Clwyd Connection December 2022

Well, the year has flown by and we’ve nearly reached Christmas.

Putting this edition together, it dawned on me that this is the 200th edition! Goodness, that’s quite a milestone.

And would you believe it, there are advertisers in this edition that have been in EVERY edition from the very start! This includes Ruthin Decor and Simply The Best Carpet cleaning. Many of the advertisers have been using the magazine for over 10 years. so I guess I must be doing something right.

Over the years, I have also been able to use the magazine to help promote the causes of many local charities and local events.

But the 200th edition is also a sign that you, the readers, not only read the magazine but use the local companies that advertise their services. That has got to be good for local jobs.

In fact, over the years, many advertisers have expanded their companies because of the support they have had from local customers. It’s great to have helped the local area.

I would like to thank all of the advertisers for their support over the years and all the readers who message me to tell me how much they look forward to receiving the magazine. It makes it all worth while. Could

with you early next year.

Jamie Oliver’s Vegetarian Christmas Curry

Introduction

What better way to beat the winter chill than with this hearty, delicious – and rather healthy – Christmas curry. Ideal for Christmas Eve, or in fact, any day during the festive period when you’ve had too many heavy, meat-based meals and instead want something more on the nourishing side. The festiveness of this curry comes out in the spices used, and the fact the whole family can share a special, if unconventional, meal in what is a season for getting together and celebrating what we have.

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200ºC/400ºF/gas 6. Using a pestle and mortar, grind the fennel and coriander seeds, and chilli flakes until fine. Place the cauliflower on a sheet of tin foil, rub in half of the ground spices and 1 tablespoon of oil, and season with sea salt and black pepper.

Wrap the cauliflower in the foil, place in roasting tray and bake for 30 minutes, removing the foil for the last 15 minutes to brown it. Remove and set aside.

2. Peel and finely grate the ginger and 6 cloves of garlic. In a bowl, combine two-thirds of the ginger, the grated garlic and the remaining spice mixture.

Make an incision in each aubergine with a sharp knife, then rub the ginger mixture into each one, along with a drizzle of oil. Place the aubergines in a small roasting tray and cook in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until softened and starting to split. Set aside.

3. Make your spice blend. Split the cardamom pods, add the seeds to a mortar with all the other ingredients, then grind well. Finely chop the onions, then deseed and chop the chillies and tomatoes, keeping them separate. Peel and finely slice the remaining 3 cloves of garlic. Place a large pan over a medium heat and toast the ground spices for 1 minute, or until aromatic.

Ingredients

(serves 6-8)

• 1½ teaspoons fennel seeds

• 1½ teaspoons coriander seeds

• 1 teaspoon chilli flakes

• 1 medium cauliflower

• groundnut oil

• 15cm piece of ginger

• 9 cloves of garlic

• 20 finger aubergines

• 3 medium onions

• 2-3 fresh green chillies

• 1 kg ripe tomatoes

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 150 g cashews

• 100 g coconut shavings

• 1 pomegranate

• Coriander leaves

SPICE BLEND

• 1 teaspoon cardamom pods

• 2 teaspoons turmeric powder

• 3 dried Kashmiri red chillies

• 7 cloves

• 1 tablespoon fennel seeds

• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

Stir in 1 tablespoon of oil, followed by the onions, green chillies, garlic, and the remaining ginger. Cook for 10 minutes, or until the onion and garlic are softened. Add the tomatoes, cinnamon stick and 200ml of water and let it simmer over a low heat for 30 minutes.

4. In a blender, blitz the cashews with 4 tablespoons of water until you have a smooth paste, then stir this into your curry. Cook for 5 minutes, or until thick and fragrant. Chop the roasted cauliflower into florets and stir into the curry along with the aubergines.

Optional: Scatter pomegranate seeds, shaved coconut and coriander leaves over the curry.

•

•

•

•

•

•

HOW TO PLAY

Fill in the grid so that every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 without repetition. That’s all there is to it.

You solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic. There’s no maths involved, It’s fun, challenging and addictive. Solutions on page 47

’TIS THE SEASON to dazzle…

If you can’t go all out with your make-up at Christmas, when can you?

First off, you’ll want to get your base right. This takes a bit of preparation. Ideally, you’ll want to exfoliate and apply a face mask the day before each celebration. Central heating is very drying, so use an extra rich moisturiser before bed to boost hydration.

On the day, you’ll want a plumping, smoothing serum. One containing hyaluronic acid is perfect. Beauty Pie’s Japanfusion Genius Lift Elixir (£12 for members) is a good choice. Follow with a moisturiser and primer.

If you haven’t bought a new foundation since summer, you may need a new one in a lighter shade. Struggling to find the perfect match? Head to Boots or Harvey Nichols to try Fenty Beauty’s Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation (£30), which is available in more than 50 shades. It lasts all day and doesn’t feel too heavy.

