Jake Muffett (baritone) was born in Grantham, Lincolnshire where he attended The King’s School Grantham. He graduated from the University of York and subsequently the Guildhall School of Music and Drama before completing the school’s opera programme under Dominic Wheeler and Martin Lloyd-Evans in 2018. Jake receives vocal tuition from John Evans. Jake was a 2018 Glyndebourne Jerwood Young Artist and in June 2019 completed the young artist programme at the National Opera Studio in London.
In August 2020 Jake joined the Opera Studio of Deutsche Oper am Rhein (Düsseldorf/Duisburg) and remained a member until July 2022. During this time Jake took on many roles/concerts on the main stage as well as taking part in masterclasses with artists such as Marius Vlad, Helmut Deutsch, Linda Watson and Barbara Frittoli. During DOR’s new, staged production of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio Jake (as well as being a vocal soloist) was featured as an on-stage instrumentalist playing several obligati on the Clarinet including an arrangement of his own. Jake’s orchestral arrangements have also been performed by the Düsseldorfer Symphoniker. Jake joined the Soloist Ensemble at Deutsche Oper am Rhein in August 2022. During this time Jake has performed in well over 20 staged productions with roles including: Papageno (Die Zauberflöte), Figaro (Il barbiere di Siviglia), Ping (Turandot), Dandini (La Cenerentola) and Albert (Märchen im Grand-Hotel). In 2022 Jake foundered a new format at DOR entitled “Swinging Christmas” presenting audiences American Christmas classics with a jazz quartet on the main stages of the DOR. Jake arranged the entire programme, served as musical director, played Clarinet and Saxophone in the quartet as well as performing vocally. Since 2022 all eight performances have sold out with another four more planned at the end of 2026.
Jake has featured as a soloist at the Royal Albert Hall in London on multiple occasions performing Orff’s Carmina Burana and Handel’s Messiah for conductors such as Bob Chilcott, Ben Parry and Brian Kay. Working with The Monteverdi Choir and Sir John Eliot Gardiner Jake has also appeared as a soloist in major concert venues across Europe including the Berlin Philharmoniker, the Barbican Centre and the Royal Chapel in the Palace of Versailles.
A keen semi-professional clarinettist, Jake still plays with orchestras and chamber groups when the opportunity arises and has also appeared in musical theatre pit bands playing various woodwind instruments. During the pandemic Jake also made a great deal of multi-tracked instrumental/vocal projects playing various instruments, these can be found on his YouTube channel.
YouTube
Instagram
Chocolate Spaniel
37 minutes ago
Seem to be having a problem with Snip. My favourite's not appearing and if I type it in it produces a 404. Have reported.
Beth8it!
in 16 minutes
I found it won’t do Amazon except on their insurance deals.
Jim the chef
4 hours ago
All the best to everyone with premium bonds,Tomorrow’s your lucky day. Love Jim xx
Chocolate Spaniel
in 42 minutes
@ Jaffa - https://www.nsandi.com/prize-checker/winners
Can't see it on the app though.
Jaffa
in 37 minutes
How do you see the big winners?I have the app but must be doing something wrong?
Chocolate Spaniel
39 minutes ago
Ahhh, maybe I've jumped the gun! will take another look.
Oops, got it wrong! 🙄
Poppy
40 minutes ago
As above, can check if, and how much, we've won tomorrow. Today you can see where the big winners live and the premium bond numbers, between £5000 and £1000000.
an hour ago
I thought June’s results weren’t available until after midnight tonight. My App shows results due on 2nd June. 🤔
Chocolate Spaniel
an hour ago
Just £100 for me and £150 for him
Shyboy
2 hours ago
No big prizes for me today.
A Nick Name
19 hours ago
Should companies be given targets that allow them to constantly fail to do their job? Every company these days seems to do that. I would be ashamed if I didn't do what I was supposed to do. For example so-called Royal Mail has a 90% target they should reach, yet only manage about 75%. Surely the target should be, for example, 110% then if they only reach 100% maybe it isn't so bad. I personally would still be ashamed if I was 10% below target even if I'd reached 100%.
Cakey🎂
3 hours ago
My postie delivered some post and some advertising literature today. Included was a leaflet from ASDA offering £5 off if I spent £25 in store. I would be happy to take them up on this but unfortunately the offer period was from 18th May 2026 to 31st May 2026. I assume ASDA pays Royal Mail to deliver the leaflets but they are wasting their money if no-one can take advantage of the offer.
7 hours ago
It's the delivering on time that's the problem. £1.90 to send a small sheet of paper and it takes a week is not acceptable. Receiving 14 items of much delayed mail once every blue moon is rubbish.
A Nick Name
7 hours ago
I guessed a similar reply would appear. Anyone would agree you can't have more than 100% although so many these days talk about giving more than that. Nevertheless, if they are supposed to deliver 100% of letters, then maybe they could carry on and deliver other items or do other work. My point wasn't really about that but more about doing what they're paid to do, not told when they arrive in the morning "just do 90% of your work and that will be fine".
Ray H
18 hours ago
@ A Nick Name
To use your example:
"Surely the target should be, for example, 110% then if they only reach 100% maybe it isn't so bad. I personally would still be ashamed if I was 10% below target even if I'd reached 100%."
I'm not sure how Royal Mail could deliver more than 100% of the mail that they receive.
Chris
a day ago
What's the most obscure earworm you've ever had? I'm currently stuck with 'My face is on fire' by Felt, which is bizarre because I've not played it for at least twenty years ...
Lol 63
in an hour
I went to Disneyland Paris a few weeks ago and went on THAT ride with the little dolls and THAT song.
It doesn't go away!
Jaffa
in 37 minutes
You deserve a medal Mrs P.
Mrs Pea 🫛
2 hours ago
Shyboy: That may be marginally better than the noise and repeated messages I had to listen to while waiting for an hour for a human at HMRC earlier!
Shyboy
8 hours ago
The one I'm listening to at the moment on the DVLA phone line.
