Over the last 5 years I have spoken to journalists,radio presenters,TV presenters and MP’s.

I must say if someone had told me years ago that I would be involved in filming for the BBC etc I would have laughed out loud and said “don’t be ridiculous!”, but it is amazing when you are passionate about something so personal your confidence takes flight.

When we sit in our living rooms watching endless hours of TV, do we ever think of what goes on to make those programmes? An item that might be on air for 1 minute may well have taken several hours being filmed.

What tends to happen is that you receive and email or phone call from a researcher, who asks you hundreds of questions a call that can last for an hour or so. Several months later, and yes it really can take that long you will get another call- a follow up-, more questions and maybe a personal visit from the researcher.

At that visit you will go over it again, pictures taken of possible filming locations and objects relative to the story.

Time still ticks away, another call. Ok it is going to happen.

At the agreed date, presenter/producer, camera crew and sound person arrive, cuppa is obligatory ! Time to get to know each other a bit, although having spent so much time on the phone I feel I know them pretty well already!

After much furniture moving, lights up machines and jargon I don’t understand we are ready, sometimes the interviewer will ask you questions and want you to answer with a statement of example, “How did it feel when you became a grandmother?” you then have to reply, “When I heard that I had become a granny it was magical…………etc.” It is a very unnatural way to hold a conversation.

Oh and then due to shining face have to go and rummage for powder! It is very easy to lose your train of thought, and you have to go back to the beginning.

Then its outside for shots in the garden, between rainstorms, up the garden, down the garden, talk to a plant, in the summerhouse, through the summerhouse window looking through memory box and back up the garden. All of that can take 5 hours or more. Phew.

It is a bit different if it is an article for a magazine or paper, if you do a photo shoot, you can be told what to wear, which I object to I must say. I now know that they are looking for, a stereotypical  middle class grandparent looking miserable. Apparently I have to look miserable because it is a sad subject, but actually when I think of my granddaughter I smile, I have enormously happy memories of her, not sad ones.

So whenever you see a photo of me I do look very miserable, now you know why!

Jane

Twitter is a real-time information network that connects you to the latest stories, ideas, opinions and news about what you find interesting. Simply find the accounts you find most compelling and follow the conversations.

At the heart of Twitter are small bursts of information called Tweets. Each Tweet is 140 characters long —you can discover a lot in a little space. You can see photos, videos and conversations directly in Tweets to get the whole story at a glance, and all in one place.

It is similar to Facebook status updates but Twitter messages are available to anyone on the internet unless you protect your tweets. With Facebook you have to wait until a person accepts your request to be friends but on Twitter you can follow anyone you find interesting.

What is it for?

As with any social network, the answer is the same: whatever you make of it. Some think that its immediacy makes it ideal for spreading news. Others find it useful to ask questions of their peers; still others, for following what people or topics they’re interested in.

What does it offer me?

• Twitter offers information

It is a realtime newsfeed that is personalised to all your interests. You can get information on news, local events, celebrities, politicians and other hobbies or interests. It’s like being delivered a newspaper whose headlines you’ll always find interesting – you can discover news as it’s happening, learn more about topics that are important to you, and get the inside scoop in real time.

• Twitter allows you to keep in touch

It allows your family, friends and others to follow your activity throughout the day and keep up with your life. You may also connect with people in your profession, local shops and events, and most importantly, people who share your passions

• Twitter gives you a voice

It allows you to comment on matters where you may otherwise not be able to express your views. Simply, if you follow someone, you can send them a message (a ‘tweet’). Many public figures such as politicians tend to have thousands if not millions of followers and they may not respond but they generally do read their messages because a 140 character tweet is easier to read quickly than a lengthy e-mail.

• Twitter allows you to promote yourself, business or blog

If you’ve written a book or have a business to promote, Twitter is a great way to get your message out. It also helps you network virtually with people in your industry. You can keep up-to-date with the latest industry trends and even establish relationships with people.

• Twitter allows you to get answers to your questions, quickly

Once you have followers you can send out questions. You can ask for recommendations for local restaurants, technical questions or anything else on your mind. People on Twitter are very helpful and willing to help out.