Flawless make-up relies on good tools. If you haven’t upgraded your make-up brushes for a while, consider treating yourself to some new ones or adding a set to your Christmas wish list. The TRUYU Brush Collection contains pretty much every brush you might need and is only £15 at Sainsbury’s and Argos.

Christmas is the perfect time to have a bit of fun with your make-up. Try e.l.f.’s Liquid Glitter Eyeshadows. They’re easy to apply, quick drying, non-sticky and just £6 each at www.elfcosmetics. co.uk. Follow with a waterproof mascara such as MAC’s In Extreme Dimension Waterproof Mascara (£24).

You’ll likely be doing a fair bit of kissing over Christmas, even if it’s just on cheeks. NYX Milky Shakes Glosses keep lips hydrated and add a burst of colourful shine. They’re also less sticky than most glosses, which the people you’re kissing will no doubt be grateful for. And they’re just £9 from Superdrug.

For Christmas nails, it’s hard to beat a professional gel polish. Nails should stay chip-free for at least a week, but it’s wise to book as close to the big day as possible. That way, they’ll still be looking good for New Year’s Eve. Left it too late to book a manicure? Apply a base coat, two coats of varnish and a top coat to keep your nails looking their best for the festive period. H&M’s Nail Polish is only £3.99, but it lasts just as long as ones three times the price. And there are tons of shades to choose from.

£3.99, but it lasts just as long times

No idea where to start with your make-up? You’ll find lots of free tutorials on YouTube. Or why not book a personalised make-up tutorial? MAC offers free 30 and 60 minute virtual consultations. Visit www.maccosmetics.co.uk/ makeup-services to book.

Please mention The Clwyd Connection when using any of the advertisers

Magnificent Motors

Join us to celebrate some of the most iconic cars of the last five decades.

While motor manufacturing in the UK will perhaps never again rival the colossal quantities of cars being rolled out by the Germans, the Americans or the Japanese, our appreciation of the fourwheeled vehicle is one that few other nations can better.

That dedication to cars has led us to champion and cherish some iconic vehicles over the years.

With that in mind, here’s a car from each of the past five decades that deserves to be celebrated all over again.

THE SEVENTIES

Ford Escort Mk II

The Escort was essentially an off-road rally car in disguise, with over two million of the Mk I sold.

In 1974 came its sister and successor. Despite a tight budget meaning they’d have to use the same core structure

from before, designers managed to configure a newer, more modern body shape.

The result was a manufacturing masterstroke, with another two million sold, before production ceased in 1980.

THE EIGHTIES

Volkswagen Golf GTi Mk2

The Volkswagen Golf GTi Mk2 was a classy and well-rounded vehicle – if expensive.

There were millions who craved it for the way the model tapped into the sporty suave market, with a brutish engine and instantly recognisable look.

Backed by an immaculate marketing campaign, this yuppie wagon epitomised an era where efficiency could also equal fun.

THE NINETIES

Ford Mondeo Ford have always loved producing hatchbacks, estates and big family saloon cars; and in 1993 they trumped everything done previously, with the Mondeo.

This gamechanger’s combination of practicality and style meant it was labelled the ultimate saloon. It was smart, sensible and affordable, complementing luxury interiors with Ford reliability, and set the mark for the raft of

copycat family cars that were to follow.

THE NOUGHTIES

Nissan Qashqai

The turn of the new Millennium saw the dawn of the SUVs, or Sports Utility Vehicle.

The Nissan Qashqai compact crossover vehicle made its first appearance towards the end of the decade in 2007, and its impact was huge.

Nissan had previously dipped their toe into the SUV market with the X-Trail, but the Qashqai – seen as its baby brother – turned into a rather hefty sibling, setting the tone for the mid-sized family 4x4. Over three million have now been sold, with that milestone being hit at the Japanese firm’s Sunderland plant.

THE TENS

Tesla Model S

The five-door sedan remains the flagship model for Elon Musk. Introduced tentatively to the general public in June 2012, Tesla now have the capability of producing a million cars per year.

Only their own rate of production seems to stand between them and the aim of becoming the world’s most successful car manufacturer.

While once the prospect of exploring a new country alone would terrify most of us, nowadays solo travel carries with it a strange allure, infused with ideas of adventure and personal growth. Films like ‘The Beach’ and ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ have paved the way for this growing trend and the travel industry has followed suit. In 2022, the world is more geared towards solo travel than ever before, with many package holidays

Ireland

and hotels designed specifically with the lone traveller in mind. But what are the benefits?

Firstly, it’s so much easier to meet new and interesting people. However, if you’re looking for time by yourself too, there’s nothing like a spot of solo travel to help you on your journey of self-discovery.

While the world is your oyster when it comes to travelling alone, here are five of our top picks.

