FEBRUARY GARDENING NOTES
By John Draper Indoors hyacinths will be making a perfumed show and gardens now hold all the promise of another beautiful year. Crocus, iris and some early daffodils will be providing great colour in the garden and new leaves will be emerging from shrubs and trees. The key job that galvanises that spirit of optimism is to feed existing shrubs, roses and flowers ready for the rush of new growth. Depending... Read More
BOOK REVIEW: THE TESTAMENT OF JESSIE LAMB (JANE ROGERS)
By Jeff Day The Testament of Jessie Lamb is an OK book. The ideas behind the book are good but the characters and plotting are disappointing. It’s hard to get too excited about this book either in praising it or condemning – it’s just a bit OKish I’m afraid. It’s one of these ‘what if’ books. In this case: what if women die when they become pregnant so no more babies are born? It’s... Read More
DRIVING LESSONS – AT HOME AND ABROAD
By Arnold Butler Whilst on the bus the other day, there were two young lads sitting behind me and I overheard them talking about driving lessons. They were discussing who to go to, the prices and what special offers you could get (this is not a thing I would normally do). I found it quite interesting and enlightening, and it reminded me that only a few weeks ago I taught a 17-year-old lad who lives... Read More
STUDIO AIMS TO OFFER BEST FACILITIES OUTSIDE OF LONDON
Elle Jé Photography Studios & Gallery is the brain child of entrepreneur, award-winning photographer and columnist Lesley Saunders. Through her new Bottesford studio, she aims to provide an integrated vantage centre serving photographers, businesses and enthusiasts alike. The Elle Jé nucleus provides an extensive service portfolio with complimentary facilities all under one roof. Amongst the... Read More
LOVE IS…PROPER LIFE INSURANCE
It isn’t something that many of us like to think about but, for many people, the death of a loved one not only brings heartache but financial misery as well. According to a recent survey, a staggering 61% of families don’t even have basic life insurance. Many people believe that having life cover, which would pay off the mortgage, means they are adequately covered. But as the average family’s... Read More
WAG O.A.P.S (WIVES AND GIRLFRIENDS OF A PLUMBER)
by Fiona Twenty years ago when I said ‘I do’, I wasn’t marrying a plumber but I ended up with one by default. When I came out of hospital with a 6lb newborn to discover that my boiler had broken down and I had no central heating, my desperate need for a plumber began. Hours of trawling through the Yellow Pages calling every plumber listed, only to be told “I can’t make it until a week next... Read More
WHAT THE SOLAR IS GOING ON?
Noticed masses of blue/black panels sprouting on roofs and wondered what’s going on? You probably recognised them as solar panels generating electricity but why the explosion in numbers? In 2010, the government launched a scheme to build a hi-tech low-carbon industry. Feed-in Tariffs (FiT) pays owners of systems generating carbon-free electricity a generous tax-free income for 25 years. Overwhelming... Read More
QUALITY FURNITURE AND KITCHENS IN BUNNY
Fine Finish Furniture, who are based in Bunny, are a manufacturer and retailer of quality furniture and kitchens. They design and manufacture bespoke kitchens, free-standing and fitted bedroom furniture and this has been at the core of their business since 1997. They are also stockists and retailers of a vast range of free-standing furniture items. Fine Finish Furniture have items on display in their... Read More
WATERCOLOUR PAINTING IN BRIDGFORD
Watercolour painting has really grown in popularity over the last few years. Watercolour materials are clean, convenient, light and easy to carry around and relatively inexpensive to buy, but people are often at a loss as to how to get started on their artistic journey. Ann Mortimer said: “I’m a local artist who’s been working with watercolour for 22 years. My time is divided between exhibiting... Read More
THE IMPORTANCE OF CHECKING A DRIVERS LICENCE
By Richard Brown Road accident deaths could have been easily prevented by proper driving licence checking. According to the government, two people killed by drink-drivers who were incorrectly given back their licences without proper medical checks. These terrible accidents came about as the drivers involved were given back their driving licences without a medical assessment, despite being convicted... Read More