Top 10 UK tweeters and their followers

• Stephen Fry (actor, writer) – 4.3 million
• Jessie J (singer, judge on The Voice) – 4.2m
• Lily Rose Cooper [formerly Allen] (singer) – 3.5m
• Niall Horan (One Direction singer) – 3.3m
• Liam Payne (One Direction singer) – 3.1m
• Emma Watson (actor) – 2.8m
• Rio Ferdinand (footballer) – 2.7m
• Eddie Izzard (comedian, actor) – 2.4m
• Ricky Gervais (comedian, actor) – 2.3m
• Holly Willoughby (TV host) – 2.3m

Top 10 recommendations for Grannynetters to follow

• Grannynet
• Mary Portas
• Age UK
• Miriam Stoppard
• Gok Wan
• Mature Times
• BBC Woman’s Hour
• Jennifer Saunders
• Lorraine
• Age UK

If you think Twitter might be for you, click on this link from the Twitter website, which answers many of the questions you may have prior to signing up: https://support.twitter.com/articles/13920-frequently-asked-questions#

by, Lisa

In my role as chief tester of health and beauty products I have been testing the above deodorants.

I was kindly sent a roll on and spray version.

Pitrok Crystal products are produced using minimum of ingredients that can be harmful for skin and yet offer maximum protection.

This deodorant has a very light fragrance and would maybe had likes something slightly heavier as is more reassuring I find. However despite the awful cold damp weather so no heat wave to test it in! the product seems very effective.

I think the roll on is maybe slightly more effective than the spray version.

It is an excellent product as does not contain parabens, which 90% of beauty products do other than organic ones, and therefore is much better for the body to use.

It does contain aloe vera and grapefruit seed extract so is gentle on the skin, I have very sensitive skin. I found no problem other than I applied the roll on immediately after shaving underarms and it stung very slightly nothing to worry about but I would advise leaving hour or so after shaving before applying. Having said that my skin is ultra sensitive.

On the whole this is a very good product as it does not block the pores, yet is extremely effective.

The subtle fragrance is lovely but I find it is nice when you can catch a whiff of deodorant while rushing around – this gives added reassurance.

The products can be found online easily and the roll on retails at £3.69 from Amazon.

The prices are higher than I would normally pay for deodorants but given the natural ingredients and benefits to the skin I can recommend giving them a try. The roll on lasts and lasts I have been using twice daily for 4 weeks now and still lots left!

I hope this review is of interest and help to everyone.

Anne

Little Dish has partnered up with Barnardo’s Big Toddle. Barnardo’s is a fantastic charity whose projects transform the lives of vulnerable children across the UK. Specifically, the Barnardo’s Big Toddle is the UK’s biggest fundraising event for under 5’s. It is a ‘little’ sponsored walk for children and can be as short or long as you like. Anyone can set up their own Toddle, just visit http://www.barnardos.org.uk/bigtoddle.htm to register.

In support of Barnardo’s Big Toddle, Little Dish are going to be selling special packs of their Chicken and Butternut Squash Pie with a pair of toddling shoes for just £5. The limited edition packs will be available in Sainsbury’s from Wednesday 23rd May. They come in three different shoe sizes – small 4/5; medium 6/7; and large 8/9. Hurry whilst stocks last – they are expected to sell out very quickly.

Little Dish will also be hosting their first ever Spring Party for Little Ones at the Sports Field, Holland Park, London W8. It’s on Tuesday 22nd May 11am – 1pm. There will be lots of fun for kids with children’s entertainers extraordinaire Sharky & George running exciting party games. They’ll also be providing a picnic which is free for children.

The highlight of the party will be a little sponsored walk in aid of Barnardo’s Big Toddle, raising money for children under 5 across the UK. It’s Superhero themed so make sure your little ones bring their best capes. You can print masks in advance from here.

Find more information here, or please RSVP: bigtoddle@littledish.co.uk

Oli, Little Dish

At last the rain has stopped falling in stair rods, apologies if it is still raining where you are, the sun is shining and glinting through the windows.

Well, that is the down side of this beautiful sunshine – I can hardly see through my windows, where on earth has all that dirt come from? Actually I love clean sparkly windows but it is such a chore and lots of elbow grease required!

So, I was delighted to give the Karcher (WV50) window cleaning vacuum a try, yes it does say vacuum. This handy gadget is wireless with a rechargeable battery. It is lightweight and very easy to use.

I washed the windows down with a mild detergent and water and then used the vacuum, it has a rubber squeegee head which you run up and down the window, and it vacuums the water up.