😎👍🏼 ...9--0==✈🌞🐯
18 hours ago
🐶 Wurms, did someone mention Wurms?
samandi
19 hours ago
I don't want to think about an earworm.because then I'll be stuck with it 😂
A Nick Name
20 hours ago
Our local ice cream van plays a football theme, but I've always known it as a religious song which I sing in my head every time I hear it.
"Why don't you put your trust in Jesus and ask him to come in,
Why don't you take him as your Saviour who died to save your sins,
For he will strengthen and protect you and take you by the hand,
He'll watch over and He'll guide you till you reach the promised land.
Just had to search for it, to remember it was Match of the Day.
Beth8it!
20 hours ago
Some of those damned ads are pretty mind-numbing but they are current. ‘Power to the People ‘ the Ever-Ready batteries theme hangs around in my mind, but I don’t mind it. ‘Oldest Swinger in Town’ is often drifting in and out too.
Kenny b
a day ago
I was late last night for my first meeting of Passive Aggressives Anonymous, but they were really good about it.
They said it was fine and they had nothing better to do than to sit around all evening waiting for me to show up!!😜😜
Lol 63
in an hour
Subtle!
Barrie
1 hours ago
😁x 2
tetleyt
1 hours ago
😂
Alley1940
3 hours ago
Yes - very funny both.
Kenny b
18 hours ago
Can see what you done there Chris 👏👏
Grumpy grandad
18 hours ago
My type of humour, very good.
maddadof
18 hours ago
:-) :-)
samandi
19 hours ago
😅
Chris
a day ago
That's really funny, Kenny. Thank you for sharing with us and I nhope that one day you'll contribute again.
p.s. :)
Kiwi Shel 🥝
a day ago
Ha ha, with some added sarcasm 🤣
DoubleToast
a day ago
Where do you see the winning post codes?
Marie
6 hours ago
You can look up past winning postcodes (or partial postcodes) here: https://pickmypostcode.com/past-winners/ (this is linked at the bottom of every page as ‘Winners Results’)
You can also check winners in your area here: https://pickmypostcode.com/winners-map/
19 hours ago
She's currently hosting " Mum's Net Curtains" a talk show about window decor.
A Nick Name
20 hours ago
Chris. I don't believe everyone goes to the Mumsnet forum to ask questions. You could try it I suppose although I don't know if she's still on there.
Chris
a day ago
Doubletoast - for roughly thirty years now, most websites have included a FAQ page which provides the answers to, erm, frequently asked questions.
I know that in this era of everyone relying on social media for accurate information about everything, nobody bothers getting advice from official sources (I mean, it's far better to ask Lazymum123 what time the buses are than to go to the bus company's site?) but the FAQ pages do serve a purpose. I suggest you use them.
Chocolate Spaniel
a day ago
In the big blue boxes at the top of each of 3 of the pages, Main. Survey and Video, several twice a day on the Stackpot page, and up to 3 on the Bonus Draw page dependent on your qualifying amounts. Also one at the foot of every page from 6pm to 2am.
https://help.pickmypostcode.com/article/16-what-are-the-different-draws
https://help.pickmypostcode.com/article/13-what-time-are-the-draws
Beth8it!
a day ago
Puppy tails:
Well, Storm has done it this time. He and Shad came bouncing into the lounge and threw themselves down, panting. I noticed Storm had wet front paws and assumed he had been paddling in Poppy’s bucket. Then I saw his tummy was wet. And his back. And his back end, with a ratty tail flicking water. And green, lots of green… And mud. And my carpet was… wet and green and muddy. Oh great. He’s been in the stagnant unused top pond, that was going to be cleaned out in a couple of weeks so the new filter can be set up. Storm has now had an introduction to the joys of a shower - and he loved it! The water was warm, he sat down and was thoroughly washed, stood up, turned round, sat down again, then when I had finished he lay there quite happily while I fetched a towel. What with drying him, cleaning the shower, cleaning the carpet, washing my hands … I needed a coffee and sit down. Guess who decided my lap was the perfect place to dry off completely?
Beth8it!
in 19 minutes
Come and see…😈
Barrie
an hour ago
A straitjacket ? How are you finding time for bondage games Beth?
Suelero
3 hours ago
Well, that has all given me a big smile for this afternoon. Loved the poem too.
Alley1940
3 hours ago
All hard work but I can't stop laughing.
Loopylola
3 hours ago
My dog would prefer a bucket of dirty rain water than a nice warm bath. It’s like fighting with Tyson .
Marie
6 hours ago
😀
Beth8it!
10 hours ago
I’m going to have a severe conversation with Indi about this hippo she must have mated with.
maddadof
18 hours ago
Very good poem, but i laughed out loud at the antics"sorry Beth". The phrase"down and dirty" comes to mind ;-)
😎👍🏼 ...9--0==✈🌞🐯
18 hours ago
Never a dull moment, always something for mum to do. Let sleeping dogs lie. LOL & good poem.
samandi
19 hours ago
So did I CS, loved the poem though.
Chocolate Spaniel
19 hours ago
Oh dear! Quite embarrassing to say one laughed at the images in one's head (but I did!) 🤣🤣🤣
Beth8it!
a day ago
You had to do it, didn’t you… the little ratbags have just galloped in, fighting and rolling around - and Storm’s damned well fallen in the pond again! No longer black, he was thick brown sludge all over, just a bit of black on his head, green ears, duckweed all over him. I got a bucket of water from the outside tap, scrubbing brush and started on him, only to see Shadow just as bad! Two dogs in the shower, Storm loved it but Shadow not impressed, so what with wrestling him back into place, with Storm happily lying down and rolling over, water going everywhere, my nice white shower full of dog hair, sludge, mud shaken everywhere, the doors, walls, side of the chair and sideboard, and a huge brown sludge mark on the carpet that I cleaned a few hours ago. They are going to be upgraded from termites to Tasmanian Devils, I think. I am filthy too, had to get my old flannel to clean the shower as the only thing handy so that’s in the washing basket, my clothes will have to be washed tonight… Shadow is now on my bed (there is a nice cosy throw so he can finish drying off and keep warm). Storm is back on my lap again. Where’s the b* vodka?
