Helping an older parent, relative or friend remain independent doesn’t necessarily mean making major changes. Small adaptations, technology and a little practical support can make everyday life safer, easier and more manageable... For most of us, independence is something we value at every age. Being able to make our own choices, move around our home safely, pop to the shops or simply enjoy a cup of tea in a favourite chair can make a huge difference to confidence and wellbei

Before you go and spend too much money on fashion for the new season, it might be a good idea to look at the clothes in your wardrobe that you already own... Autumn always brings the temptation to go shopping, gathering tops, bottoms, knitwear and all manner of other delightful designs, yet in reality, the most stylish seasonal updates often cost very little. Either you can pick them up by being focused on what you really need or, better still, you might already own them! Her

Short winter days are on the way, but hyacinth and narcissi bulbs can be grown in pots to enjoy indoors. Get planting quickly and some could even be in flower by Christmas, says Flo Whitaker... When buying hyacinth bulbs, you’ll find two distinct types; ‘standard/non-prepared’ and ‘prepared’. Standard hyacinths are primarily used to give an outdoor display in March/April. You can also fill pots of them to bring inside as they commence flowering, but non-prepared types cannot

World Sight Day is this month, so why not treat your eyes, and your tastebuds, to this mouth-watering recipe. Watercress contains many nutrients associated with eye health; it is rich in vitamin A, that contributes to normal eye function, and in vitamin C which may protect against cataracts... Serves: 4 Ingredients: 1 small pumpkin or butternut squash 200g/7oz Arborio risotto rice 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 5 shallots, peeled and finely diced 1 tbsp olive oil plus more

Lisa de Silva explores the traditions, history and latest trends in honeymooning, along with providing some inspiration for this significant travel experience... A wonderful way to celebrate the start of married life, honeymoons play an important role in most wedding plans. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, culture or indulgent luxury, it’s a chance to spend precious alone time together, making lifelong memories. The history of the honeymoon Originating in 5th

The Isle of Wight is Britain’s fossil frontier; an internationally important site for palaeontological discoveries both past and present. Hanna Prince dives in to discover more... A Mantellisaurus. If you could travel 125 million years back in time and take a stroll around Cretaceous-era Isle of Wight, you might notice a few differences. For a start, the underlying geology that today makes up the Island was located much further south; around the same latitude as present-day N

As autumn arrives and gardens fill with colourful leaves, resist the urge to clear them all away. They provide food, shelter and vital nutrients for wildlife and soil... There is something magical about kicking through a carpet of autumn leaves. Crunchy, colourful and wonderfully seasonal, they are one of the signs that summer is finally giving way to cooler days. But while grown-ups might see fallen leaves as something to rake up and remove, children can learn that they are

Some towns preserve history in museums. Others seem to have simply carried on living alongside it. Across Europe, there are places where medieval streets are still part of everyday life, ancient walls still shape the town, and centuries-old buildings aren't just monuments—they're homes, shops, cafés and places of worship. For travellers who love history, these five towns offer something rather special: the chance to experience the past without it feeling like a museum exhibit