July 2010 competitions

June 29, 2010

extra mix quiz
finance
cooking quiz
WIN! Breakdown cover from GEM
We’re offering 2 prizes of a year’s GEM Motoring Assist joint breakdown cover worth up to £108 each!
(Covering up to 2 people living at the same address.)
The policy covers you, your vehicle and up to six passengers for roadside assistance, home assistance, recovery to a destination of your choice in the UK, and also onward travel or emergency overnight accommodation.(T&C’s apply)

WIN! Fellowes Shredder P35
Fellowes Confetti Cross Cut Shredder P35
Shreds up to 5 sheets at a time
20L mesh basket
Auto Start/Reverse
Saftey lock mechanism
Credit card shred - shred your personal cards for added security
Accepts staples - hassle-free shredding with no need to remove staples.
WIN! Barrel Barbecue
Antony Worrall Thompson Barrel BBQ
The Antony Worrall Thompson BBQ has a steel plated oil drum shaped body with a baked enamel finish, chrome side handle and chrome storage tray,
chrome plated cooking grid, 3-point wind guard and wheels for easy mobility. Cooking area: 66.5cm x 36cm
music quiz health quiz theatre quiz
WIN! Craig Ogden: The Guitarist CD + much more . . .
FunkyFogey has teamed up with Classic FM to offer one lucky member the chance to win:
• A pair of tickets to an intimate recital by Craig in the Classic FM building in Leicester Square on the 17th July at 5pm; • Meet Craig after the concert; • Signed personalised copy of Craig’s new
album; • Classic FM goodie bag; • Tour round Classic FM
WIN! Smoothie maker
Kenwood Smoothie To Go SB055
•2 speeds plus pulse
•2 x 0.5 Litre calibrated travel mugs
•2 x non-spill, drink-through lids
•Detachable stainless steel blades
•Safety interlock
•Non-slip rubber feet
•0.5L Capacity
WIN! A pair of tickets to ‘Burn the Floor’
The International Ballroom Dance sensation!
We have 3 pairs of tickets to give away for this electrifying dance spectacular that has thrilled audiences in more than 30 countries! Playing at London’s Shaftesbury Theatre (21 July - 4 Sept), the dancers showcase a melting pot of styles, reinventing ballroom dancing with the energy and excitement of today’s generation of dancers.
travel quiz wine quiz gardening quiz
WIN! 2-Person picnic basket
Willow picnic basket with two place settings

Made from natural willow, this sturdy picnic basket will withstand plenty of use.
Fabric lined and comes complete with 2 mugs, 2 plates, 2 knives, 2 forks , 2 spoons and a bottle opener.
WIN! Wrap-around Wine Chiller
We have 5 to give away!
Gel filled eva wrap around wine cooler with velcro fastening. Simply store in the freezer and wrap around the wine bottle to get chilled wine. Ideal for wrapping around most bottles, cans and cartons to keep them cold. Store in freezer when not in use.
WIN! 20m Garden Hose + Cart
Hozelock 45m Capacity Cart with 20m of Hose A wheeled cart makes watering easier - this set with a telescopic handle and a winding handle has everything you need to get started.
book quiz walking quiz
WIN! Ten fabulous books
The fabled and coveted Funkyfogey
selection pack!

An intriguing parcel of books. Ten hand-picked and widely differing volumes to keep your brain active through the summer. There could be something here to inspire a whole new chapter to your life!
N.B. Prize will differ from illustration
WIN! A pair of walking poles
Gelert Ascent Walking Poles
This pair of lightweight, extending walking poles combines a strong aluminium construction with Gelert’s antishock mechanism and a two-tone easy grip handle, for an all-around more comfortable walking experience.
WIN! An amazing Week-end break
Click on the picture and request any of the UK Tourism, Leisure or Accommodation brochures & enewsletter for your chance to be 1 of 4 lucky people who will each win a Fabulous Weekend Break for two in either England, Scotland, Wales or Ireland!
Click Here



Travel: Oktoberfest celebrates 200th anniversary

August 19, 2010

With a cry of o’zapft is! (it is tapped!), Oktoberfest will once again open its doors this September for just over two weeks of thigh-slapping-om-pah-pah-merriment! With this year’s 200th anniversary festival set to break all records, use WhichBudget.com, the global cheap flights search engine, to find low cost flights to Munich from 18th September to 4th October, so you don’t miss out on the greatest beer festival in the world…probably. (more…)

Finance: NORGROVE TO STEP DOWN AS PENSIONS REGULATOR CHAIR AT END OF HIS TERM

August 3, 2010

The Department for Work and Pensions announced today that David Norgrove, chair of the Pensions Regulator, has said he will be stepping down when his second term in the post comes to an end on 31 December 2010. (more…)

Books: Giles and Sue live the good life With Giles Coren and Sue Perkins

Welcome to 1970s suburbia for a unique experiment in modern-day self sufficiency.

