Blogs

• Posted on 27 July 2025
• By Jane
• Posted in Blog, Christmas, Clocks Makes it Better, Covid, Covid19, Make us Smile, News, Updates
• 0

Collection of Blogs between April 2020 and July 2025

VE day celebrations across the Nation

How are you feeling today? As we mark today the 80th anniversary of VE day we pay tribute to those who fought for our freedom.  Victory in Europe ending a war to end all wars.    Are you celebrating?  We would love to see your photographs and hear your stories.  #VEHappy #VE80

Christmas Windows 2024

It is that time of year again.  The halloween decorations have been taken down.  The bonfires have gone out and the fireworks have stopped terrorising all our pets (this has been a particularly bad problem this year!) and our shop windows have been dressed. 

Adorned with garlands, shinny baubles and classy candles it makes you want to go home and get all the decorations out of the loft.  If, like us, you get a great deal of pleasure from adding the latest decorations to your displays come and take a look through our windows as they will inspire and delight you in equal measure. 

The candles and lights have been updated to have timers so you can turn them on and know that they will come on the same time every day (6 hours on and 18 hours off).  Great for positioning in awkward to reach places and safe to be around.

We have only shared two images of our windows.  Keep a look out over the coming days for more beautiful displays.

Take a sneeky peek at the Christmas display we've been working on.

There is never any time to catch up with ourselves here at Clock's.  Time simply slips away from us as we finish setting out our gardening products we are already opening boxes filled with the next seasons exciting new products... Christmas!

Last year we didn't even have time to do a display as our Santa, Mr Clocks, needed a knee operation.  We kept joking that the Grinch stole our Christmas last year.  So this year we are letting Mr Grinch know that he hasn't got us beat.  Our sleigh is in position in Whoville and will be ready for you to visit and take photographs soon.

Watch this space or follow us on social media for updates.

https://www.clockshomeandgarden.com/seasons/spring/
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Https://www.facebook.com/clockshomeandgarden
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Https://www.twitter.com/clockhandydiy

We are running a share and like post on Meta Facebook. See below for the details. We also have discounts in store. All the details are shown on our Meta, Facebook page 

We are running a share and like post on Meta Facebook. See below for the details. We also have discounts in store. All the details are shown on our Meta, Facebook page

WE ARE 50 YEARS OLD - WOWSERS

1973-2023 ….we have been promising some fantastic ‘Like & Share” giveaways so here goes

Like and Share to be in with a chance of being gifted

1st -AMAZING!!!!!!!!!! All these are one FANTASTIC GIVEAWAY

£50 Voucher to Spend in Store at Clocks (see image) so much to choose from!!

£30 Voucher to spend at our friends’ wonderful Eat Me Cafe & Social(see image) fabulous food!!

£20 Voucher to spend at the delightful and welcoming Troost (see image) - superb coffee

2nd - Cordless Drill (see image)\

3rd - Sandwich Toaster (see image)

4th - Heated Blanket (see image)

We are also giving away - a FREE Celebratory Pen on sales over £50.00 - (see image)

To be in with a chance of receiving these amazing gifts …

> Like our page

>Follow us

>Share this post

This is a local giftaway only and ends 13th December 2023

PLEASE BE AWARE ALL WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED FRIDAY 15TH DECEMBER FROM THIS PAGE ONLY. NO WINNERS WILL BE CONTACTED INDIVIDUALLY BEFORE THIS DATE. ALL WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT THE SAME TIME ON THE DATE SPECIFIED.

In addition we have offers in store various and including:-

50% off 

Shatterproof Baubles boxes 

Wrapping

Greeting Cards (ohh Deer, James Ellis, Quotable,

Rustins Chalk paint - amazing prices!! (Was £8.50 now £4.25 was 24.90 now £12.45)

25% Off 

Seasonal Plants 

Seasonal decorations  (ALL CHRISTMAS) 

Celebratory decorations  #Bibelotbee

10% off storewide including 

Toys 

Artificial Trees 

Key Cutting

Dulux Paint Mixing

Timber

Compost

Gardening

Seeds

Tools

Building Material

Workwear

Ironmongery

Electrics

Plumbing

Household

There are some exclusions as we are bound by some suppliers terms) and excludes real trees.

Clock’s Here for you!