(Actually, I thought the poem was very good - timing could have been better!)
Beth8it!
a day ago
Now you stop that RIGHT NOW! If there’s one thing they don’t need it’s any incentives, suggestions or egging on. I will probably end up in a straitjacket as it is, and I might just bequeath them to you in my will, so think on! 😊
a day ago
Young Shadow has swallowed a whole pair of socks,
While Storm is out back digging holes near the rocks.
They spy a deep puddle and dive in headfirst,
Then shake off the mud till the bubbles have burst.
They steal all the biscuits right out of the plate,
And ambush the postman right at the front gate.
But Shadow and Storm know the tricks of the trade,
They sit and they beg for the mess they have made.
With big gooey eyes and a thump of the tail,
They know that their puppy-dog charms will prevail!
AJR
a day ago
I must admit it made me laugh and surely something stronger than a coffee was needed?
Jaffa
a day ago
The Devil finds fun for idle pups 🥵
csikijanos
a day ago
CS, snap.
Val1101
a day ago
Oh dear , they don’t half keep you on your toes Beth , like adventurous kids lol 😂 . Love reading your Puppy Tales and seeing all the photos 😘 x
FlowerPower🌺🌼🌸💐🌹🌻🌷🍄
a day ago
Definitely keeping you fit😊
Chocolate Spaniel
a day ago
I giggled ... 🤭🤣
ChilliGilli
a day ago
What's with the Swansea postcodes!? SA8 4AP yesterday and SA8 4JZ today!
Alley1940
3 hours ago
Never mind about Swansea postcodes can we have a few more Cardiff ones please - lol.
Marie
6 hours ago
The system completes the draws from a database of active account ID numbers using a random number generator and the parameters of the smallest ID number to the largest. It then displays the postcode on the chosen account number as the winner of the draw. All it ‘sees’ is the account numbers of active members, it is not influenced by any other data or outside factors and is as random as a computer can be.
😎👍🏼 ...9--0==✈🌞🐯
18 hours ago
It's what happens when they advertise PMP in an area, people sign up & get consecutive registration numbers. If the computer selects a random block of say 3 to win then chances are they are both in the same area.
csikijanos
a day ago
They are about 4 1/2 hours walk apart, but we've no idea of the membership numbers.
MrsEdwards
a day ago
Wish it was my Swansea postcode!
Chocolate Spaniel
a day ago
https://help.pickmypostcode.com/article/14-how-are-winning-postcode-selected
Malc_H
a day ago
The resident's unique membership numbers have been drawn in a random lottery. That's how Pick my Postcode works.
Cakey🎂
a day ago
Reading a story on BBC website about France I saw some unforgiveable errors.
1) Plural of madame and monsieur written by adding 's' to the end instead of mesdames and messieurs
2) French for stranger written as le etranger instead of l'etranger (sorry don't know how to put accents on letters)
These are such fundamental errors, or maybe it was written by AI that has not been taught French.
Suelero
2 hours ago
Years ago, after my husband retired from being a headteacher he signed up with an education publisher to proofread their new books which were manuals written by teachers. They said he was just the sort of person they wanted for the job. He was appalled at the standards of English and spent more hours than he was supposed to going through them and putting them right. When they were published he rushed to read them and was horrified to find that most of his “corrections” had reverted to the original nonsense. When they asked him to be part of the next lot he said, no chance and told them why. They weren’t bothered.
Bob up and Down🟦
4 hours ago
@Beth - you just described socialism. It's a race to the bottom and to poverty
A Nick Name
20 hours ago
Cakey If you're on a phone, hold the letter e which brings up a box with various accented letters, don't lift your finger, just slide across to the one you need é.
Chris
a day ago
BR - I've just wasted a mouthful of cider that I've spluttered over teh keyboard reading that!
This time next year, Biggus, wel'll both be £200 better off :)
Biggus Rickus
a day ago
Quel bunch of plonkers, Cakey! 😂 Bonnet de douche, my old son; bonnet de douche. You know it makes sense😉
csikijanos
a day ago
The BBC has unfortunately accepted poor English for a long time (so why would their standards be higher for autres langues?)
Mrs Pea 🫛
a day ago
I've read so many books lately littered with grammatical and spelling errors it makes my blood boil. I stopped reading a series of books I was enjoying the continuing storyline of (I'd battled my way as far as book 6 of an undefined number) as I got fed up having to re-read sentences to make sense of them due to the amount of spelling errors and lack of punctuation. I used to proof-read as part of my job back in the late 70s-early 80s and it irks me no end when errors are so blatant. I have a shopping bag which has the following printed on it:
"Let's eat kids.
Let's eat, kids.
Punctuation saves lives."
Made me chuckle when I saw it. Little wonder my family refer to me as a 'grammar nazi'!
a day ago
Proof reading doesn’t seem to exist anymore. ..along with fact checking?
Beth8it!
a day ago
The standard of journalistic grammar is very poor considering the number of aids that are available nowadays. Editors would never have stood for it sixty years ago, but then, the editors probably know no better themselves. If I dare to mention such a thing on the OU Forum for English Lit I get the woke third degree about upsetting people who make mistakes, and it’s the content, not the grammar, that’s important. They didn’t like it when I said we were at the University to try to improve ourselves. Well, that’s all right then. As long as we don’t upset anyone, let’s keep standards down.
Rosy 2 cakes
a day ago
I would suggest translation direct from the reporters voice.
😎👍🏼 ...9--0==✈🌞🐯
a day ago
To get accents in any language hit Google translate.
Kenny b
1 days ago
Now that the football season is over I've been having decent conversations with the wife.
She's just informed me that she's been made redundant from Woolworths!!
Then she said "I bet you don't even know my favourite flower".
"Of course I do" I replied "it's self raising!!" 😜😜
Alley1940
a day ago
Naughty but funny.
Grumpy grandad
1 days ago
🤣🤣
maddadof
1 days ago
:-) :-)
Chocolate Spaniel
2 days ago
Donations so far in memory of Simon ... £2,572.50
https://pickmypostcode.com/blog/tribute-to-simon-white-1988-2026/
Marie
6 hours ago
It's wonderful to see how much has been raised so far.
