Goodbye Ozzy

The moment that we were all dreading has arrived, the passing of the legend, Ozzy Osbourne.

The man that took the music industry, spun it around and then bite off it's head passed away surrounded by his family in his hometown Birmingham. Where just a few weeks ago, he played his final show at Villa Park.

I only found out last night when I walked out of the gym to find my husband in a state of shock. When I asked him what was wrong, he showed me his phone screen and I saw the social media post that announced Ozzy's passing. I didn't believe it at first, I didn't think it would actually ever happen.

I got in my car to drive home and it just kept going over and over in my head "he's gone, he's actually gone", and I burst into tears. I was never a massive fan of Ozzy's but I loved him as an artist and respected him for everything that he had done for the music industry. He wanted to make music his way and he did that for his whole career.

You only have to look at his list of awards to see how much the man achieved in his 76 years. Legend Of Live Award from the Billboard Touring Awards, 6 Grammy Awards, he was in the WWE Hall OF Fame, he had his own star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame and Birmingham Walk Of Stars, he's in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame twice, the UK Music Hall Of Fame twice, the Living Legend award from the Classic Rock Awards, he even won the Godlike Genius Award and Hero Of The Year from NME. The list goes on and on but the point I am trying to make is that he was the true meaning of the word legend.

From starting Black Sabbath in 1968, all the way up to his final show just weeks ago, he was the ultimate showman. I had the pleasure of seeing him perform a few times and each time I was blown away by him, the show and how much the crowd loved him. To him, it was all about that music and doing what he loved.

From everyone here at Suzy's Musical World, we will never forget you Ozzy, you will live on in all of us and we will keep your music and legacy alive forever.

***Originally posted on my music blog Suzy's Musical World

Using Le Shuttle

Are you planning a driving trip to France from the UK but would like to try something other than a ferry? You need to check out Le Shuttle, it offers a fast, weather-proof way to cross the English Channel with your vehicle.

I used Le Shuttle for the first time in April 2025 for our trip to Normandy and I was very impressed with the whole process. So here is my hints and tips for using Le Shuttle for your next trip.

Whether you're heading to France for a holiday or returning to the UK, Le Shuttle (formerly Eurotunnel) is one of the quickest and most convenient ways to travel with your car. The journey takes just 35 minutes, and trains run frequently throughout the day.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to booking and using Le Shuttle.

🖥️ Booking Online

You can book your journey directly through the Le Shuttle website:

• Choose your route: Select either a one-way or return trip between Folkestone (UK) and Calais (France).

• Select your vehicle type: Prices vary depending on whether you’re driving a car, van, motorcycle, or towing a trailer.

• Pick your travel time: You’ll see available departure slots and can choose based on convenience or price.

• Add passengers: The number of people in your vehicle doesn’t affect the price, but must be declared.

• Payment: Secure your booking with a debit or credit card. You’ll receive a booking reference and QR code.

You can also manage your booking online, including changing travel times or vehicle details if needed.

🚗 At Folkestone Terminal (UK Side)

• Arrival: Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Follow signs to the check-in booths.

• Check-in: Scan your booking QR code or enter your reference number. You’ll be assigned a departure lane and you will have a rear-view mirror hanger printed with your lane number, Make sure you put this on your rear-view mirror straight away. It's here that you are also given the option to go on an earlier train if you are really early, but there may be a charge so make sure you read the screens that come up before pressing confirm.

• Waiting Terminal: There is a big building that has a few shops and places to eat if you have some waiting time before your lane number is going to be called for boarding. You can stay in your car if you wish, you don't have to go into the terminal if you don't want to, but I would suggest using the toilet as the one on the train is not very big.

• Border Control: You’ll pass through UK exit checks and French entry checks at the border control booths. Make sure you have your passports ready.. You may also be asked to park to one side and have their car inspected, this is random and will only take a few minutes, so make sure you don't have anything in your car that you aren't meant to.

• Boarding: Drive onto the train when directed. Staff will guide you into position. Stay inside your vehicle during the crossing.

🚙 At Calais Terminal (France Side)

• Arrival: Same process — arrive early, check in with your booking code, and follow signs to the boarding lanes.

