Oxford News
Five ways to stay cool and sleep better during a heatwave
While the return of summer weather is welcome for many, rising temperatures can quickly lead to discomfort, making it harder to focus, relax or sleep.
While the sun is great when you want to have fun, it can be hard when you’re hoping to work or sleep, and keeping your home cool can be tricky.
Chris Michael, chair of air treatment specialists Meaco – they do more than just dehumidifiers – shares his favourite ways to stay cool.
Five ways to stay cool and get a restful night’s sleep this summer
1. Use a cold water bottle
Fill your hot water bottle with water and freeze it before bedtime. This makes a simple and effective ice pack to keep you cool overnight without adding to your energy bill.
2. Close blinds and curtains
Direct sunlight through windows quickly heats up your home. Keep blinds, curtains and windows closed during the hottest part of the day, especially those facing south. Once the temperature drops in the evening, open them to let cooler air in.
3. Take warm showers
Although it seems counterintuitive, a warm shower before bed helps the body regulate its temperature more effectively. Cold showers can trigger the body to generate heat, whereas a warm shower encourages the body to cool down naturally.
4. Buy a fan (ideally before the rush)
As soon as warm weather is forecast, fans start to sell out quickly. Buying a high-quality air circulating fan in advance ensures you’re ready. Look for reputable brands with strong reviews and clever features like ECO mode to save energy.
For bedroom use, choose a quiet fan. Loud fans can disturb sleep, so consider models that are Quiet Mark accredited and include Night Mode for uninterrupted rest. Low energy consumption is also key, especially if you plan to run the fan all night.
5. Check windows and doors
Gaps around windows and doors can let in heat during summer just as they let out heat in winter. Sealing these gaps is a quick, cost-effective way to keep your indoor space cooler with less effort.
How a Meaco fan can help you keep your home cool this summer
With Quiet Mark accreditation, Meaco fans are ideal for bedrooms, children’s rooms and home offices, as they include timers, temperature sensors, night modes, and intuitive controls to help you stay focused, relaxed, and well-rested.
Meaco has expanded its quietest and most energy-efficient fan line with the new MeacoFan Sefte® 8” Portable Battery Powered Air Circulator .
It offers mains or battery operation, making it ideal for use at home, while travelling, or outdoors. The replaceable battery extends the fan’s life far beyond that of typical sealed battery models, aligning with upcoming EU regulations and reducing waste.
The 8-inch model joins the Sefte 10” Table and 10” Pedestal Air Circulators , recently named Best in Category by Which? for their outstanding performance, quiet operation and build quality.
Recommended reading:
How a fan can help you sleep in a heatwave
With better sleep being the number one reason people buy a fan, it’s worth investing in one that’s quieter, more energy-efficient, and ideally features a dedicated night mode.
Meaco has a glow-in-the-dark remote control to make it easier to adjust settings without turning on a light.
It’s also worth thinking ahead for long-term use, low energy costs and comfort, to help you stay cool through this summer and many more.
What do you use to help get to sleep in warmer weather? Let us know in the comments.
Oxford News
Banbury development in final stages with 95 per cent sold
David Wilson Homes’ The Pavilions, located on Bowlers Close, is now over 95 per cent sold, with just seven homes remaining.
The development offers three and four-bedroom properties designed to suit first-time buyers and growing families.
Helen Lewis, managing director at David Wilson Homes Mercia, said: “We are delighted to announce that we are over 95 per cent sold at The Pavilions and it’s the final opportunity to secure a new home in the community.”
Launched in September 2021, The Pavilions will provide a total of 148 new homes.
The project also includes more than 23 acres of green space, 49 bird and bat boxes, 325 new trees, a wetland meadow, and community allotments.
Ms Lewis added: “We’ve enjoyed great success at the development and it’s been fantastic to see the community take shape.
“We encourage anyone interested in securing a place at The Pavilions to visit our marketing suite to learn more about the properties available.”
More than £750,000 was pledged to support the local area through S106 agreements, including £300,000 for schools and early year education, £186,869 for onsite outdoor sports facilities, and a £34,230 bus infrastructure contribution.
The developer has supported the wider Banbury community through event sponsorships and donations to organisations such as Banbury Men’s Shed and The Let’s Play Project.
All remaining homes are ready to move into, with prices starting from £390,000.
Oxford News
Thousands raised for Oxfordshire hospice through recycling
Nearly £38,000 has been donated to Katharine House Hospice in north Oxfordshire over the past 18 months, thanks to recycled metals from cremations at North Oxfordshire Crematorium.
The scheme is part of the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) Metals Recycling Scheme, which recycles metals with family consent and donates proceeds to charity.
Vanessa Moor, site manager at North Oxfordshire Crematorium, said: “We are incredibly proud to support Katharine House Hospice through our ICCM charity partnership, recognising it as our essential local charity.
“Many people don’t realise that, with a family’s permission, metals recovered following cremation can be recycled to benefit charities supporting local communities.”
The most recent donation of £17,000 brings the total raised for the hospice to £37,982.
Ms Moor said families frequently speak highly of the care and support they have received from Katharine House.
The partnership extends beyond fundraising, with crematorium staff volunteering at the hospice’s events.
Sue Blank, corporate engagement officer at Katharine House Hospice, said: “We are thrilled to have Memoria’s continued support.
“The team at the North Oxfordshire site are a pleasure to work with and are always keen to support the hospice in any way they can, whether through volunteering, raising awareness of our work or through this fantastic recycling scheme.”
Oxford News
Oxfordshire drivers invited to try Volvo’s EX60 SUV
Waylands Volvo Oxford, based on Cumnor Hill, is inviting drivers to test drive the new Volvo EX60 during an exclusive event from August 21-23.
Recently named the UK’s most exciting upcoming new car at the What Car? Awards, the fully electric SUV combines Scandinavian design with advanced technology and sustainability.
Simon Bishop, general manager at Waylands Volvo Oxford, said: “We’re delighted to welcome local drivers for an exclusive first look at the new Volvo EX60 here in Oxford.
“This weekend long event is designed to be much more than a standard test drive, giving customers the chance to experience the technology that makes the EX60 so special.
“Whether it’s trying the latest safety features, seeing how straightforward fast charging can be or exploring the capabilities of Google Gemini, we want every visitor to leave feeling excited and confident about driving electric.”
The Volvo EX60 P12 AWD model offers a range of up to 503 miles on a single charge – the longest of any Volvo to date.
It can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 16 minutes.
Inside, the SUV features a spacious, premium cabin with a dashboard-mounted speaker and four contemporary interiors, all crafted from renewable and recycled materials.
Test drives will be guided by a Volvo specialist, who will demonstrate features such as the 360-degree camera, parking sensors, and driver assistance systems.
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