The origins of the Easter egg hunt What we think of as the Easter ‘bunny’ is thought to have its roots in 17th-century German folklore: children would leave nests in…
Country Queries
How to keep muntjac out of the garden
A reader wrote to Country Queries with this question. We seem to have a ‘rat run’ strip of woodland near our garden that muntjac pass through regularly. I am not…
Life hacks – another word for tips. Here are some of our favourites from Field readers
You may have started hearing the phrase ‘life hack’ and wondered what it meant? Well, it’s a newly minted word for an old expression – basically a life hack is…
How to find a folding sporting knife
Question Having got through many sporting knives over the years, I am in need of another. My trusty companion would be a good pocketknife to be carried in the trouser…
How to make cloudy glasses shine
A Field reader contacted us to ask how to restore the shine to cloudy glasses. Over time, hard deposits, such as limescale, can build up causing clouding or white spots…
How to get rid of the smell of moth balls in drawers, wardrobes and on clothing
I have some lovely old furniture but it smells of moth balls and I am unable to store clothes in it. Do you have any tips to rejuvenate the wood…
Need a hat stretcher?
Question I am looking for a hat stretcher similar to one I’ve seen at a tailors in Scotland. I have a rather extensive collection of tweed caps, and some of…
How to replace press studs
Question? I have a Barbour liner that needs press studs replacing – can you help with a name and address? Answer DM Buttons offers a postal service for replacement press…
How to keep a pointsettia flowering after Christmas
Q: At about this time every year I buy poinsettias to give as Christmas presents. Do they come in colours other than red or white and is it worth trying…
How to remove dog odour from your car
Looking for a simple way to remove dog odour from a car? Try generously sprinkling the area where the dog sits with bicarbonate of soda. Leave this for 20 to…