hope A COMMUNITY MAGAZINE.
PERSONALISE YOUR CHRISTMAS | Pg 15 Homes & Interiors
CHRISTMAS RECIPE Pg10
“My faith and my family are the most important things” | Pg 6 Celebrity Christians
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ritchiegraphicdesign ritchie_design www.ritchiedesign.co.uk
WELCOME. Here we are again, autumn 2021, it’s come round quickly hasn’t it and the nights are fair drawing in.
Inventors have to be creative and to be creative you need to be imaginative. If you are in the market for some of that and some creative design for your business or home, then Ritchie Design is for you.
How has your year been? We have been busy the last few weeks working behind the scenes on the magazine and organising our First Christmas Fayre. It’s very exciting and we have a lot of lovely stall holders waiting to sell their amazing products to you, we’re also going to have cake, music, kids craft and more, so please pop in to see us on Saturday 27th of November. I feel like things are looking good for 2022, we have highlights on our local businesses who make great products, a very entrepreneurial spirit is within this magazine and that’s the way we like it. Supporting and connecting our community is our main aim and we were out and about finding out what makes them tick and what Christmas means to them.
Courteney is a graduate from Napier University who excels in branding, design, advertising and beautiful photography. From business logo’s and company branding, to event invitations, digital design and general advertising, Ritchie Design has got you covered.
Read on and until the next issue, happy holidays.
Heather Greig, Founder & Commercial Editor
2020 and 2021 have been tumultuous and we’ve seen and experienced all sorts of mental, emotional, economic, political, educational and social care issues both personally and as a nation.
BiBisBakery
bibisbakery BiBis are the home of beautiful handmade cakes bakes fresh everyday - cupcakes, brownies, fudges, through to macarons ther eis something for everyone. All their gorgeous treats are baked onsite and hand crafted by a team of skilled decorators, they even do bespoke birthday cakes & weddings!
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Website: https://bibisbakery.co.uk/ Phone: 01312265563
Hope is something you can’t find in a test tube, it’s not something you can see even under a microscope, but it is a spiritual dynamic absolutely vital to our lives. It’s our hope, that this magazine helps you to find a fresh hope.
Glenn Rogers Publisher
Glenn Rogers - Publisher and Senior Pastor glennrogers@myhopechurch.co.uk Heather Greig - Founder & Commercial Editor heathergreig@myhopechurch.co.uk
Courteney Ritchie - Design Director courteneyritchie@myhopechurch.co.uk Contributors Stephanie Thorburn and Kirsty Sivell
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CELEBRITY CHRISTIANS
As human beings, we all have a need to fill a spriritual gap. It is
in our life from the moment we are born. Some experiment in all sorts of avenues from ancient spiritual rituals for our well-being to modern new age theories and techniques. But there is one
way you can fill that gap and always feel fulfilled, here are some
Frankie Sims and love Islands Joe Garrett recently had this discussion during their first date on TOWIE. They were both very pleased to have found fellow Christians in each other and discussed how important it was to them.
famous people who have openly talked about their faith:
Mark Wahlberg
Mary Berry Mary Berry said her Christian faith was ‘tested’ when her 19 year old son William died in a car accident. Speaking in an interview with the Daily Mail, Berry said ‘William’s death changed me. Little things simply do not bother me anymore. You have to count your blessings instead, and my life has been immensely blessed.
Chris Pratt Chris became a Christian in his teens and during the Teen Choice awards he very publicly gave God all the credit for his success. “I would not be here with
the ease and grace I have in my heart without my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” He continues to praise and thank God and when he married Arnold Schwarzenegger’s daughter in 2019 he very publicly did just that on Instagram.
Tyson Fury In 2018, Tyson Fury managed to return to his feet after taking a monster punch in his heavyweight boxing clash. This was undoubtedly a sporting moment that won’t be forgotten, and Fury has continued to be open about his Faith and his prayers for fellow sporting hero’s.
