The Island Magazine's December 2019 Edition

THE ISLAND December 2019 Edition • 15,000 Homes Monthly • 01268 330 271

CANVEY ISLAND’S BIGGEST & MOST SEEN

MAGAZINE

Christmas Charisma

See page 6 for this month’s fashion article.

Star Wars Episode IX See page 26 for the movie preview.

Word Search

Festive Film Word Search on page 36.

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Hi there, Welcome to our November edition In the words of Noddy Holder, It’s Chriiiiiiiistmassss and whilst we’re quoting Christmas songs it really is the most wonderful time of the year.

From all of us here at Essex Business and Leisure we hope you all have a great Christmas and a great start to the new year, as always though I want to remind you to think of the older generation that may not have as much company or support as they need this time of the year and especially if bad weather hits make sure they have everything they need.

Fitting with this time of year we have many events advertised this month as well as everything in our monthly local events article we also have Stay & Plays amazing magical Children’s Christmas events. Hurry though from what I hear they are selling very quickly!

On the subject of events and stepping away from Christmas for a moment the final Chapter of Star Wars is in Cinemas on the 20th and we have a preview so you can all get just a little bit more excited!

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Last months quiz winner was Maya Pycraft from Lambourne who won a Horrible Histories DVD. Congratulations and please remember to send all your details!

In the kids quiz this month your child has the chance to win a copy a Dora the Explorer DVD. Don’t forget you have to be in it to win it!

If you would like to advertise with us, the last day to get your advert in is 10th December. We can design your ad for Free and a Month’s Advertising to 15,000 homes costs from as little as £45.

You can contact us on 01268 330271 or email at sales@ eblmagazines.co.uk We do not vet our advertisers and take no responsibility for anyone who advertises with us.

Please stop by and like our Facebook page (Essex Business & Leisure)

Christmas Charisma page 6 Mini Panettone Recipe page 10 Win a Dora the Explorer DVD Win a Party for 10 Kids page 14 17 Christmas Crackers? page 16 Holly & The Ivy page 20 Local Events page 24 Star Wars Episode IX Preview page 26 The Gift of Experience page 30

Keeping it local

Sarah

Wine Wisdom page 34

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FIND YOUR CHARISMA THIS CHRISTMAS

Ralph Lauren A/W 2019

Christmas is synonymous with socialising with colleagues, friends and family and is the ideal time to show off a new outfit that makes you look and feel your very best. I adore this time of year, as it’s the perfect opportunity to turn it up a notch in the style stakes. You can be that bit more colourful, add the sparkle or choose to be avant-garde all in the name of St Nic. Here are my tips to be the best dressed during the festive season:

Say it With Sequins

Sequined dresses in navy blue or rich wine hues are a look that never gets old during this time of year. Christmas is all about shining bright and sparkly numbers encapsulate perfectly the spirit of the season. Choose a style that suits your body shape and mood – figure hugging dresses with long sleeves are a flattering choice or alternatively go for coordinating separates that make a bold statement.

It is all in the Fabric

Luxury is the buzz word when it comes to selecting your party frock this year and velvet will never disappoint. It is soft to the touch and lifts an outfit instantly to add something a little different. Wrap dresses are universally flattering as are A-line skirts that flair out at the waist. Experiment with butter soft leather, shiny satins or even heritage checks to keep up with the fashion crowd.

Alternatively…

If you really wish to break the mould and try something different I would wholly recommend the two piece suit. I am not talking corporate pin stripe here, but rather coordinating culottes with a double breasted slim line jacket in jewel tones. Think made for you tailoring and sharp elegance that shouts sophistication. Or if all else falls grab a jumpsuit with deep pockets - perfect for stashing the odd sneaky mince pie…

THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN WRITTEN BY

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Mini Christmas Panettone 250g good quality plain flour, 1 tsp dried yeast, Pinch of salt, 100g raisins 100ml whole milk, warmed (not hot), 3 eggs (Two beaten together, 1 extra) 1 tsp vanilla extract, 50g golden caster sugar, 100g softened butter, Zest and juice of one orange, 100g sultanas, 100g mixed peel

Method Serves 4 1

Soak the fruit overnight in the orange juice. Mix the flour and salt, the yeast and the milk in a mixer with a dough hook. You can do it by hand, it just takes longer. Gradually mix in two beaten eggs and the vanilla. Knead until the dough is smooth and springy. Leave in a bowl, covered with a damp cloth and allow to rise until doubled in size.

