitor. All are included in standard admission unless otherwise stated.

https://xd.wayin.com/embed/af880469-34b0-4e21-be42-771c9ed4e7b8?mode=responsive&scrolling=no

Blenheim Palace Review: Here’s why a stay near this UNESCO World Heritage Site could be your perfect family break

**_When my brother and his girlfriend disappeared, we never imagined  it would take nearly four decades to uncover the truth. By Penny Farmer, 63_**

As we bobbed about in our dinghy, I said, ‘We should turn back now.’

‘No! Come on,’ my brother Chris said, ‘let’s go  a bit further.’  
We were on holiday in Anglesey and Chris was being his usual adventurous self.  
Chris was a junior doctor, and his childhood sweetheart, Peta, was a law graduate.  
But they had plans to take off to Australia before exploring the South Pacific.  
‘I’ll miss you,’ I said.  
‘I’ll miss you too,’ Chris replied.  
Back home in Manchester, I started sixth form.  
Weeks later, my family waved Chris and Peta off.  
My mum, Audrey, fought back tears as she gave Chris one last hug.  
‘Remember, it isn’t for long,’ he said. ‘Please don’t worry about me, I’m doing what I’ve always wanted to do.’  
In the months that followed, Peta sent long letters to her mum Sammie, and Chris sent tapes with recorded messages.  
‘We’re having a great time,’ Chris said. ‘It’s paradise.’  
When my 17th birthday rolled around, he sent me a beautiful green sarong.  
We looked forward to hearing about their latest adventures, from scuba diving off New Caledonia, to visiting white sand beaches in Fiji.  
I thought, I wish I was there.  
After they’d travelled to Oaxaca in Mexico, Chris sent a message.  
‘We’re going to come home for Christmas,’ he said.  
Although that was still months away, we looked forward to it.

Then, Sammie received a letter from Peta saying they were in Belize, Central America.  
They’d met an American who owned a boat, and they were sailing with him to Honduras.  
But weeks passed without tapes or letters, and we grew anxious.  
Finally, five weeks after Peta’s last letter, Sammie received a letter from Peta.  
Mum breathed a sigh of relief.  
‘Thank God,’ she said, ‘Where are they? Are they  all right?’  
Sammie explained that they were still sailing with the American, named Silas Duane Boston. His two sons, Vince, 13, and Russell, 12, were also on board the Justin B.  
Apparently Peta had said that it  was getting a bit cramped, and Boston was losing his temper with the two boys.  
We felt puzzled, as the letter was dated 28 June,  but the postmark showed it had been sent from Livingston in Guatemala, on  18 July.  
It was unusual for Peta to not update her letter with a postscript when she was unable to send it straightaway.  
Weeks passed with no further communication, and our fears grew.

My dad, Charles, got in contact with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), and he wrote to the consuls in Central and South America.  
Chris and Peta’s disappearance was reported in the media.

Dad wrote to the acting harbour master in Belize, who confirmed that Chris and Peta were on board the  Justin B when it left port.  
However, there was no record of them on board when it next docked.

The FCO confirmed that days later, Boston and his sons had flown to Miami.  
The British Consulate tracked Boston down. But he claimed he’d dropped Chris and Peta off in Guatemala.  
The case was then taken up by Greater Manchester  Police. But without any bodies or hard evidence, it was hard to make progress.  
Christmas came and went.  
I would walk into a room and my worried parents would hurriedly wipe away their tears.  
Then, a Belizean private investigator, working for both our families, discovered something shocking.  
The bodies of two unidentified Westerners, matching Chris and Peta’s descriptions, had been recovered from the sea  off Guatemala the  previous July.  
The bodies were exhumed, and dental records confirmed they were Chris and Peta.  
They had been tortured, bound, and weighed down with engine parts.  
Mum, Dad, my older brother Nigel and I, passed  a bottle of sherry round to  try to numb the shock.  
We believed Silas Duane Boston was responsible for the murder of Chris and Peta.  
The only question we had was why?  
But, by now, it was as if he and his sons had disappeared into thin air.  
The case ran cold, and years turned into decades.  
In time, Dad passed away, and we feared we’d never know exactly what had happened to Chris and Peta.  
A couple of years later, Mum and I were out walking the dog.  
Mum was aged 91, and Chris would have now been in his 60s.  
‘I wonder what Chris would look like now,’ Mum said.  
And then a realisation suddenly hit me…  
Chris had died outside of the digital age, and I’d never thought to look online for answers.  
I rushed home and searched Facebook.  
It wasn’t long before I found Vince and Russell.  
Then, I found myself staring at the face of Silas Duane Boston, who was living in Sacramento.  
I contacted Greater Manchester Police, and they agreed to reopen the case.  
Shockingly, the original case file had been lost.  
But I had a dossier of Dad’s investigations, and a former detective had kept a copy of the missing case file in his garden shed.  
When the lead detective reached out to the Sacramento Police Department, she discovered that they were investigating the disappearance of  Vince and Russell’s mother, Mary Lou, after Vince gave a statement to say that his father had murdered her in 1968.  
Vince and Russell had also informed police that they had witnessed the murders of Chris and Peta.  
It turned out that both sons had made numerous attempts to report Chris and Peta’s murder. But because the case file was missing, the UK’s National Crime Agency had insisted they could find  no trace of Chris and Peta, and their accounts were dismissed.  
Boston was finally arrested and charged with the murder of Chris and Peta.

