Just bought a fabulous new washing machine from a very famous German manufacturer. Huge capacity and wonderful washing. But… Absolutely appalling controls. Very sensitive touch buttons that are so easy to activate inadvertently when brushing past the machine, emptying it…
The birthday balloon remains banished to the downstairs loo. After all these weeks, the helium is struggling. I learned, years ago, of the consequences of free-wheeling balloons: sensors triggered; alarm goes off; police with dogs arrive! Ever since, as much…
We’ve been getting in the mood: trees are up and decorated, every present wrapped, (most) cards sent and the pudding and cake made. Last weekend was a joyous lunch for nearly 30 friends (though some had to bale out with…
Former Royal Navy Commander and barrister, Penny Melville-Brown, was elected as the Chairman of the Fareham and District Beekeepers’ Association last week. The hives of over 100 members of this thriving organisation stretch from the coast at Gosport to the…
Paying voluntary National Insurance Contributions could boost your State Pension Help people increase their State Pension by sharing important information about filling gaps in their National Insurance (NI) records. People have until 5 April 2025 to make voluntary contributions to…
A total surprise and I couldn’t understand why the sous-chef had been so insistent that I had a haircut. An early birthday (and Christmas) present. A special dinner cooked by James Martin and his team at the lavishly posh…
If you didn’t hear Money box on Radio 4, here’s a tip: If someone rings you claiming to be from your bank: Don’t give them any information about yourself. Tell them you’ll ring them back. Hang up and call 159. …
Lamb tajine is one of the easiest dishes to make, freeze in portions and bung in the microwave when the weather is really cold and miserable – just like last weekend. With 1.5kg lamb, I created 18 meals. Thanks to local “Dave…
Latest from HMRC: Dear customer,…
Blind Ugandan beekeeper Ojok Simon was one of the winners of the international Holman prize in 2017 (along with me). His award-winning project was teaching his blind country-fellows how to keep bees and achieve more financial independence. Sadly and…