Water collects in a small tank on the back of the vacuum as you dry the windows and I must say I got a quiet sense of satisfaction of seeing very dirty water collecting, they simply must be clean now!

The product claims to be streak free and no water drips, well certainly no streaks but I did get a small amount of water drips, so just buffed up with a micro cloth.

The battery hold its charge for 20 minutes and recharges in about 2 hours.

Not only does it clean windows but I used it on my mirrors, shower door and my high gloss kitchen unit doors, all sparkling. The sun can shine as much as it likes now.

There is quite a wide variation of prices for this product but it is available from Amazon at £43.57.

Jane Jackson

The Dragon awards are held each year and although they have no monetary value, the publicity you can get is almost priceless. Of course, I am entering Time to Shine. It is an individual entry by me on behalf of my company but if we win it will be a collective award for the project, for all the volunteers residential and daily and for the staff at the stadium who are usually rushed off their feet when the kids are there, as are we all!

Of course I allowed myself some extra time to get there which was just as well as I went in the wrong direction when I got off the tube – me all over!  I have spent four hours putting the finishing touches to the submission, it doesn’t have to be in until 28th May so I am sure I will be adding and taking things away.

On 8th May I went to our site in Lambeth – up at 5 am, got to site at 8 am. I had arranged to do a “Building Sites Are Not Playgrounds” presentation and follow up activity at the primary school next to our site (we are building their new school).  Briefed the people who were coming with me, gathered together all the things we were taking (five lots of PPE, certificates, “Stay Safe” stickers, branded pencils, puzzle packs, laptop). We walked up the hill to the school and…………….nothing.  The person I had organised it with had forgotten to tell the school!   Back down the hill, make a few ‘phone calls, lots of apologies etc. rescheduled for Thursday 10th. Lucky I had some time left this week! Off on the train for a meeting at Kings Cross. Home about 4.30pm.

On the Thursday, up at 5 am blah blah blah. Got to the school and guess what? Not ready. Hall was being used for a yoga class so by the time we got in there the children were coming in. The school IT chap was rubbish and couldn’t get the sound to work so we had to do it ourselves. Most of the children were well behaved but toward the end one little boy started punching another and it was so vicious! As the teacher pulled him off he was kicking the other child in the head! These were 5 and 6 year olds. Oh well.

After that I went to some rather swanky offices in Liverpool Street to meet the latest people from the homeless project I work with. We interview the formerly homeless or hostel dwelling people – not really an interview just an introduction and instruction on how to get to the two week work placement, what to wear, what they will be doing. I have four to look after this time and another one I am still trying to get placed (he was let down by another company). I hope I will succeed. I got home at 3.45 pm completely exhausted.

Worked at home on Friday and got tons done as usual.  Next week is a bit easier although I have to drive to Wolverhampton for a “Dragon’s Den” which is going to last all of half an hour from start to finish. Not terribly environmentally friendly!

Tizzy

I found Sarah Smith Eco Cloths great to use and much preferred them to traditional washing up sponges which can get a bit foamy with washing up liquid or surface cleaners.

I think these eco cloths are ideal for doing the washing up, they enable you to really clean china, glass, cutlery etc as you can feel the item through the cloth. Great for surface cleaning and wiping out the fridge.

I like that they say they are made from 50% recycled polyester and 50% from sustainable forests, use eco printing and made in UK. Every little helps.

It takes a short time to get used to the feel of the cloth in water as it can feel a little “oily”. I really don’t recommend washing the cloths in a washing machine. Sarah Smith make a strong statement about 4 machine washes on the packaging and after 1 machine wash the colour faded and they felt thinner and after 2 machine washes they were pretty limp and not very absorbent. This is the reason I gave the cloths 4 out 5.

I found it unnecessary to wash in a machine – and not very eco -  I found it much better to simply hand wash in laundry liquid in the sink when you feel they need a freshen up, rinse and leave folded to dry. This kept the cloths in better condition, nice and fresh and extended their life.

They are available at most major supermarkets including Waitrose, Tesco and Sainsburys.

1 pack of 4 cloths retails for £1.99 which I feel is good value.

Judith

Well, I shall start at the beginning. The egg comes in a box with a several bags of ceramic beads.

The first challenge is to open the egg with a 50p piece they say (a bit of a pain if you don’t happen to have a 50p to hand). The 2nd challenge is to get the beads into the egg taking great care not to drop them on the floor. This is a worry to me as the white CERAMIC beads are about twice the size of a tic-tac sweet, and could be picked up by a toddler or swallowed by a pet. They say the pellets are non toxic but they are ceramic!