(more…)

Travel: 10 things you never knew you could do in California

From its stunning sandy beaches to its luscious green wine regions, boasting the best wine in the country, the Golden State attracts millions of eager visitors each year, keen to behold its many attractions. But, alongside Universal Studios, Magic Mountain and the Hollywood sign, the state holds some well kept secrets. From the weird to the wonderful, the freaky to the fantastic; whether you want to search for aliens or get married, just think California and you won’t be disappointed! (more…)

Travel: OFFICIAL IPHONE APP TURNS PEOPLE ONTO YORKSHIRE

The Welcome to Yorkshire iPhone App has been awarded a 4+ star rating from the App Store. (more…)

Extra: Win a year’s Breakdown Recovery with GEM Motoring Assist

June 29, 2010

gem-logoweb-address3

GEM Motoring Assist, voted the UK’s Number One for Roadside Assistance in 2010 in the Auto Express Driver Power Survey, is committed to helping drivers make their car journeys run as smoothly as possible. (more…)

Wine: California Wines announce the Benchmark Wines for 2010

June 24, 2010

The Wine Institute of California has announced the Benchmark Wines for 2010 after much deliberation from the tasting panel, who tasted over 100 wines before finally arriving at 14 of the best California has to offer. (more…)

Theatre: Win Tickets to Burn The Floor!

The International Ballroom Dance Sensation
BURN THE FLOOR

Starring Brian Fortuna and Ali Bastian from Strictly Come Dancing! (more…)

Gardening: From “Theatre of Dreams” to dreamy English country garden

June 22, 2010

Its iconic status belongs to the world of gardening rather than football but one of our most famous gardens, Hidcote in Gloucestershire, is turning to the latest in sports turf technology to help keep its grass paths looking immaculate. (more…)

Music: Glastonbury

It has become a rock music cliché, but Glastonbury Festival truly is one of the world’s biggest music and dance festivals. (more…)

Walking: Ramblers demonstrate need to put secret path on the map, Northants

June 21, 2010

Northants Ramblers(1) are rallying on Wednesday (9 June) to demonstrate the need to add the secret path at Lilford to the official (definitive) map of public paths.(2) They will be joined by Kate Ashbrook, trustee and former chairman of the Ramblers, and Keith Roberts, director of campaigns and policy, and they will walk the secret path. (more…)

Walking: Ramblers e-guide opens up new ground for walkers with disabilities

A Sussex Rambler has been inspired to create an innovative, comprehensive online county-wide guide of disability accessible walks, that is online FREE and available for everyone to use. (more…)

Health: Food Standards Agency And World Health Organisation Consider World Cup To Be A Health Risk

As World Cup fever is taking over the nation for the next four weeks, health experts from the World Health Organisation and the Food Standards Agency are concerned about the health risks this will pose for football fans here and abroad. (more…)

Health: New Way Of Detecting Multiple Sclerosis Biomarkers In The Blood

A breakthrough finding from Israel may lead to earlier diagnosis, more effective intervention, and perhaps even a cure for the autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis. (more…)

Health: Forty-Nine Is The Age To Change

According to new statistics released by online service NHS MidLifeCheck, 49 is the age men are most likely to take an interest in their taking stock of how lifestyle may affect their future health. These men are an average of 2 stones, 3 lbs overweight (14kgs), with a 37-inch waist. (more…)

Wine: English wine wins four prestigious awards

It’s been another great year for English and Welsh wine in the major international wine competitions, whose results were announced at the London International Wine & Spirits Trade Fair. (more…)

Cooking: Naturally Fast Food By Henry Dimbleby & John Vincent

Since the publication of the best-selling and word-of-mouth phenomenon LEON: Ingredients & Recipes two years ago, Leon has continued to revolutionize fast food as we know it. Challenging the perception that fast food can’t be healthy, delicious or fun, they continue to push boundaries by producing seasonal, invigorating dishes, which taste good and can be made with ease, speed and a smile. (more…)

Cooking: Grilled French goat’s cheese mini-log and walnut pesto

Whether you’re watching Wimbledon from Centre Court or your armchair this year, you’ll need something to keep up your strength in the heat of match-point tension. Stand out from the crowd by unwrapping a grilled French goat’s cheese mini-log and walnut pesto ciabatta from the Easy Cheesey Chèvre recipe created by top chef Sophie Wright – the real perfect serve. (more…)

Extra: Bridget Riley Paintings and related work

Bridget Riley (b. 1931) is one of the most significant and original painters of our time. This Sunley Room exhibition focuses upon her most recent paintings and will enable visitors to investigate how Riley’s work relates to the National Gallery Collection. (more…)

