golf58419

The growing propensity for British and other north European golfers to seek golf properties in sunnier climes has resulted in a dramatic increase in the number of golf courses and associated real estate developments being constructed around the Mediterranean and in Portugal.

Most famous amongst these are probably the superb Vale do Lobo complex near Faro in Portugal and La Manga, just south of Alicante in spain.

But whilst there can be no denying that these two resorts, along with the opulent sun City in south Africa, represent the cream of golf resorts in the sun, real estate in and around these venues has experienced a simply phenomenal growth in values and does come with a rather hefty price-tag attached.

These days of course, golf properties of any description represent a healthy investment potential due to the exclusive nature and scenic surroundings of most golf resorts. And so, most prospective buyers looking for a golfing investment in the sun are trooping to spain and Portugal in search of the perfect property, when other locations still offer far better value for money, as well as a much greater potential returns on invested capital.

One such location is the Republic of Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.

With only four fully-fledged courses currently operating on the island, the sport is still very much in its infancy in Cyprus. However, having recognised the growing demand for golf properties, the Cypriot government, in association with the CTO (Cyprus Tourism Organisation) have given the green light for the construction of a further eleven to fourteen golf courses alongside the already existing facilities in an effort to firmly establish Cyprus place on the international golfing circuit.

Whilst this construction programme of new courses is spread right across the whole Republic, its crowning glory must surely be the Secret Valley Golf Course and Country Club near the fabled Rock of Aphrodite on the islands west coast.

First opened in 1996, two years after the Tsada golf Course north of Paphos, Secret valley has been a favourite part of the Cypriot golfing scene for many years. In light of the forthcoming expansion plans for golf in the Republic of Cyprus however, the Secret valley resort has become the subject of a huge expansion programme which, once complete, even the likes of Vale do Lobo and La Manga will struggle to compete with.

Aside from the complete remodelling of the existing course, Secret valley will see the construction of a further two 18-hole courses, as well as a par-3 pitch & putt course, golf academy, practice greens, multiple driving ranges, football & tennis academies and a host of other associated amenities.

Accompanying Secret Valleys ambitious course expansion programme is the construction of many exclusive golf properties, ranging from hilltop villas overlooking one or more of the splendid courses to apartments set on the hillsides above the newly remodelled clubhouse.

property prices in the resort do of course reflect its exclusive nature, but they are - as yet - far lower than their equivalents in spain, Portugal and south Africa. Most experts and analysts do however predict that real estate in and around the Secret valley golf resort is amongst the finest property investments currently to be found in the Republic of Cyprus.

As you can see, when it comes to golf properties in the Med, it does not necessarily have to be spain or Portugal. In fact, the smart money is in Cyprus.

Brian Rettendon has lived and worked in the Republic of Cyprus since 2001. As a senior investment consultant for Aphrodite property sales Ltd, he benefits from an intimate knowledge of the Cypriot property market and its current and future trends. Visit the Aphrodite web site for more information about golf in Cyprus and investment hotspots in the Republic.

Finding good plumbers in the UK is difficult. Need a plumber in an emergency and youve got a real problem.

Theres lots of articles available on selecting plumbers. Weve all heard the advice - get quotes, follow up references and ask friends and families for referrals. All good stuff but it makes it sound as if people needing a plumber have a choice available to them.

This really misunderstands the issue which the average householder faces. Yes we do want to find a great plumber, that knowledgeable, polite, punctual, reasonably priced paragon of virtue but before we get that far, we have to find a plumber who is prepared to do business with us.

If you need a plumber in an emergency, youll either find the ones which have priced themselves out of the market and so are often available Mr or Mrs Itll cost you! or their more reasonably priced cousin Dave Quickest I could get to you is next Wednesday. Not great if you have a leak and its now Sunday.

Indeed the position is not much better if you are planning routine work such as having a boiler serviced or a bathroom installed. Getting a quote can be a challenge getting the work started much more difficult.

Now, according to recent reports, the position should be easing.

Over the past few years, the press has run stories about a shortage of plumbers. In 2003, the British Plumbing Employers Council estimated that the plumbing industry would need to recruit 29,000 new entrants over the next 5 years. This led to reports of City workers leaving their jobs in the hope of earning 70,000 a year as a plumber.

More recently, however, there are accounts of workers with plumbing experience from Eastern Europe filling vacancies on building sites and a surplus of trainees trying to find jobs.

For the householder, this should mean that finding a good plumber who is available is much easier. The logic is fine but plumbers who are available for work are still an elusive breed. So if you have water pouring through the ceiling or your new bathroom arrives next Wednesday, read on for Hot Hints on tracking down a plumber.