We looked forward  to facing him in court.  
But three weeks before the court date, Boston, who suffered kidney failure, died after refusing his dialysis.  
As I needed some form of closure, I travelled to America to meet Russell.  
He looked stricken as he recounted the horrific details of what had happened to Chris and Peta.  
Boston had been drinking heavily and had started beating Russell.  
Chris had stepped in and Boston had tried to hit him, but ended up falling overboard.  
Chris and Peta had laughed, and Chris had then helped Boston back on to the boat.  
But Boston felt humiliated and, the next day, he asked Chris to raise the anchor. Then, he crept up behind him and beat him with a club, cracking his skull.  
He threatened to  shoot Peta with a spear gun if she didn’t stay in the galley, and then he stabbed Chris in the chest.

Chris survived, and the following day, Boston told him and Peta he’d drop them at a remote point on a peninsula. He bound their legs, tied their hands behind their backs, and placed a plastic bag over their heads.  
Boston reassured Chris and Peta that this was only so he’d have time to escape before they contacted police.  
He promised to push them into shallow water so they could make it to shore.  
Instead, he attached engine parts to the binds on their legs and steered the Justin B out to sea. Then, he tossed them overboard.  
Tears ran down Russell’s face.  
‘I wish we could have done something,’ he said.  
But Russell and Vince  were helpless victims too.  
Back home, my 17-year-old son Charlie said, ‘Mum, I want to go backpacking around Asia.’  
His resemblance to Chris was startling. I instinctively wanted to discourage him, but I knew  I couldn’t clip his wings.  
Charlie went travelling and returned with lots of stories.  
Meanwhile, my book Dead in the Water was published as testimony to my family’s enduring love for Chris.  
It took 37 years to find the truth. But now Chris and Peta can finally rest in peace.

The Secrets at Sea: After 37 years, I caught my brother’s killer on Facebook

_**Isabella’s pampered rabbits have made an ear-esistible impact online…**_**_By Isabella Ewens, 33_**

As I pushed my buggy along the street,  heads swivelled in  my direction.

Following their gaze, I noticed their eyes were planted firmly on the cutie inside my pushchair.

‘He’s adorable!’ one woman cooed, as she leant down to ruffle his hair.

By the time I’d arrived at work, we’d been stopped countless times by admirers.

But it wasn’t a human child they were going gaga over — it was my fur baby, Lebowski the rabbit.

I’d been an animal lover ever since I  was a child.

But my bunny obsession started just four years ago, when my boyfriend at the time gave me a beautiful black and white Netherlands Dwarf rabbit.

Before Iong, I’d adopted more bunnies and began breeding them, alongside my job at an  art dealership.

I spent my days snapping pictures of my bunnies, and when they were four months old, I’d post on Instagram to find their forever homes.

But until they were old enough to leave their mothers, it was my job to care for them.

Luckily, my workplace was relaxed, and I’d often bring the young ones along, either in a buggy or a specially designed bunny backpack.

My colleagues were hopping mad for their bunny breaks, and it was a great way  to socialise the little ones.

At lunchtime, we gathered around Lebowski, taking it in turns to stroke him.

‘Want to see our party trick?’ I said.

Sitting Lebowski down on his hind legs, I gently held his arms in the air and swayed them from side to side.

Everyone grabbed their phones to capture the sweet moment.

Later that night, I’d just put  the bunnies to bed, when my friend sent me the video of Lebowski dancing that she’d recorded earlier.

I think you should put him on TikTok — the world needs to see his moves, she wrote.

So I added an upbeat song to the video and hit ‘upload’.

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