Cooking: Carmenère Made For Curry

The 10th June 2010 saw the launch of Wines of Chile’s “Carmenère Made for
Curry” campaign with a food and wine matching event at one of London’s
leading Indian restaurants, Benares, on Berkeley Square. (more…)

Wine: English & Welsh Wine Of The Year Competition 2010 - Results Announced: Record High For Medals

This year’s English & Welsh Wine of the Year Competition results are
announced today, with more medals awarded than ever before, acknowledging the consistently high quality of wines and winemaking coming from the UK. (more…)

Travel: Summer Festivals In Sussex

HOT CHILLI, MEDIEVAL BATTLES, OPEN-AIR OPERA AND STUNTS ON THE SEAFRONT… (more…)

Cooking: The Guild Of Food Writers Awards The Best

June 18, 2010

The Guild of Food Writers have announced the winners of their much- coveted annual Awards. Colin Spencer presented the beautiful engraved trophies to some of the industry’s finest writers and broadcasters. Amongst the 12 winners there were some familiar names and some new ones to add to the roll of honour. (more…)

Music: Michael Jackson royalties up 70%

PRS for Music, the organisation that represents the UK’s 65,000 composers and songwriters, announces a 70% increase in Michael Jackson’s royalties since his death.
Over 415,000 albums were sold in the first four days following the announcement in America alone, and 2.3million songs were downloaded worldwide. (more…)

Travel: Island shopping? privately owned Turtle island is on the market

June 16, 2010

Private island ownership has long been associated with the rich and famous, in fact, Julia Roberts missed out on owning this very property prior to the current owners purchasing the island 11 years ago. Turtle Island, Queensland, (East Coast) is located on the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef renowned for its varied and colourful reef ecosystems, crystal clear waters, diving and snorkeling. The 23.25 acre island is on the market for “Expressions of interest”. (more…)

Travel: Life begins at €60 at Louis Fitzgerald Hotels Ireland

If you’re more than 60 years old you will never pay more than €60.00 when you stay at a Louis Fitzgerald Group hotel in Dublin. (more…)

Theatre: See The Bridge Project At The Old Vic

Following the launch of its inaugural season last spring, year two of The Bridge Project led by Olivier and Academy Award®- winning director Sam Mendes, promises another stellar transatlantic lineup and the intriguing pairing of Shakespeare’s two celebrated classics. (more…)

Finance: Employees do little to plan their retirement

Employees still aren’t planning for the future and are confused by what constitutes ‘the right age’ to think about retirement, according to a new report out today. (more…)

Finance: Short Respite But Inflation Rises Will Punish Savers Further

Inflation figures released today show that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has fallen marginally to 3.40%, still way above the Government’s 2% target (more…)

Finance: World Cup Glory Could Prove Costly For English Fans Heading Out To South Africa

English football fans dream of following the national team to the World Cup Final. This could be a costly dream though as supporting the team all the way in South Africa this year, should they make it, could set them back over £9,000 – and that’s before the cost of any match day tickets! (more…)

Music: RAF BAND & STACEY SOLOMON SOAR UP CHARTS

June 15, 2010

The Royal Air Force Squadronaires broke their own record as the highest chart position for a military ensemble when they soared further up the pop charts with their album “In The Mood: A Glenn Miller Celebration”. Helped by X-Factor’s Stacey Solomon who recorded the Glenn Miller/Etta James classic ‘At Last’ for the album, they finished at No. 7, two positions higher than last week. (more…)

Finance: Parents saving more for their children

• Scottish Widows Savings and Investments report reveals that 68% of parents with children under 16 believe that the recession has affected the way they think about their financial role as a parent (more…)

Books: The Hardest Day: Battle of Britain 18th August 1940

In the summer of 1940 Britain stood alone against Nazi Germany, continental Europe having fallen under the overwhelming military might of Hitler’s invading armies. By August, enemy air activity over southern England was starting to increase in intensity as a prelude to invasion. The unfolding Battle of Britain was fast assuming make-or-break status for the British nation in general, and for the RAF in particular. (more…)

Cooking: Calling All School Cooks

Calling all school cooks! You could win a glittering night out at Claridge’s in Mayfair. (more…)

Finance: Equifax highlights the importance of making sure addresses match for successful credit applications

Leading instant online credit information provider, Equifax, is warning consumers making applications for credit, mortgages and other finance to ensure that the address they are using is the same as that used by lenders and by local authorities. (more…)

Books: Operation Omega

This is a classic, crime-thriller in the mould of Frederick Forsyth and Jack Higgins —with an additional bonus of a who-done-it —partially influenced by Agatha Christie. (more…)

Music: Classic FM Presents: Craig Ogden The Guitarist

Classic FM are releasing on their own label the latest album from Australian-born surfing guitarist Craig Ogden after being inundated with an unprecedented number of calls and emails from its listeners whenever a track from a past album by the classical guitarist was played. In response to this clamour Classic FM decided to bow to public demand and now proudly present their first instrumentalist signing to their label. (more…)

