Winter is so long in the UK, that when summer finally hits, we want to spend as much time as we can enjoying our gardens. However, getting sunburn or feeling uncomfortably hot are both unpleasant experiences, and if your garden suffers from a lack of shade, it can be just as uninviting in summer as it is in winter.

Whether you dream of adequate shade, extra living space, cover from rain or a cooler area to sit, an awning can offer a multitude of benefits for both your property and garden space. Check out the following benefits of installing an awning on your home:

Shade from the sun

As we all know, staying in the sun too long can be bad for our health, but with the sun only appearing every now and then, us Brits want to make the most of the sunshine when it’s really here! So, with a retractable awning you can make a beautiful area of colour to give everyone that much-needed extra cover without feeling like you have to go back indoors. For more information on Awnings Stratford Upon Avon, visit a site like Centurion, a leading supplier of Awnings Stratford Upon Avon.

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Money saving

Some rooms in your home may get a great deal of sun, becoming unbearable in the summer and uncomfortable to use. You might be spending a fortune on running fans or air conditioning to combat this problem. By installing an awning, you can avoid these costs. Installing on the terrace or bifold doors, a retractable awning provides adequate shade for the interior without relying on powered appliances to cool it for you.

Expanding your living space

Space is at a premium everywhere and we always want more, so why not use a retractable awning to extend the outdoor space for you and your guests. By providing a little shelter, you will create a space that can be used by all the family whether it is to play, relax or eat in.

Protection from rain

Closely related to our first point, the great British weather is always somewhat unpredictable and you can always expect a few showers, even on the sunniest days. Do not get caught out and make sure you have a retractable awning to protect you from the drizzle.

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Easy to use

Once installed, the awning is very easy to operate. You can choose to have either a manual or electric awning. With your guidance, simply wind the crank arm to unroll and roll up the awning and with the electric option, you only need to press a button and the awning will extend and retract automatically.

It comes to something when you’re an unwell remembered King that you are found in the foundations of a Leicester City Car park. Or what’s left of you that is. Pieces of you are carefully excavated wrapped in archaeology grade tissue paper to protect them before they are carefully catalogued and in some cases delicately drawn before either being placed in a museum or returned to their original placement and then covered in concrete that was found from a local company. Should you be in need of some concrete you can find a number of companies across the country including Edinburgh, Birmingham and Kent Ready Mix Concrete

Richard of York, who gave battle in vain if you need to be reminded of the colours rainbow has been found at last and perhaps so of the things written about him can also be laid to rest like he can. Richard is painted as the bad guy. He is the last of the Plantagenet kings before the Tudors completed a hostile takeover and finally settled the Wars of the Roses. There were few things levelled at him. First of all, he killed the rightful heirs to the throne allegedly there’s never been any real proof that he did it and the remains weren’t saying. He’s also supposed to be very ugly and has a humped back. There are two reasons for this. One, History is written by the winners and the ones who can actually be bothered to record it. Shakespeare is very much to blame as he is the one to come out with all the “now is the winter of our discontent” stuff whilst the actor leans over and shuffles about. Shakespeare knew which side his bread was buttered and he wanted to be in with the Tudors as they might become his patron, so the pen was just as mighty as the sword that did for Richard.

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Secondly there is the painting of Richard that is not very flattering at all. In fact, you can see the hump as someone painted his right hand side a bit lower to give the impression that he had one. There is some talk that his nose was painted wrong as well to make it look too big. Bingo then when you find his bones. And here is the thing, whist there is mild curvature of the spine there is nothing to suggest he was as deformed as Shakespeare and the painting make out. So, let’s just say then that Shakespeare was economical with the truth. To be fair he did the same thing with Macbeth later in his life to curry favour with James the first of England and sixth of Scotland. Well it worked the first time.

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It’s becoming clear that as this all happened hundreds of years ago we do need to ask ourselves if it really matters. It’s very unlikely that we are going to find a ”smoking gun” or smoking parchment if you prefer as they didn’t have guns back then. He was obviously deeply unpopular as he was killed by a sharp stab to the head and then, to add insult to total death they stuck a sword in his bum for good measure. Amazing what a skeleton can tell you.

