my best on the web

Antique Silver Buying Is Good For You

2010-12-22T11:11:00.000Z

Antique Silver is the most planet friendly way of furnishing our homes. It is the original recycling! Antique Silver can be bought either at auctions, fairs, shops, markets or online.There is no greater or greener fun than finding antique silver for your home or a great unique antique silver gift for that special occasion or person online. When giving the gift of antique silver you are sure that you are giving them something with value, history, quality and integrity.

When compared to buying a new silver gift it does not use up scarce resources and is the original form of recycling. It is the only way for "Guilt Free shopping". Antique Silver items are still around today due to the quality of their manufacture. Ancient skills have been combined with years of craftmanship by Silversmiths to produce practical every day items which are still a pleasure to use today.
Antique Silver should be used every day and not locked away in a drawer never to see the light of day.
Antique silver has benefits in that it can be used for its original purpose today.

Antique Silver has already been handed down from generation to generation and therefore its carbon footprint has long gone and can become your own family heirloom of the future.
Another major credential of antique silver is its value as an financial investment. At times of financial unrest precious metal prices always increase.
What is seldom realised by many today is how well antique silver fits in with todays modern lifestyle. With imagination and flair modern families today can create a dining environment totally unique and "eco friendly".

In todays environmental and financial crisis buying antique silver will be the guilt free solution to that perfect investment or gift.
Visit our antique silver website to see how you can help to save the planet today. (well almost).

Wheel Chair Spoke Guards

2010-10-27T14:21:00.001+01:00

Have you ever considered wheel chair spoke guards as a way of improving the looks of your wheel chair? The below post I came across and thought it was a really good idea.

Wheelchair spokeguards are indeed very cool but for more than just their looks.

Wheelchair spokeguards can make a statement. Not just any statement, but the one you want to send. It can be political or whimsical or it can have a load of attitude. Whatever direction you take them in they look great, especially when spinning in a kaleidoscopic swoosh of eye-catching colors.

Aside from aesthetics and statements, wheelchair spokeguards serve some important purposes. For starters, they keep spokes from getting banged up, broken and bent from impacts. Speaking of broken and bent, they also keep the wheelchair user’s fingers from getting jammed up in the spokes when pushing a wheelchair. I’m told that really hurts. Lastly, they help keep road debris away from your wheels and axles.

Read the full article here...................

You can see a selection of folding mobility scooters and wheel chairs for sale at our website

Morris Minor Engine Removal

2010-10-27T10:20:00.000+01:00

The engine can be removed from the Morris Minor leaving the gearbox in place.

Remove the clevis pin securing the bonnet in place. Drain the oil from the engine. Drain the water from the cooling system. Disconnect the battery. Release the flexible petrol pipe from the union on the petrol pump. Remove the carburetor and air filter.

Disconnect and remove the bottom and top radiator hoses and the heater pipe connection at the radiator. Remove the four sets of bolts which hold the radiator in place then remove the radiator. Disconnect the heater pipe from the control valve. Loosen the two exhaust flange bolts and disconnect the exhaust pipe.

Disconnect the Dynamo and starter leads and the low tension lead from the distributor. Remove the high tension lead from the coil. Disconnect the oil gauge pipe from the cylinder block.

Drain the oil from the engine and gearbox. Drain the water from the cooling system................................

Read the full story here Removing A Morris Minor Engine

VW Campervans The Holdsworth Conversion

2010-10-27T10:00:00.001+01:00

Richard Holdsworth Conversions based in Ashford, Middlesex started converting VW Vans In 1967. They began offering kit conversions and by 1972 when they became more established they moved to larger premises near Reading. They had ideal premisses sited on a disused WWII aerodrome and up to 50 campers could be assembled at any one time as there were 15 assembly bays. In addition to hand-built quality wood furniture, Holdsworth also used exclusive Scandinavia weave fabrics and could offer a full range of DIY conversions in addition to converting a used van.

In 1995 the company went into receivership and relaunched as Cockburn Holdsworth but it never really recovered. Richard went on to work with Auto-sleeper developing their range of conversions. There were 2 main interior layouts of the Bay Window Holdsworths VW Campervans The first being the basic model and having the kitchen sited by the sliding door at the end of the bench seat. There was a pump tap for a washing bowl with a foot operated electric pump situated at the rear and seating was a dinette style around the table which laid between the bench seats for the bed. The second had a stainless steel sink and drainer mounted in the kitchen cabine and a high level bed using the table and space above the engine and a unit behind the front passenger by the sliding door. It also had a fold out single seat.

By the early 1970’s there were two elevating roof options, a concertina style pop top called the Weathershield and a side-hinged full length elevating roof with yellow/gold/brown striped canvas. Many people had roofs or kits fitted to their Buses. Due to their design and build quality Holdworth conversions won many awards and continued with the launch of the T25 and by the mid 80’these conversions carried out by Richard Holdsworth were setting standards for others to follow. For two years running 1987/88 and 1988/89 it was awarded accolade Motor Caravan of the Year. Two luxury models of the VW range were The Holdsworth Villa 3 and The Holdsworth Vision. In 1987 the Villa 3 was launched and The Holdworth Vision was based on the VW High Roof model and featured a very different layout and its spacious interior and quality fitments made the Vision one of the most luxurious and best equipped of the time. It set new standards that would soon become the norm when the T4 generation arrived.

Visit VW Campervans for sale for all the best information on your next VW Campervan

Antique Silver Is An Alternative Investment

2010-10-24T12:43:00.001+01:00

Antique Silver is an "Alternative Investment" and a very good one. Our Antique Silver website sees a growing number of visitors turning to antique silver as a safe haven for their money. We are not the only ones to think so. There are now many Financial Experts reporting the same. I came across this entry below in Financial News.

Alternative Investments: Arts & Antiques

While many people put their money into stocks and bonds, one way to enjoy growing your wealth is to get in on the alternative investments of art and antiques. Not only do you get to have fun of hunting for hidden gems, if you know what you are looking for, you can almost certainly sell your finds for a profit......................................................

Click here to read the full article

As silver scrap metal prices rise we find in increasingly difficult to source quality silver items at reasonable prices. Buy now while its still a bargain. Visit our antique silver for sale website to get even keener prices than our ebay store.

Mobility With Flair

2010-10-20T17:23:00.001+01:00

Mobility with flair, here is an interesting article you may enjoy

For decades the common mobility walker has made a public statement. Unfortunately, it hasn’t been one that much of the public perceives as positive.

The walker is a great mobility aid with a nice broad front and cross members that just beg to be utilized as a media platform for making a public statement or sending a message.........................................

Read the full story here

Folding mobility scooters are a great alternative to tradition mobility scooters.

Myford ML 7 Lathe Turning Pens Project

2010-10-19T20:25:00.000+01:00

Myford ML 7 Lathe Project Turning Pens

Readers article supplied by Mike Freeman of Mikes Models Model Engineering Website on his use of a Myford ML7 to create hand turned quality pens in his workshop.

Christmas comes but once a year and I was looking for a project that would both be challenging for me, and produce items good enough to give as Christmas presents. Last year I made a pair of ‘wobblers’ for my son and son –in-law bringing expectations for future handmade presents. So this year I wanted make something that I could give, but to more members of the family.