Beth8it!
1 days ago
I know every penny helps, but every pound helps more. Great total .
samandi
1 days ago
That's really good isn't it?
Chocolate Spaniel
2 days ago
Done it Beth! So pleased for Em.
Beth8it!
2 days ago
I’m sure we’ll make the 2,500 today - what a tribute to Simon!
Maybe not today, then - only 45 mins left to get another £27 but I’m sure it will get there.
Trekker22
2 days ago
Hi all..! Just like to say that the puppy pics are great - you must have the patience of a saint, Beth…😇! Drove from Leigh on Sea to Usk, South Wales, for a Silver Wedding celebration tomorrow - usually takes between 3.5 - 4hrs, allowing for a 30 minute stop half way. Left @ 10:30, didn’t arrive at Swindon (just over 2/3 of the way..) until 2:30 - the M25 was basically a stop/start car park - had an hours break (I needed it - derriere was getting a bit sore…😬!), and finally arrived at destination just after 5:30😡! First thing the hotel receptionist asked was “Did you have a good drive?….”!! Nice weather, though…. Going back Monday afternoon - might just sell the car and take a plane….🤔!
Have a great weekend, everyone👍
LLAP🖖!
Marie
6 hours ago
You can select to avoid motorways on the sat nav. Trekker, hope you enjoyed your weekend and that your journey home is better.
Beth8it!
1 days ago
Programming to avoid certain features is easy enough (maybe not for me, but that’s what I’m told!)
Lol 63
1 days ago
I will go incredibly long routes just to avoid the M25 but the sat nav always does everything it can to put me back on it because it's convinced it's the fastest route - ha ha!
Alley1940
2 days ago
The joys of driving on the M25 haven't changed then? Hope the celebrations make up for it.
Malc_H
2 days ago
....and a better journey home.
maddadof
2 days ago
Hope you have a good time Trekker...
Kenny b
2 days ago
As soon as I found out how little people thought of me I immediately moved to Lilliput!! 😜😜
Purple Anonymous
17 hours ago
One of the best things about this site is the small talk... 😂
Titchy
1 days ago
I'm 4'11" Mrs Pea. How about you?
Mrs Pea 🫛
1 days ago
Being vertically challenged, I'll see both Kenny b and Titchy when I get there! 😂
Alley1940
2 days ago
Very funny both of you.
Titchy
2 days ago
I'll watch out for you Kenny. :-)
maddadof
2 days ago
:-)
ChrissyP
2 days ago
😄
Chocolate Spaniel
3 days ago
Great pics Beth. The pups are great entertainment, hope they don't destroy too much of the house before they get through that stage!
samandi
2 days ago
😂
Beth8it!
2 days ago
They have just been for their evening walk and sort-of asked to go to the stream - they took the turn-off that way, but it’s a bit further than they usually go, so we don’t do it too often. I keep trying to remember they are only 4 months, so should be having around 20 minute walks, and the stream walk is about 25 mins plus playing time. But they do love it! Their new collars arrived today - outgrowing their others so quickly. Storm’s is now red, instead of blue, because I can’t tell the dark colours apart in electric light. Shad’s is still dark green. They are now wet and soggy, having swum and splashed for ten minutes, and Storm is crashed on my lap (of course…).
Marie
2 days ago
Oh dear, Beth! 🙂
maddadof
2 days ago
Well i'm still chuckling, cruel i know but i can't help it :-) :-) :-) :-)
AJR
3 days ago
I know I shouldn’t laugh as I can imagine the scene but you gotta love ‘em for the entertainment 🤣 or maybe I should say for entertaining us over the last few months!
Beth8it!
3 days ago
Latest escapade: i left them outside for an hour after their walk, before I had to go to the dentist. Went toget them in - muddy noses. OK what plant pots have you emptied now? ‘None, Mum - come and see what we’ve done for you! Look, we’ve started digging a grave for you!’ A rectangular hole, about 15” long, 6” wide, 8” deep. Not in the flowerbed. In the lawn. Stones and grit everywhere, to be picked up before the mower spins them through the window. Earth and grass shredded everywhere. Muddy pawmarks on the floor. And a visitor due in ten minutes… TWO pups for sale! I will pay someone to take them! Free four gallons fuel with each one!
Barrie
3 days ago
I still haven't had time to look at the email let alone download them but thanx to Beth & Marie.
Kat
3 days ago
Lovely photos Beth. Thanks to Marie too for sending them in to a very appreciative band of followers. 👍
Marie
3 days ago
samandi, that's my favourite one too! 😀
tetleyt
3 days ago
Ditto all of the above. 💚
We cannot have a hose anywhere near our dog we would never get to use it in peace….he loves water, especially if it’s coming out of a hose. 😂
Little Owl
3 days ago
Thanks Marie and Beth. They are so big it is hard to distinguish them from Indi now. Lovely to see such healthy dogs.
maddadof
3 days ago
Nice photos Beth, chaos reigns but they will keep you fit ;-)
samandi
3 days ago
My favourite of this set is the one of the twins sitting together looking innocent 😂
😎👍🏼 ...9--0==✈🌞🐯
3 days ago
Lovely pics especially the water ones, thanks Beth8it! & Marie.
Lady friends current Staffie when younger would tug of war with hoses, lawnmower cables, & brushes when you were trying to do things, we had to close the door.
Jaffa
3 days ago
Ditto.They are having such fun by the look of them.Lucky pups.
Kenny b
3 days ago
Said to the wife "do you fancy going out tomorrow night for a nice meal?"
"Yes " she said that would be lovely.
"That's great" I said, "I'll get the boys round for the game!!" 😜😜
Alley1940
3 days ago
Many of them Kat. Don't ask me why but I seemed to be very popular with the girls. So my joke was just accepted as that and we moved on.