2

Add the sugar, butter and the yolk from the remaining egg. Mix again, either with the machine, or by hand, until the dough is smooth again.

Add the fruit and zest and knead quickly until it’s all incorporated into the dough. Leave in a bowl, covered with a damp cloth, in a cool place for at least two hours until doubled in size again. You can leave it in the fridge overnight if you prefer.

3

Line a large, six-holed muffin tray with paper cases. Divide the dough into six portions and roll into balls. Place one ball into each muffin case, cover with a damp cloth and leave for 20 minutes.

4

Heat the oven to 180C / 160 fan or Gas mark 4. Brush the tops of the panettones with the remaining egg whites and dust with caster sugar. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the muffins have risen and are golden in colour. Leave to cool on a wire rack.

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The Christmas Cracker Conundrum The environment is a hot topic right now and let's face it Christmas crackers have never been ecofriendly. Refuse increases by 30% over the festive season. Can you even remember the plastic tat that fell out of last year's crackers? Thought not.

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pretty fabric or brown paper or newspaper. Fill them with a handwritten joke and gift and tie with string at each end. These look festive but are untied – rather than pulled apart. You can always shout BANG as you pass them out!

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HOLLY AND THE IVY There’s no doubt that holly and ivy are synonymous with Christmas. This dates back to pre-Christian era when pagans used evergreen decorations in their mid-winter celebrations. It’s not hard to see why they were attracted to these beautiful plants which offer a promise of better times to come during the most barren time of the year.

Early Christians adopted them too and imbued holly particularly with Christian symbolism. In the carol, ivy isn’t actually mentioned again until the last verse which is a repeat of the first. It has a cameo role because of earlier songs, such as ‘The Contest of The Ivy and The Holly,’ in which the attributes of holly (male) and ivy (female) are compared. Our ancestors lived close to the earth and the seasons and were open to symbolism.

As modern gardeners we might be sceptical of the symbolism, but we can embrace the glory of these seasonal plants.

Ivy (Hedera) comes in many sizes, from the tinyleaved ‘Spetchley’ to the hand-sized leaves of ‘Maple Leaf’. It also comes in a beautiful variety of colours from the rich green, crimped leaves of ‘Parsley crested’ which makes great ground cover, to the gorgeous red-stemmed yellow leaves of the climber ‘Sunrise’.

KG N R RK RK YIO V O O PYAORK KY GY R O N R I Y A O V K P R YRK PAORK YO Y K YO R YO

For winter baskets I’d recommend the lime-green ‘Ursula’ and her grey-leaved friend ‘Frederick’.Ivy is a doddle to grow. There are only a few things to remember. Cut it back in spring to encourage new growth and take cuttings between October and March when the growth is woody. Yellow varieties need sunshine and don’t let any of it grow into your eaves. Other than that, it is your undemanding gardening friend.

Holly (Ilex) is pretty easy-going too. It will grow almost anywhere except really water-logged soil.

It’s tolerant of pollution, salt and wind and grows really slowly, so it’s great for small gardens in the city and by the sea.

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Protect it from rabbits if they frequent your garden as they love to eat the bark. Trim it in August if you have to and remove plain green shoots on variegated varieties. Take cuttings in the late summer or autumn. It does resent root disturbance once it’s established so make sure you plant it in the right place first time.

Hollies are male or female but not necessarily named to help you distinguish. ‘Silver Queen’ is actually male and ‘Martin’ is female! You’ll need both for berries so talk to an expert at the nursery or garden centre to be sure…or google the answer on your phone! If you only have room for one holly bush, grow a self-fertile variety such as ‘J C Van Tol’.

Merry Christmas and Happy Gardening!

G

VIN PA

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LOCAL EVENTS Robin's Bird-Feeder Making

20th December, Thameside Nature Park, 2pm Come along and learn how to make feeders from pine cones. Take your feeder home so you can watch birds from it! Fun for little and big nature Suggested donation ÂŁ3

bird bird feed fans!

