Dear Mrs Danvers, being well-organised and practical, I am already planning for the baking weather prophesied for the summer. I intend to buy some electric fans while there is still a chance of snow so, surely, they will not have sold out. Any suggestions? Office suppliers Viking Direct (a href="http://www.viking-direct.co.uk" title="Viking Direct">www.vikingdirect.co.uk; 0844 412 0000) have a fair selection, priced from £9.39 for a clip-on desk fan in plastic to chrome pedestal fans in two heights. One, the smaller, is £23.49 and the taller is £46.99. Both will oscillate and have three speeds. Lakeland (www.lakeland.co.uk; 01539 488100) have a high-velocity air circulator with three speeds (£39.99) and one with beechwood effect blades at the same price will also be available shortly. The company stocks a tower fan, £59.99, which is, it says, extremely quiet and good in bedrooms. It also has a remote control, eight-hour timer and ?natural breeze? mode, whatever that is.
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Dawn Chorus: A Blue Plaque for Marc Bolan, holidaying in the Caribbean with Francis Ford Coppola and a history of the National Gallery in 25 picturesPlus the best of the property pages, and how the railways will save the countryside.
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Game, set, match: 12 of the world’s most beautiful tennis courtsFrom Italy to Indonesia, when it comes to hotel amenities, a picturesque tennis court will always trump a 24-hour gym. So, before you book your next holiday, take a look at our pick of the 12 best.
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How to prepare your house for winterAs winter approaches, experts advise that preventative measures are crucial for our houses to weather hard winters
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Ten house tips for the winterNow is the time to put your house in ship-shape for the winter months ahead. Chartered surveyor Tom Grillo shares his ten top tips
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Choosing an interior designerFinding the right skilled interior designer for your period property requires some dedication; in particular you need to make sure you share the same vision
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Maintenance tips for Victorian housesThere are a number of aspects to look out for when viewing or indeed owning a Victorian house
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Best cooking pansMrs Danvers suggests the best makes of pots and cooking pans to hunt down when shopping for a special friend's wedding present
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How to save old floorboards
Lots of care and elbow grease can help old floorboards gleam again
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Buying bellowsMrs Danvers recommends where to find a new or antique pair of bellows
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Removing chocolate stainsMrs Danvers tackles readers' household queries: this week's are chocolate stains on a linen suit and screen doors