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Frankie Sims and Joe Garrett
“I don’t know how I got up...I had a holy hand upon me, that brought me back.”
He was quoted as saying that Christianity is what he credits for his success: “My faith
and my family are the most important things” he continues, “those things allow me to be a success”. Other famous Christians include Stormzy, he regularly thanks God for all his success including him in his lyrics too. Bob Dylan, the Mr Tambourine Man singer / songwriter became a bornagain Christian in the 1970’s. Or course, Jane Fonda and our very own Sir Cliff are among many others, but who was the most famous, Mary Magdalene? Jesus’s most famous follower of her time. Who do you think is the most famous?
MEANING : RUBBLE
NOUN / waste or rough fragments of stone, brick, concrete, etc., especially as the debris from the demolition of buildings. The idea for my craft business started when I saw the opportunity to re-use, recycle and make things from items around me. Wood and concrete especially. It has since evolved since starting, into celebration gifts for every occasion, I love this because who doesn’t like giving and receiving gifts? The groundwork for Rubble is still going on in the background but I’m evolving my skills with tools, keep your eyes out for new items coming soon. Rubble is still a young business, its ever changing and growing. I’m thoroughly enjoying the process and the skills I’m learning along the way are valuable
In the not so far future, I’m going to start teaching craft rather than making. My heart is with teaching people how to be creative and how easy it is when you know how. I love helping people see things in a different way and encouraging the fun that goes with it. Watch this space for the next changes along the way.
Contact me on Facebook @Rubblecreations or mrsnolan7689@gmail.com
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OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES We have so many unique and creative small businesses within East Lothian, and love discovering more and more of them on this magazine adventure. As we continue on this journey we will keep looking to make connections to small businesses. Our goal? Offer hope, support and a promotional platform and also give relevant and fun information to our local community.
TheWickCo
selling highly fragranced wax melts and they are locally made in East Lothian. These wax melts come in a variety of different scents and shapes with some being in the shape of a 5-cell snap bar or little scoops in a jar. Here are some sought after products so keep your eyes peeled!
If your interested in being part of the next magazine contact: heathergreig@myhopechurch.co.uk Here is an introduction to a handful of our latest finds:
Reez Range
Come along to Nellies Hobbies stall to stock up on beautiful handmade Christmas cards and lots of handmade gift packages filled with candles, lip balms, other toiletries, chocolates and sweeties. I will also have gift card holders, money wallets, novelty pencil holders, sticky note holders, desk calendars and much more. All items are made with top quality paper crafting materials and lots of love. You can contact us on our Facebook page: @Nellies.Hobbies Website: www.stampwithnellie.com or email nellieshobbies@aol.com
Rubble Celebration gifts, cake toppers and everything in between. Prices range from £4-£20 and can be personalised to taste. Contact Steph at mrsnolan7689@gmail.com or Facebook @rubblecreations
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Amy’s Accessories is a small Mother and Daughter run accessory business. We mainly focus on earrings although we also offer other accessories such as necklaces, headbands and seasonal items. All of our earrings are also available as clip-ons. Our prices are affordable to both children and adults. We have a range of different designs such as charms, beads, and polymer clay charms. Find us on Facebook.
Reez Range from Bonnyrigg make lots of home decor products including chopping boards, coasters and plaques, these can be personalised to suit you. All items are totally weather proof as the technique used is sublimation, an ink heat transfer process. You can find Reez range on Facebook.
Sisters Lynn & Sarah both started their small business as a hobby which quickly developed in to successful small businesses . Pawsh Pooch shop has a variety of products, handmade dog apparel for all occasions, everyday wear to homemade fresh dog treats. Sarah’s scents specialise in wax melts and burners, helping to keep your home smelling fresh.
Luminous Home Fragrance sell hand poured wax melts in a range of different scents, burners and other handmade home fragrance products including Reed diffusers and bath products. Contact me at aae31102006@hotmail.co.uk
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HOPE WINS “
...fresh hope is available to us all... Hope Church’s Rev Glenn Rogers
uplifting, so life changing.
