Cook-along
A kitchen marathon last week to fill the freezer for ages to come, all thanks to the indomitable help of Karen and the great ingredients from Dave the Butcher’s of Highlands Road. Together over a few hours we created two…
Category News
The real meaning of rehabilitation.
Not long ago, I wrote about being beaten by two spring onions. After falling down the stairs and fracturing yet another vertebra, it was just too painful to stand in the kitchen and chop them. Good news, just over 12…
Latest news from HMRC
Register for Self Assessment by 5 October It’s time to remind members of the public that they should register for Self Assessment by 5 October if they need to complete a tax return for the 2023 to 2024 tax year,…
Talking News
Myth-busting was my theme as guest speaker at the national Talking News Federation annual conference in Coventry at the weekend. You may have heard Peter White on Radio 4: he’s the President. There are about 300 independent local charitable Talking…
Winter Fuel Allowance.
Get Pension Credits to unlock your way to the fuel allowance. If the prospect of answering over 200 questions on the Pension Credit form is going to be difficult, don’t despair. Here’s the phone number to get help: 0800 99…
Shop local.
Put your hard-earned cash to good use by spending in local independent shops. Every little bit helps those determined entrepreneurs rather than lining the pockets of the big boys (and girls) in charge of the massive multi-store conglomerations. I’ve been…
Pension aware?
If you haven’t done it already, get to grips with your pension future so that you get the most possible. HMRS says: Pension Awareness Week: use the HMRC app to prepare for retirement Pension Awareness Week began on Monday 9…
Keeping down the costs of good food.
It was a joy to share kitchen tips with a group of fellow visually impaired people last week. Members of the Portsmouth Macular Degeneration Group visited us to learn more about good nutrition that doesn’t break the bank and is…
Need to make a tax return?
HMRC says: “If you’ve already filed your tax return, thank you – you can ignore this email. If you think you don’t need to file a Self Assessment tax return for the 2023 to 2024 tax year, you must let…
Taking the terror out of VAT
If you’re running a small business, the prospect of VAT can be terrifying. In reality, it may never apply, it could actually be beneficial if you’re purchasing lots of goods and some contracts maybe VAT-exempt. It can be easier than…