Ireland is the perfect place to start if you’re new to solo travel. With many of the home comforts we’re familiar with in the UK, including the language, this is a country that’s famous for the welcome it extends to strangers. Pull up a stool in a traditional Irish pub, offer to buy your neighbour a pint and you’ll have a friend for life – or at least the evening. What’s more, Ireland’s stunning breadth of nature leaves you plenty of room for self-reflection.

Thailand

Thailand’s tropical beaches are a stalwart of Asia’s backpacking route. With good transport options and international cuisine, it’s one of the best places to start a well-trodden solo adventure around South-East Asia. Plus, it’s not known as ‘the land of smiles’ for nothing! The people of Thailand are, for the most part, warm and welcoming towards foreign visitors and will often go out of their way to help you out.

New Zealand

If you’re nervous about the safety aspect of travelling solo, New Zealand will certainly put you at ease. Kiwis will tell you their country is one of the safest in the world, but it’s the dazzling landscapes, buzzing towns and cities and friendly people that truly make New Zealand a mecca for solo travel. Popular with backpackers, outdoor enthusiasts and thrill-seekers, the country is one of the best places to meet fellow, like-minded travellers.

Indonesia

The setting for one third of Elizabeth Gilbert’s solo travel memoir ‘Eat, Pray, Love’, there’s no denying that Indonesia has a special magic. If a spiritual and artistic awakening is what you seek, Bali’s popular town of Ubud is a good place to start. It’s where Elizabeth Gilbert found love and true peace, and it remains a wonderfully laidback place for solo travellers to relax, reflect and recharge.

Costa Rica

US solo travellers have been heading to Costa Rica for years, and now Europeans are finally catching on. As the world’s greenest, most biodiverse country, it also has a reputation for being one of the happiest countries in the world – and it’s easy to see why. From white-water rafting down rivers to zip-lining through gorgeous rainforests, Costa Rica is packed with outdoor activities to please your adventurous spirit.

Are you dreaming of a green Christmas? Then try these ideas!

Christmas trees

In the UK we buy between eight and ten million ‘real’ Christmas trees each year that are taken down a few weeks later. So buy local if possible, and look for Forest Stewardship Council certification and Soil Association approval. Always use your local authority’s dedicated collection service if available. A tree with a root ball or in a pot that is planted out for the rest of the year is environmentally friendly, or rent a tree, which will be collected and replanted afterwards. Artificial trees are sadly still plastic, so if you have one reuse it for as long as possible.

Tree ornaments

Nothing is as sustainable as using Christmas baubles you already have and if you want to refresh your stock of tree decorations, consider buying vintage ones. Buy from a local craftsperson or an online platform such as Etsy or Folksy (ideally someone using sustainable materials), or make some yourself. There is a world of inspiration in books, magazines, online or in hobby supply stores.

Front-door wreaths

Making a front-door wreath using fresh foliage is a wonderful, sustainable way to adorn your home (and it can be composted afterwards). Artificial wreaths are only sustainable if reused, but can easily be refreshed with a few extra seasonal embellishments, such as dried, sliced oranges, pine cones or sprigs of holly.

Lights

Choosing LED lights for your festive decorations saves energy and money, and is good for the planet, too. Use a timer, or switch them off overnight and when you’re out.

Gift wrap

Stick to paper if possible or consider fabric, Japanese-style (furoshiki). Use alternatives to sticky tape such as brown-paper tape, twine, ribbons and washi tape, which is made from renewable sources.

Table settings

Use fabric that can be washed repeatedly for Christmas tablecloths and napkins. Choose reusable card or fabric crackers that you fill yourself with personalised gifts year after year.

Advent calendars

DIY perpetual advent calendars can be brought out every year and filled with carefully chosen small goodies. Either make your own or buy from a great choice, from tiny knitted stockings on a string to wooden houses with numbered doors.

Scent

You generally get what you pay for with scented candles in terms of a gorgeous scent and longer burn time, so it’s worth spending a little more if possible. Choose vegetable wax or beeswax candles, and scents made from essential oils rather than chemicals.

Use a simple wreath as a minimal decoration, or add your own embellishments such as twining leaves or tiny fairy lights. Rattan door wreaths, from £30 each, gardentrading.co.uk

These ethical, sustainable and recyclable candles are individually hand-crafted in Cornwall. Mulled Wine soy-wax eco candle, £12.99, earthcandleco.com

With our large range of kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms to suit all styles and budgets, you’re sure to find the perfect solution for your home.

aandjkitchensandbathrooms.co.uk

Little gifts that’ll bring big smiles this Christmas We’re all watching our money this year, and that means when it comes to Christmas presents we’re perhaps being a little more careful with what we’re buying for the people we care about. But you don’t have to splash the cash to get great tech gifts for family, friends or colleagues. There are stacks of great gifts for every kind of person.

