UK Style - maybe, maybe not! (UKTV Style)

Member Name: grannywoo

Product:	UKTV Style
Date:	23/01/02 (1568 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good variety of programmes, Useful tips and hints, Great website

Disadvantages: It can become addictive, Not enough time to watch everything

For someone who does not have any need or desire for Sky televisiokn, namely me, I have found one channel which makes it all worth while.

UK STYLE - Now don't be fooled by the title of the channel, its a bit of a ruse really. Firstly not all the programmes are from the UK, well at least the ideas aren't. Secondly you have to hunt for the 'style' in most of the programmes.

This channel can be found on Sky Digital, channel 148. If you are into (or would like to be) food, gardening, diy and hunting for bargains, antiques, etc then this is a channel not to be missed.

The main thing I like about the channel is that most of the programmes are only on for half an hour and they are usually quite varied. By varied I mean cooking followed by gardening and then diy based shows, not hours and hours of cooking or DIY. One thing to remember is that quite a few of the programmes are repeats from other channels, so sometimes you settle down to watch what you think is a new programme, low and behold its a repeat. Nothing new there then.

The diy shows can be a bit tacky, especially Changing Rooms, which of course can be seen on BBC 1 and most of these have been.

My favourite programme has to be The House Doctor. For those of you not familiar with this programme or the concept, I will try to give you an idea of hat its all about - Ann Maurice, a Californian Real Estate Agent, comes to the homes (invited, of course), of people who are trying to sell their houses. For any number of reasons the houses are not selling, she casts her beady eye over the property and tells you why she thinks it isn't selling and what can be done to rectify the situation. She picks holes mainly in decor, clutter and de-personalises the houses, as apparently potential purchasers can't see past your own ideas and style.

Video recordings are taken of potential purchasers and shown to the sellers. These are sometimes very blun
t, rude and also give an idea of what is wrong, why the house isn't selling.

With your agreement (and sometimes even without it) she makes the changes she feels will help to sell your home. Eventually when the changes have been made, the prospective purchasers return and if you are lucky you will sell your home, if not to them, then at least to someone else.

Perhaps I should invite the House Doctor to my house, although maybe not, I don't think I could take her criticism. But, if like me you are trying to sell your home, you will pick up tips worth noting and maybe even trying.

Sorry I have detracted somewhat from the channel. Some weekends are dedicated to one particular programme, so if you are obsessed with House Invaders, then tune in on Saturday and Sunday this week from 7.00 am for back to back House Invaders - I don't think i'll bother, but it might appeal to you. That is the good thing about the channel, there is something for everyone. Take a look and decide for your yourself. Or better still, if your other half is anti-diy or anti-cooking you might stir up a bit of enthusiasm, what have you got to lose.

They also have a website - www.ukstyle.co.uk. This is full of ideas, competitions, recipes, etc, again certainly worth a visit. It also gives a guide to whats on and when, on a day to day basis. There are chat rooms and even real makeovers, well worth a look.

If you are a sky viewer, it doesn't come cheap, as you will know. Our current package is £34 per month, so if there is only one channel worth watching I had better get my money's worth.

Take a look for yourself and see what you think. You too could become addicted.

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