Kat
3 days ago
I wonder how many second dates you got, though I fully expect someone appreciated your SOH? 🤞
Alley1940
3 days ago
When I was very much younger and didn't own a car I used t ask the girls if they would like me to run them home. When they replied with an eager yes please I would ask if they had brought their running shoes with them.
Marie
3 days ago
😀
samandi
3 days ago
😂
maddadof
3 days ago
:-) :-)
Grumpy grandad
3 days ago
What's happened to Kenny B today? No joke.
maddadof
3 days ago
C above G g ;-)
Beth8it!
3 days ago
I've just been hauling my brain through the list of Bank Direct Debits and Standing Orders, updating them to make sure I'm not still paying for ones I don't need, and I thought, I know, I'll print a list to include with my Facts letter for my stepson, in case anything happens to me, so he knows what needs cancelling and what they are all for. Then I came across a list of beneficiaries that I attached to my will, some of whom are now deceased, and others I no longer have contact with, so that needed changing too, which involved a letter to the solicitors asking her if it can be attached as a codicil to save making a new will, and I have just about reach saturation point. I'm going to walk the termites, have tea, sit and do sweet fanny adams this evening except raid the Anton Borg chocolates again and rad something non-academic. 😊🍫🍾
Beth8it!
in 27 minutes
As far as I know they can only challenge if they can prove they are dependents on you, or have been up to the time of your death. We disinherited my husband’s daughter (long story, and no regrets on my side) and have had no contact since, which is 14 years now. We wrote a letter to the solicitor with our reasons, re-written when the will was updated, and just have to hope that is enough. If not, I shall come back and haunt her.
Chris
a day ago
One of the worst aspects of English law is that, even if you have given a clear reason why a relative who is not a dependent is not to inherit, that can still be challenged in Court.
I believe that, so long as adequate provision is made for dependents, a person's will should be final and should not be able to be challenged. They can spend their money as they wish while alive, so why should it be open to challenge after their death?
I've already been told that, codicil or no codicil, mine will be challenged when I die. And I have no idea how these people found out what is in it. My intention is to blow the lot when it is clear that the end is nigh, bang the lot on Kemi Badenoch becoming the next prime minister or something like that.
Beth8it!
1 days ago
A couple of beneficiaries in mine have already died and I decided to change what happened to that money afterwards - I realised that some of the things I had previously put weren’t really what I now wanted. One big advantage of using a solicitor over DIY ones is that there’s far less chance of it being challenged. I have made one specific decision which I know will be a shock to the person expecting to inherit when they find they are not, but with a letter of statement to the solicitor, I am told it will justify it and they can’t then challenge.
Kat
2 days ago
Our friends had a codicil attached to their wills, didn't cost much. Ours were done in a free wills week but our friends only paid £350 for mirror wills. Just in time as it turned out! The codicil was to write a beneficiary out so it's as well they didn't drag their heels sorting it out.
Beth8it!
2 days ago
It might be worth asking any other charities if they do it out of season.
A Nick Name
2 days ago
If you do kill two birds with one stone make sure you're in the will first.
Buttercup2
2 days ago
Yes but you have to make an appointment in advance before beginning of month as they just have limited slots, at least that's what I found out last year...
Beth8it!
3 days ago
Yes, the charities do them, some ask for a donation, some just guilt-trip you into making one, but if it’s a charity you support anyway it might kill two birds with one stone.
Malc_H
3 days ago
Free wills months March and October I think.
A Nick Name
3 days ago
Glitter. That sounds a ridiculous price. I'm paying under £900 for the complete conveyancing on my new place, all fees, charges, everything included. Admittedly I'd been quoted £1200 but I'd already had the lower quote elsewhere and he agreed to match it. It might be worth waiting for when they do 'free' wills and make a new one.
Glitter
3 days ago
Good luck with the Solicitor Beth I went to see my solicitor last week to make a change to it , thought it would be just added to our old will but.no
Cost is going to be over £700
Cakey🎂
4 days ago
It has been one of those days: Husband was using his phone to look at a document when the whole file disappeared, it's not in the recycle bin and it still appears in his list of files but he cannot access it, contains a lot of important stuff as well as years of photos.
I tried to use my laptop but couldn't use the keyboard, nothing would work. After several hours and searching for solutions via his own laptop (I kept out of the way as my suggestion was to throw it out of the window), he did something which meant I had to start from scratch. It seemed alright until I tried to listen to a report on BBC website and I have no sound. It won't impact me until I try a survey which plays a sound of a cat mewing or a duck quacking so I will have to guess which one it might be.
I am sure I spend more time trying to make technology work for me not against me, rather than using it.
This is one of those occasions when I ask "Is it me?" or do other people have those days too?
Davhris
in 10 minutes
Thank you.
😎👍🏼 ...9--0==✈🌞🐯
15 hours ago
@Davhris -
https://www.google.com/search?q=back+to+back%E2%80%99+method++%29+to+transfer+data+to+a+new+phone.
A Nick Name
20 hours ago
It isn't the same as the cheek to cheek method written by Irving Berlin in 1934, or the downward dog popularized in the 1920's.
Davhris
a day ago
Beth,
Can you tell me what the back to back method is please?
Suspect I will be changing my phone in the next few months.
Beth8it!
1 days ago
I use the ‘back to back’ method (behave!) to transfer data to a new phone. I don’t know if that makes any difference. Have never checked.
Purple Anonymous
1 days ago
I'm fairly good with tech, but every so often somethin unexpected happens that gives me pause. About a year ago, I bought a new Samsung smart phone to replace my old one, which seemed to be having constant problems connecting to the internet. My son, who repairs mobiles for a living, said that it would probably cost as much to fix it as it would to buy a replacement, so I did.
Samsung have a useful function whereby, if you connect your old and new phones via a cable, you can transfer everything across, including apps, photos, documents and so on. I set the software in motion, expecting a reasonably straightforward transfer - the apps transferred across, along with my contacts and the like, and the settings I use in the apps also went across okay.