Mucking Wharf Road, Stanford le Hope, SS17 0RN

German Christmas Market

Till 23rd December, Meadow Croft Garden Join us this year for a German beer, Gluhwein and to soak up the festive atmosphere & enjoy the traditional German market stalls, manned by our team in traditional German costumes.

Garden Centre, Woodham Road, Wickford SS11 7QU

NYE Superhero Party

31st December, 8pm, Half Crown, Benfleet

Half Crown, 25-27 High Street, Benfleet SS7 1NA

Park Run New Years Day

1st January, 8.45am Lake Meadows We're running an extra parkrun on New Year's Day to get 2020 off to the best possible start. Please note that we'll be starting Billericay parkrun promptly at 9am

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Corporate Events Weddings Funerals Birthdays Barbecues/Hog Roast

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A wide range of menus for parties and events of any size available

Fostering Information Event

11th January - 11am, Holiday Inn, Basildon Meet the team to find out more about fostering. You will be able to meet and speak with experienced foster carers and find out about the children that need fostering.

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www.escape-basildon.com or call us on 07449 332 291 1 MARKET PAVEMENT, BASILDON TOWN CENTRE ESSEX, SS14 1DD --------------------------------------------- PLEASE QUOTE THIS MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS ------------------------------------------ 25

STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER Release Date: 20/12/2019

No one's ever really gone... Rey's journey continues. A year after the events of The Last Jedi,the remnants of the Resistance face the First Order once again—while reckoning with the past and their own inner turmoil. Meanwhile, the ancient conflict between the Jedi and the Sith reaches its climax, bringing the Skywalker saga to a definitive end.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (also known as Star Wars: Episode IX) is an upcoming epic space opera film produced, co-written, and directed by J. J. Abrams.

It will be the third installment of the Star Wars sequel trilogy, following The Force Awakens (2015) and The Last Jedi (2017), and the final episode of the nine-part "Skywalker saga". It is being produced

by Lucasfilm and Abrams's production company Bad Robot Productions, and will be distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. The film's ensemble cast includes Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Anthony Daniels, Naomi Ackie, Domhnall Gleeson, Richard E. Grant, Lupita Nyong'o, Keri Russell, Joonas Suotamo, Kelly Marie Tran, Ian McDiarmid, and Billy Dee Williams.

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Stay & Play Rhythm & Rhyme

Sensory Groups Space Now Available

Chance to meet new friends.

Pre-Bookable in person or

by Phone 01268 491511.

Only 8 to a group. £5 per session

Baby Twinkles 0-8 Months Mon 12.30-1.15 | Wed 10-10.45 | Fri 11.15-12.00 A sensory experience for baby in our very own specially equipped sensory room.

Baby Jiggles 9-14 Months Mon 10-10.45 | Wed 11.15-12 | Fri 12.30-1.15 35 minutes of guided play for your exploring baby, including fine and growth motor skills activities with a wide range of fun and colourful props to inspire your baby’s enquiring mind.

Baby Giggles 15-24 Months Wednesday 12.30-1.30 Mother & toddler meet up within the sensory room

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THE GIFT OF EXPERIENCE When I was younger it used to drive me mad when my dad said ‘I don’t want anything for Christmas...’ How could he say that? Then a couple of years ago I realised I’d become him. I don’t want or even need more of anything. Many of my friends feel the same way. We don’t want to add to plastic or clothes waste. We don’t want clutter. Yet the pleasure of giving and receiving at Christmas is something most of us enjoy, so why not give a gift experience instead.

Tickets to see a favourite band or artist perform - Or perhaps a local artist they’ve never seen, or music event they’ve never attended. Live music is a great night out, and even better if you gift two tickets so they can take a friend.

An up-close and personal experience with their favourite animal or insect - My friend loves hedgehogs so I paid for her to spend a day at the local hedgehog hospital. She learned all about hedgehogs and helped to feed and weigh them. She still talks about it today. You can buy ‘meet the animal’ experiences for every beastie from spiders to lemurs. There’s bound to be something for the animal-lover in your life. .

Wine, whiskey or gin tasting session - What could be nicer than sharing an evening touring a winery or distillery learning about the flavours and techniques involved in producing their favourite tipple.

Cooking class - Classes can be for a particular type of cuisine, like Chinese or Thai, or for a particular technique like bread-making. There are generally other like-minded souls there so your recipient will make new friends.