Vans are often seen as a soft target when it comes to theft. Expensive tools stored inside, often coupled with less stringent security measures, provide an irresistible allure for the opportunist thief.

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However, there are many ways you can make their life more difficult just by implementing a few simple additions ensuring that your van’s security is up to standard.

Windows and doors

While this might sound like common sense, it’s worth repeating. Ensure that all windows and doors are securely locked when you’re outside of your van as advised by the UK police, even if it is just for a minute or two. This is enough time for an experienced thief to grab whatever they need without being seen. Heed this advice, especially during the warmer summer months, when windows are often kept open.

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Grills

Windows can be an easy point of entry, but they are also easy to reinforce. By simply installing something like a fitted grill you’ll make it far harder to access your van through a broken window.

Alarms and locks

You can add to your vehicle’s security by adding a number of security devices and van locks.
These could include such things as deadlocks and slamlocks surrounded by security plates which make it impossible for thieves to pick the locks with drills or screwdrivers. You could also consider installing an alarm system if your vehicle doesn’t already have one.

Tracking device

Like cars, vans can be fitted with tracking devices, meaning that if they are stolen you will be able to trace it at all times.

Parking

If you’re not at home in your own secure garage which probably needs looking at if its off a certain age for example thinking about getting a Garage Doors Bath company in to sort out your garage entrance to make sure the van is safe , then make sure that you think about where is best to park your van. If you park the side and rear doors close to walls behind your Garage Doors in Bath then it will make it harder for potential thieves to enter. Wherever possible, park near other cars, in areas that are well-lit and that have CCTV video. Installing a dashcam can also deter would-be thieves. Many modern versions even feature movement sensors that start to film when someone is approaching. While these might not always stop the thieves, they can provide invaluable evidence later on when you’re looking to catch the perpetrator.

There have been many people who have given out fashion advice over the years and much of this advice still resonates today. So, if you have a strong desire to be a dapper and well-dressed gentleman then here are some great quotes from fashion experts that convey much sense and wisdom: Continue reading Styling advice from the greats →

Over the course of time, condensation forming on cold windows can promote mould, rot, insect pests and cause plaster and home decorations to blister and peel. When it occurs between the panes of glass it is unsightly and suggests your glazing is faulty and no longer doing the job for which it was intended – keeping your home warmer and your fuel bills lower.

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Preventing moisture in the air within your home is not a simple thing. The average person exhales almost a pint while sleeping each night. An average family generates several gallons per week even before you consider other sources of moisture like the weather, baths, showers and cooking.

Moisture encourages the mites that cause asthma and hay-fever to multiply.

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Better Glazing

The void between panes should never mist up because only vacuum or dry gases should occupy the void. The less effective your double glazing is at insulating your home, the colder will be the inner window surface and the worse the condensation.

There are four good reasons to install the best double glazing you can afford – to keep warmer, reduce heating bills, be environmentally friendly and to minimise condensation. Professionals like Gloucester double glazing firm https://www.firmfix.co.uk/ provide free advice on all these topics.

Other Solutions

Opening windows is often the simplest solution, but in cold weather it’s not the one anyone wants. It’s also an invitation to burglars. Depending on the weather, however, giving your home a regular airing will contribute greatly to avoiding damp.

Fans can help to keep the air circulating. Although you are not removing moisture from the house overall you can use fans to prevent condensation in problem areas. For example, moisture often accumulates in the far corners of the house – perhaps in a cold upstairs bedroom.

Extractor fans should always be fitted in kitchens and bathrooms and extractor hoods over cookers.

Dehumidifiers are very effective and better priced than they used to be. Many are combined with air filters that are a godsend for asthma and hay-fever sufferers. Older ones generate a background noise that is irritating if you’re trying to hear the TV, but the technology is improving so shop around.

The prices and running costs of integrated heating and air-conditioning systems (HVAC) have improved greatly and guarantee safe and comfortable air quality.

As with all pests, moles are just as disturbing as the rest of them, but if you’re suffering from constant mole visitations, here is some information to prevent and get rid of moles forever.

