Homes & Gardens

Intelligent water monitoring systems could soon be in place across Europe thanks to iWIDGET, a €5 million European Commission project that will use cutting-edge smart-metering technology to improve water use efficiency.

The project aims to improve understanding of the potential that smart-meters have to reduce waste and bring down the cost of water in households and businesses.

The project, which will run for three years, is led by Professor Dragan Savić, Founder and Co-director of the Centre for Water Systems at the University of Exeter.

Professor Savić said: “As...

People only have a few days left to take advantage of Exeter's energy-switching scheme, Exeter Together, and make savings on their energy bills. The scheme closes at midnight on Sunday 17 March.

Launched by Exeter City Council, Exeter Together is helping people from Exeter and surrounding areas save an average of £220 on their fuel bills by joining the innovative collective switching scheme.

The campaign has gained support from the likes of Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Ben Bradshaw MP, as well as leading regional businesses including the Met Office and Source for...

Olivia James Design is celebrating its 4th birthday on Saturday 9 March.

This year, as well as continuing with the products that have proved popular with our customers, we are introducing more new suppliers with even more exciting ideas for the home and as gifts. Our ranges this year, for Mother's Day, Easter and Spring/Summer in general are bright, colourful and inspiring.

Not that it has been easy. Like most High Street businesses, we have had to be careful with costs and stock levels. But we will never cut corners on customer service and the quality of our stock and...

Last year 54-year old special school teacher Edward Thompson from Torquay set out to walk round Dartmoor on foot and climb 100 tors in 10 days for charity while living rough on the moor.

203 miles and over 105 hours of walking later, he had conquered 156 tors, walking at an average speed of 1.93 mph, and raising over £3,000 for the charity Dream-A-Way in the process.

Now, on the back of that success, Edward has set his sights on visiting a marathon 200 tors, hills and rocks in 10 days, a feat that will require him walking for up to 12 hours a day in order to complete a...