All good, until I opened my photo gallery - I had around 5,000 photos on my old phone, and when I looked at them on the old phone, they appeared under the date on which they were taken. On the new phone, all 5,000 appeared in one batch, all supposedly 'taken' on the day I transferred everything across. Needless to say, finding an individual photo is now well-nigh impossible - only if I sent it to someone via WhatsApp can I look at the relevant conversation and scroll back to find the image. Ho Hum.
A Nick Name
1 days ago
Enver. I always like to hear about new products, and it was only whilst reading your comment it reminded me of something I considered buying for my dad as he was a writer. I forget the make but a very similar item is the XPPen Magic Note Pad. He often wrote notes for novels, articles etc but then had to copy them all to a word processor, and later a computer. The magic pad converts to text with a tap. The pen doesn't need charging which is a bonus. I can't believe I'd forgotten it but it is about 7 years since we lost him, and it was probably a few years earlier that I was researching them. They are very clever things for writers, artists etc.
😎👍🏼 ...9--0==✈🌞🐯
2 days ago
Actually a battery powered pencil HAS been made by Apple, I once saw it used to draw graphics on their touchscreen devices at the Apple store in EH, it looks fairly ordinary & costs about £50 AFAIK. & can't be used on paper.
Their lineup consists of four variations of the Apple Pencil, all of which require internal rechargeable batteries to power their active touch sensors, Bluetooth connectivity, and pressure/tilt sensitivity.
Apple Pencil (1st Gen): Featured a rounded design and charged via a Lightning connector hidden under a cap.
Apple Pencil (2nd Gen): Added magnetic wireless pairing and inductive charging on the side of the iPad.
Apple Pencil (USB-C): An entry-level model featuring a sliding cap to reveal a USB-C port for charging.
Apple Pencil Pro: The most advanced iteration, featuring squeeze detection, barrel roll gyroscopes, haptic feedback, and a built-in battery that charges wirelessly
They also gave free? bookable? lectures on how to use their seriously expensive devices upstairs at various times, but it's a long way to travel.
Beth8it!
2 days ago
Every time I try to import photos from my phone to the computer I seem to end up with duplicating the whole lot. I wish there was a simple button that just says ‘ remove duplicates’ so I don’t have Copy 1, Copy 2’ etc. i get fed up with removing them manually then finding they’re back the next time I upload (download?) new ones from the phone gain.
Dee
2 days ago
It's not just you. I absolutely hate technology today. I would embrace it IF it made life better, but every product, every update, every darn release just makes it more difficult and more complicated. Microsoft XP is a case in point. Lovely product. Easy to use. You could sort your photos exactly as YOU wanted, even within folder. But no, Microsoft and all else like us to use things their way, and it's never, ever intuitive!
DaSoothMoother
2 days ago
@ANN - Fame, at last!
🧙♂️🧑🦯🤣
A Nick Name
2 days ago
DaSoothMoother 😂 You got me there, but never liking people getting one up on me I thought "Has a battery powered pencil ever been invented?" Damn, you're still one up, the answer is no. But, a pencil powered battery has been made. They literally draw an electrode onto a battery using a pencil. Currently it is lower in power but does have the possibility of being improved on.
Lol 63
2 days ago
@Cakey🎂 Don't panic. If the document in question is stored in "The Cloud" it could be that Cloud became temporarily unavailable. It could well reappear at some point.
"The Cloud" is a fancy phrase techies use when they want you to rent some storage space on their computer. At the end of the day it's just another computer somewhere remote, and they do lose connection from time to time.
@Alley1940 - "App" is the trendy word a program, especially one on a mobile phone, although Windows 11 has also jumped on the "App" bandwagon now.
We say problems, they say "undocumented features."
Beth8it!
3 days ago
Yes, the search bar is a great help for technophobes like me.
Bruce8
3 days ago
Possibly the file has been dragged elsewhere. Try doing a search for one of the files from the top directory
Alley1940
3 days ago
Wish I had Grandchildren or even Great Grandchildren around to help me with tech. I know how to do what I do and that is it. As for apps - what are they? People keep asking me to send them pictures of myself. I did follow one persons instructions right up to the point where I was promoted to select a stored picture. A bit difficult as I don't have any. Next problem please!
😎👍🏼 ...9--0==✈🌞🐯
3 days ago
Could it just be minimised? although that would not explain the non-responsiveness.
if not try hard refresh [Ctrl] + [F5],
if not try [Ctrl]] + [Alt] + [Delete] to reset to new user, then login again.
If that don't work force shutdown (turn power off then on) followed by Restart & when browser opens it will prompt "Restore Pages?". I do that when cursor & keyboard freeze.
Hope you haven't deleted the file, it should be about (somewhere)..
If all else fails, get a grandchild to do it. LOL
I'm told there were a few areas reporting power cuts of about 2 hours on Thursday afternoon, maybe that caused a local transmitter to lose power.
DaSoothMoother
3 days ago
@ANN - didn't know they made battery operated pencils!!
🧙♂️🧑🦯🤣
A Nick Name
3 days ago
I have a battery operated pencil sharpener. The batteries last for ever.
Marie
3 days ago
Technology is great - until it isn't!
Beth8it!
4 days ago
Not you - I missed the 1pm News so went onto iPlayer- that was unobtainable too. I tried to open a file on the OU documents I had been using and it wouldn't let me edit, move, save, close or anything else. I don't know if you use Safari, and it's probably too late now, but sometimes I can go off a site, go to Safari and it's still open and it seems to do things (goodness knows what) and sometimes it works again. That's a lot of 'probablies' and 'sometimes' - but for iPlayer to go down, and my phone was playing up this morning too on my walk, maybe there is an internet problem.
Hunkyteddy
4 days ago
Main draw prize in the street i used to live in Exeter. Damn. Have to wait another 6 years then
Beth8it!
4 days ago
Well, at least if you used to live there, you don't now, so it shouldn't matter - unless you kept that postcode. Anyway, if your membership number is drawn, it won't matter what postcodes have already been chosen, they can come up again.
Marie
4 days ago
Or maybe you'll win tomorrow. That's how a random draw works, so you never know.
Beth8it!
