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life's simple pleasures

One potato, two potato, three potato…

February 4, 2012

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One potato, two potato, three potato...

Garden tasks don’t get much simpler than growing potatoes, and you can grow them in a bin bag on even the smallest bit of outdoor space. If you’d like to try this year, about now is the time to start chitting, or encouraging seed potatoes to sprout.

how to do it

no garden required


Shuttle service

February 3, 2012

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Shuttle service

The English National Badminton Championships start today in Bolton, a great reminder of those racquets gathering dust in the shed. Perhaps today’s the day to dust them off and try a game.

English National Badminton Championships

how to play


Good, clean fun

February 2, 2012

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Good, clean fun

One of the very simplest pleasures is a long, hot bath. Switch off the TV this evening and lock yourself away for a nice, relaxing soak – and don’t forget to turn off your phone!

DIY bath bombs

other fans of a long, hot soak


Take in a show

February 1, 2012

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Take in a show

The Get Into London Theatre promotion, which runs until the end of the month, is a great opportunity to take in a West-End show or two – and perhaps even meet the actors – at a bargain price.

Get Into London Theatre

or see what's on near you


The Vikings are coming!

January 31, 2012

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The Vikings are coming!

Europe’s largest fire festival, the Up Helly Aa, takes place in Lerwick, Shetland, today, with a whole series of marches and visitations, culminating in a torch-lit procession and the burning of a replica Viking galley.

Up Helly Aa

what to expect


Spot snowdrops

January 30, 2012

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Spot snowdrops

January is nearly over now, so keep an eye open when you’re out and about to see if you can spot the first snowdrops of the year. If you do see any today, send us a photo for our gallery and you could win a yummy prize!

all about snowdrops

send us your snowdrop snaps


Listen up!

January 29, 2012

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Listen up!

Whether you’re a fan of folk tales, classic literature or shaggy dog stories, National Storytelling Week is a fantastic celebration of communication and imagination. Why not see what’s on near you?

National Storytelling Week

how to tell a story


Join the Big Birdwatch

January 28, 2012

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Join the Big Birdwatch

Spare an hour this weekend to take part in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch. All you need to do is spend an hour watching and counting the birds in your garden or local park, then tell the RSPB what you’ve seen to help them track how our bird population is [...]

Big Garden Birdwatch

top tips for birdwatching


Help the lifesavers

January 27, 2012

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Help the lifesavers

Today is the RNLI’s SOS day – the biggest fundraising event of the year for this very worthy cause. Check out the website to find out how you can help support the work of the brave volunteer lifeboat crews and lifeguards.

RNLI SOS

why you should help


Australia rules!

January 26, 2012

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Australia rules!

It’s another celebration of national pride today: Australia Day. It’s a bit chilly for a barbie, so we’ll be celebrating with some Vegemite on toast and an episode of Neighbours!

Australia Day

another way to celebrate