If you’re buying for someone who’s mad about music, wireless Bluetooth speakers can be great buys. Amazon’s Echo Dot speaker is a good choice of smart speaker, currently £25.99, and the JBL Go 3 is a fun and very small speaker that’s easy to take anywhere. It’s around £30. We’re also very impressed by the Earfun Air headphones, which are an incredible bargain at £33.95. If you’re buying for kids, Belkin’s Soundform Nano (£29) sounds great, comes in fun colours and has a volume limit to protect their hearing.

Phone and tablet accessories can be great gifts too, whether that’s a genuine leather phone case (typically £30 to £60), a Popsocket phone grip (around £11 for the nicest ones) or an AirTag or Tile tracker (£20 to £35) for someone who’s always misplacing their purse or their keys.

There are lots of clever gifts for outdoor types too, including self-cleaning water bottles with UV light (around £49), multi-tools to cope with every conceivable kind of task (from £20) and solar lanterns (from around £20).

If the person you’re buying for would rather cook in a kitchen than halfway up a mountain, there are some great cooking gadgets for relatively low prices including the Thermapen instant-read thermometer (£39), which has saved many of our meals from over- or under-cooking, and the brilliant Stirr automatic pan stirrer, which you can use to prevent sauces and stews from sticking to the pot while you go and do something more interesting. And for coffee fans there’s the excellent AeroPress coffee maker (£31), which makes delicious coffee incredibly quickly without making it bitter. There’s a mobile version too, so the lucky recipient can get great coffee wherever they may roam.

JBL Go 3

Official Samsung Galaxy S22 leather case

Cases don’t just look good: they help protect your pricey phone so you can get a better trade-in price when you replace it. Official leather cases are often quite expensive but that’s not the case with Samsung. From £24, amazon.co.uk

Apple AirTag

Apple’s AirTags and its main rival, Tile trackers, can be attached to keys, put in purses or snuck into schoolbags to make it easy to find them again if they get lost, misplaced or even stolen. The battery lasts for months. £35, Apple.com

This little speaker has excellent go-anywhere energy and it’s not so loud that you’ll get complaints from the recipient’s nearest and dearest. It sounds great for its size, it’s really affordable and the battery life is very good. £34, uk.jbl.com

Stirr Automatic Pot Stirrer

The Stirr is a simple solution to a common problem: some things stick to your pots and pans if you don’t constantly stir them, but stirring is often very time consuming and extremely boring. Stirr sits in the pot and uses cooking-grade nylon legs to do the stirring for you. £20-£40, amazon.co.uk

Gerber Truss Multi-Tool

You can spend huge sums of money on multitools such as the famous Leatherman, but brands such as Gerber make excellent alternatives that deliver all the key features for considerably less money. Other brands may be even cheaper. £40, amazon.co.uk

WOOD STORE WALES

Specialising in custom built garden buildings and constructional grade timbers, at Wood Store Wales, we provide a wide range of multipurpose timber products, including:Sheds, Fencing, Decking, Fence posts, Fence rails, Garden Sleepers, Siberian larch Cladding, Full range of treated timbers C16/C24

Using timber sourced from across the globe we provide our customers with quality, pre-treated, durable timber products.

Stocking Fillers and Murder Mystery rillers

This month, four cracking reads for the busiest book-buying time of the year.

Grannysaurus is a roar-some picture book about unpredictable grannies, dinosaur discos and staying up late.

A boisterously funny new festive release from the duo, this is perfect for young dinosaur fans! Published by Harper Collins on December 8th

Never Give In: The 12 Commando Rules for Life by Scotty Mills

Pinch of Nom by Kate and Kay Allinson

The healthy eating phenomenon that is Pinch of Nom returns with another hundred scrumptious recipes – from fakeaways to desserts – that are both tantalising to the taste buds and good for the waistline.

Enjoy more of the food you love. Never feel like you’re missing out, from all-day breakfasts to scrumptious desserts, with crowd-pleasing foody fests so satisfying and delicious you’d never guess they are also slimming-friendly.

Published by Pan Macmillan on December 8th

Grannysaurus by David Walliams

Bursting with David Walliams’ anarchic sense of fun and blessed with Adam Stower’s vibrant illustrations,

A sudden downpour while Scotty Mills was walking down a street in South London sent him diving for cover into the nearest shop. It turned out to be a recruitment centre for the Royal Marines and, after a few minutes’ conversation while waiting for the rain to stop, Scotty was hooked and signed up to join the elite force. It changed his life and set him on a new direction that would end up with him leading the Marines on operations around the world, becoming an Olympic flag bearer in 2012 and dining at Buckingham Palace with the Queen and the royal family.

Scotty shares his lessons of performance and resilience with the reader, inviting them into the secrets of elite culture. His compelling story is one that combines tragedy with remarkable insight about the

Wild Women: A Collection of First-Hand Accounts from Female Explorers by Mariella Frostrup

A collection of the greatest women’s travel writing selected by journalist and presenter Mariella Frostrup.

