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Archives for April 2020
Discussion List
Kanopy free films
Have anyone used kanopy with their public library card? It's a free streaming platforms for films, documentaries. I could not find any zoom film discussions online that feature Kanopy films.
Free audiobooks and dramatisations from Wireless Theatre Company website
Wireless Theatre Company make radio plays for the BBC and dramatisations for Audible. They also have a website full of original recordings that are now free to download from www.wirelesstheatrecompany.co.uk. There are lots of dramas, comedies, thrillers and audio documentaries to listen to for free.
Family fun at home - free downloads
https://butterfly-conservation.org/our-work/education/family-fun-from-home/family-fun-free-downloads
Virtual tour of Chester zoo
As you can't currently go there in person they are running live virtual tours on Fridays: https://www.chesterzoo.org/virtual-zoo/ Plus you can view past tours on Facebook/YouTube.
Free Recipes from National Trust
National Trust have put the recipes for their famous scones online as well as lots of other recipes you can try at home. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/scone-recipes-to-try-at-home https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/top-family-friendly-bakeshttps://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/recipes
Free app showing supermarket queue times and stock levels
For both iOS and Android . https://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/new-app-shows-supermarket-queues-and-stock-levels-225696/
Free online activities for children and adults (West Cheshire Museums)
Our doors may be closed temporarily but we are determined to stay connected. There is lots going on, so please visit us on Facebook (Weaver Hall and Lion Salt Works); Twitter (@CWACMuseums) and at Youtu.be/UGPPCRzu8sU From 13 April, this website will also feature information and pictures from a diverse and successful range…
Bestselling and classic audiobooks (free to stream on the BBC website)
Thought this post might be helpful to those who aren't aware of this service.Current availability includes: The Testaments by Margaret Atwood. American Dirt by Jeanine Cummings (being released in instalments). The Mirror and the Light (abridged) by Hilary Mantel. Classics:A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.The Strange…
Free printable guide on how to sew your own face mask.
From the New York Times: A tutorial on how to make your own fabric face mask
from common household materials.https://int.nyt.com/data/documenthelper/6860-printable-face-mask-tutorial/ded6e67bb78f2599a7ff/optimized/full.pdf#page=1
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MSE News
Ofgem proposes new 'no standing charge' Price Cap – but Martin Lewis warns vulnerable customers need to be opted in or it won't work
Ofgem has today launched detailed proposals for a major shake up to its Energy Price Cap that dictates the price over 80% of homes in England, Scotland and Wales pay for their energy bills.
Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland to cut overdraft rates for millions but hike them for others – here's what's happening and full help
If you're a Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland current account holder, the interest rate you're charged for using your overdraft could change soon as part of a fees shake-up. The Lloyds Banking Group, which owns all three brands, says millions of its customers will pay less after the changes – but a "few" will pay more.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more low-income households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Martin Lewis: At last a chance to fix Council Tax flaws impacting millions – debt collection, difficulty challenging your band, discounts and more
Major flaws in the Council Tax system in England could finally be fixed in future, as the Government has launched a wide-ranging consultation to review hideous debt collection practices, the difficulty of challenging your band, the overly complex and horribly-named Severe Mental Impairment discount and more. MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis, who has long campaigned on these issues, shares his response and analysis.
Energy complaints to be dealt with more quickly and Energy Ombudsman to get new powers under Government plans
If you have a complaint about your energy firm, it may be resolved more quickly in future, as the Government has announced a raft of proposals to strengthen consumer protections in the energy market. The planned changes include giving the Energy Ombudsman new powers to force firms to comply with its decisions – but it's still very early days. Here's what we know so far.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Base rate held at 4.25% – here's what it means and when it might be cut next
The Bank of England has held the base rate at 4.25%. Below we explain why, when it might be cut, plus what it means for your mortgage and savings.
Applied for South West Trains 'boundary fares' compensation? Act now to claim it
If you applied for compensation from South West Trains before the deadline in January 2025, you now need to provide your bank details to the claim administrator so it can be paid to you. Here's what you need to know.
Winter Fuel Payments to be reinstated for millions – Martin Lewis explains how it'll work, what it means and if it's an improvement
All State Pensioners in England and Wales will receive a Winter Fuel Payment this winter, though those who earn over £35,000 will see it clawed back through the tax system. It means nine million pensioners will get the £200 or £300 top-up. Here MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis shares his instant response and analysis, and we include answers to your key questions.
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