Your questions

ANSWERED

QI have bags of bottle corks left over from unfinished craft projects. Can I recycle them instead of sending to landfill?

R Tiller, by email Yours says Recorked UK recycles corks in partnership with pubs, bars, hotels, restaurants, wine merchants and vineyards. It donates a percentage of its profits to nominated charities as well as supplying free corks to charities and schools for craft projects. If you have corks for recycling, post them to Recorked UK, 22 Newquay Close, Walsall WS5 3EP

■ Visit Recorkeduk.org

QI need my aunt’s medical records but how do I go about getting access to them?

G Herbert, Cumbria Yours says Health records are confidential so you can only access someone else’s records if you’re acting on their behalf with their consent or have legal authority to make decisions on their behalf (ie power of attorney) or have another legal basis for access. You will need to complete a Subject Access Request (SAR) form from the healthcare provider that provided the treatment, such as a GP surgery or hospital, optician or dentist.

QWhere can I buy a bed frame which prevents the blankets resting on my painful legs?

J Tyler, Oxford Yours says A blanket cradle lifts the covers so they don’t touch your skin, with the bottom part of the frame fitting under the mattress to keep it in place.

■ Rrp from £16.95. Call 0333 016 0000 or visit www.completecareshop.co.uk

QI love having a big garden but find it quite expensive every year buying new plants and seeds. Is there anywhere cheaper than garden centres I can buy plants?

E Garnet, by email Yours says Why not try organising a community plant and seed swap at a local hall? Alternatively, if you have access to the internet, Green Plant Swap is a free online community for gardeners. You can have your own garden page and list what you are willing to swap, sell or give away and, in turn, others do the same. You can search for growers in your area to see what they have available, or by plant using the GreenPlantSwap Plant Finder, which has 21,000 plants.

■ Visit www.greenplantswap.co.uk

QI have damaged a precious Royal Doulton plate. Can this family heirloom be repaired? Mrs Wilding, Milton Keynes Yours says From museum antique repairs to treasured pieces broken by accident, David Battams has yet to find a piece that cannot be fixed! With more than 20 years’ experience as a professional restorer, David offers a postal service for broken Lladro, Clarice Cliff, Wedgwood items and many others.

■ Call on 07956 832375, visit www.china-repair.com or email info@china-repair.com