4 days ago
https://www.marthastewart.com/how-to-see-blue-moon-this-weekend-11984456 Link to see the full blue moon rise this Saturday night
Purple Anonymous
17 hours ago
Slightly less often than that - on average, it happens about every 30 months.
Chris
20 hours ago
The 'blue moon' will look just like any other moon, and it's not that uncommon, it happens on average roughly once a year.
Much more interesting are Venus Transits but I doubt (!) I'll be alive to see the next one. I did watch the 2004 one, though, when we lived in South Wales.
😎👍🏼 ...9--0==✈🌞🐯
4 days ago
It was definately a very light blue when I saw it behind skimpy cloud in south east yesterday mid afternoon.
https://youtu.be/v0fy1HeJv80
GrumpyGran
4 days ago
Afraid it won't be blue - Blue Moon' is just a name for the second Full Moon in a calendar month. If you have a view of the eastern horizon when it rises on Saturday night, you may see it as orangish, beause of light refraction. But it will be its normal colour when it gets higher in the sky.
A good website for all kinds of astronomical information (such as local times of rising and setting) is timeanddate.com
Beth8it!
4 days ago
Puppy Tails: The boys have learned to swim! We went to the stream yesterday, which I don't often do as it makes the walk about half an hour, which is further than they really ought to have yet, but it's so hot I thought it would be good for them to stop overheating. Storm, surprisingly, was braver than Shadow, despite Shad having been first to go into the big pond on the forest (when it had water in it still - like a muddy puddle now.). Anyway, yesterday they splashed around and waded into it, Indi had a swim, though it's not really deep enough for her except in one small place. Today both the termites ran in happily, Storm pushed off and was swimming as if he'd always done it. I threw a small stick in for Shadow and he went in after it, and we had synchronised swimming - two puppies on one stick, doing graceful turns and sweeps across the stream. After a few minutes they came out, tried their usual attempts to chase and kill each other, lots of growling and rolling over, then came back. Now comes the funny part. I had a couple more sticks ready, threw one in for Storm who was on the bank, instead of going in via the shallow ford. He crouched down... wiggled his bum... tensed himself to leap... and fell in! Straight under, out of sight, came up blowing bubbles, kept going and grabbed the stick, then made his way out. The next time he timed it better - saw the stick land in the water and just hurled himself in from the bank, just his dad does. Now I know they are happy in water I will take them to the beach once it cools down and the crowds go. Rain forecast at the weekend, so that would be a good time to go.
Poppy wasn't with us, but she also likes watre. We have a bucket of water in the garden, and her favourite game at the moment is to slide her front legs right in, head goes under the water, comes up biting chunks out of the water, spraying it everywhere, jumps up and down like a fox on a mouse. drenches anyone within range... As previously asked - Why do I get all the mad ones? Photos to follow tomorrow, now I have some spare time.
😎👍🏼 ...9--0==✈🌞🐯
1 days ago
Well done👍🏼, at least it didn't convey "Bark, Bark, Growl, I'm not listening, & no-one gets in, you hear. Bark, Growl".
Beth8it!
2 days ago
Reminds me of when a lady nearby with a nice riding arena said I could borrow it to train my young pony. Come around 2pm she said, so off I go with pony, walk to her gate, up bounds this jet-black pointer, growling, snapping, barking - he meant business. Well, I was stuck with the pony there, who wasn’t bothered at all, couldn’t open the gate again with the dog there, nobody came, so I did my dog-training voice - ‘Hey, what a good boy, you ARE good at your job, aren’t you? Let’s go and find your mum, then, show me where she is, and patted my leg, started to walk on down to the house. One very flummoxed dog, very unsure, half-wagged his tail, escorted me and then Mrs. Appeared. ‘Oh, I forgot the time,’ she said. ‘How on earth did you get past the dog?’ ‘oh, he’s no problem,’ I said breezily, ‘made friends with him and he showed me where you were.’ Apparently they don’t get deliveries as the dog is seriously not playing games. I could see he was doing his job, respected that, but still told him I was coming in, and I was in charge. We got on fine.
😎👍🏼 ...9--0==✈🌞🐯
2 days ago
I moved a South African guy who had a massive grey Great Dane as a guard dog, He said it used to charge out into his back garden & chase cats but the cat jumped over the fence or ran under it (between its legs) as it couldn't stop easily, & the neighbours didn't want it jumping over fences & wrecking their gardens, so he bought it a whippet for company, the whippet rushed out & pinned the cat down then the GD chewed it up. Bad dogs..
When we arrived on the day to do the removal the GD was in the front room with its paws on the bay window sill looking out, my mate saw it from my lorry & asked if it was a horse. The guy said if it gets in from the garden don't move a muscle or it might think you are burglars, ... it did get in & at the worst possible moment, we were carrying the heavy slate base of his pool table. We froze, & it stood on all fours sniffing our heads. One yell & the guy came PDQ to remove it.
Beth8it!
3 days ago
So much easier than clips on a lead - in fact, I will probably get the gundog slips for the boys, as they are getting better on the lead anyway now and slip leads don’t unloop themselves like the chains do.
Alley1940
3 days ago
I used choke chains on my last two dogs. After letting them loose for a run I only had to hold them open and they both would come to me and put their heads through the loop.
Marie
3 days ago
I'll get the photos sent out.
Beth8it!
4 days ago
Yes, I had to hold off other things until my essay went off. I sent it yesterday, checked it, deadline midday today, thinking, 'Aren't I good, sent a day early to avoid the last-minute crowd or any tech problems'... then had a funny feeling this morning, something was saying check it again. Although deadline is midday, there is a grace period to midnight, so I had a quick look at what I had sent - found I had not included the list of references I had used! I know I did it - think I must have just downloaded the wrong copy. You know what it's like, you get so brain-fogged, you see what you want to see, not what is there... Anyway, quick scramble to re-format, re-send, and a big cup of coffee (no, nothing stronger - yet) to recover. Now, photo-time.
Update - 4 emails sent to admin.