I knew that Axminster tools have a good gift section; although aimed more at the wood turner than the model engineer (they do sell 3 Stirling engine kits though), so when looking through their website I came across their pens section and decided that these may fit the bill. However before committing myself to several kits (since I am looking at 15 plus!) I thought it would be wise to try a couple first to check out the quality I could achieve, since I have never turned anything ‘freehand’ before. The decision to go the pen route however was made easier because Axminster Tools have an excellent video of one of their staff turning, then assembling one of their pen kits. It certainly spurred me on to have a go at hand turning...........

Read the full article here metal lathe for sale

VW Campervan EZ Conversions

2010-10-18T16:35:00.001+01:00

EZ (E Zee as in Easy) Campers based in California were another American company who recognised the huge demand for the VW Campervan Westfalia conversion and the problem of supply not meeting the demand. As a result this company began converting Panel Vans around in the early 1963/1964 and also declaring that EZ would convert your VW Campervan into wonderful "weekend cabin on wheels" known as the El Viagero (meaning the Traveller). Like other US conversions the interior was closely modelled on the VW Westfalia Campervan.

To view the full post vist VW Campervans for sale

What is the difference between antique and vintage?

2010-10-17T19:44:00.001+01:00

Heres an interesting question which I often see asked.

http://www.workwasters.com/break-room/what-is-the-difference-between-antique-and-vintage/#comment-56790

The simple answer is anything over 100 years is antique. This definition has been established for may years. Vintage can be a somewhat grey area without the same clarity.

Antique silver is silver which is at least 100 years old

Antique Silver Gifts For Christmas

2010-10-12T17:25:00.001+01:00

Antique Silver makes the perfect gift for a loved one at Christmas. It pays to shop early for antique silver as quality gift item

s are rare and hard to find. For the lady an antique silver perfume bottle will provide a treasured gift that will impress and hold its value. It will also provide a family heirloom for the future.

Silver has been the favoured gift for ladies for generations. Perfume holders, scent bottles, dressing table trays, dressing table sets and many more items are currently available from our antique silver store on ebay.

Just click the link to view our large selection of antique silver gifts and silverware ideal for that special Christmas gift.

Goldsmiths Fair

2010-10-06T18:00:00.001+01:00

The annual Goldsmiths fair is now on in London with week 2 running from Tuesday, October 5 to Sunday, October 10

You can see Information on the fair from their website at http://www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk/exhibitions-promotions/goldsmiths'-fair/

But a summary is below

GOLDSMITHS’ FAIR is the ultimate one-stop destination for those seeking out jewellery and silver by the most exciting independent designer-makers in the UK. Established in 1983 the Fair has grown in stature and allure and is now considered to be the most important, prestigious event of its kind in Europe.

Paul Dyson Director Promotion: “The Fair is a hugely important event to many designer-makers. It obviously has considerable selling potential and presents an invaluable opportunity in terms of experience, exposure and direct contact with clients. Equally significant is the huge benefits the makers gain from being and exhibiting together, not only in terms of camaraderie but also through networking and the sharing of ideas and skills. The Fair also presents an exciting vision of the trade to the outside world.”

If you can easily get to the Goldsmiths Hall its worth a visit to look at the silverware on display.

why not visit while you are here our own antique silver and silverware from Silver2treasure

Fred Perry Harrington Jacket

2010-10-01T20:26:00.000+01:00

Fred Perry Harrington Jackets.

View a selection here

Solar Ipod Charger

2010-10-01T20:11:00.000+01:00

1000mAh SOLAR POWER STATION Charger FOR IPHONE/IPOD

Portable External Backup Battery Charger for iPhone/iPod. Light-weight, super-slim design to carry with your iPhone or iPod Conveniently

It actually Charge up your iPhone/Ipod Battery, not just act as a external battery

You can recharge it using the standard iPhone/Ipod Wall AC Charger or USB cable from PC/Mac OR under sunglight!!!!

Capacity: 1000MAH, Dimension: 67x62x15 (mm)

High-capacity, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, LED indicator for Solar Power input

COMPATIBLE DEVICE: iPhone 4G, iPhone 3G/3Gs 8GB/16GB/32GB, iPhone 2G 4GB 8GB 16GB, iPod Touch 1st -3rd Gen, iPod Nano, iPod Mini

Check it out on ebay here

Silver Investing The Time Is Now

2010-10-01T12:55:00.001+01:00

Invest in silver now and you will be making a sound decision. The price of silver is continuing to increase along with other precious metal therefore those wise investors who have been buying silver for some time have seen their investments grow substantially.

Many people are not happy to trust their money to corporate bankers to invest for them but fortunately their is a much better way. Invest now in antique silver instead. Antique Silver is a much more enjoyable investment. In the first place you get to choose a beautiful useful item to display and use in your home. In the second you get to acquire a future family heirloom to pass on to future generations. Thirdly you have an investment which will always have a value whatever the financial markets may do.

Such an example is this delightful antique silver fish knives and fork set. It is beautifully engraved and is made in Sheffield in 1901/1902 and carries silver makers marks for Joseph Rogers & Sons a quality Silversmith. They are priced at £317 in our ebay store or just £286 direct from our antique silver for sale website.

Which would you prefer, some annonymous banking house taking your hard earned money or a real investment you can touch,feel,use and show off to your guests.

As a certain meerkat would say "simples"

Action Replay For Sale In Australia

2010-09-30T17:50:00.000+01:00

Action replay for sale in australia from a variety of sellers just click the link.

Action Replay

Veratex CHEETAH FUR King COMFORTER Black And White

2010-09-30T17:36:00.000+01:00

Black & White
Faux Fur Print Bedding Collection
KING COMFORTER 4 piece SET includes

* 1 KING COMFORTER (108" X 96")
* 1 KING BEDSKIRT / Dust Ruffle
(78 x 80" with 15" drop & SPLIT CORNERS)
* 2 KING PILLOW SHAMS
(21 x 36" each)

View it here for sale on ebay

The Best Book I Have Ever Read

2010-09-28T18:12:00.001+01:00

Master and Commander by Patrick O Brien

Master and Commander is the first of Patrick O'Brian's now famous Aubrey/Maturin novels, regarded by many as the greatest series of historical novels ever written. It establishes the friendship between Captain Jack Aubrey RN and Stephen Maturin, who becomes his secretive ship's surgeon and an intelligence agent. It contains all the action and excitement which could possibly be hoped for in a historical novel, but it also displays the qualities which have put O'Brian far ahead of any of his competitors: his depiction of the detail of life aboard a Nelsonic man-of-war, of weapons, food, conversation and ambience, of the landscape and of the sea.
O'Brian's portrayal of each of these is faultless and the sense of period throughout is acute. His power of characterisation is above all masterly. This brilliant historical novel marked the debut of a writer who grew into one of our greatest novelists ever, the author of what Alan Judd, writing in the Sunday Times, has described as 'the most significant extended story since Anthony Powell's A Dance to the Music of Time'.

Master and Commander

Folding Mobility Scooters Get Smaller

2010-09-28T17:01:00.000+01:00

Folding mobility scooters get smaller all the time. This clever design will set you back a cool £2231 new and you will not see them for sale second hand for a while. The marketing advert is below

The intelligent Luggie is a revolutionary unit of the worlds lightest and direct folding personal scooter.

Why not experience the comfort and convenience of riding Luggie in your daily journey. Specially equipped with an easy operation tiller for moving forward and backward by just gently pressing wigwag. Luggie was designed to effectively enhance the mobility and flexibility. Even in the narrowest of spaces or inside of an elevator, you can ride Luggie without obstruction.