I found the eco egg noisy in use as it thumps about in the machine and I made a mistake the first time of putting the machine on at bedtime! Also I am concerned about delicate fabric as it really bangs around in the machine and pummels the washing. They say the eco egg continues to work for 72 washes and then needs to be refilled with the ceramic beads so back to taking care with the ceramic beads.

The  manufacturers say it is fine for people with skin problems and say the rinse cycle is not needed because you aren’t using laundry detergent, so you can run your machine without using the rinse cycle and save water and electricity. But the rinse cycle does help to wash away the dirty washing water and so I don’t think this is a good idea.

I found the coloured washing came out clean but the white washing did need a little help such as a scoop of stain remover or earth friendly bleach. Also don’t overfill your washing machine as the egg needs a little room to move around inside the machine.

Yes, it does save money and this is a good reason to use it and perhaps to use it in between using your regular laundry liquid or powder. Also from an environmental viewpoint there are no chemicals going into the waterways so is also good for septic tanks. And Eco Egg says it is good for sensitive skin.

You can buy the Eco Egg from Amazon for £9.99 for 210 washes or £19.99 for 720 washes.

Judith

Enid suddenly had to produce a pudding without planning and used ingredients already in her cupboards. Thinking on her feet to produce a real tasty treat. Love that!

Ingredients

1 x packet of frozen puff pastry
About half a jar of Nutella
Pears

Method

• Cut the sheets of pastry into about six squares and score an inner square about a centimetre from the out side edge.
• Spread the inner square with Nutella – it doesn’t have to be thick.
• Peel the pears but leave the stalk in place. Cut them in half and then, having carefully removed the pips and fibrous centre.
• Score each half into slices without cutting all the way through. Then you can fan out the slices which will still be attached at the stalk end.
• Put half a pear on each square and bake in the oven at about 210 c until the edge is golden brown.

Serve warm or cold

To be a Londoner is pretty special. There are eight million of us living within the greater London boundary and this population is swelled by 30 million foreign tourists each year. There over 300 languages spoken by its residents. It’s the home of some of the most iconic sights in the world  from St Paul’s to the Shard and from The Tower to The Tate.  Its inhabitants have been described throughout the centuries as noisy, awkward, contentious and ill disciplined, but also as generous, innovative, lively and open minded.

All this is true, but most Londoners would say that actually we are composed of a large number of villages which just happen to have merged into each other. Each separate village, be it Hampstead or Hackney, Greenwich or Golders Green has its own unique identity and its loyal and partisan population.

Being a Londoner means that one can have the warmth of the small community that makes up one’s own locality and yet have all the benefits that this great city offers. The cultural opportunities are immense from concerts of all kinds, art galleries, museums, great architecture, the finest parks and open spaces, 43 Universities,  14 league football clubs and countless numbers of other clubs, societies and organisations. There is never an excuse for having nothing to do.

And, of course, there is the accent!  The old Cockney voice isn’t gone yet and to those of us with a sharp ear it’s quite easy to tell if the speaker is from north or south of the water. (That’s the Thames to you lot!) but you will hear all accents and languages if you sit on a London bus for an hour or two watching the cityscape and eavesdropping on a few conversations. You’ll see a huge variety of costumes too from the colourful printed fabrics of Nigeria to the elegance of a sari or the sharp dresser at the cutting edge of fashion.

And another glory of London is the food. With such a diverse population you can choose to enjoy the authentic cuisine of hundreds of nations and if your choice is plain English you can dine in style at Wilton’s or the Rib Room, or choose pie and mash or jellied eels in the East End.

Most importantly of all, London is the seat of government. Love it or loathe it this is where the decisions are made, and the continuing tensions between the City of London and the City of Westminster are just as strong today as ever they were.

And running through all this is London’s greatest glory, the Thames; England’s longest river at 215 miles long is one of the very few names which survive from pre Roman times.

Are there any downsides? Well, of course there are. The crush on the rush hour tube cannot be recommended and neither can the experience of being stuck on the M25. And it does take too long to get into the lovely countryside of  Kent or Essex.

But for those of us who are Londoners we wouldn’t swap it for the world.

So, I’m off up the apples to get my new dickie, just hoping my cheeky saucepan don’t put his daisies all over it!

Jane