Last July two intrepid women, Michelle Cornell and Hannah Shapiro, set off to 'test drive' France's waterways in a canal boat for Mature Times readers. They wanted to find out whether it was physically possible for older people to cope with the so-called 'easy-to manage locks' - which, unlike the UK, are either electronic or attended by a keeper.
Michelle told us what happened ...

As the last of the summer warmth fades, here are my recommendations this week for wines to accompany the last salads of the season! Matching wine to a baby leaf and herb salad, whose only coating is sea salt and black pepper, is easy - almost any white or light red wine will go. But finding a wine for a salad dressed in oil and vinegar is a little more difficult.

The ideal storage conditions for wine is a dark, damp, cool wine cellar. But as few of us have one of these, where’s the best place to store wine?

In response to the HMRC’s substantial and important changes to the self-assessment system , TaxCalc.com, the UK’s leading provider of tax software solutions  has launched the TaxCalc 2008 range of Personal Tax Products . 

Lehár’s touching tale of the recently widowed, extremely rich and very glamorous Hanna Glawari is one of the world’s best-loved operettas. Director John Copley’s major new production for ENO promises to revive all the laughter, glamour and romance of the classic Hollywood films inspired by the story, with a glittering cast and sumptuous sets and costumes.

Behind every good wine there’s a tale waiting to be told. And this is the story of St Chinian – and the "English connection" that has helped make it an award winning wine... which you can enjoy at a special price.

Short of time this Christmas? - why not take a look at Mo Smith's "Lazy Cook's Christmas" for ideas to make the season stress free.