So whether your going shopping, attending an exhibition or waiting for departure at the airport, the Luggie will make your day pleasant and tireless . Moreover, Luggie could be able to satisfy all industries whether individual use or business application.

Light weight, easy to carry, direct folding design and less occupation of space are the high-tech features which meet your best satisfactions. With Luggie, you will experience a truly comfortable journey no matter where you go.

You can view the video below. The video quality is not great in full screen view though.

If you are looking for a cheap mobility scooter click the link

Folding mobility scooter alternative

2010-09-28T16:32:00.002+01:00

Folding mobility scooters are sometimes a little difficult to assemble and put into the boot of your car. As an alternative there are now a number of small lightweight trailers being developed that allow a fully assembled mobility scooter to be securely carried behind the family car without the need to assemble or take down a light weight scooter.

One such trailer is ScootaTrailer. Whilst it isn’t the first ever trailer designed for towing your scooter around behind you, it does look like the designers have given it a good deal of thought and some features are worth taking a look at.

VW Campervans The Dormobile Campervan

2010-09-28T13:59:00.001+01:00

Martin Walter company was founded in 1773 but they soon began building coaches and carriages. With the inception of the motor car they started to manufacture high quality bespoke coachwork on Daimler and Rolls Royce bodies. In the early 1950’s they identified a need to come up with a vehicle that combined family and utility use and apparently there is the story that one of the Martin Walter directors noticed people were actually sleeping in their vehicles whilst waiting for a cross channel ferry crossing. So he came up with the idea of designing a vehicle that could be used to travel in and also to sleep in, and in 1952 they produced a model using a Bedford CA where the seats formed a bench for sleeping and a cooker was fitted. It was known as the Dormobile which is based no the French word dormir, meaning “sleep” By 1956 the Dormobile trademark, the raising roof and the swivel seats that folded in various ways were designed. No other converters were as well set up and Dormobile were the main producer of affordable campers. The name Dormobile became an established name such as Hoover or Biro and was associated with quality yet affordable motor caravans and in 1960 when the move into the VW Campervan market reflected both the potential size of the market and the recognition of a very different style and image brought by the VW Bus. Such was the success of the “Dormobile” elevating roof was actually adapted by Devon as a standard option from 1962-67 instead of their own version. Westfalia also offered the Dormobile roof as an option for camping equipments. In the late 1970’s Dormobile hit financial problems and did not convert any of the T25 models but in 1984 the business ceased trading. However in the late 1990’s the business was resurrected by former employees and now supply genuine spare parts. In 1961 the new Volkswagaen Dormobile made its debut at the Earls Court Motor Show with the famous slogan “Famous the world over, Volkswagen and the Dormobile Caravan. Here is another fine Dormobile conversion - a real home on wheels with that sleek, smart continental look’. It was available through the main VW Agents and became an officially approved VW convertion so they carried full VW warranty, and the Devon was the only other which carried similar backing at that time. The literature at the time decribed it to be the aspirational lifestyle of middle England in addition to being an ideal home on wheels and ideal as a mobile grandstand at sports meeting, races and other outdoor displays or meetings of all kinds. It the weather changed then the huge roof windows gave an excellent viewpoint and there were always refreshments laid on, and having a radio was a great optional extra. The Bay Window Dormobiles 1968 - The Dormobile Motor Caravan D4/6 With the new shape came a chance to alter the layout and the design and the front seat fold out cooker was patented and to allow more height in the cab area for cooking the elevating roof was moved forward and the interior was remodelled to create more living space. Upholstery was in wool moquette and finished in poppy red or gold with contrasting PVC borders and the roof canvas was either green and white or red and white. There was also available a two berth with a fixed roof and optional extras included a childs cab bunk, tent awnings, chrome hubcaps etc. LHD conversions were also available for export around the World. The Dormobile D4/8 1970 A totally new version of the VW Dormobile was introduced with luxury rather than economy at the forefront. It was designed to seat 8 people in the forward facing position and also sleep 4 adults with an additional child in the optional cabin bunk. A refrigerator was also available for the first time and a gold coloured removable carpet was added for that extra bit of luxury and to match this the curtains were a soft orange with the seat upholstery also keeping the gold theme. The d4/8 was available with or without the elevating roof. The VW Campervan Dormobile conversion is still much cherished today and many well kept models come up for sale from time at VW Campervans for sale

Save Your Leopard Gecko

2010-09-27T17:34:00.000+01:00

Many Leopard Geckos die quickly with new owners. There are experts out there who can help.

The one below claims.

Dear Leopard Gecko Lover,

If you knew that nearly 86.5% geckos die very young and within two years of their captivity, then you’re going to discover in this message how to stop that from happening. True, it’s not easy to raise a leopard gecko as pet. With the geckos originally coming from deserts, the biggest problem that most owners face is creating the right kind of environment for the gecko to comfortably grow up in outside their natural habitat. Moreover, owners are often confused with the lack of genuine information on how to take proper care of the geckos, particularly during the first 24 months of their lives, and how to handle them correctly, what to feed them, how to take care of common illnesses and so on. Because of these two major problems, raising a leopard gecko as pet often turns into a sad experience. Many geckos die too young, and most often, such untimely death is attributed to lack of correct knowledge on the part of the owners. Stop Untimely Death

He offers a guide called “Secrets to Save Your Leopard Gecko” its an offer worth checking out

Sure Shot Trading System For Shares

2010-09-27T17:22:00.000+01:00

Sure Shot Trading System For Shares may not exist but there are some experts willing to share their knowledge.

Check out the one below who claims

There are hundreds of "trading gurus" who want to sell you get-rich-quick products for big bucks. Maybe you've bought a few already.

Some of them work - some of these programs are even great. But where almost all of them fail is in painting a picture of how trading works.

When you understand EXACTLY what it takes to design an excellent trading system, you'll understand why most people fail to make money trading.

The fact is, I can show you how to be successful trading, but it will take work!

Click Here!

Antique Silver For Sale

2010-09-24T11:47:00.004+01:00

Antique silver new listings on our Silver2treasure website with free UK postage.
Antique Silver Decanter Label Letter B. It is a small rectangular shape and has a lined decoration around the edge and then a textured letter “B” in the middle. It has clear hallmarks and although there is no Assay Office it can only be London in conjunction with the other marks for 1803. Priced at £98 in our ebay store or just £89 from our antique silver for sale website.
Antique Etched Glass & Solid Silver Lid and Collared Perfume Scent Bottle. The glass body is of a circular shape and has a very pretty etched glass pattern of circular garlands. It has a circular solid silver hinged lid which also has an engraved garland pattern to it and in the centre it has a circular cartouche which is clear so it could be personalised. It also has a solid silver collar and a glass stopper. Hallmarks for Chester 1909 and silver makers marks for G.N.R.H (George Nathan & Ridley Hayes). Priced at £149 in our ebay store, or just £135 from our antique silver website
Antique Silver Art Nouveau Pedestal Sweetmeat Dish. It has an undulating rim with protruding shells/flowers and then the typically Art Nouveau shaped curved handles which run right down each side of the pedestal base with a clover leaf at each end. Hallmarks Birmingham 1906/1907 Priced at £99 in our ebay store or just £89 from our antique silver for sale website.
Antique Silver Pepper in the Shape of a Flour Dredger Shaker. It therefore is cylindrical in shape with a pull off lid with the holes forming a star pattern. It has a question mark shaped handle and a raised circular base and it has a gilt interior. All the hallmarks are clear except for the makers marks which are a bit rubbed. Hallmarked Birmingham 1894/1895. Priced at £53 in our ebay store or just £48 from our antique silver website
Watch the video below for images of these and non antique silver items recently listed.

