How Emma Bridgewater tableware is made - videos

A detailed look at how Emma Bridgewater tableware is hand made and decorated in Stoke on Trent and Emma's inspirations. Short films that shows the complete process from clay slip preparation to the finishing of the end products: Visit www.emmabridgewater.co.uk for beautiful tableware. Edited to add: I have no connection with the Emma Bridgewater business - I just think it's very interesting to see how the tableware is made and thought I'd share these videos on my blog.

Former Woolworths manager opens ‘Wellworths’ in Dorchester, Dorset

I love this story! It just goes to show what one person can do: New store fills Woolie gap A former Woolworths manager has opened a new store to fill the gap left by the demise of the national chain. Wellworths, in Dorchester, Dorset, is the brain child of Claire Robertson, who re-hired 20 of her former colleagues to run the shop. The 34-year-old had previously worked for the high street chain for 18 years before it was one of the 815 that closed after the chain went into administration. (link via itv.com) Claire Robertson is a perfect example of an enterprising businesswoman and she deserves a lot of recognition for her idea that has defied the recession. I also love the clever name change - Wellworths - nicknamed ‘Wellies’ (Woolworths was called 'Woolies') which also enhances the attraction of the store. Well done, Claire!

Brits panic buy as traditional lightbulbs are banned

Britons panic buying last stocks of conventional lightbulbs Britons are panic buying the last remaining stocks of traditional lightbulbs after the Government agreed to plans to phase them out completely. Britain has signed up to an European Union decision to replace conventional 100-watt bulbs with supposedly greener, low-energy alternatives. It means that the staple household item is vanishing from the high street after 120 years. (link via telegraph.co.uk) I understand the benefits to the environment for low-energy fluorescent bulbs but there are also some serious drawbacks. Have you noticed they take a while to warm up? I feel like I have candle-light when I first flip the switch to turn them on! And the new bulbs contain mercury so how are we supposed to dispose of them safely? Plus, there are potential health problems because the new light bulbs may trigger migraines and epilepsy attacks in some people. What are your thoughts about the new ruling? Will you miss the tradtional lightbulbs?

A dozen gift ideas for gardeners (each under £10.00)

Grow Your Own Veg Journal by Carol Klein £5.99 PLAY. com Small Tin Seed Container £5.00 Burford Garden Company Garden Seeds - Garden Sprinkles £3.50 The Gardeners Shop Paper Potter - Seed Pot Maker £9.95 The Gardeners Shop Window Garden Plants £4.99 EcoCentric Grow your own Silver Birch Tree £5.99 EcoCentric Easy Seeda - easy seed planting £4.04 The Urban Garden Chelsea Trug 32cm £5.86 The Chelsea Gardener Compact Bypass Action Secateur £6.50 Just Green Professional Tool Oil £4.95 Garden Boutique Herbal Tea Pocket Garden £9.78 Crocus Gourmet Salad Pocket Garden £9.78 Crocus

Amazon (UK) now gives free delivery for £5 up

Amazon’s cut the minimum price for free 'supersaver delivery' from £15 to £5. I usually order my books from play. com or The Book Depository because they offer free delivery all the time (no minimum order required) but sometimes they don't have a particular book so I might use Amazon.

Supermarket 'for older people' may open in Britain

Tesco, which hopes to open the country's first pensioner-friendly store complete with wider shopping aisles and brighter lights, has sent a group over over-65s to the Kaiser supermarket in Berlin, the first of its kind in Germany. The group will report back to Tesco before a decision is made on the proposed 60,000sq ft store in Newcastle, next door to Newcastle University's Institute for Ageing and Health. Professor Jim Edwardson, 67, founder of the Institute and one of those who travelled to Germany, said: "Almost everything about supermarket shopping in the UK is wrong for elderly customers, from shelving that is too high to reach or too low to get to. (link via telegraph.co.uk) This is great news! It's about time that supermarket owners realize that many of their customers are older and should be catered to. In fact, all supermarkets should be re-designed and/or modified to be 'pensioner-friendly' and meet the needs of pensioners* and indeed all their customers, regardless of their age. It would make shopping eaier for everyone not just the elderly! *a pensioner is a person who has retired, and now collects a pension Tesco is one of the world's leading international retailers