What is a mole?

Moles are carnivorous creatures that live in the soil, feasting on worms, grubs and larvae. They have to eat about half of their body weight a day to survive, if they find themselves with limited food, they will dig more holes in the surface to maximize their chances of trapping insects.

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What do they look like?

The body of a mole can measure up to 6 inches long with a one-inch tail. They have a short, cylindrical body, black soft-grey fur that hides their small eyes, broad shoulders, shovel-like legs and a pink, hairless snout.

Why are moles a pest?

If moles happen to find themselves in a garden or golf course, they can be very annoying and messy. They can dig up to 4 meters per hour, which means they can create complex tunnelling systems that lead to their nests in no time at all. The problem with moles is that they want to live in dry, dark underground environments but hunt where the soil is moist and full of worms and grubs. This means that they disturb the surface, leaving mounds of earth dotted around the landscape. For Essex Pest Control, visit a site like St George’s, a leading Essex Pest Control business.

How to tell if you have an infestation of moles

Chances are, you will not see moles as they like to stay in the dark tunnels, but if you have them, you will definitely know about it. You’ll see things like:

fresh mounds of soil

raised ridges around the opening in the earth

Roots, plants and grass disturbed

uneven ground

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Are moles bad for your garden?

Moles do not cause much harm, but they do make your landscape look messy, which for the avid gardener or landscaper, can be very testing. That said, moles do help to aerate the soil, which makes for a healthy and strong grass.

Where do moles come from?

Moles are usually found in the UK but because they live underground, it is rare for them to be seen. Moles live underground, loving hilly and wooded areas and when they come to the surface, they collect dry leaves and grass to line their burrows.

Why are there moles in my garden?

If you find you have a mole in your garden, chances are it is full of delicious insects and worms for them to enjoy. Moles are interested in the food supply; they will eat a variety of bugs, including crickets and ants.

Will moles come into your house?

Moles will never enter a building. They love the undergrowth and enjoy the quiet, even stopping their digging if they hear any sound.

Will moles go away on their own?

A mole will only go if there is no longer enough food for it to survive.

Getting ready for an inspection by the Care Quality Commission begins the day following the last inspection. Keeping check on quality of care in a nursing home must be a strong and ongoing process. Care homes should never take their eyes off the ball.

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The most common reason for a rapid decline in rating will be a change of leadership or a lack of monitoring of the provider. Here is a checklist for care homes inspections:

Check with your manager if they have any intention to change jobs before the next inspection. Avoid changing the manager before the examination unless it is unavoidably necessary.

Make sure the care plans reflect the actual needs of the residents. For example, if one of the residents is suffering from an infection, ensure you have a treatment plan in place for dealing with such infections.

Regularly check over the accident log to see if there is a pattern. Managers should be investigating all cases as normal practice. The treatment plan should be updated to reflect the type of accident and steps recorded that have been put in place to prevent it from happening again.

Watch the way employees communicate with one other and the residents. Carers should be able to demonstrate dignity, empathy and respect. CQC will not even consider the evidence of your position if they see communication needs improving. Behaviour change takes a long time to instil, so there’s no time like the present.

Check that safeguarding measures are robust. Ensure all documentation is kept together, including notification to the CQC. Check if you have updated plans on any incidents and measures to prevent them from happening again.

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Conduct a survey of the residents, relatives and professional staff. Use the feedback to begin to address any issues even before the CQC inspection is due. CQC will be happy to see if you have made improvements after the survey. For information on Dementia Care Homes Taunton, visit a site like https://www.notarohomes.co.uk/care-home/aspen-court-dementia-nursing-home/

Speak to your staff individually to get a temperature check on what’s going on. If they do not open up to you, get a third party to do it on your behalf. You want to ensure all staff are happy about management processes. Remember, CQC will question you about things that you might be reluctant to ask because you are afraid of any unpleasant responses.

Check if you are breaking any of the CQC rules. If yes, put a plan of correction in place as soon as possible. Violation of the rules will not bring you closer to an outstanding rating.