Preserving your family heirlooms

2010-09-21T17:53:00.001+01:00

Whilst not strictly antique silver specific I came across this interesting article of value for all antique collectors. You can click the link below to visit the article and its full of useful information such as... the family historian’s Hippocratic oath is “do nothing you can’t undo.” On the surface, this seems simple enough: You don’t amputate a page of the family Bible because it’s dirty.

It also lists what it calls its tested prescriptions for preserving 10 common kinds of family heirlooms. No matter what antique you collect its worth a read, just click the link below.

http://www.antiquetrader.com/article/preserving_your_family_heirlooms

National Antiques Week 2010

2010-09-18T20:00:00.002+01:00

National Antiques Week 2010 commences on the 15th November 2010 with the theme "now is the time to buy antiques". There could not be a more timely message in regard to antique silver. The price of scrap metal such as gold and silver continues to soar. Antique silver for sale on line provides a golden opportunity to make that investment for the future. Celebrate National Antiques Week 2010 buy visiting us and purchasing that future family heirloom.

Antique Silver For Sale

2010-08-27T11:22:00.000+01:00

Antique and modern silverware listed for sale this week by Silver2treasure.
Below is a summary of the silver items listed this week for sale in our ebay shop. They are also listed in our own website where you can gain a discount and get the same great service. Just click on the link to view the item.
Antique Silver Georgian Toddy Ladle Ebay Price £89 or click the link for a price of just £80
Dutch Silver Salad Servers Ebay Price £156 or click the link for a price of just £141
Antique Silver Victorian Small Dish Ebay Price £73 or click the link for a price of just £66
Silver Short Candlesticks Ebay Price £92 or click the link for a price of just £83
Antique Silver Victorian Dish Ebay Price £304 or click the link for a price of just £274
White Metal Candlestick with a Dolphin Mythical Fish Ebay Price £69 or click the link for a price of just £63
Antique Silver Victorian Scent Bottle Ebay Price £166 or click the link for a price of just £150
Square Silver Napkin Ring Ebay Price £29 or click the link for a price of just £26

And remeber all the above prices include FREE UK postage
Just click on any link above for greta prices and great customer service.

Campmobiles & Canadianas VW Campervans

2010-08-23T17:09:00.000+01:00

With so much wilderness to explore VW Campervans and motor homes have always been big business in the USA and Canada. Westfalia Campers had been available since 1956 and by 1961 the introduction of SO 34, demand far exceeded supply. This prompted VW of America and Canada to manufacture DIY kits that could be used on new or used vehicles. The Campmobile was the US version and the Canadian version was knows as the Canadiana.

The Campmobile

There were six Campmobile kits available that could be fitted to existing panel vans, Kombis and Microbuses. For each model there was a basic and deluxe version which included some very interesting accessories. One was a huge pull out sun awning which had roll down sides which could be mounted above the loading doors. There was another option of an 8 foot square free standing Cabana tent. The roof rack with ladder doubled as a sun deck and there was an option of a tent fitted onto this for penthouse style sleeping known as the Campette option. Another option was a shower enclosure and shower unit.

They continued to market the Campmobile until 1972.

The Canadiana

From 1963 similar to the American version although more basic VW Canada retailed is own campers called the the Canadiana Vacationer. A distinctive feature however was on the cupboards where bakelite handles and chrome hinges were used. Also there was a scalloped wood trim pelmet running around at curtain track height. It did however have a very useful feature of a pull out slide step and also fitted as standard was a Hupp gas heater which was a necessity for the cold Canadian winters. It was marketed as affordable with no frills and built for those who wanted to tackle the Canadian wilderness. If you are interested in buying a vw campervans then visit vw campervans for sale.

Bilbo VW Campervans

2010-08-10T17:29:00.002+01:00

In the back streets of Amsterdam in the mid 1970’s Bilbo Campers started life. David Latham and his wife Moira found there was a market building campers and they used second hand Army and Dutch Police VW Buses. All the work was initially done by just the two of them with David on the jigsaw and Moira on the sewing machine.

They did this for a couple of years honing their skills and designs before they returned to England in 1977 and rented a garage in Reigate, Surrey to continue their business and soon after they moved to their present site in South Godstone.

The Marlfield was a bay window VW Campervan conversion and was named after the road on which the business was sited.

Bilbo continued during the 1980’s converting second vans but in 1987 they began to convert new vehicles and in the early 1990’s gained VW approval to turn out well appointed popular conversions.

Their T25 range consisted of the Arragon, Arragon Coda and Arragon 2, Marlfield and Weekender. They were built to customers special requirements with regard to upholstery, coachwork, curtains and flooring to create individual looks.

The first of their new T25 conversions kept the original name of the Marlfield. The Arragon line was the top end of the range which had more accessories and fitments. The Weekender was a multi purpose which was both luxurious and spacious.

Bilbo’s also developed their own range of roofs which could be fitted to their conversions. The Astron was a fixed high top which contained another double bed and this could be fitted to any Bilbo T25 conversion. The Westpoint was side hinged three quarter elevating roof which gave extra storage as it had a front moulded over cab section. The Westpoint plus was a full length version of the same roof and both could be fitted with the optional “upstairs package” and the WestPoint Plus could also be fitted with an extra childs berth over the front cab.

T4 Campers
There were 4 models in the T4 range which were The Kompak, The Breakaway, The Celeste which was the top of the range and The Nektar.

T5 Campers

These are the new range of campers and comprised of the Komba, Nexa and Celex. The Which Motorcaravan tested the 5 campers in 2004 and the The Celex which was based on the T4 Celeste was voted by Which Motorcaravan the winner with the best bed, the best kitchen the best dining arrangements and the best roof so it proved to be a worthy winner. Despite this the early models are hard to come by and you can search for one at VW Campervans For Sale.

VW Campervans In Australia

2010-08-03T14:52:00.000+01:00

VW was formed in Australia in 1958 and Lanock Motors a VW dealership based in Sydney began marketing the VW Kombi Van Caravanette. The conversion had everything including a spirit cooker, fridge, icebox, wardrobe, dinette style dining that also formed the bed and plenty of storage space. VW Campervans had arrived

In the 1970’s there were three versions of the Campmobile from VW Australia which were the Cruiser, the Adventurer and a Dormobile manufactured under licence. The US encountered many problems importing enough Westfalias but Australia found it even harder. VW Australia was established in 1958 at Clayton, Victoria and in 1961 had moved from assembling kits into full scale productions making their own components. The Campmobile was produced based on a Westfalia design and in 1968 they launched an Australian version of the Campmobile called the Adventurer. There were three versions, the Adventurer, the Adventurer Traveller and the Adventurer Deluxe. All these had kangaroo bars, spare wheel and elevating roof. The Adventurer was the economy model and had no cooker or fridge. The traveller had a 2 burner gas hob, a fridge, external side access door for the gas bottle, roof rack, retractable side step and portable box seat included. The Deluxe had a foot plate, extra fluorescent light in the rear, a fold down exterior table with bottle rack and cloth trim for the seats and side walls. Also included were additional accessories such as mosquito nets, tent awning, a screened sliding window, grill covers, headlight guards, rear window demister, sun visor and towbar. There was also an optional dust free air cleaner for those wanting a real desert or outback adventure.