From Constantinople to Crimea; from Antarctica to the Andesthroughout history, adventurous women have made epic, record-breaking journeys under perilous circumstances.

In curating this collection of first-hand accounts, broadcaster, writer and traveller Mariella Frostrup puts female explorers back on the map. Her selection includes explorers from the 1700s to the present day, from iconic heroines to lesser-known eccentrics, celebrating 300 years of wild women and their amazing adventures over land, sea and air. Published by Head of Zeus on December 8th

power of human inspiration. Published by Simon & Schuster on December 8th

Great success for local Arts & Craft company

Ruthin based Arts & Crafts company Lavinia Stamps are delighted to have been selected as winners of West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce for Export and International Trade.

They have also been selected as winners by Crafts Beautiful Awards as the Best Independent Store In Wales.

Owner and artist Tracey Dutton is both delighted and honoured to achieve these two prestigious awards and proud to have such a wonderful team around her who have all contributed to the success. It’s been a great

week for the entire Lavinia Team.

There is always a warm welcome at our Ruthin Shop and gallery, Llys Clwyd, CwrtY Dderwen, Lon Parcwr, Ruthin. LLI5 1NJ

To find out more about Lavinia Stamps you can visit their website at https://laviniastamps.com/

Facebook: /LaviniaStamps

Instagram: @lavinia_stamps

YouTube: Lavinia Stamps Videos

Pinterest: @laviniastamps

TikTok: lavinia_stamps

Talk Talk

We may feel a profound connection to our children, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy to communicate with them.

Here are five tools which make the journey a little easier for both parties involved.

How to say ‘no’:

Turning down some of our youngsters’ requests is a key part of their development, but only if done in the right way.

For instance, an obstructive ‘no’ is rarely going to garner a positive response. As well as being blunt, it leaves a child with little explanation as to the decision reached. Instead, parents are reminded of the benefits of using positive and negative wording. So instead of saying “stop hitting”, use “keep your hands to yourself”; or replace “no, you can’t have that”, for “why don’t we look at these?”.

How to say: ‘yes’:

Children will be more understanding of the things they don’t have if they know there are many others that they have received or will get over time.

Having said that, it is also important to foster gratitude in your little one, so take time to count blessings and always encourage a sincere ‘thank you’ on the receiving of a gift.

How to scold:

Firstly, try to steer away from shaming your child as this can affect their self-esteem over time. For example, calling a child ‘clumsy’ or ‘hopeless’ because they knocked their drink over at dinner can make them feel faulty. Instead,

saying, “I know that was an accident, but in future just try

to be more careful,” will shift attention towards focus and carefulness, which will offer your child a path forward.

Also, accompanying chastising with a hug, or by holding a hand, will soften the action and reduce the sense of discomfort a child may feel.

How to listen: Empathy is a vital tool in communicating, and it can really help to see the problem through the child’s eyes rather than your own, as some behaviour that could be seen as problematic may be connected to a developmental need. For example, if you’re leaving your child with a relative or babysitter while you have a much-needed evening out, they might act up and throw a tantrum.

Instead of becoming angry, you could instead recognise the fear of abandonment and need for reassurance, leading to a calmer more pleasant night for both of you.

How to promote positivity: When faced with a decision you and your child disagree on, it can be helpful to ask what your child would like to happen or change. This prompts proactive problem-solving over helplessness and frustration, and is a tool that will serve them well throughout their lives.

Cats are usually very clean, so finding signs of urine (wee) or faeces (poo) in the house is a sign that something is wrong. A one-off accident may not be easily explained, but if it starts to happen regularly you will need to find out the cause as soon as you can.

Possible causes

• Another local cat is in the area, in the garden or appearing at the window.

• You buy new furniture, as the old furniture would have carried their scent.

• A new baby arrives, or another pet.

• You redecorate your home.

• They are suffering a urinary tract infection.

What to do?

It’s important not to be angry with your cat, as this will increase its anxiety levels and make the problem worse.

Unfortunately your cat’s sensitive nose encourages them to revisit the place they’ve soiled. Keep them away from the area for as long as possible and clean the area thoroughly. If a strange cat has been in the house, you could lock the cat flap for a while to make your pet feel more secure.

Otherwise, make sure they have plenty of quiet, safe places to escape to if it’s something else in the house, such as a new baby. A warm airing cupboard is a safe bet, or a quiet upstairs room. Bear in mind that a medical condition such as cystitis could be the cause, so a trip to the vet would be worthwhile if the problem continues.

Bucks Fizz for breakfast, chocolate boxes passed round before lunch, heaps of deliciously crispy roast potatoes – Christmas is a holiday of complete, unadulterated indulgence. We’re all guilty of it, and this over-indulgence is nothing to feel ashamed about – it’s Christmas, after all! The festive season simply wouldn’t be the same without fantastic food, but if you’re feeling a little more health conscious this year, there are lots of ways in which you can treat yourself without going overboard.