Spa treatment day – Life is stressful so very

few people would turn their nose up at being pampered for a few hours.

An escape room experience - If your intended recipient is into puzzles try tickets to an escape room. It’s a fun experience for everyone and a great gift for a family.

A masterclass in something they love - photography, juggling, golf, painting, writing...there are classes online and in the real world for any subject or skill you can think of.

The happiness we experience from acquiring things fades very quickly. Experiences are a bigger part of ourselves than material goods. We are the sum total of our experiences and they stay with us for longer because of the way they are encoded in the brain. Each time we think about the experience we feel that same sense of happiness we felt initially. They are truly the gift that keeps on giving.

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Castle Point Social Car Scheme Community Buses

We offer Shopping trips and trips to Theatres, Garden Centres and other local places of interest.

Door to door service Contact us at cp-carscheme@cpscs.org.uk or 01268 638419 Over 60 years, live in Castle Point area, Free Associate Minibus Trip Membership

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We are based at the Tyrells Centre 39 Seamore Avenue, Benfleet, SS7 4EX Castle Point Social Car Scheme Limited is a Registered Charity No. 1076007 Company Limited By Guarantee No. 3745415

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WINE WISDOM Which wine should you choose?

I was always a bit hazy about which wine to serve with which food. They didn’t teach that sort of thing at our local comprehensive.

Then one day a chef friend explained that far from being an elitist concept it was simply about marrying flavours that blend well or complement each other, much like cooking. I managed to get her to distil her wisdom into this handy guide.

Fish – A delicate fish dish calls for a delicate wine, such as Pinot Grigio. If the fish is more robust and served with a rich sauce, it will require a more full-bodied flavoursome white like Chardonnay. Salty seafood marries surprisingly well with champagne.

Chicken or Turkey - Choose a full-flavoured white, like a white Côtes du Rhône, or a delicate red, such as a Frappato.

Juicy red meat – For beef or steak a rich red, such as a Bordeaux or Cabernet Sauvignon will work well or even a Rioja.

Spicy dishes – These require a spicy wine.

Look for a Malbec, Syrah or Shiraz will all hold their own. If the spicy food is vegetarian, then a dry Riesling will pair well.

Vegetarian food - There is a misconception that vegetarian food should only be served with white wine. But medium reds, like Merlot work well with lots of vegetarian dishes, particularly tomato-based recipes.

Cheese board - Some cheeses go better with red, some with white. Sauternes and Stilton are a perfect match, while Chardonnay works well with brie. A dry Rosé is a good all-rounder.

Remember, the main rule is to pair the characteristics of the dish with the characteristics of the wine. So, a buttery sauce will work well with white a wine also described as ‘buttery’. Experiment and enjoy!

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Breakfast with Santa & Characters

9.00 9.00 -- 11.00am 11.00am -- £25 £25 -- 11 Adult Adult 11 Child Child -- Breakfast Breakfast and and aa Present Present

nd Saturday Saturday 14 14thth & & 21 21stst Sunday Sunday 15 15thth & & 22 22nd Monday Monday 23 23rdrd & & Christmas Christmas Eve Eve 24 24thth December December

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Tuesday Tuesday 17 17thth December December

Christmas Disco

4.00 4.00 -- 6.30pm 6.30pm -- £17 £17 -- 11 Adult Adult 11 Child Child -- Party Party Food Food and and aa Present Present nd December Friday Friday 20 20thth & & Sunday Sunday 22 22nd December

SEN Disco

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(For SEN SEN Children Children & &Their Their Siblings) Siblings) Monday Monday 16 16thth December December (For

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FESTIVE FILMS WORD SEARCH Can you find all your favourite festive films words hidden in the grid?

Can you find...

Arthur Christmas Babes in Toyland Bad Santa Deck the Halls Die Hard Elf

Love Actually Meet Me in St Louis Mixed Nuts Nativity Rudolph Scrooged The Bishop’s Wife

Four The Family Christmases Stone Gremlins The Holiday Holiday Affair

Holiday Inn

The Polar Express

The Santa Home Alone Clause It’s a Wonderful Life Jingle All the Way

The Snowman Trading Places

White Joyeux Noel Christmas

LOCAL USEFUL NUMBERS COASTGUARD (MRCC).

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