VW Australia also carried out European specification versions for overseas tourists. In the 1970’s there were other Australian conversions which included the following :- Lanock Motors, Noose Conversions, SunCamper, Sunliner and Trakka.

You will find a selection of VW Campervans for sale at our website.

VW Campervans Arcomobil Campers

2010-07-28T14:55:00.000+01:00

The Arcomobil Campers were established around 1960 in Stuttgart in Germany by Arnold Mehl. It was a family business and they built high quality cabinet built conversions and were among the first to offer an elevating roof which was fitted to sunroof buses so no roof cutting was necessary. The company tailor made or adapted interiors to VW Campervan owners personal customer requirements.

There were three basis interior layouts, the Arcona, Arcona C62 (with a traditional dinette layout) and the Arcomobil and Pullman were available with a fixed or elevating roof. There was also a self install kit version of the interior known as the Aria.

Gerhard Grau the son in law took over the running of the business around 1971 and the conversion became known as the Grawomobil. Around 1979 production ceased but Arcomobil elevating roofs have been found on early T25 campers.

Very few of the Arcomobil conversions survive today so finding one will be a difficult task. You can view VW Campervans for sale here.

Antique Silver Collecting Periods & Styles

2010-07-23T13:00:00.001+01:00

Antique silver collecting is often more about taste than it is about value. To collect antique silver you first need to have a passion for silver. This will then greatly lead you into a period or style you wish to collect.

Many periods through our history have produced very distinctive styles.

The Queen Anne period from 1702 to 1714 saw a minimalist style in design but much decoration in the form of armorials,crests and motifs.

Baroque is classed as the period from the 17th Century to the 18th Century. It is distinctive for its grand heavy forms,bulbous and often with abundant decoration with elaborate carving and often rich gilding. This period is usually associated with Louis XI, Charles II and William & Mary.

Rococo is credited to the early to mid 18th century. Once again very decorative works with engraved rustic scenes and light gilding.

The late 1700's into the early 1800's saw the influence of North America into Federal designs. Most famous Silversmith for these designs was Paul Revere.

The Victorian Period is very popular among collectors today. From 1837 until 1901 Queen Victoria presided over the growth of the British Empire and wealth creation on a grand scale. This led to the rival of historical styles and extravagant ornamentation. It also saw the first volume production of silver items.

The Art Nouveau period ran between 1890 and 1915 and saw the move waay from the Victorian extravagance towards a more aymmetrical form with curving lines typically made famous by Liberty & Co and Tiffany.

The Art Deco Period followed from 1918 to the 1940's. Streamlined geometric forms with a strong Egyptian influence led to distinctive work from Christofle and Jensen.

The modern day period has been influenced by mass production with distinct work standing out from silversmiths such as Stuart Devlin.

Whatever style takes your fancy there are many factors to be considered by the collector not least of which will be price. Modern silver will be tomorrows antiques and therefore may be a wise starting point in any collecting career. Foe a wide selection of antiques silver and modern silver visit our silver2treasure store.

Antique Sterling Silver Tea Sets

2010-07-22T17:58:00.000+01:00

A Silver Tea Set is a must if you wish to drink tea. There is so much research around now that tea is a very healthy drink. Tea itself comes from the roots of a medicinal plant and as such has been known to have many healthy qualities for centuries.

Whilst our ancestors knew very well its medicinal qualities they could not always agree on how it should be served. As Silver became more available to the lower classes the tradition of serving tea from a silver tea set became the fashion. The Silver tea pot had long been established but soon silver tea sets became fashionable consisting of a teapot, milk jug, sugar bowl and often Sugar tongs and spoons.

These teasets were often given pride of place in a dining room and displayed on a tray or salver.

Used to impress guest these teasets were often the start of much debate on how the correct cup of tea should be served. Should the teapot be pre heated, should the milk be put into the cup before or after the tea and many more variations of how to make the perfect cup of tea were devised.

The use of tea leaves instead of our modern day teabag allowed the mystics to create a mini industry of predicting the future by "reading" the tea leaf pattern left inside a cup.

Drinking tea remains a pleasure today and there is now a growing trend in investing in antique silver tea sets.

You can view a selection of our own silver tea sets here.

USB Extension Lead

2010-07-20T17:07:00.000+01:00

Few people realise that Usb extensions leads come in a variety of shapes and sizes and therefore care should be taken to establish exactly what type of lead you want before purchasing it.

These leads come in various sizes and therefore it pays to measure exactly how long a lead you need. It may be you just want a lead to run from the back of your tower PC to the front to save you continually bending and searching around the back each time you want to connect a device. You may just want it to connect from the dashboard of your car to the ipod. You may want to connect to an internet 3G Dongle. You may need to connect to a printer some distance away from the PC and therefore care must be taken in choosing a lead if you need to extend longer than 5 metres.

A long extension greater than 5 mteres will necessite and active extension lead. These leads enable you to connect to devices a considerable distance from the P.C.

If you use a laptop and are looking for a neater solution then why not consider a left or right handed USB extension lead. The connectors for these leads fit flush against the side of the laptop with the cable coming out from the sides and therefore save space on a crowded desk and look a whole lot cleaner and neater on the eye.

The latest craze is to go for a power saving extension lead that also has a usb connector. These more traditional looking leads contains sufficient sockets for all your P.C. and printer power cables and work by powering down the extra devices as soon as the usb extension tells them the PC is powering down. Very eco friendly and can save you money too.

Check the quality of what you propose to buy. Are they ROHS compliant? Is the quality of material used suitable? Remember buying the cheapest is not necessary the best solution. The prices of these leads are very cheap so why not buy the best quality first time around. Check they list they are suitable for USB 2.0 with speeds up to 480 mps. Make sure you know if you want the standard usb A male to usb A female connection.

Do you need a shielded cable? Non shielded and non certified usb 2.0 cables can cause the user problems with certain connections hence the need to carefully check the description of what you are buying and to purchase the highest specification cable.

All these cables can be seen and bought from this website from just a few pounds to the very best quality which still will not hurt your pocket..

VW Campervans For Sale

2010-07-20T15:41:00.002+01:00

Since 1905 Ames a Dutch Company had been involved in the motor trade and was one of the first importers of VW campervans in Holland in 1947. They manufactured bodies and interiors to customers requirements in addition to sales. People began to trade in their Split Screen VW’s for the Bay Window models and demand for the VW Campers increased. Ames decided it was easier and cheaper due to import duties to convert campers themselves rather than to import a more expensive German Westfalia conversion.

The Amescador (the Ames Camper) was built during the 1970’s. There were three styles of roof that were available which were the old style Westfalia pop-top, the Martin Walter side hinged elevating Dormobile and a fixed high top roof which ran for two thirds of the length of the bus.

The most different and distinctive design feature of the Amescador was the ability to erect a tent extension on the rear so that people could sleep outside or inside the vehicle. There were 3 different layouts, the EA which could sleep 4 - 5 people, the HA which could sleep 2 people and the AA which could also sleep 4 - 5 people. The upholstery for all models were of a bright coloured modern check fabric with matching curtains and covers for the cab seats which complemented the exterior colour.

By the late 1970’s Ames moved to installing Westfalia kits on imported commercials and adding their own badge and logo. With trade restrictions easing Dutch people were now able to purchase T25 Westfalias at very competitive prices and therefore the demand for the Amescador ceased. To find a good Amescador VW Campervan for sale today therefore is very rare.

