Special: your questions answered
ANSWERED
QMost of my photos are digital these days and I rarely print them out. I’d be devastated if I lost them - how can I keep them safe?
T Botham, Wilts Yours says It’s good practice to store your photos in three different places. Firstly, back up your phone, camera or tablet to a PC or laptop. You can then set your computer to back them up to the likes of The Cloud, Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive. Finally, make sure you regularly back up your computer files to a separate hard-drive or memory stick and keep it somewhere secure.
Q Can you still write to fan clubs? If so, how can I find an address? L Kay, by email
Yours says Most fan clubs are now on online forums and Facebook pages, but you can still send snail mail to many stars via their agent. ■ Visit www.fanmail.biz for details.
■ Yours Retro magazine has a fan club page in each issue. The next issue is on sale March 26
Q My fiercely independent dad spends most of the summer in his caravan and hates the thought of us checking up on him. How can I do this without invading his privacy? Name and address supplied
Yours says Let’s assume your dad makes himself a cup of tea every day between 7am -10am and 6pm -9pm. You can use a plug device called 3 Rings into his kettle socket, which uses a built-in mobile phone to send you a message to say the kettle has been used. It’ll also alert you if it hasn’t been used at the expected time. No internet connection is needed, but there is an online portal you can use to change the settings.
■ Prices start at £79 with a monthly subscription of £12. Call 0161 731 0081 or visit www.3rings.co.uk
QFor years I’ve made pom-poms for my friend’s charity knits, but I struggle now I have arthritis in my hands. Where I can buy a pom-pom maker?
J Dent, Co Durham Yours says These pom-pom makers will make crafting much faster and easier to do. ■ Available in a pack of four sizes, in store or online at www.Hobbycraft. co.uk, rrp £5.
QI love the Antiques Roadshow and have some things I’d like to take along. Are there any shows visiting my area this year?
L Dornan, Bath Yours says I’m sure Fiona Bruce and her team of experts would be delighted to see you at one of their Roadshows. There’s one not far from you at Aerospace Bristol on May 17.
QI’ve come across two real fur coats while clearing out my late mother’s house. I don’t want them, but neither do the charity shops. Who can make use of them?
H Rumbold, Cardiff Yours says You have a couple of options. You could ask your local animal sanctuary if they’d like them for bedding. Alternatively, animal rights campaigners, PETA, will gladly accept them to donate to refugees and the homeless or use in their educational displays.