Books: TOO BIG TO FAIL by ANDREW ROSS SORKIN

June 10, 2010

Now an international bestseller, Too Big to Fail, became the definitive account of the financial meltdown in 2009. (more…)

Books: THE INTERCEPTOR by Cameron Addicott,

The Interceptor is a gripping insight into life as an undercover surveillance operative. (more…)

Gardening: Five hundred gardeners, ten thousand plants: Scruffy and Co bring the biggest-ever garden at Chelsea bursting into life

June 9, 2010

Homeless people and prisoners on day release have created  the biggest garden ever seen at the Chelsea Flower Show. (more…)

Travel: FEVA festival celebrates its 10th year

June 8, 2010

FEVA - Knaresborough’s renowned annual Festival of Entertainment and Visual Arts – enters its 10th year this August and promises to deliver the most inspiring programme of activities yet! (more…)

Extra: Bumpy Rides For Motorists

According to recent reports*, only 1 in 9 drivers making claims for vehicle damage caused by potholes to the Highways Agency, was successful. (more…)

Music: Birmingham International Concert Season 2010/11 Announced

May 13, 2010

Town Hall and Symphony Hall Birmingham have announced the 2010/11 Birmingham International Concert Season, the UK’s largest international classical music series outside London. The flagship series welcomes some of the world’s greatest musicians, conductors, orchestras and recitalists to the stages of the city’s two premier venues. (more…)

Theatre: WELCOME TO THEBES

Richard Eyre directs a new play by Moira Buffini, WELCOME TO THEBES, continuing the Travelex £10 Tickets season in the Olivier Theatre and opening on 22 June.  (more…)

Walking: Perfect Picnic Spots Around Shropshire’s Ironbridge Gorge

The beautiful Ironbridge Gorge in Shropshire has several dedicated picnic sites with stunning views in and around the World Heritage Site to set out your hamper, packed full with some of the region’s finest local food and drink. (more…)

Theatre: Kids Go Free To Top London Shows From 13 - 27 August 2010

There’s no business like show business and the biggest deal of all for families this summer is the much-loved and eagerly awaited annual initiative - Kids Week in the West End! Now in its 13th year, Kids Week offers children aged 5-16 the opportunity to experience the magic of London theatre for FREE! From 13 to 27 August 2010, head to London’s West End for a fortnight of theatre fun. (more…)

Health: SCHOLL INTRODUCES A REVOLUTION IN FOOTWEAR: HYDRASTEP - MOISTURISE WITH EVERY STEP

If you’re pressed for time – and who isn’t – you’ll be glad to know that Scholl has launched a revolutionary new sandal that actually moisturises your feet with every step! (more…)

Extra: LAZER MAZE: BREAK IN AT THE FUTURE GALLERY

On Friday the 25th of June the Future Gallery in Leicester Square will host the most brazen mass theft in London: every guest will be invited to steal the gallery’s prized paintings! What’s stopping them? A series of high-tech lasers slicing through the space, beaming through the smoke, ready to set off the alarms if they’re even slightly brushed. The tension will be tangible… London’s art world hold their breath. (more…)

Walking: Bluebells in Britain

For many, nothing says ‘Spring’ like baby lambs and the first flowers coming into bud. But it is the blossoming of one particular, much-loved flower that has traditionally been the best mark of Springtime and that flower is the bluebell! (more…)

Walking: Get Walking Day Festival 22-23rd May

Roll up, roll up, it’s the bargain of the Century: for one weekend only, the Ramblers will be offering £1 membership to new walkers who join them to celebrate Get Walking Day (1). A £28.50 saving! (more…)

Travel: Get Active With The London Pass

Grab a London Sightseeing Pass and kick start your summer with healthy activities and active attractions around the capital. (more…)

Travel: Thermae Bath Spa Is Voted The ‘Best Spa In The World’

Thermae Bath Spa has been voted the ‘Best Spa in the World’ by readers of the Daily Telegraph’s Ultra Travel Magazine. (more…)

Travel: New security measures announced at US airports

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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that upgraded biometric technology is in place at major U.S. ports of entry, and most international visitors should expect to use the new technology when they enter the United States. DHS’s US-VISIT program began upgrading its biometric technology from a two to a 10 fingerprint collection standard in 2007 to make the entry process faster and more accurate, enabling DHS officials to focus their attention on people who may pose a risk to the United States.

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Travel: Travel insurance mandatory for any one visiting Cuba

British tourist numbers heading for Cuba have increased considerably in the last few years.  The country certainly offers an exotic alternative to other hot destinations as well as a sense of adventure.  But it appears that sense of adventure may have been costing the Cuban government too much. (more…)