VW Campervans For Sale The Adventurewagen Story

2010-07-19T15:38:00.001+01:00

The Adventurewagen Story

In 1963 a Californian couple Ed and Jereen Anderson decided they wanted to see the World with the freedom to travel where and when they chose. They decided that a VW bus was the ideal vehicle but they did not like the conversions around at that time so they decided to built their own.

Surprisingly it was in a motel carport in Coventry, England that their plans took shape and the first Adventurer was constructed. Having decided they did no want a pop top roof they built a rigid permanent high roof section. They did not like the bedding arrangements which were multi cushioned sleeping platforms rather than beds so they built a one piece mattress bed that could be folded away already made up. They also wanted a proper cooker and fridge rather than portable ones so they built in a propane cooker, fridge and gravity fed water for a sink with drain, a toilet and plenty of storage space. Once completed they spent the next 17 months travelling taking in 31 countries and covering 40,000 miles.

Ed then decided to start his own VW Campervans conversion business and on their return to California in 1965 he began to build Adventurers using his experiences he had learned from living in a van for one and a half years. However the business did not really get going until 1968 and the Adventurewagon was specifically designed to give people the freedom to explore far flung places without the need for campsites as the vans were fully self contained and comfortable.

They business expanded and in 1972 Ed felt that it was getting too big and he was unhappy with the way quality was being compromised by high volume sales, so he sold the company, but 18 months later the company went bankrupt due to mismanagement.

1n 1974 Ed started up in business again now trading as Adventurewagon and concentrated on producing limited editions focusing on quality and design. Between 1974 and 1979 many felt that Ed produced the ultimate VW campervan and his sales were based largely on word of mouth. The majority of Adventurewagons were tailor made and built to order to customer’s specific requirements. In 2003/2004 Ed finally carried out his last conversion.

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VW Campervans Were Once Classed As Trucks

2010-07-15T17:07:00.001+01:00

Few people realise that in the beginning the VW Campervan was classified as a commercial vehicle in the UK and restricted to a top speed of 30mph.

In 1950 Peter Pitt was responsible for developing the newly expanding motor home market. He not only was responsible for one of the first full camping conversions on the VW van but also instrumental in getting laws changed to put the motor home on the same footing as a touring caravan. A motor home was exempt from purchase tax unlike motor vehicles. Regulations stated that a motor home had to have permanent fittings such as dining areas, beds, cooking equipment, wardrobe space and water carrying facilities. This caused Danbury to redesign their initial conversion in 1964 to make the cooker permanent. Pitt designed his VW conversion in 1956 making the arrangement open plan. UK regulations in the 1950’s designated the VW transporter as a commercial vehicle and therefore it was subject to a top speed of 30 mph in addition to purchase tax.

In order to gain publicity for this anomaly Pitt took his VW Campervan to the Royal Park at Windsor simply because commercial vehicles were prohibited. As a result he was prosecuted for the offence and the case went to court and the judgment ruled in his favour. It agreed that Pitt’s motor home should be classed as a private car and not a commercial vehicle. This landmark victory resulted in removal of commercial vehicle purchase tax and speed restriction.

1n 1960 Pitt introduced open designs to the interiors which included interlocking interiors such as a dinette or made up into single, double or twin beds, and a fold down sink mounted at the rear. Also in this year he designed an elevated roof calling it the Sunshine Roof which was spring loaded and could be fixed in three positions which meant that bunk beds could be installed to create more sleeping space.

In 1961 the Pitt Mot-Caravan Company joined forces with Canterbury Sidecars. In 1963 Pitt refined and designed new layouts and the conversions were so successful that they basically remained unchained over the following years until production stopped.

In 1969 Peter Pitt died and due to business arrangements his designs were manufactured under licence and the production of the Canterbury Pitt Moto-Caravan ceased in September of that year.

Few people know importnat Pitt was to the development of the VW Campervan.

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Now Is The Time To Invest In Antique Silver

2010-07-15T17:01:00.001+01:00

Many people are aware of the value of Gold as an investment but few realise how safe and secure antique silver is to invest in. The current value of silver scrap has meant that the value of antique silver items rises steeply as well as the selection offered for sale reduces as owners flock to sell treasured items off as scrap where it is melted down and lost forever.

The easiest item to scrap is silver flatware. Silver forks and silver spoons are usually heavy and easily achieve a high scrap value. This will mean locating antique silver flatware will become ever more difficult in the coming years. For those trying to build up a canteen of antique silver cutlery this task will soon become much more expensive. The good news is that as it gets more scarce its value will continue to grow.

Whilst the more common Silversmith items will be melted owners with any sense will hang onto the more collectable Silversmiths such as Hester Bateman and Paul Storr to name but two. For those just starting out on their collecting career it is wise to learn about the various antique silver marks. These marks make it very easy to accurately identify the date of manufacture and by whom. This information is vital in dating and valuing antique silver.

With all the financial turmoil in the world today investing in antique silver makes more sense.

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VW Campervans

2010-07-02T17:35:00.000+01:00

From its birth in 1950 until present day the VW Campervan has achieved cult status in the motoring world.

Introduced in March 1950 the VW Transporter and Microbus versions has evolved into a cult classic across generations and continents. It has been evolved into many uses and variations of body types. The most popular is the VW Campervan or VW Camper. What is not so widely known is the substantial variety of interiors that have been manufactured and developed over these generations. Individuals through to large corporations have all been involved in personalising what was originally a box on 4 wheels.

In May 1951 a Volkswagen bus bearing chassis number 20-13280 was delivered to a Dresden coach builder with orders to change it into a camper van. It was constructed with a bench seat behind the bulkhead which hinged up to display a built in sink and a two burner cooker. It was installed with a sink but no tap but it did have a petrol heater. It had a number of storage units made out of oak.This VW became known as the “Barn door bus” and had a intriguing life with numerous owners including a fire chief who used it during the week to pull water pumps about and at weekends it became his family campervan. This number of uses has been the major feature of the VW Campervan over the past generations. The “Barn door Bus” was purchased and taken to the United Kingdom in 2002 where it is still being used today. This Volkswagen campervan demonstrates the mystique and cult of the Campervan as it is not stored away in a garage or displayed in a museum. It is still doing the function it was developed for over 50 years ago.

VW Campervan interiors have been the subject of much competition between makers. Companies such as Westfalia and Devon Camping Conversions Auto Sleeper and many more have devised a whole range of fixtures and fittings for these popular vans.

Over the years the Volkswagen Campervan has gone through a number of make overs and redesigns.Long gone is the van concept wherebay the inside is removed for use as a working van during the week and re installed at the weekend to fulfil its role as a family campervan. Modern VW Campervans are equiped with TV, showers,fridges,satelite navigation and much more. The rustic camping concept has long gone in favour of modern every day life.

This change has brought about a new group of vw owners who are now investing large sums of money into a luxury leisure pursuit. However some owners like the rough and ready style of camping which has led to a rise in popularity of the older models. So much so that the Bay Window model is manufactured today in its original design but not by Volkswagen itself. These campervans have only had the most essential upgrading for modern safety standards but to all outward apperance they look and feel like a traditional VW Campervan.
This shows the VW Enthusiast exists today and the model will continue for many years to come as an every day useable classic motor vehicle.

