50connect Website: A Guide

Unsure of where to start, or can't find what you are looking for?   Read on for advice on navigating the site, and making the most of our interactive features.

Interact In The Forums & Chat Room

Along the top right hand corner where you log into 50connect you will see a link to the forums and chat rooms.  You will also find links on the 'My 50connect' page when you login to the site.  

Forums: The forums allow you to discuss your views with others and debate topical issues. They are arranged into categories and include a General Chat, where you can talk to other members. 

Never used message forums before? Click here for Forums: A User Guide 

Chat Room: The chat room allows you to talk to other 50connect members in real-time, anywhere in the world.  The chat room is open 24 hours a day although our regular group of chatters meet there at 10pm every night. Why not have a look and have a chinwag with other 50connectors!

Never used a chat room before? Click here for Chat Room: A User Guide

Search

Wondering when to plant potatoes? How to fight fleas on your pets? Or what the symptoms of prostate cancer are? Type what you're looking for into the Search box - at the top right of every page on the site - click Search and see what articles are on 50connect.

Have Your Say In The Comment Boxes

You can comment on any article on the site, by using the box that you can see at the bottom of each article. It's your chance to have your say, whether you agree or disagree, want to share your own experience, or ask for advice or advise other 50connect members.

Competitions

You can find and enter our latest competitions in the competition channel and on newsletters.  To enter a competition, simply use the entry form at the bottom of the article.

Channels

There are ten channels on 50connect, visible along the bar at the top of every page on the site. Each of these areas covers different subjects.  When you click on one of these main headings, a new set of options opens up underneath.  Once you click on one of these second level sub-categories, use the burgundy box at the top of the page to navigate your way around that area.

Channel Guide

Here's a channel-by-channel summary of what you'll find and where on 50connect:

Leisure

The Great Outdoors

Enjoy the great outdoors with our walking routes and other activities.

Genealogy

Trace your family tree with our advice on discovering all about your ancestors.

Antiques

Antiques addicts can brush up their knowlege with our collectors advice, and find out about events from The Antiques Roadshow to fairs and exhibitions.

Arts & Crafts

Unleash your creativity with our craft projects including knitting, card and gift making, and painting advice. There's also news of craft shows and art exhibitions.

Bridge

Our hints from the bridge room bring you simple tips with big impact to improve your game.

Books

Those in search of a good novel or biography will find ideas in our books section.

History

There's plenty for history buffs, from archaological discoveries to museum exhibitions.

Travel

Around The UK

Find ideas for short breaks, conservation holidays, exploring Britain's coast and more.

Europe

Whether you want to relax in the Mediterranean sunshine or go sking in Scandanavia, we bring you the best of the continent.

Rest Of The World

From USA cities to Thai beaches, the Australian outback to bustling India, there's plenty of inspiration here.

Health

Your Health

Stay fit and healthy with our expert exercise advice, yoga poses and toning tips.

Discover the truth about diets, and what to eat to boost your health.

Read the latest health news and find out how to deal with health conditions from menopause to heart disease.

Explore alternative health with our information on reiki, homeopathy and much more.

Beauty

Look your best with our advice on skin care, make-up hair styling and fashion.

Money & Retirement

Property

Keep up with the latest market news, and read advice on mortgages and taking care of your house. There's information whether you want to sell your home or buy to let.

Your Money

With our personal finance advice you can discover how to minimise your tax bill, get the best banking deals, invest for maximum returns and secure your pension. Keep up with the latest finance news in our weekly bulletin.

Work

Our career advice includes job-seeking, CV and interview tips, plus how to combat ageism. There's also self-employment advice for those wanting to start their own business, and information on volunteering.

Retirement

We have ways to make the most of your retirement, including advice on moving overseas and volunteering.

Home & Family

Home & Gardens

Gardening advice for all seasons, inspirational gardens and flower shows to visit, design tips, house plant and container advice, plus sections devoted to organic and wildlife gardening.

Our section on growing vegetables, fruit and herbs contains advice on growing everything from apples to yarrow.

On the home front there's DIY and other house projects.

Family

Our family section contains advice on parenting and grandparenting, from toys, games and books for the grandchildren, to dealing with teenagers.

Pets

There's pet care advice and information on cats and dogs.

Pet Of The Month

Peruse pictures of members' pets, and send us your snaps for the chance to win a personalised photo prize featuring your pet. All entries will feature in the Pet Gallery so even if your furry or scaly friend isn't the winner, they can still have their moment of glory. You can also have your say and let us know who you think should win the Pet Of The Month competition.

Adopt A Pet

If you are planning to get a pet why not help an animal in need and give a home to a cat or dog from a rescue centre? See animals up for adoption every month. There's also a list of charities if you want to know about other animals available for rehoming.

Technology

News including internet, gadgets and home techology.

Food & Drink

Recipes, food events, celebrity chefs and food and drink on TV, healthy eating

Wine With Theo Waugh

Theo Waugh started life in the wine trade working for Harrods, from there he moved to Laithwaites, and eventually became a freelance writer, tasting organiser and consultant. He writes a fortnightly wine wisdom column for 50connect.

Relationships

Advice on dating, love, sex, marriage and divorce.

Entertainment

TV & Radio

TV highlights, news and interviews with screen stars.

Music

As well as new releases and our gig guide, we have interviews in our Artist Focus area, plus CD and ticket competitions.

Theatre

Find out what's on in the West End and beyond with our reviews, plus take advantage of our ticket offers.

Film

New releases and reviews, movie news and star-studded events.

Sport

Veterans

Be inspired by our tales of those still playing today.

Non-League Sport

Sport isn't all about the pros - there's plenty of enthusiasm and excitement at a local level, as we find out from non-league players and managers.

Diary Of A Modern Player

Nick Kennedy has made over 100 appearances in the London Irish first team and won five caps playing for England Saxons. Every week he shares his highs and lows, and give 50connect readers an exclusive insight into life behind the scenes of a professional rugby player.

Issue Of The Week

We comment on this week's hot sports topic.

Interviews

Find out what your favourite sporting stars of the past are doing now with our 'Where are they now?' feature.

Raise Your Game

Advice on improving your own sporting skills.

Covers everything auto, whether it's congestion charging, clamping, green card, petrol prices or maintainance - and of course, car reviews.

Technology

Stay up to date with the latest technology in our how to guides which cover everything from using the internet to make telephone calls to downloading music and podcasts.

Your Suggestions

If you have any questions or suggestions, or would like to get in touch with our editor, Rachael, email her at editor@50connect.com.

Bookmark with:

• Delicious
• Digg
• reddit
• StumbleUpon

Don’t know what this is?

Read the 50connect Guide To Social Bookmarking.