It’s important to remember that these principles will only work they are applied. It is imperative that everyone receives exceptional treatment as they age. So, by applying and sharing these tips for in the care home, you contribute to improving the quality of service for all.

Are you looking for a new home but can’t find anything suitable? Or did you always dream of building your own home from scratch? There are many advantages to creating your own home, even though many argue that it is not worth the expense and hassle. Building your own home can save you money in reality, as well as providing a number of other benefits that you may not have even considered.

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A new beginning

There is a huge savings opportunity to build your own home, though it may not feel like it right away. You have full control over any upgrades, new equipment and customization – which means that you will not need to upgrade or buy new equipment, plumbing or electrical appliances for many years to come. You may not have to upgrade anything for the entire period you are living there.

It’s a fresh clean beginning, laying out the property exactly how you need it to be and with your choice of electrical and plumbing layout. Despite that initial outlay, it might then be good for decades to come. Find a reputable construction company with solid insurance protection. To find out more about Contractors Insurance Bath, visit a site like Mark Richards, a provider of Contractors Insurance Bath.

Yours to adjust

When you build vs. buy, you can call the shots and have everything designed around your specific needs, not having to sacrifice. You can decorate from scratch and won’t have to redecorate or remodel again for the foreseeable future. How well you design the interior and exterior is your choice and you do not need to make concessions or compromises on style. Instead of trying to tailor the property to match your ideas, you get everything you want directly.

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Energy saving

When you build from scratch, you can make a choice on how energy-efficient and sustainable you want your house to be. You can explore all the options, including solar panels and other energy-efficient appliances. Rather than have the hassle of trying to retrofit it for an existing property, these elements can be readily incorporated into your design.

Personal

Level of privacy in and around your property is also yours to determine. Perhaps you long to open up the grounds so it is easy to mingle with neighbours or prefer a very private, gated home. Buying an existing property means you have to compromise on this matter, with privacy being seen as a bonus and not a right of home ownership.

All yours

While this benefit is more of a feeling than something you can show, it is important, anyway. The property that you are building will be your home and you will be the first people to live in it. You will attach a value to this building that you just do not get when buy an existing property. This is your project and you’re responsible for its existence in the first place.

Owning any property can be fraught with anxiety when it comes to ensuring that your home stays in the best structural shape as possible. The roof of your home is one of the key elements as is especially important in keeping you, your family and all of your belongings away from the extremes of weather. During high winds and storms the roof on your property can become damaged and it is important to ensure that you have this looked at as quickly as possible to prevent any internal damage from occurring.

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Owning a property that has an extension or conservatory with a flat roof, is no different to those with other roof styles. It is important to understand that over recent years there has been scaremongering about flat roofs. This is down to the individuals that instal them, rather than the roof design itself. It is important when having a flat roof put in place, or repaired that you use a reputable Bristol Flat Roofing company that is aware of the design and structural requirements for these types of roof.

Flat roofs are usually linked to a single storey structure, whether this is a garage or extension and they are great for being able to clean and maintain yourself without the need for too much specialist equipment. You can of course have a professional company come in and clean this for you if it is easier.

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It is important to have a look on the top of your roof, this can be done by walking a distance away from the structure or by looking out of a nearby window. This will help you to identify those wayward items that sometimes find their way onto the roof, such as the odd football or frisbee. It will also help you to check out the guttering that surrounding the roof to ensure that it is not clogged with leaves and twigs and that water can flow freely from the roof into the guttering and down the drainage pipes. Algae and moss can quickly build up on roof structures and can quickly get out of hand as they thrive in the damp conditions.

If you have trees surrounding your property or near to your flat roof you will want to make sure that they do not grow over the area and drop leaves, twigs and sap all over your roof as this will make your job of maintaining the roof a lot harder.

Senior figures in the logistics industry came together at a Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) event recently to discuss how transport must become streamlined more rapidly by the effective integration of technology. Members of the education, automotive and 3PL (logistic services outsourcers) sectors were present to discuss how technology can make the management of goods more efficient. Continue reading Increasing Pressure applued to logistics industry to adopt technology enhances →