4 wheel mobility scooter

2010-07-02T17:31:00.000+01:00

The main reason for considering the purchase of a 4 wheel scooter must be to give a better quality of life and freedom of movement that cannot be found with a wheel chair.

A 4 wheel mobility scooter will give you independence and allow you to manage a lot of the everyday tasks yourself, such as shopping, going out with friends, going out for “walks” with people, you are no longer housebound.

This type of scooter is the most reliable when it comes to everyday use. If you are certain that the turning radius of the bigger scooter will Edit this text not affect your mobility, especially indoors, then a full-size 4 wheel scooter is a better choice, though some 4 wheel electrical scooters have a hybrid design that places the front wheels close together giving users an ideal mix of stability and control.
Some 4 wheel disability scooters include front and rear suspension to provide a much smoother ride at higher speeds than 3 wheel scooters. Four wheel scooters are designed for maximum stability, and are mainly intended for outdoor use. They are only slightly less maneuverable than the 3 wheel, yet most four wheel mobility scooters do maintain a turning radius that allows you to perform daily functions inside your home. Some of the larger models have knobby tires and high ground clearance which make them great choices for use off road and in mountainous terrain.
Features often include horn, speed setting, lights, key ignition, tilt tiller, lever forward and reverse controls and captain type swivel seats. To charge you simply plug the lead into the mains.

4 wheel mobility scooters are the culmination of state-of-the-art technology and solid performance. They travel at a speed of 6 mph, on an average. A 3 wheel power scooter weighs approximately 220 to 250 pounds, and a four wheel power scooter is around 350 to 400 pounds.

The 4 wheel mobility scooter is not a substitute for the folding mobility scooter which is designed to disassemble and fit into the back of your car and have less functions as a result.

Folding Mobility Scooters

2010-07-02T17:28:00.000+01:00

Whether through age, disease or accident,many people end up needing a mobility aid at somestage in their lives. For some it's just a temporary stopgap , for others a permanent fixture. In either case, the choice of device is key to well being and the quality of life. Here is a consideration of mobility devices for the handicapped to assistyou make the best decision .

One answer is the wheelchair. Wheelchairs come as manual items which the owner powersvia wheel rims or a lever,orelectric wheelchairs (also known as power chairs) which are propelledby rechargeable batteries.

The 2nd kind of mobility aid is the folding mobility scooter. This has the construction of the scooter and the functionality of a wheelchair. It comes as a Class 2 on-road type and a Class 2 on-pavement type.

So how do you decide on the best mobility device for you? Ask yourself some basic questions. Do you need to need to stay in your mobility aid for long periods? If this is the case the wheelchair may be the best option which offers necessary support for the torso, head and feet. Have you the body strength to drive your mobility aid? If this is not possible then you will most certainly want an electric powered wheelchair or scooter.

Can you sit upright well The mobility scooter's tiller steering requires an upright posture. You will require a degree of shoulder and hand strength as well as upper-body mobility and strength. Where do you intend to use the mobility aid ? Scooters may have difficulties going over rough or uneven surfaces.

Are you going to travel frequently? folding mobility scooters tend to be lighter but wheelchair can fold up more easily for storage.

Once you have chosen your type of mobility aid you will want to consider the model. First consider how and where you're going to use it. For example, you need to make sure the width will allow passage through your home. You will also need to consider if any special features you may need are available. Will you need elongatedheadrests, harnesses or similar add ons to provide greater support and comfort.

A significant factor that will influence your choice will be cost as well as the cost of insurance. The insurers may also stipulate conditions regarding your mobility aid when finalising any policies you may need to take out.

There are a variety of mobility scooters for sale on the internet to choose from...

How to House Train A Puppy

2010-07-02T17:24:00.000+01:00

Dog Crates are an requisite tool in toilet training your pup and in regaining some control over your home. We have found the purchase of a wire dog crate to have been crucialin stopping our German Shepherd puppy from soiling the house. With careful use and application to the task we had our puppy house trained within a week with one or two minor slip up only.

If you have just purchased a new puppy then you will have no doubt suffered from chewed shoes, chewed books,chewed chairs and carpets,chewed telephone and computer wires and much more. You will also have had to clean up piles of pooh and lots of wee. (most websites use words like eliminates - our puppy doesn't eliminate he poohs and pees!!)

The cost of a dog crate is small compared to the cost of replacing all of the above. A dog cage will not stop all of this happening but what it will do is provide a safe environment for your puppy where they will happily stay and not soil whilst your get on with essential functions like sleep and eat!!

Getting the right size of cage or crate is essential as is how you train your puppy to use it. The puppy has his own "space" in your home which is his alone and he chooses to look after it. From this beginning you will have started to train him in other essential behaviours. Do not be fooled by the body of opinion set against dog crates, they clearly have never had to house train a puppy in a home.

I also recommend you spend some time researching the right size of dog crate and how to use it to get the best results. Buying the correct size from the outset will save you time and money later. Remember that little ball of fluff soon grows.

Cheap Mobility Scooters And Where To Find One

2010-07-02T15:05:00.000+01:00

Finding that cheap folding mobility scooter bargain online can be tricky for those not used to the internet

By using the largest online marketplace you can be better protected in your search for cheap mobility scoooters. Using ebay enables thepurchasers to be protected in a variety of ways. Firstly by payng for the scooter through paypal the purchaser benifits from the paypal protection system of rules.
Ebay has a elaborate sellers feedback score agreement. Sellers are rewarded by discounts on their sellers fees if they meet a series of customer satisfaction levels. That means that an ebay seller who has the Top Rated Seller status can be trusted as a good vendor and safe to buy from over the Net with ebays buyer protection to fall back on if there is aproblem.
Remember to review all the sellers feedback and emailany questions before you buy .
Ensure you understand what you are looking for before you buy. If you have a local mobility store visit it and get all the help and advice to select the make and model you require.Do you need a 4 wheel scooter or would you be better to purchase a folding mobility scooter to enable you to carry it in your car? Then you can search ebay for the exact make and model and find the cheapest price!
Due to its popularity ebay has many cheap mobility scooters for sale. Be sure to use the search and sort facilities to find a scooter near to your home. This save significantly on any charges for delivery. Just click on the BUY button at the top of any ebay page, on the second line down select advanced search, enter the keywords i.e. mobility scooter and then roll down to the field marked "items near me" check the box for 25 mile radius and then search. You will find all the mobility scooters within 25 miles which will give you a selection near you.

Wedding Fascinator

2010-07-02T14:24:00.000+01:00

A Wedding Fascinator is an items of head wear which first emerged in the early 18th Century when ladies hair fashion which had taken on elaborate large and tall styles made traditional hats highly cumbersome to wear. It was at this time that we see the first experiments with ribbons, flowers and feathers being used to adorn fashionable ladies hair.
Therefore the attraction of a headwear which was small and light, easy to apply and wear, whilst cheap enough to replace as fashion dictates rapidly emerged. The current fashion to wear a wedding fascinator can be seen in many modern day wedding ceremonies as well as formal society events such as Royal Ascot. Wedding Fascinators first became fashionable in the United Kingdom . They now adorn not only the Bride, Mother Of The Bride, Bridemaids but most guests as well. This Fashion quickly spread to Australia and is now much sought after for weddings, races and prom events in the USA today. Its ease of wear, versatility and price make it an absolute must for any Fashionista.

So what exactly is a Wedding Fascinator?