132 Victoria Road, Scarborough, YO11 1SL and online at

https://www.clockshomeandgarden.com

#50thbirthdaycelebration #homeandgarden #diy #doityourself #makeitbetter #repair #homeimprovement #hardware #frenchicpaint #dickies #keycutting #scarborough #shoplocal #supportindependent #smallbusinesssaturday #50percentoff #25percentoff #10PercentOff

We are running a share and like post on Meta Facebook.  See below for the details.  We also have discounts in store.  All the details are shown on our Meta, Facebook page Clockshomeandgarden https://www.facebook.com/clockshomeandgarden

We are running a share and like post on Meta Facebook. See below for the details. We also have discounts in store. All the details are shown on our Meta, Facebook page.

We just want to say a big thank you to Christina who left a lovely review for us on Google.  We really appreciate the time taken to give us lovely feedback and it certainly helps lift our spirits when we see 5 shining stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ .

Christina’s review points to the massive range of stock we hold and I (Jane) have to reflect on what this means as a business.  We are not a ‘pile it high’ nor able to put pressure on our suppliers, nor demand exclusivity (we appreciate it when offered) nor flood the shelves with a lot of a limited selection (we’re not an Aldi nor Lidl).  Our wages are all above minimum wage and we contributes to the community with sponsorships and partnerships, we spend local, we try to be as ethically connected as we possibly can. 

We stock a wide range to give you choice - some lines sell fast and some sit there, waiting for the one customer who’s looked everywhere then find us last and get the ‘thingumabob’ they were looking for.  We’re not racing to the bottom, we don’t undercut our local independents, we want to compliment not compete.

Of course not all reviews are great, some come from a position of threat or envy or pure resentment and we get it.  We don’t all like everyone or everything ‘The haters gonna hate.

I love it here. It reminds me of Woolworths in the way that it seems to have everything you didn't know you needed, at an affordable price. I recommend going upstairs to see the fairy light grotto. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Jen

ON THE 6TH DECEMBER 2021 I ASKED ABOUT FRIDE LIGHTBULBS AND THE CASHIER TOOK US TO THE SECTION AND SHOWED US THE BULBS WE WERE LOOKING FOR. THE STAFF WERE VERY HELPFUL AND POLITE AND HAVE A WIDE RANGE OF STOCK FOR PEOPLE TO CHOOSE FROM ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ David

Wow what a great shop, if in scarbourgh u can't find it you'll definatly find it here.A proper hadyman/ diy  shop bloody brilliant  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  Clyde

Alladins cave full of useful products for d I y and household supplies . Reasonable prices and friendly service ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  Paul

Huge  amount of DIY items and quite a few Christmas ornaments etc upstairs. Very pleasant staff. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Snow White

Luv this shop. Packed to the rafters with everything you could need to maintain your home. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Richard

Its a very good place, tried to buy things in b& q  and garden centres, clocks came up trumps as usual, good store

Share some joy and show us your festive displays.

We are celebrating "love your high street" a national campaign run by Bira, (British Independent Retail Association) to remind us all of the benefits of shopping local and independent. 

On our social media we have tried to list some of the many independent retail businesses and services we use and salute!  It was impossible to add everyone we wanted to add as Meta limits us to only 50.  Fortunately people have been tagging their favourite independent businesses which is great! .

Here's just some reasons to visit your local high street:-

1. Unique Products: Independent retailers often showcase unique, handcrafted, and locally sourced products that you won't find elsewhere.

2. Delightful Displays: The charming storefronts and creative displays of local shops add character to our communities.

3. Product Expertise: The friendly faces behind the counter offer valuable expertise and personalised recommendations.

4. Warming Customer Service: Enjoy the warmth of personal interactions and genuine customer service.

5. Gift Inspiration: Discover thoughtful gifts and inspiration that can't be replicated online.

6. Connecting with Others: Shopping locally fosters a sense of community and connection with your neighbours.

7. A Reason to Get Outside: It's an opportunity to dress up warm, get some fresh air, and explore your local area.

8. A Little Exercise and a Tasty Lunch: Combine shopping with a leisurely stroll and perhaps a delicious local meal.

9. Magic Festive Spirit: Experience the unique and heartwarming holiday atmosphere that only your high street can offer.

#loveyourhighstreet #loveyourhighstreetweek

Can the high street survive and should it?

