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 Selected activities performed in free time by men and women, 2006/07, England

The Office for National Statistics have figures showing the difference between men and women when it comes to DIY. The statistics (published in 2008) show that many of the ctivities were quite equally shared between the sexes, but when it came to DIY , men were more likely to get invloved, with 46% of men compared to 26% of women.

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Ideal Homes Show 2010

BRITAIN’S  most loved consumer event; The Ideal Home Show, is to be officially revamped to its former glory in time for the next show, running from the 20^th March – 5^th April 2010 at London’s Earls Court.  

The famous, trend-setting show that made home-making a national passion, will be returning for its 102^nd year, with a completely new and revamped format; offering a 17-day long event, packed full of the latest trends, technological advancements, and design innovations; the show embraces social attitudes of 21^st Century living. 

 The new-look Ideal Home Show will explore the world of home interiors and style with a fresh, new inspiring and entertaining show format that combines EIGHT shows in one, offering; Ideal Home Improvements, Ideal Village, Ideal Food, Ideal Gardens, Ideal Shopping, Ideal Woman, Ideal Gadgets, Ideal Interiors, as well as expert advice on everything from DIY to fine dining, gadgets and pampering, with a host of celebrity guests across the 17 days; there’s something for the whole family, all rolled into one.

The 2010 event takes place across 17 days, at Earls Court from 20th March – 5th April 2010.

Tickets can be either booked online or by calling the Ticket Hotline on 0844 415 4144. Group bookings can be made by calling the Groups Hotline on 0844 412 4650, or for further information about the show and to purchase tickets online visit the website www.idealhomeshow.co.uk

Ticket Information:

                                                     On Door               In Advance

Weekday Adult                                          £15                         £10

Weekend Adult                                          £17                         £12

Weekday Concession (Over 65′s)                 £14                         £9

Weekend Concession (Over 65′s)                 £16                         £11

Children under 16                                            Free (ticket is required)

Opening times:

Opening Day – 20^th March                                          10am – 6pm

Weekdays & Weekends                                               10am – 6pm

Thursday – late night                                                  10am – 9pm

Final Monday – 5^th April (Bank Holiday)                         10am – 6pm

Late Night Thursday Open until 9pm                           £5 after 5pm      n/a

The Ideal Home Show has established itself as part of the social calendar of events and regularly attracts over 250,000 visitors every year.

Follow the Ideal Home Show on Twitter http://twitter.com/ideal_home_show

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Having bought my first house last year with an ancient back-boiler in the lounge, I am over the moon to hear about the new boiler scrappage scheme which has now been officially announced.

According to the Department of Energy and Climate Change, upto 125,000 households in England with working ‘G-rated’ boilers are eligible to apply for a £400 voucher off the price off a new ‘A-rated’ boiler or renewable heating system.

I’ve checked the details and there doesn’t seem to be a catch!
Firstly, you need to find out if your boiler is ‘G-rated’ – a quick test for gas boilers is to see if it has a permanent pilot light – if it has, it is highly likely to be G-rated. Also, if it is over fifteen years old and gas fired then it is likely to be G-rated. If it is oil fired and over twenty five years old, it is also likely to be eligible. If you are still unsure and know the boiler make and model, you can check the Government Boiler Efficiency Database on the Energy Saving Trust website.

Once you are sure the boiler is G-rated, you need to arrange for your nominated installer to visit, provide you with a quote and then register an interest in the scheme by emailing or phoning the Energy Saving Trust.

You will need to supply them with your full name, address, make and name of boiler to be scrapped, the company name and contact details of the installer carrying out the work, the type of replacement boiler, and confirmation that you have received a quote.

Vouchers are being issued from the 18th January, and you will receive your voucher about ten days after application. The vouchers are valid for 12 weeks. Once you have received your voucher, you can proceed with the installation. You have to pay for the new boiler and installation upfront, then claim back the £400 by sending the voucher and invoice to the EST. Payment is then issued to you within 25 working days of receipt of this.

Doesn’t sound too complicated, and the potential savings of an average household’s energy bill could be between £200 and £235 a year. Great news!

For more detailed information take a look at the Energy Saving Trust website

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Following on from the ‘Make DIY your New Year’s Resolution’ post, how about learning a new DIY skill?  There are lots of courses available now in all area of the country.

It could be a basic home maintenance course to help at home, or a more comprehensive course in Plastering, Tiling, Decorating or Bricklaying. There are courses offering  a potential change of career with certified courses in Electrics or Plumbing. There are courses available specifically run for women and even courses you can attend with your teenage children!

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