A Wedding fascinator is a hair ornament affixed to the hair by means of a comb, band or clip. You can have them made from any material or colour to suit your style . They are usually constructed with silk flowers, a variety of feathers, crystal, diamante, ribbon, rhinestones, netting or just about anything which is light and decorative.

Fascinators come in a vaiety of materials and fabrics . They can range from an adornment on a small hat right through to a large display of feathers and gemstones depending on the fashion and affordability of the owner. Todays fashion now dictates that women will choose not to wear a formal hat and the wedding fascinator is the fashionable headwear of choice today .

Why not visit our website to learn more

Reduce The Risk Of Heart Disease By Drinking More Tea

2010-07-02T14:22:00.000+01:00

It will surprise many that drinking 6 cups of tea a day can reduce the risk of heart disease according to Dutch researchers. If you drink between 3 to 6 cups of tea a day it is stated you reduce the risk of dying from cardiac problems by 45%. If you drink more than 6 cups of tea a day the risk is reduced by 36% The Dutch researchers in an article in the American Heart Association Journel Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology Reports claim the benifits are down to Flavonoids, anti oxidents credited with cutting the risk of blood clots and relaxing blood vessels stimulating the flow of blood around the body.

So our ancestors had stumbled upon a healthy pleasure as well as devising an institution of drinking tea. It is estimated that Britions drink 165 million cups of tea a day. Visit silver tea set and start to find out more!

Tea has a enthralling history. In the 1600's Great Britain saw a massive increase in trade world wide but particularly with China, Arabia and the Americas. New commodities such as tea, coffee and chocolate became available to those used to solely beer, wine, cider and water. The excitement this created was significant, it soon became very desirable for people to be seen drinking tea.

This new craze created the need for new vessels in which to prepare and serve the new commodities. A wholly new industry was created to meet this demand. New utensils such as teapots, cream jugs, tea urns, tea kettles, sugar bowls, caddy spoons were the society must haves much like the Iphone and Ipod today. By the mid 1600's tea was widely available in Europe but was very costly and at first enjoyed by the rich and moneyed. Coffee by comparison was being imported into Europe by the Venetians at a lower cost and became more widely available . This encouraged a whole string of “coffee houses” being introduced across Europe and the UK.

The social nature of drinking tea and coffee was soon established and remains strong today. The true taste of real tea can only be experienced through the traditional tea leaf being brewed in the traditional teapot surrounded by a stunning antique silver tea set.

whatsoever you do,drink more tea!

Silver Spoons

2010-07-02T14:20:00.000+01:00

A spoon is a utensil used in food preparation to measure, stir, mix and most commonly used to serve food. It can be made from metal, plastic, porcelain, wood and a wide variety of materials. The most sought after and valuable is that made in silver.

Since the Ancient Egyptians spoons have found their way into every culture through the generations to present day.

Spoons are primarily used to transfer food or other edibles from plate, bowl to your mouth. They are normally used at a dinning table. Spoons can be catogorised by the use they have been designed for such as coffee spoon, tea spoon, salad spoon,cereal spoon etc.

Today the most common spoons are coffee spoons which are small in size as well as short roughly 3 inches which is used with after-dinner coffee cups. Dessert spoons which is a mid size spoon between a tablespoon and a teaspoon, normally used in eating desserts. An egg spoon which will be used for eating boiled eggs and consists of a shorter handle and as small bowl but with a more pointed tip. Its bowl shape is often a more rounded than a teaspoon. The Soup spoon which has a larger or rounded bowl about the same length as a table spoon. The tea spoon,small in size and it is suitable for stirring coffee or tea.

Commonly referred to today as flatware silver spoons are primarily used in table and place settings. The best dressed tables will have sterling silver flatware on display. Choosing the right size of spoon and pattern for its correct use can be a challenge. Finding the right silver spoon at the right cost is not easy. Antique silver spoons are very desireable and collectable today. Victorian and Georgian period spoons hold their value best. Always buy the best quality and pay the highest price you can afford to ensure a lifetimes use and establishing a family heirloom for the future.

Antique Silver and the art of drinking tea

2010-07-02T14:08:00.001+01:00

It was in the early 1650’s that three new beverages had a massive social impact across Europe. Chocolate (cocoa), coffee and tea were to develop social functions above the mere drinking of a new beverage. By far the largest of these changes was the development of the coffee house which became the centre of local gossip and tittle tattle, business and scandal.

Tea and tea drinking were destined to be the centre of a new way of life in Britain. It stablished new habits and mysteries on how to make brew and drink tea which have transformed into customs some of which we still use today.

The precise history of the development of tea is often disputed. In Chinese mythology credit has been given to the Sage Darma who lived in circa AD 519. The story goes that being and austere and devout holy man he resolved to deny himself all rest, sleep, and relation to devote himself without intermission to God. Unfortunately it could not last and he dropped off to sleep. Upon waking and in his anger he punished himself for breaking his sacred vow and cut off both his eyebrows as the instrument that had failed his holy vow. These were thrown to the floor and upon his return the same place the following day they had miraculously changed and grown into two beautiful tea plants! How I love a good story.

Botanically the tree plant is a shrub from the Camilla family and is first reported as popular for drinking during the T’ang Dynasty in AD 618 – 906. Reference has been found from the Chinese scholar Lu Pu who recorded recipes for tea making “to make tea as a drink, roast the cake until reddish in colour, pound it in tiny pieces, put them in a chinaware pot, pour boiling water over them and add onion, ginger, and orange”

In 1559 there is a record of a meeting in Venice with a Persian merchant where the words Char Katai were used in the context of tea as a medicinal beverage.

When first introduced into England tea was thought to have great medicinal value for “gout, gravel and the kidneys” and was said to be good for a variety of ailments particularly indigestion.The phrase a cup of “char” is thought to derive from the words Char kati and referred to the leaves of the tea plant from the province of Kaingnon. The English were not the only tea importers and the Dutch together with the French traded with Japan and China for the best tea.

Tea was a luxury only for the wealthy in the mid 1650’s costing £3 a pound which was a huge sum at that time.

Sugar was soon added as an accompaniment to add to the “bitter but pleasant taste of the leaf”. However little reference to milk being added regularly is found until the mid 1700’s.

The enthusiasm with which the English embraced the tea leaf led to a whole new array of containers and vessels in antique silver to hold and dispense the beverage. From its wealthy beginnings it was natural for the rich to commission pieces in silver which invariably were boxed or secured with locks to avoid staff pilfering.

As the price of tea reduced so it became available to the new affluent middle classes and as such the need for plainer and cheaper dispensers became the driving force behind todays antique silver tea sets, tea caddies ,caddy spoons ,mote spoons and a variety of other paraphernalia.

Wedding Fascinator

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Do you know what a Fascinator is?

Well this website will tell you all you need to know. The choice of fascinator types is varied and large. Unlike hats fascinators do not need large hatboxes and specialist storage. They can be worn to the front or side of the head.Weddings are a traditional occasion for choosing a fascinator. They are suitable for all attendees from the bride, mother of the bride and guests

So if you are looking for something to wear for that special day head over to this Wedding Fascinator Website - another of my best of the web.

Hand Turned Pens

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Are you looking for quality hand turned pens ? If so check out Quality Pens where you will find a selection of hand made pens and gifts. These pens are really unique as Mike hand turns them on his lathe. He will even make a pen to your colour and specification. This means you get a really unusual and unique gift ideal for birthdays, Christmas, retirement and leaving presents to name but a few.

Have a look at the website and email Mike your views. Its one of my best on the web.