Pack in more veg

Traditionally, Christmas dinners were always packed with a wide variety of vegetables, including carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts and cabbage. However, over the years many of our plates have become more and more beige. This Christmas, why not make it your mission to make your plate as colourful as possible? If you’re in charge of the cooking, try steamed or boiled vegetables, and steer clear of cheese sauces and excess amounts of butter. Take it slowly

A common mistake many of us make at Christmas is not listening to our body. Instead of loading up your plate at lunch, eat a normal-sized portion before

taking a twenty-minute break to see if you’re still hungry. This is how long it takes for the brain to register that the stomach is full. If you feel full, you know it’s time to take a break before going back for seconds. You’ll avoid the formidable food coma – plus, you’ll be hungry again in time for dessert!

Enjoy a Christmas walk

On Christmas Day, it can be tempting to laze around on the sofa for the majority of the day. While movie marathons are a tradition for many families, there’s nothing like a Christmas walk to boost your festive spirits – and offer a break between films.

Take the family for a walk around the park and bring along any new outdoor toys and games. You’ll have lots of fun as a family, and you’ll give your body a chance to digest your Christmas lunch!

Go easy on the booze

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a tipple or two. However, if you want to cut back, check the labels on bottles to see how many units they contain. The guidelines recommend drinking fourteen units a week which, in the lead up to Christmas, it’s easy to exceed. You could also try adding more mixer to any spirits to make them last longer, and refrain from drinking early on in the day.

Upgrade your snacks

Snacks and nibbles are everywhere come Christmastime. From cheese platters to shortbread biscuits and endless amounts of chocolate, festive temptations are now arriving in our supermarkets as early as September –which makes them hard to ignore!

While it’s fine to indulge in the odd mince pie, there are loads of healthier snack options that you can put together at home. Why not try chocolate protein balls packed with dates and raisins, apple chips spiced with cinnamon or avocado chocolate mousse?

‘Healthier’ by no means has to mean boring!

Don’t

be rushed – avoiding scams this

Christmas.

Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it normally is!

Last year I fell for a scam when I was doing my Christmas shopping. The scam was clever. I thought I was getting a good deal but didn't realise I was being scammed until it was too late. How can I avoid the same thing happening again this year?

Scammers’ tactics become more sophisticated every year, making scams tricky to recognise, but there are things you can look out for.

If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. For example, tickets to an event that are much cheaper than they’re being sold elsewhere, or a holiday that’s a lot less than you’d expect to pay.

Be wary of people contacting you out of the blue on social media sites or via text and email offering an item for sale or deal on something.

Do your research. If you’re buying from a website you haven’t used before, spend a few minutes researching it. A

good place to start is finding a website’s terms and conditions. You should also look up the company’s address, this can normally be found in the website’s ‘contact us’ section and should have a street name, not just a post office box. If it’s a registered UK company you can check its details on the Companies House website.

Check to see what people have said about the company. It’s worth looking at different review websites to see other people’s feedback – don’t rely on reviews the company has put on its own website.

Scammers will often ask you to pay in an unusual way, or very quickly. For example, you’re asked to send money through a transfer service like MoneyGram or Western Union or pay via vouchers.

Remember never give away your personal information like a password or PIN and never click on or download anything you don't trust.

To find out about scams across the country, you can sign up to the Trading Standards email alert on their website.

If you've been scammed, there are organisations you should report the scam to.

If you’ve transferred money in the last 24 hours, speak to your bank and the police. You should also contact the police if the scammer is in your area or you feel unsafe. You can also report the scam to Citizens Advice and Action Fraud.

Don't feel embarrassed about reporting a scam – scammers are clever and it can happen to anyone.

Reporting a scam helps track down and stop scammers, helping to prevent it from happening to others too.

Citizens Advice Denbighshire is here to help you at: 08082 505 700 advice@dcab.co.uk

Money on my mind...the Martin Lewis column

He’s the UK’s leading money saving expert - a journalist and presenter who has kept millions of pounds in people’s pockets as well as lifting the lid on the threats and dangers we need to be aware of as consumers.

In this month’s column, Martin Lewis looks at taking back control when creditors come calling.

I’ll come straight to the point this month - there is nothing more precious or valuable than our mental wellbeing, and there is no bill or invoice that should come before it.

I have worked with mental health charities and the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute to ensure people who find themselves in difficult situations are able to access not just financial assistance, but practical and emotional support too.

The truth is when people have existing mental health problems, the administration anxiety that comes with bills, debt demands and ongoing financial

commitments, can be very difficult to handle, to the point that they’re simply unable to deal with what’s in front of them. Even when in a good place mentally and financially, so many of us find processing everyday matters exhausting, so imagine the added difficulty when starting from a place of weakness.

