Did You Know

The new normal

Growing your own vegetables, learning to cook or bake and moving to the countryside are among the ‘new normal’ bucket list items. A study of 2,000 adults by The National Lottery found six in ten now yearn for ‘The Good Life’ with their ambitions for the future changing in the wake of the pandemic. Andy Carter, senior winners’ advisor for The National Lottery, said: “The nation’s bucket list has certainly changed tack. We are seeing the gentle art of pottery and keeping chickens rank more highly than skydiving or designer handbags.”

The ‘new normal’ top 20 bucket list

1. Grow your own vegetables/ get an allotment 2. Redesign your garden 3. Learn how to cook/improve cooking/baking skills 4. Drive-in cinema experience 5. Move to the seaside 6. Learn to speak a new language 7. Create a pub/bar in your garden 8. Move to the countryside 9. Set up your own business 10. Install a hot tub 11. Buy a camper van or RV and explore more of the UK 12. Write a book 13. Try fresh water swimming 14. Volunteer for a charity on a regular basis 15. Have private exercise/yoga lessons to get fit 16. Learn a new creative hobby such as painting or pottery 17. Retrain for a new career 18. Learn to play the piano or other musical instrument 19. Climb a mountain / hike a noteworthy trail 20. Be taught meditation/mindfulness A quarter of Brits are risking their lives by not having a carbon monoxide alarm in their house.

British Gas

The single-use carrier bag charge will be extended to all retailers and increased to 10p from April 2021 to further protect our oceans from plastic waste.

Research by MyBuilder reveals that 43% of homeowners wouldn’t know how to turn off their gas in the event of an accident. Where to find it? In newer houses, the isolation valve is normally outside next to the gas meter, housed in the same meter box or close by. If it's not there, it could be under the stairs, beneath the kitchen sink or in the garage. For more advice see mybuilder.com/advice/utility-emergencies

Biggest bed on the planet!

The Guinness Book of World Records states that the biggest bed on the planet is 86ft and 11in long by 53ft and 11in wide. It was created as part of the St Gregorius Summer Festival in Holland in May 2011. (The Bed Post says it will endeavour to have a bed of the same size made if you can guarantee it will fit up your staircase!)