Entertainment
Things to do during your commute
Commuting plays a big role in many people’s day-to-day lives. In 2022, the UK took an average of 119 trips per person for commuting purposes, showcasing just how much time we spend travelling to work.
Entertaining yourself during a commute can be a struggle, particularly when travelling on public transport. Whether you travel by train or bus, here are some tips on how to stay entertained while also being productive with your time.
Listen to audiobooks and podcasts
Podcasts have become all the rage in recent years, with endless options to choose from. You could get updates on the latest news stories or tap into something that offers a sense of escapism. For some, this might involve podcasts centred around culture, sports or music.
Alternatively, you might prefer audiobooks. Chipping away at a gripping fiction or non-fiction book can be hugely fulfilling for many people who prefer long-form content. If you don’t have a specific book in mind, browse through the many round-ups online to see which books you gravitate towards. Crime, sci-fi, thriller, romance and other genres await.
Play mobile games
Mobile games are a great option for anyone seeking different forms of travel entertainment. With so many options available, you’re bound to find something you enjoy. You could choose from puzzles, strategy games and more. Popular examples include a virtual take on classic casino games such as roulette.
Learn a new language
Learning a new language has endless benefits and what better time to dabble in your language skills than during your commute? You can create flashcards or use apps to help you master new vocabulary during this time.
Some people may find it helpful to listen to a podcast or watch a video in another language. As long as you’re absorbing something one way or another, you’ll learn faster than you think. Short, regular exposure to a new language can work wonders. Outside your commute, you can put your learning commitments into action at a class, with a friend or on holiday.
Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques
For many, commuting time is an excuse to switch off and settle their mind. Perhaps you need to stay calm and collected before an important pitch that day. Or, perhaps you need to get yourself in the right headspace after a busy day at work before coming home to your family. Either way, this is your chance to take time for yourself. In a time where technology is everywhere, you might treasure these moments.
Practicing mindfulness each day can feel difficult if you live a busy lifestyle, so savour these moments during your commute and try some meditation or breathing exercises if you feel comfortable doing so.
Entertainment
Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir to perform at Royal Welsh Show
THE HAWKSTONE FARMERS’ CHOIR, winners of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent, will perform at the 2026 Royal Welsh Show.
The choir will sing in the main ring on the afternoon of Monday, July 20, the opening day of the show at Llanelwedd, Builth Wells.
Formed by Jeremy Clarkson as part of an advertising campaign for his Cotswolds-based brewing business, the choir has since grown into a national success story, using its platform to raise awareness of mental health within the farming community.
Aled Rhys Jones, chief executive of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome the Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir to the Royal Welsh Show.
“Their performance on the Monday in the main ring, in front of thousands of visitors, will be a truly special occasion.”
He added that it would be the choir’s first official performance in Wales since winning Britain’s Got Talent, and said many choir members had strong links with the Royal Welsh.
Lead soloist Rosie Jones, a beef and sheep farmer from Mid Wales, said: “What an honour to be invited to sing at the Royal Welsh Show 2026.
“This fairytale journey just keeps growing, but the greatest thing to come from it is the community we’ve built within the choir and beyond.”
The Royal Welsh Show is one of Europe’s leading agricultural events, celebrating Welsh farming, food and rural life.
Picture caption:
The Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir (Pic: Britain’s Got Talent / ITV).
Entertainment
Safe Online Gambling: Tips for Staying in Control
In many cases, online gambling is a harmless hobby. However, for others, gambling can become problematic without the right considerations. Thankfully, there are many ways to keep gambling habits restrained to prevent addiction. With that in mind, here are some safe online gambling tips to help you stay in control and keep gambling fun.
Set Financial Limits
Licensed operators must offer tools that allow people to set personal budgets. And from 30 June, they must also provide customers with an opportunity to set deposit limits, which refers to the amount a customer pays into their account over a set duration. These kinds of tools can be invaluable for people who struggle knowing when to stop or have a habit of chasing losses.
Similarly, most reputable casinos also have time limits, to ensure you aren’t spending too much time gambling. Additionally, if you feel you’ve lost control entirely, you can also self-exclude yourself from all sites by registering for an account with Gamstop Online.
Avoid Gambling Under the Influence
Gambling under the influence, after consuming alcohol for instance, can impair your judgement and lead to impulsive decisions. It’s essential that you only gamble while sober and when you’re not experiencing any particularly strong emotions, so you can make more informed, level-headed decisions.
This is especially true when using the fastest payout casinos or high intensity games, as it can be easy to get caught up in the fun, lose money fast, or make more impulsive decisions.
Know the Signs of Problem Gambling
When you gamble, you are taking a risk. Not just financially, but emotionally too. It’s important that you recognise the signs of problem gambling, so you can address any problems early to prevent further harm.
Some of the common signs of problem gambling include:
- Frequently chasing losses
- Using money intended for savings or essential expenses for gambling
- Borrowing money from friends or relatives to gamble
- Feeling agitated, angry, or anxious when not gambling
- Having a preoccupation with gambling
- Feeling out of control or impulsive when gambling
- Not engaging in other hobbies or withdrawing from social activities
- Concealing or lying to loved ones about gambling habits
Maintain Gambling Best Practices
To prevent your gambling habits from becoming a problem. Be sure to set yourself financial and time limits, avoid gambling when under the influence or when experiencing strong emotions, and get to know the early warning signs of problematic behaviour so you can address any issues quickly.
Entertainment
Waverley marks 79th anniversary with Pembrokeshire sailings
THE WORLD’S last seagoing paddle steamer will return to Pembrokeshire this week as Waverley marks the 79th anniversary of her maiden voyage.
The historic vessel will sail from Milford Haven and Tenby on Tuesday (Jun 16), with trips including a daytime cruise around Skokholm, Skomer, St Brides Bay and Ramsey Island from 11:30am to 4:30pm.
There will also be an evening sailing from Milford Haven at 5:00pm, travelling to St Govan’s Head, Caldey Island and along the Pembrokeshire coast, returning at 9:50pm.
Passengers can also join Waverley at Tenby, with sailings to Milford Haven and an evening cruise around Caldey Island and the coast.
On Wednesday (Jun 17), Waverley will make her only Fishguard visit of 2026, with an evening cruise to St David’s Head, passing Strumble Head Lighthouse, from 6:15pm to 9:15pm.
Tickets are available through Waverley Excursions.
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