Mature Times - News

Hurry now to enter Blind Gardener of the Year, 2008

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:54:40 +0100

If you, or someone you know, is visually impaired and has green fingers then why not enter the competition to find Blind Gardener of the Year, 2008

'Turf wars' rage between the sexes

Sun, 08 Jun 2008 14:22:10 +0100

Look beyond the tranquil scene of the gently buzzing lawnmower and the delicate snipping of the secateurs and you’ll see a silent battle of the sexes being waged across the nation’s gardens.

Far from being a bed of roses, gardening is causing a great divide between couples up and down the country - according to a survey by The National Gardens Scheme (NGS). Almost half of those questioned blame the problem on men and women’s very different gardening styles, with 78 per cent of these saying that this has caused friction or led to arguments.

A whole week to be houseproud!

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 13:10:25 +0100

For many older and disabled people, a major priority is leading an independent life in their own home, for as long as possible. However, much needed repair work on an ageing property or adaptations can be costly. Houseproud Week, running from the 14th – 20th April aims to highlight how Houseproud, in partnership with local authorities, can help homeowners find the right, practical help or funding options to repair, improve or adapt their home.

How to spot a 'cowboy' builder

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:40:19 +0100

Finding the right builder for a big project can be a daunting process. Andrea Ogunkoya offers tips on telling the experts from the cowboys.

New rose a fund raiser for Marie Curie

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 15:17:13 +0000

A new variety of rose is available exclusively this summer only in Homebase stores, and Marie Curie Cancer Care will receive £1 from each plant sold.

Digital switchover - or Hobson's Choice?

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 16:46:45 +0000

Between 2008 and 2012 analogue television broadcasts will be replaced with digital television, region by region - whether consumers like it or not.

Building on sand?

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 14:28:27 +0000

Just how do you ensure that you have a comeback if building work on your home goes wrong? One MT reader has asked for help in getting redress.

Could you be paying less for your water?

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 10:24:57 +0000

If you’re a lower water user and not having your supply metered you could be paying well over the odds.

Better off - but are we any happier than 50 years ago?

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 15:03:53 +0000

We take foreign holidays, have plasma TVs and most of us drive our own car. But are we, as a nation, really any happier than we were in 1957?

Energy boost for over 60s in Herefordshire

Sat, 26 Jan 2008 11:19:47 +0000

Herefordshire Council is offering all people in the county over 60 years of age £500 towards insulation and heating controls. The news comes in response to the latest wave of energy price rises.

Are you feeding the birds - or the rats?

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 13:23:25 +0000

Whilst the RSPB is encouraging people to establish a 'responsible' wild bird feeding programme during the winter months - a recent survey has found that doing so is the biggest cause of rats in gardens.

Feed the birds....

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 14:26:29 +0000

With snow and freezing temperatures forecast to arrive in some parts of the country this week, the RSPB is appealing to people to feed the birds in their gardens during the winter.

Stay one step ahead of energy price rises

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 12:50:37 +0000

There's bad news on the horizon: your gas and electricity bills could go up in early 2008. British Gas has already increased prices for its tracker plan which follows the market trend in wholesale energy prices with a 13% increase in gas prices and 15% increase in electricity. Now everyone is waiting to see which supplier will make the first move and increase the cost of its standard plans. Read on to discover how you could make savings.

Energy prices set to soar - but could you be paying less?

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 09:48:45 +0000

Big increases in energy prices look set to affect everyone in the New Year. But are you really receiving all the assistance to which you are entitled, and are you on the cheapest price tariff?

Gardeners question time - with a difference!

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 13:56:25 +0000

The world’s first free networking website designed specifically for gardeners has been set up by two green-fingered entrepreneurs.