Remember, we have the right to determine how we are approached and contacted by those we do business with. For some people receiving a text message informing them of something may represent a nightmare. For others, a text is the only way they wish to communicate; while some

prefer to converse over the phone, or even face to face.

It’s essential we stand up and state our preferences, and organisations have to adhere to these. That won’t necessarily mean the problem will go away… if you are behind on a bill, for instance; but it will bring back control to you and, from the outset, allow you to determine how you want to go about tackling a problem.

It was reported that 44% of people with mental health problems who fell behind on payments during the pandemic considered or attempted suicide; and if you macro that up to the UK population that would be two-and-a-half million people.

two-and-a-half

I’ll be honest and say that when I heard that figure, I didn’t find it surprising; but it does surprise and disappoint me that people still don’t feel they have the tools to fight back and retake control.

From recovery space to payment holidays, to freezes on interest or repayment plans, speak to your creditors in a way that is firm and fair, and you will likely get the result you want.

A rewarding and warming task at this time is to add compost on beds to form a mulch, provided the soil is not frozen. Ensure the soil is damp and this will help to keep roots warm and lock in a little moisture ready for potential drought in the future. It will transform the look of your beds and make you feel good too.

Winter pruning

It’s also a perfect time to prune woody species such as acers, figs, vines and deciduous shrubs, before the sap starts rising. Pruning is carried out in order to remove dead, damaged or diseased parts and to control the growth of something that might be a little too large for the space it occupies. It is also the best way to define the shape of a plant, and at the right time of year pruning will help to create flowering and fruiting branches for the next season. Not everything should be pruned at the same time, however. Plum trees and other prunus species, for example, should never be pruned

during winter because it increases the risk of silver leaf disease. Spring flowering shrubs should be pruned in late June or early summer just after flowering – otherwise, their flowering shoots will be removed. Many plants will benefit from being pruned around August when their growth has slowed, but evergreen shrubs tend to grow best when they are pruned in spring, just at the beginning of the growing season.

In the past, a fresh cut on a tree or shrub would be sealed using pruning paint. We now know that pruning at the correct time of year allows a cut to heal naturally and this is preferable.

A great symbol of Christmas One of the many symbols of the season that we all love is the fresh Christmas tree - it is never adequately replaced with plastic. The Norway spruce was once the traditional British choice but because it has a tendency to drop its needles, it has been nudged down the popularity chart by ‘non-drop’ varieties. The blue spruce, as it is known, generally holds onto its spiny needles until the end of festivities and beyond. The Douglas fir is also a good choice because it also holds its needles well – although it can be rather expensive. Undoubtedly, the bestselling tree of the ‘non-drop’ variety is the Nordmann fir (Abies nordmanniana). This fast-grower can reach heights of up to 30m in the wild, so it’s perhaps best not to plant it outside the kitchen door once it has done its duty indoors.

Of course, there is no point in planting a tree that has been cut from its rootstock. But containergrown or trees freshly dug from the field can often transplant rather splendidly. Bear this in mind when you are making your choice.

By Caroline Knight: Gardendesignideas.co.uk

Christmas tree growing outdoors

Christmas trees have

been cut from rootstock

What’s On and Local groups.

LOCAL GROUPS and MEETINGS

St Thomas Church Vale Street Denbigh

A very warm welcome is extended to everyone to join in our celebrations on Sunday 18th December 22 at 6.00 pm Candlelit Service of Readings and Carols followed by Supper. There is no charge but all donations will be given to Christian Aid

Ruthin Local History Society

Meetings are held every third Wednesday in the month in Ysgol Stryd y Rhos, from 7:30 to 9pm from October to March. We recommend you visit our website “ruthinhistoryhanesrhuthun.org”. You can find a host of interesting papers on the history of Ruthin, including details of our winter programme and guest speakers. Non-members are warmly invited to our meetings. Cost to non-members to attend is £2 with annual membership costing £5.

Vale of Clwyd Mind. We meet at The Naylor Leyland Centre on Tuesday afternoons from 1pm until 3.30pm with an optional walk leaving from the centre at 2pm. Sessions are £1.00 which includes tea, coffee and biscuits. The group is for anyone over the age of 18 who lives in Denbighshire and wants to maintain their mental wellbeing. 01745 812461 or 01745 351635. Facebook:- 'Vale of Clwyd Mind'

NEW CLUB started ‘Clwb Natur’ workshops in Denbigh and Llanrhaeadr. They take place Tuesdays (Ysgol Pendref, Denbigh) and Thursdays (Ysgol Bro Cinmeirch, Llanrhaeadr) during term time 3.30 – 4.30pm and include workshops aiming to connect people with each other and the environment – gardening, nature studies, arts & craft, mindfulness. All ages are welcome. There’s no charge to attend.