Reading the sad headlines about the demise of Wilko's makes me ask can the high street survive and should it?

I can't help but reflect on Covid and how during those lock down days Wilko's was one of the few stores open serving customers.  A friend worked there at the time and was shocked how busy the store had become during lockdown.  Selling all sorts of stuff the store was clearing shelves faster than they could restock them, she reported. 

So I wonder how did the owners decide it was time to take out £70 million and leave the brand to sink.  Could they see the end of the high street and conclude it was time to get out before they drown in debt? 

Wilcos had a strong online presence but nothing can complete with Amazon.  Listening to Radio phone ins a while back a big issue for sellers on Amazon was the holding onto income while still charging the sellers leaving them with a debt but no income.  Throttling the sellers this way is surely unethical.  This means the cash flow at Amazon is to their advantage and no business has this ability.  Not unless you don’t pay your suppliers which is what I read Wilco’s was reported to be doing. 

To my mind there are many in retail offering goods at an obscenely low price.  A price that insults the people making the goods, the cost of raw materials, transporting goods and the whole tax system.  If you pay a fair price for your goods, and pay the taxes and overheads associated with legitimate business there is no way some products can be sold for the price being advertised.  The consumer however is obviously keen to get a bargain but at what cost?  The ultimate end of the price cutting story is no profit and without profit a business can not survive.  Now I know profit is a dirty word to some but no one works for nothing.  Most business owners will tell you there is no money swishing about and there’s generally only enough to cover the overheads to keep the business alive.

An artic blast has hit the East Coast.  Scarbados is a sledger's delight at the moment.  You only have to travel 17 miles inland to see clear roads yet Scarborough is covered in an icy coat of snow.  The roads have been treacherous and the pavements even worse.  Falling in this weather is only for young bones, which might be able to stand the impact of concrete.  It is not something many of us would recover from without a battered ego and bruised butt!

Paul Hudson reported* it's been the 6th coldest recorded December since records started in 1772.  So there's no wonder we are seeing people saying they are not making any unnecessary journeys, more broken boilers are being reported (there's been two in our family), lots of burst pipes (one in the family) and the scary massive increase in heating bills. 

Thank goodness there's Christmas decorations to cheering us up a little and the hope of some time off over Christmas.  We've bought the Radio Times in anticipate of some good entertainment and escapism TV over Christmas.

*Look North 18:57 16/12/22

How can we help solve your money woes?  We are here to help you have a better home better life.

Unless you've been living in a hole, you likely haven't noticed the rising costs of living. However we suspect that you haven't lived in a hole and that you too are seeing prices rise.

We have a lot of customers who tell us their partners won't let them put the heating on just yet. Yet the temperatures have dropped and the nights and are darker earlier and longer. 

We pride ourselves on the range of things you use and that you'll love. You can save money in the long run with energy-saving light bulbs, draught proofing, damp seals, solar lights and so many other products.

Drought Status

Prolonged dry weather means a shortage of water. After months of below average water fall and the lowest rainfall in July since 1836!! Amazing really as we live on an island surrounded by water.  Desalination is something other countries undertake to help the supply of water but is not the solution to drought here in the UK.  I’m left wondering why?

A declaration of Drought is expected today (12/8/22) and we know for our gardeners this is an unwelcome announcement.  Having spent money, time and energy creating a garden you will not be able to use a hose to keep it hydrated.  You can use a watering can and there are a number of ways to collect water during the day from washing up, shower/bath water.

We are assured, by the secretary of

State* there won’t be stand pipes in the street unlike the 1970’s, so that’s own thing to be grateful for. However the drought status does mean the government will monitor water usage more stringently, more hose pipes bans and this can last for years.

Water Butts to collect your rain water is a must.  The heavens will open and there will be water, and when there is you must collect as much of it as you can id you want to be better placed for what could be a long status of ‘Drought’.

Previous Multi Year Droughts

2010-2012

2018-2020

*LBC 12/8/22 Nick Ferrari show.

No matter what you call him, and I've heard a few different names in my time, Father's Day is your chance to be the best child you can be for a day.  Yes, you can be the one who actually makes your Dad feel all the years of worry, care, money spent, have been worth it.  