Hot Hints for Finding a Plumber

• Asking for recommendations from family and friends is always a good first port of call.
• Check out one of the internet directories on-line you can search for plumbers close to you and the better guides give the plumbers the space to provide details of their experience and specialist skills. Remember to mention the directory when you call some have arrangements where the plumbers offer a discount.
• Look in your local parish magazine. Often the plumbers who advertise there live close by in an emergency someone who is just down the road may well be quicker, cheaper and, more importantly, willing to turn out.
• Try your local paper. Some plumbers will advertise in the classified ads all year round, others will appear only when they are not busy increasing your chance of finding someone who says yes.
• Ring your local letting agent letting agents usually have a team of tradesmen and women who are set up to respond quickly to problems faced by tenants of the agent. Their plumber may be willing to help you.
• Call your plumbing supply shop the staff get to know the regulars really well and are likely to be able to suggest someone who is not only good but who is available to take on your job.
• Plan in advance, every time, a friend has plumbing work done ask them who did it and if they were any good. Keep details of the recommended plumbers. Then, when the leak or blockage occurs you know who to phone straight away.

Once youve found a possible plumber, do take steps to check them out. In reality, plumbers are no more likely to be rogues or cowboys than anyone else and most are extremely professional and hardworking. But erring on the side of caution is probably wise.

Take particular care if you are employing a plumber to carry out gas work. Check that your plumber is registered with CORGI. Registration numbers can be checked on CORGIs website - www.corgi-gas-safety.com. Operatives working for a registered installer will also carry a card which can be checked by a householder.

Good luck finding your ideal plumber. If you find a really great plumber in your area, please do let me know via my website.

Caroline Blatchford is the founder of Local Service Guide which helps people to find the local services which they need in the UK. Whether you need a plumber, a restaurant or a letting agent, go to http://www.LocalServiceGuide.com

The hottest Christmas toys for 2006 will soon be hitting the shelves, and some are already on them. Remember the Furby, Tickle-Me Elmo, Beanie Babies and Cabbage patch Kids? They were the hottest Christmas toys from past holidays.

Almost every holiday season, there are a few special toys that everyone wants for Christmas -- and no one can seem to find.

If you want to make sure you have the hottest Christmas toys of 2006 under your Christmas tree, you should start thinking about shopping for them now.

Unfortunately, there's a problem -- you don't yet know what they are!

Well, I have a special "heads up" on what the hot Christmas toys of the season may be, and I'm more than willing to share the info with you. (My friends and I at WowChristmasGifts.com and ChristmasRants.com have done really well at predicting the hottest Christmas toys for the past several years.)

PlayStation 3

For gamers with a big budget, the Sony PlayStation 3 is going to be number one on the wish list. Featuring internet functions and the new blu-ray technology, PlayStation 3 is like no other gaming system ever on the market.

just remember, while this is definitely going to be one of THE hottest Christmas toys of 2006, it is also going to be one of the most expensive. When the PlayStation is released this November, expect it to have a price tag of $500 to $600.

Nintendo's Wii

If you do have a gaming fan on your Christmas list but $500 is out of the question, you may want to look into Nintendo's Wii. At just $250, it's half the price of the PlayStation 3 and it is actually the very first game system ever to make it to Toys R Us's hot Toy list for 2006.

It's not hard to see why the Wii is going to be one of the hottest Christmas toys of 2006. The remote-like controller allows players to swing it like a bat, sword or tennis racket to create a truly interactive game play environment.

We predict it is also going to be a big hit with people who are not traditionally gamers, because my of the games are not the standard type of games.

Elmo TMX

Remember when Tickle Me Elmo dolls couldn't stay on the shelves for more than a moment? Remember the long lines -- and the cat fights between parents?

Well, somehow Fischer price has done it again with Elmo TMX!

Tickle Me Elmo TMX was just released this month and while parents aren't physically fighting over them this time around, the lines have been long, and the stores have been selling out as quickly as they can get them in.

You can read more about why we think Tickle Me Elmo TMX will be so popular here:

http://www.wowgiftideas.com/looking_for_tickle_me_elmo_tmx.html

Since we still have a lot of time until Christmas, it's only a sign of what's to come, and this may prove to be one of the top hottest Christmas toys this year.

Some Other Contenders

While the above three toys seem to be the most promising when it comes to the hottest Christmas toys this year, there are a few other names you should be keeping an eye on.

Some other toys that may grace the wish lists many include Webkinz, Dora's Talking Cash register and the Pink Nitro Notebook by Vtech.

This year we expect there will be hot Christmas toys for every age group, from toddler to adult. By starting your Christmas shopping early, you'll be able to find the hottest Christmas toys more easily. Happy Christmas shopping!

Noel Jameson loves sharing tips, tricks and advice on how to make the Christmas season happier, more meaningful and less stressful. Check out her entertaining and impassioned blog, ChristmasRants.com: http://www.christmasrants.com.