Enver, I use a choke chain too on Indi - had it on all my dogs, and I think they're kinder than those awful Halti things on their noses, or a harness that teaches them to pull. My brother uses a harness on his collie (because he pulls). I said, 'What do they put on huskies to pull a sled?' and he thought about it, said, 'Oh. Yes, I suppose so.' A choke chain hangs loose and unfelt unless the dog pulls, then when it chokes itself and finds it's easier to walk nicely, they basically teach themself. It's not quite that simple, and I wouldn't use one on a greyhound or saluki etc with a long, weak neck, but otherwise all mine have had one. The termites are still on collars, but will go onto a chain when they are a bit bigger - it's so much easier to drop on them instead of fiddling with a clip. Speaking of labradors, my first one, Nicky, was a working gundog when I got him. He had been taught to go and find a pheasant that was shot and fallen int woods, water etc by his owner saying 'Lost!' He also knew 'See'em off! Cats!' as his owner was plagued with cats coming into his garden to perform instead of their own - we varied that by saying, 'What's in the garden? Foxes?' He would look alert, but not do anything. 'Elephants?' same again. 'Camels?' He was off! 'Camels Lost!' became our fun word, as he wasn't supposed to chase cats when he came to us. Mother did not approve.
😎👍🏼 ...9--0==✈🌞🐯
4 days ago
When lady friend had Molly her black lab, I used to say "What's thaaat?.... Is it water/a squirrel/etc?", she's look & be off after it. One day we were on the banks of the forth near Blackness Castle, she saw the water in the distance & without letting me lock the camper she was off down the steep slope, me literally skiing behind her on the slippery grass, yelling & trying to slow down or stop her, & when we got to the promenade she galloped across it & leaped over the low wall like she was doing the water jump at Aintree, the tide was out & there was about a 10 foot drop & a few feet of mud she would have gone under. I put my foot against the low wall & held on tight & prayed. The strong choke chain luckily held, & I dragged her up hand over hand on the end of it, & made sure she was none the worse for wear. Phew! ... Meanwhile the people around & the lady friend who was left standing by my campervan were all watching in amusement.
Hope your essay got in OK.
Alley1940
4 days ago
Really enjoy your tails Beth. Reminds me how much I miss by not having a dog.
samandi
4 days ago
Yes please, it seem ages since I had any photos of them.
Kenny b
4 days ago
Just bumped into an old school pal of mine who now makes clothes out of old maps.
A bit strange but you always know where you are with him!! 😜😜
Lol 63
2 days ago
There's a tricky one 🤣
Alley1940
4 days ago
I like that one. Illustrates the strange quirks of the English language.
Damsel
4 days ago
😂
Poppy
4 days ago
🤣🤣
maddadof
4 days ago
:-) :-)
Jaffa
4 days ago
🤣🤣
maddadof
5 days ago
My boss told me to have a good day, SO i went home!! ....
Alley1940
4 days ago
Made me smile.
Damsel
4 days ago
😂
Poppy
4 days ago
🤣🤣
AJR
4 days ago
🤣🤣
BiG
5 days ago
I haven't won from PMP 🥺😔.
I double if this is really.
I hope win someday
Susiewoo2
4 days ago
It's real, I won.
Crinny
4 days ago
I can never understand why people criticise something that is obviously honest and legitimate (like PMP)... Then so many get taken in by what is obviously a scam.
Marie
4 days ago
Please remember that this free prize draw giveaway is like a lottery, you're best to hope you'll win, not expect to! :) Each member’s entry has the exact same chance of being selected in a draw. The system completes the draws from a database of active account ID numbers using a random number generator and the parameters of the smallest ID number to the largest. It then displays the postcode on the chosen account number as the winner of the draw. All it ‘sees’ is the account numbers of active members, it is not influenced by any other data or outside factors and is as random as a computer can be.
We're definitely real. We’ve been running since 2011, are funded by advertising and now have over 62% of the UK’s postcodes registered!
Please check out our Trustpilot and Money Saving Expert reviews. Martin Lewis features us and independently reviews us. He wouldn’t do that if we weren't real.
https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/pickmypostcode.com
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/deals/pick-my-postcode/
Chocolate Spaniel
5 days ago
Cast your eye to the foot of the page, over £3.4 million paid out to date!
https://help.pickmypostcode.com/article/6-how-do-i-know-this-isnt-a-scam
Em
5 days ago
£2,097.50! Thank you so much to everyone who has donated in Simon's name. Still 20 days until the funeral. I can't believe what the current amount is and I wonder what the final amount will be. I'll have to make a note to check it the morning of and thank everyone in my speech.
Beth8it!
3 days ago
Currently £2,313.75 at 5.30pm 28.5.26.
Init2winit(theres 3 of us already)
4 days ago
Hi Em, so sorry for your loss. My eldest was born the same year as Simon which really puts things in perspective about how none of us know what’s around the corner. I’m glad so many people have donated and hope you’ll find strength and peace from knowing everyone is thinking of you and your family at such a difficult time. ❤️
V
4 days ago
Thanks Jonathonstrand & Marie.
Marie
4 days ago
https://pickmypostcode.com/blog/tribute-to-simon-white-1988-2026/
MrsEdwards
5 days ago
I've not had much time to read any comments recently so I'd completely missed this awful news. I am so very sorry to hear about Simon. Wishing you strength and happy memories Emma.
Thank you to everyone who has posted to explain about the memorial page and where to find it.
Jonathonstrand
5 days ago
V, if you click on the BLOG page above all the draws, it has moved to there with all the links 👍🙂
samandi
5 days ago
You are very welcome Em .🩷
tetleyt
5 days ago
💞
V
5 days ago
Could someone please tell me where the link/Memorial page has gone ?
It was on the main page but now seems to have disappeared. Thank you.
Safran
5 days ago
❤️
Happy
5 days ago
Em, I for one are glad
to hear from you, as I was a bit concerned, as always in my thoughts at the moment.
I'm so happy for you, that we have all managed to raise this amount in Simon's name.
He would be so proud of you. And over the moon at the amount raised in his name I'm sure.
Chocolate Spaniel
5 days ago
It's a true indication how much people thought of him.
Jaffa
5 days ago
So pleased for you .