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More rowing competitions and sport novices are expected to head for the North East after a community club landed a £90,000 grant.

Tyne Rowing Club plans to dramatically improve access to the river with the cash, awarded by Sport England and the Amateur Rowing Association.

The money will be spent on new steps to the water at the club’s base, close to Newburn Bridge in Newcastle.

Club captain Chris Parsons said the cash and subsequent improvements would make the area “more attractive” for other rowing clubs.

The club already hosts events which draw national and international teams but on some days rowers can face 20 minute waits to get on and off the water.

New access steps built with the grant are expected to reduce this.

The North East area has an excellent rowing heritage and has produced some of the sport’s top performers.

Tyne Rowing Club has been taking to the river since 1852 and has had national success.

Sport England regional director Judith Rasmussen said improving access to the Tyne will make a “real difference” to current rowers and future generations.

She added the organisation was “delighted” to support the Tyne Rowing Club.

Article supported by Physioroom.com, Tennis elbow suppliers.

Veterinary fees have begun to top the list in the greatest expenses associated with pet ownership – sending an increasing amount of Britain’s wealth into the pockets of veterinarians. 

Healthcare for humans and pets alike is always of primary concern; but new information compiled by insurer Direct Line, shows 22% of dog owners have struggled significantly to pay for the expenses associated with treating their pets’ healthcare needs.

Nearly 18% of those polled revealed they had lapped-up their savings to meet the financial requirement of their veterinarian’s bill - while 8% sought loans from their family and friends to pay for “Fee Fee’s” care.

Nearly 11 million mollycoddling Brits are adding a combined £1.5 billion to the national debt for the sake of their beloved animals.

Head of pet insurance, Chris Price added, “When a pet gets ill the cost of treatment can add up quickly, so it is important to make sure that you have a plan in place to cover the bills.” For owners with no pet insurance, secured loans could be an alternative in order to meet the cost of veterinary treatment. In most cases, a secured loan with a fixed repayment period would be a more sound financial decision than turning to high-interest credit cards.

Moreover, pet owners should mind their veterinarian’s advice and keep pets at a healthy weight since obese pets are far more likely to require long-term treatment. Additionally, for those considering acquiring a pet, the average expenditure on dog food is now at approximately £209 per year. 

There is no doubt that the majority of pet owners agree that their pets are far more like family, than the antiquated idea of their pets being “just animals.” They’re precious and much adored by the entire family. Their endearing antics often tug at our hearts and most of us wouldn’t give up our fluffy, sleek or rugged companion for anything. So when illness or injury suddenly occurs, more often than not, owners have a knee-jerk reaction and dive straight from their hearts to their piggy banks to mend their friends. Therefore, when considering insurance products, remember to cover that darling little doggy with the waggily tail.

When planning for the Christmas season, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT), suggests there are better alternatives to traditional savings plans than the hampers type of schemes. 

In June, the organisation launched its “Save Xmas” campaign to raise awareness of issues relating to the Farepak collapse. And when the hamper company went under in 2006, many of its customers were left without the products they had saved towards - and with no refund forthcoming.

An OFT spokesperson stated, “For some people the hamper schemes are good because of the fact they come to your door and community. We’re not saying how to save your money, we’re just saying be aware of your options.”

Funds invested carefully throughout the year, some of which may have originated through a homeowner loan, could prove to be a more effective means of financing the festive season.

Britons who wish to save as much as possible for the holiday season could add to an invested fund throughout the year – even to the simple tune of £10 or £20 per month – to find the extra money a welcomed relief by the time the Carolers begin to sing. 

Such forward planning could stave off the harsher reality of high-interest credit card bills in each New Year, thereby placing individuals in a much stronger position financially, to make wiser decisions with their money.

Almost 300 million out-dated devices are currently being hoarded in British homes, according to a survey conducted by insurer esure.

Apparently, consumers are holding on to the old electronics for various reasons; one of which is to add to the over-all value of their home contents in their insurance policies. 

Some individuals however, simply can’t let go of the items because of the amount of money initially spent on them. This seems to be the case, even if electronics such as video recorders (VCRs) have already been replaced by DVD players, and so on.

Given the rapidity of technological changes, and how expensive some of the appliances are, such as hi-fis being replaced by iPods and docking stations - it’s easy to see why many consumers are reluctant to throw their old equipment away. The older technology still works - but is considered outdated. Victrolas still play vinyl records and in many cases these items have now gained in value. Only time will tell if old electronics will follow the same path, and many believe it to be unlikely. 

According to esure, the findings of their survey are also indicative of consumers’ willingness to spend on new luxuries - with secured loans a possible means of affording the new technologies.

Nikki Sellers, head of home insurance stated, “Millions of homes are tied to a constant upgrade cycle on account of new and better gadgets appearing almost daily. Unfortunately, we are also stockpiling the items they replace because we can’t bear to throw them away.”

One in three respondents surveyed said they were unwilling to get rid of the antiquated goods due to the amount of money they had spent on them.

The Office of Fair Trading previously observed that securing home loans and other forms of lending offered “a sign of freedom” for young Britons, and could possibly spread the expense of major purchases over a period of time, lessening the strain on available finances.