There's no role more important than the role of parenting and if you've been lucky enough to have a Dad (in any form) in your life that's supported you, stood your corner, muttered words of wisdom or even helped with your DIY, they at least deserve a little of your time, even if it's only to buy and write a card!  If you haven't had all that support do it anyway - there's plenty of messages that can sum up your relationship.  My advice - not that you asked for it- always be the best version of you!  

Where you can always turn up and show up.

07 June 2022 13:08 Platinum Jubilee Celebrations

I have been amazed by the coming together of a nation for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Celebrations. What an amazing achievement to serve your country for 70 years is beyond anything I could do!  I'm not sure you can actually say she gets a day off it's all day everyday.  It is a very different life from my life though and I'm sure the Queen won't have had to budget by placing money in labeled envelopes or  worry about having enough to buy the children's shoes.

Despite all the differences one thing we have in common is the love of family.  Maybe not all the family can work together all the time but we live in hope.  Hope that there will be days everyone can come together and have a laugh, share memories and even cringe sometimes.  It's all memory making.  

My wish is that the children have seen the parties and smiles and they recreate many more in their futures and ours.

In all these time our home, our safe places to share with others or retreat to, become even more important.  I have loved seeing the decorations, bunting, flags, paper chains and more that have appeared in the photographs shared over social media. 

In Clock's we stocked up and still ran out of bunting as Scarborough and beyond (web sales) became a sea of red, white and blue.  

Make the most of your time.

Every once in a while, we all find ourselves faffing.  Procrastinating, putting something off, can be a way of avoiding doing something.  Faffing about is much more serious.  Trying something and doing it badly is not the way to go!

Faffing about means you are doing something but being ineffective.  No one wants to be ineffective, it's such a waste of time!

Clocks understand the importance of time.  You can't put a price on it, and you can't get it back if you waste it.  When you shop with us, you know we value your time and will do everything we can to help you be as efficient as possible!  Who knows what you'll do with all that extra time :-) 

Isn't that handy?

Image:-  Like the seed heads of the Dandelion Clock it is easy for the most precious gift of time to waft away from you.

PLEASE NOTE when the store is closed between 25th December 2020 and 2nd January 2021, we will not ship any items or be able to respond to enquiries until we reopen. 

Closed Sundays up to December 2020. 

Closed between 23/3/2020 - 1/6/2020

 It's never nice to have to reduce our service to you.  Yet this is what we have had to do recently.  Our "store to door" delivery service has been suspended due to our main man, my husband, finally having an operation for a year old injury to his shoulder.  

He feels very lucky to finally have been able to have the operation as in the long run it should help improve the reach he has and hopefully get less pain with the movement.  It does however mean he hasn't been able to drive.  In the middle of a pandemic our delivery service was in great demand increasing from 8 deliveries a week to 130!

Luckily I am insured for the van and I've driven large vehicles before.   So having had a trial run behind the wheel, we may be back to delivering again soon.

Watch this space!

So today I read new guidance from HMRC (updated 1 May 2020) which no longer shows Hardware stores as an exclusion to the closure mandate.  So is this an error as it comes in the same week that B&Q has opened its doors again.

I have messaged HMRC* asking for clarification as this directly affects our business.  

In the meantime we are providing a click & collect as well as a delivery service.  I must say it’s stressful!  People message with “do you sell” instead of doing a quick search in our website I get “so you sell” private messages.  When I send the link  they then ask “how much”. Click on the link!!!! It will tell you

22 April 2020 03:01 What will you want to buy?

We are never bored.  There’s always something to do.  As Handy DIYers  we thought while our shop was closed, due to COVID19 lockdown, we would get lots of jobs finished.  

Wrong!  After 14 days in lockdown, ensuring we were not infected by Coronavirus, we opened our online store to local delivery.  The flood doors opened and we’ve been running round ever since.

So we know you’re all busy out there, painting, planting, building, fixing, cleaning and generally sprucing up your homes.

So when lockdown ends you’re going to have done all your DIY, right? Or will you have a long list of jobs you’ve spotted need doing.  Do your locks need attention?  Did you pick the wrong paint colour and want us to mix paint from our range of 1,000,s colours.  Would a rug brighten up your home?  Need extra storage or shelving?  Have your trousers or work boots worn thin?

For all these things and more we will be there for you.  Let us know what you’re planning to buy as soon as you can shop again.  We’d love to hear your plans.

Until we see you in store again, stay well, stay safe