Saturday, 26 January 2013

Neighbourblog: Neighbourblog Press Release on Jan 16 2013

Neighbourblog: Neighbourblog Press Release on Jan 16 2013: Neighbourblog Press Release on more than 15 Popular Websites Jan 16 2013 1. AD HOC NEWS 2. comunicati.net 3. finanz nachrichten.de ...

Thursday, 15 September 2011

Trick, Treat or Terrifying?

It’s September but people are already buying Christmas presents. Well, if they’re there in the shops, it does kind of encourage us to think ahead, doesn’t it!

But amongst the baubles and Santa shaped chocolates there’s more holiday trinketry of a darker kind. Halloween is on October 31st and while for many it’s a ghoulishly fun time, for others it’s a pain in the erm… neck.

Not all of the recipients of trick or treaters are glad to welcome them. So if you’re accompanying a band of young ghosts and vampires on their door knocking pursuits this year, spare a thought for the elderly people in your area, or simply those who want a quiet evening in without being disturbed.

Advise Trick or Treaters not to spook the elderly at Halloween -

The tradition of trick or treating is relatively new to the UK, although the US has been embracing it for many years. As a result many older people are, understandably, wary of the activity. Even when it’s not Halloween they’re not keen on opening the door to strangers at night.

How you can help keep your elderly neighbours feeling less vulnerable during Halloween:

  1. Remind them that trick or treating will be happening so that they are prepared.
  2. Suggest they put a polite notice on their front door, something like, “No trick or treaters please. Have a happy Halloween.”
  3. Have a chat with other neighbours about chaperoning children who want to do trick or treat, they’ll be more aware of who their elderly neighbours are than the kids will.

To talk about how trick or treat is being handled in your neighbourhood why not go over to the forums at www.neighbourblog.com.




Nightmare neighbours? Here are some tips on dealing with them - Part 1

To be at odds with a neighbour can really be stressful. Here's how to take steps to stop war breaking out and hopefully find a peaceful solution:

  • Keep Notes
Having a nightmare neighbour is stressful enough as it is, so it’s hardly surprising that you’ll be feeling confused and angry. But, it’s really important to keep a written record of any incidents. Yes, even the littlest ones. Make a note of dates and times. Include as much detail as possible. At some point you may need to refer to this information, and you’ll be glad you took the trouble to keep a dairy. You could even blog about it!

  • Communicate if and when possible
If you can have a friendly talk with your nightmare neighbour then do give this a try. Although if the person seems volatile or potentially dangerous it’s not worth the risk. In many cases though, the nightmare neighbour doesn’t realise they’re causing you hassle and an amicable chat can help pave the way for smoother relations. If talking to your neighbour face to face isn’t an option, then write them a letter – keeping the tone polite – and do keep a copy of what you’ve written. Again, you may need this in future if things don’t settle down.

  • Reconciling differences
Your local housing department may be able to advice you about neighbourhood conciliation service that are available in your area. Set up for just this purpose, these sort of mediation services are there to help neighbours resolve issues with a little outside unbiased assistance.
  
  • If you rent or own your home 
If you rent your home from your Local Authority or you’re a home owner you can contact Environmental Health Department of your local council. Outline your circumstances to them and find out what measures they might take when sorting out nightmare neighbour issues – If you have a strong case they may be able to investigate the situation for you.

Are you a home owner? Then don’t forget to read through the small print of any insurance policies relating to the property. Some policies include the right to use a legal help line or even cover for legal costs.

Like to add anything, then leave a comment here. Or talk with others from your neighbourhood over at the forums on www.neighbourblog.com


Monday, 12 September 2011

Twinned Towns, Tumbleweed and Topping up your Oyster

  1. The Good Neighbours Scheme is a support and befriending organisation. Its aim is to support the elderly, people who live alone or are victims of social or emotional isolation Find out more here
  2. Find your local Neighbourhood Watch group – or set one up: Yes, I want to know about Neighbourhood Watch
  3. A quick tour of London’s Neighbourhoods http://www.londontreasures.com/neighbourhoods.htm
  4. Claim disused or abandoned land. No, it’s not April Fools, and it IS legal. www.uklandclaims.com
  5. Find NHS services near you. Doctors, Dentists, and what to do in an emergency
  6. £61.00 Tumbleweed Tiny House. It’s small but perfectly formed. www.tumbleweedhouses.com
  7. Squatters! What to do if you want to remove them. And what you need to know if you are one. Squatters and non squatters click here, let's sort this out.
  8. Junk Mail. How to stop it! Junk Mail!
  9. Land registry search:  Search by location, house name or number, or postcode.
  10. Is your property at risk from flooding? Find out here: Find out here!
  11. Green Britain – How many reclamation yards are there in the UK, and where are they? Extensive list
  12. Things you can do for FREE in London. Yes, free! www.londonforfree.net
  13. Top up your Oyster card online. Do it now!
  14. Britain’s listed buildings… in a list: www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk
  15. Which are the safest boroughs in London? Tell me about the borough I live in
  16. Before you have a bonfire, check out the rules and regulations. If you don’t and you step outside the law on this you could face a fine of up to £5,000! Ouch. Here are the rules.
  17. Find cheap or preferably FREE parking in London here: www.findfreeparking.co.uk
  18. Is your town twinned with another? And if it is, what exactly does that mean? www.towntwinning.org.uk 
Leave a comment... 

Don't Let This Be The Winter Of Your Discontent


The English summer seems to have come and gone without many of us noticing. Now, it may seem that it’s a little early to start thinking about the winter, but seeing as there are people out there who are already doing their Christmas shopping, I don’t think a blog post about cold weather is too premature.

Here’s some useful advice about keeping yourself and vulnerable or elderly neighbours safe and warm in winter.

It’s especially important during cold weather to be a good neighbour. So if you have elderly neighbours please take the time to check on them.
Snow looks pretty on a Christmas card but the cold weather can be cruel. Photograph by Kofler Jurgen 



Get in touch with your local council, many of the will be able to point you in the right direction for help regarding grants for loft and home insulation. They can also offer advice about arranging for a lower tariff or change of payment plan for fuel bills over the winter months.

You can dramatically reduce heating costs over the winter by doing to the following.

·         Take a shower instead of a bath – bathing uses a lot of water and heating it doesn’t always come cheap.
·         Another useful tip is that of placing foil behind radiators. This helps to reflect the heat back into the room rather than into the wall! You can always remove the foil when the milder weather returns.
·         Keep the curtains shut to keep heat in.
·         Insulate your loft.
·         Only heat the rooms you use. Turning off radiators in rooms you don’t use can make a big difference to fuel costs. It’s always worth giving unused rooms a little het every now and then just to prevent them getting damp.

It’s important to keep warm in order to prevent colds, flu bugs and more potentially serious problems like pneumonia. Remind vulnerable people to get a flu jab in readiness for winter. Most GP surgeries run flu clinics with regularity in the winter.

Here’s where you can get more help and advice.

Cold Weather Payments

Was this advice useful? Have you any tips for the winter? Leave a comment!