Kokova Magazine

In a challenging business climate Jackdaw4 have abandoned the more traditional methods for releasing their eagerly anticipated fourth album, and is the latest band to have turned to their fans for a new solution. Using the Direct to Fan platform PledgeMusic, Jackdaw4 are able to offer their fans a range of exclusive items to pre order in advance of release, including signed copies of their forthcoming new album, handwritten lyric sheets and even an acoustic performance in a fans living room.

BubbaBOOM offer funky clothes for kids - that are also made following the strict Fair Trade practice code, from soft superior quality cotton and most are of organic cotton. With a variety of unique designs and creations that are hand printed to order, each item is individually wrapped in 100% recycled tissue paper, put in a 100% recycled paper bag and placed in a biodegradable mailer. With such environmentally conscious ethics we decided to see how this followed through into the clothes you buy - so we put BubbaBOOM to the test.

Val Phillips founded Valgrays Border Collie Rescue back in the 1970's. As the chief poop picker-upper, dogs-body, driver, and groom, Val is mad about her dogs and the care she gives to them is a wonder. To watch her work with the most feral/neglected/beaten/terrified dogs and turn them around is a gift that not many people have. But as with any other charity - Valgrays Border Collie Rescue runs entirely on donations from the public.

When it has only just begun to feel like Summer, with the rain giving way to a few weeks of sun and the buzz of the Olympics still in the air - it is hard to believe that in little over three weeks time the new term starts and most parents are already turning their thoughts to the task of kitting out the kids! You will already see the high street stores displaying a whole range 'Back to School' necessities, with everything from stationary to uniforms starting to line the aisles. Do you manage to budget towards the Autumn term each year - or is it all last minute panic buys?

Competition now closed. The free from people's choice awards™ are chosen by popular vote* via the free from food community. It doesn't matter who you are, you can place your vote and help to decide which brands deserve to be the WINNERS.

In the past, Elaine McGlynn had often produced bespoke tee-shirts for her kids, family and friends - with great feedback. Encouraged by this she created BubbaBoom - a clothing line that is as funky as it is ethical and as kind to your baby's skin as it is to the environment and the workers who produce the fabric.