Denbigh Church Ladies Guild, A warm and friendly social group, have now restarted meeting at 2pm every 2nd Wednesday of each month at Eirianfa, Denbigh. New members welcome. We also hold a coffee morning every 2nd Saturday of the month 10am - 11.30am at Eirianfa which is open to all. For more details contact

Annwen on 01745 815 827

Ruthin W I meet for a Craft afternoon on the 2nd Friday of every month and on the 3rd Friday of the month for our normal meetin, both in LLys Erw Community Hall Ruthin. We have guest speakers , outings and meals out. Come along and see what we get up to. For further information call Mary Marquess on 01824705166 or Jen Roberts - Jones on 01824 703816.

Trefnant WI meet on the second Thursday of every month in Trefnant Village Hall at 7.00pm. In addition to guest speakers we have outings and meals out. Why not come along and see what we’re up to. We are not just about Jam and Jerusalem! We always welcome new members. For further information please call Jane Wood 01745 710 201.

Ruthin Girl Guides are reopening to all girls aged between 10 and 14 years old. Meetings are Monday evenings during term time. You can apply and register for a place via the Girlguiding website www.girlguiding.org.uk Please message Girlguide Leader Alex Jones for more information via 2nd Ruthin Guides Facebook page or ruthingirlguides@outlook.com

Denbigh & District Male Voice Choir meets at 7.30 on Tuesdays at the Eirianfa Centre, Denbigh. We have seen an upsurge in membership since the appointment of Sam Pritchard as Musical Director and a warm welcome awaits those who would like to join us. Contacts : Choir Secretary mbaines@uwclub.net or 01824 703832. www.denbighchoir.com

Denbigh Floral Art Club

Ladies have you ever thought about flower arranging? We are Denbigh Floral Art Club. We meet the first Tuesday of the month at Plas Piggott Club, Ruthin Road, Denbigh at 7.30pm Shed in Rhuthun.

At Ruthin Mens Shed, guys will have a brew and generally discuss anything that may be causing anyone problems in their life, we openly talk, laugh, cry about mental health and no judgement is made on anyone. If you are a man or you know a man that needs help and emotional support, get in touch.

Theatr Clwyd 5

Carpet Cleaners Wood Store Wales 27 Tool Hire Simply the Best 41 Garden Centre JT Williams 45 Vale Carpet Cleaners 2 Greenfingers Gareden Centre 43 Toy shop

Carpet & Flooring Handyman

Harris Toy Shop 31

Carpet Emporium 23 G. Cross Handyman 37 Website designer

Carpenter & Joiner Hardware supplies DoodleIT 37 Ben James Clayton Joinery 43 Morgans of Ruthin 48 Weight loss help

Ken Jones 37 Kitchen & Bathrooms Slimming World 13 Computer repairs A&J Kitchens& Bathrooms 24 Window Blinds MAC 3 41 Russell Jones Kitchens 30 Andersons Curtains & Blinds 37 Crafting supplies Kitchen restoration Hilary's Blinds 11 Lavina Crafts 31 Transform your Kitchen 9 Window Cleaning Curtains & Blinds Fred Harvey window cleaning 10

Our email ruthinmensshed@gmail.com or Rhuthun Men’s Shed The Skills and Happiness Exchange is our Facebook page.

Henllan Table Tennis club has started up again in the Community Hall at 7pm. For further information please contact one of the following:- Don Grigg Tel 01824 709959. Email d_grigg@sky.com Iain Macgillivray 01824 780672 Email Iainmacgillivray@btinternet.com

Trinity Table Tennis club meet in the Village Hall in Trefnant on Monday evenings from 7:30pm and every Thursday except the 2nd Thursday of each month at 7pm. We are a very social club and cater for all levels of play, whether a seasoned player or indeed a newbie to our game, youngsters or more mature folk, physical disabilities not a problem, all will be made most welcome.

Contact :- David Jones Tel :- 07502 544 688 Email :- david.trinitytt@gmail.com

CHURCH MEETINGS

Ruthin Quakers meet on the second and fourth Sundays of the month 10.30 - 11.30 in the Parish Rooms behind St Peters Church, followed by social time over refreshments - all welcome! Just tollow the signs round the Church or from School Road! Phone 705592.

New CAFE CHURCH held in St. Thomas’ Church Hall, Vale St Denbigh on 2nd Sunday each month at 10.30am. We start with coffee and cake followed by a short very informal family friendly service Why not give it a try everyone is welcome

To have details of your non profit event, club, group or Church included here, please EMAIL:trevor@clwydconnection.co.uk by the 18th of each month with the information.

Competition and puzzle solutions

Cryptic crossword

For your chance to win £15, just email or write to the address on page 4 and tell me where he is hiding. Don’t forget to include your name and address. NOTE Only 1 entry per person. The winner will be picked at random on 8th December and will receive £15. The winner of the “Where’s Rebus” competition in November was:- S. Williams of Llewelyn’s Estate, Denbigh Well done. Rebus was hiding on pages :- 15, 23, 26, 33 and 48