• Waiting Terminal: There is another terminal with shops and places to eat that you can take advantage of before boarding. Once again, make sure you use the toilet before going round to border control.

• Border Control: You’ll go through French exit checks and UK entry checks. Again, have passports and paperwork ready in case you are asked.

• Boarding: Drive onto the shuttle and remain in your vehicle. The crossing takes about 35 minutes.

📝 Tips for a Smooth Journey

• Pets: Le Shuttle is pet-friendly, but you’ll need to follow DEFRA rules and book a pet slot. There is areas for taking your pets for a walk at the terminal so you don't need to worry about them being in your vehicle for a very long period of time.

• Trailers & Roof Boxes: These may affect pricing and train allocation, declare them during booking or you could end up paying a lot more on the day you travel.

• Club Le Shuttle: Frequent travelers can join for perks like discounts and priority boarding so if you think you might start using Le Shuttle whenever you want to cross the Channel, it might be worth joining.

Le Shuttle is ideal for those who want speed, flexibility, and the comfort of staying with their vehicle. With easy online booking and efficient terminals on both sides, it’s a stress-free way to cross the Channel.

Want help planning your route beyond Calais or finding great stopovers in France? I’d be happy to help!

Sea Life Centre - Blackpool

If you are like me and love all things under the sea, the Sea Life Centre in Blackpool offers an enchanting underwater journey featuring sharks, rays, seahorses, jellyfish, and more across 10 themed zones that will bring a big smile to anyone's face.

Nestled on Blackpool’s vibrant seafront, the Sea Life Centre is a captivating escape into the deep blue, showcasing over 2,000 aquatic creatures across more than 50 dazzling displays. Whether you're a marine enthusiast or simply looking for a family-friendly adventure, this aquarium delivers a memorable experience.

🐠 Themed Zones & Marine Highlights

The centre is divided into 10 themed zones, each offering a unique glimpse into different marine habitats so that you can get as up and close to them as you can:

• Rockpools: A hands-on area where visitors can touch starfish and learn about coastal ecosystems. I really liked this part, actually getting to touch starfish and feel the texture of their beautiful little bodies.

• Rainforest Adventure: Home to exotic amphibians and reptiles, adding a twist to the aquatic theme.

• Ocean Tunnel: This is my favourite part, I love walking through the tunnel and seeing the sharks, stingrays and other amazing sea creatures gliding through the water above me.

• Shark Zone: Featuring tropical sharks like blacktip reef sharks and nurse sharks, showcasing their ancient lineage and graceful power as they silently flow through the water.

• Ray Bay: A serene space where majestic rays glide effortlessly through the water and you can get a glimpse into their world.

• Seahorse Kingdom: This is another one of my favourite parts as a love seahorses. They are so small and but beautiful, delicate and mesmerizing. Watching them holding onto things with their little tails and swaying in the current.

• Jellyfish Zone: Hypnotic displays of jellyfish pulsing in illuminated tanks that change colour. With each different colour, you see a different side of the jellyfish and just watching them is so soothing, I could watch them all day.

• Coral Reef: Bursting with lots of beautiful colours, this area houses clownfish, tangs, and other reef dwellers. And yes, I am the one walking in and squealing because "I found Nemo", hahaha.

• Octopus Hideout: Meet the intelligent and elusive octopus, I feel like I learn something new about these amazing creatures every time I go to a Sea Life Centre. It really is mind blowing what they can do naturally.

• Turtle Shelter: A favourite among visitors, featuring rescued sea turtles and educational insights into their care.

🌊 Conservation & Education

Many of the animals at Sea Life Blackpool are rescued, endangered, or part of breeding programs, making the centre not just entertaining but also educational for all ages. Interactive displays and informative signage help visitors understand the importance of marine conservation and how we can help.

🧒 Family-Friendly Fun

The centre is ideal for families, with child-friendly exhibits, engaging activities, and a layout that’s easy to navigate without getting lost. Kids especially love the chance to touch marine creatures and spot familiar faces from shows like Octonauts. My favourite parts are the domes in the tanks that you can put your head into so that you feel like you are in the tank as well.

🎫Tickets

The Sea Life Centre can be included in the Merlin Blackpool Attraction Pass so not only can you have an awesome time seeing all the beautiful sea creatures, but you can get it at a reasonable price.