Whenever I thought about death growing up it scared me, my mind would always race imagining it and what it would be like, I definitely didn’t like talking or hearing about it. When someone mentioned that we all die in the end, I would get angry so I avoided it at all costs.
Death has lost its sting for me, the grave no longer fascinates and holds me with terror and dread. I found the fresh hope I was looking for; it was right in front of me all along and I hadn’t seen it.
As a young person my life seemed to be more about darkness and death than about life and hope, it seemed to come up regularly and everything I touched mostly went wrong. By my late teens I expected everything I touched to do just that, go wrong! Drinking heavily was a way to manage my inner turmoil and it was also the only way I knew to find some joy, to get something bright in my life. It’s a sad way place to be, but in the end, I had a desire to find real hope. I wanted to have some brightness in my life and I wanted to find a fresh hope.
I’m guessing you’ve got an idea where I found this hope. If you’d like to know more, please let us know, I’d love to help, we’d love to help you find fresh hope.
HANDLING ISOLATION Hope Church’s Rev Terri Ann Rogers
space, isolation was part of our daily life.
The nearest supermarket to my home was 400 miles away and our next-door neighbour was 60 miles away. We felt fortunate that we were able to pick up our mail from only 120 miles away, can you imagine that here in Scotland.
We’ve all experienced isolation in this last season of lockdowns and restrictions, it is opposite to the way that we are all wired. We are social creatures so being able to handle isolation well is really important for our mental health.
I grew up in Australia on a remote “station”, which is the Australian version of a ranch, our station was relatively small, but it was larger than East Lothian and Midlothian put together, the land is so vast over there. My family, parents and two brothers, were the only people in that
Dealing with isolation well takes a bit of effort.
Family became very important to me; I have brought up 5 children with my husband and it has been very special and very important. Family is so vital for handling isolation. There are plenty of bad examples of families, but that doesn’t mean family is not a great idea. My husband and I were determined to develop a better family than we both grew up in, so we encouraged our children to stand on our shoulders. We also engaged with a church family. To me, building family ties is one of the most important things anyone can do, if not with blood relatives, then a church family or somewhere that people will love and support you unconditionally.
The good news is that fresh hope is available to us all and the other good news is that darkness, depression, despair and death don’t have to dominate our lives. Now I annoy some people because whenever something goes wrong, I’m looking for the silver lining in the cloud, I see the bright side and I expect good things to happen. Hope is so refreshing, so
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Things we did to deal with isolation on our Australian station were to develop a strong routine. Working long hours, developing hobbies and reading were all regular activities and distractions for us all, and for me developing my relationship with God was really important. At least with God I wasn’t so isolated, He’s always there.
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Isolation is awful, but family can be a key antidote.
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We thought we could give you a little indulgence in this issue, Hummingbird cake, a vegetarian alternative to the traditional Christmas Cake, go on treat yourself! This recipe is Jamie Oliver’s and here is what he says about it: It’s a light fluffy sponge with banana and pineapple galore, it has a zesty lime cream cheese icing and a crunchy dusting of pecan brittle - its near perfection
INGREDIENTS:
250 ml olive oil , plus extra for greasing 350 g self-raising flour 1 level teaspoon ground cinnamon 350 g golden caster sugar 4 medium very ripe bananas 1 x 425 g tin of pineapple chunks 2 large free-range eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 50 g pecans
METHOD
ICING 400 g icing sugar 150 g unsalted butter , (at room temperature) 200 g cream cheese 2 limes BRITTLE 100 g caster sugar 50 g pecans
Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas 4. Grease and line two 23cm round cake tins. Sift the flour and cinnamon into a mixing bowl, then add the sugar and a large pinch of sea salt. Peel the bananas and mash them up with a fork in another bowl. Drain and finely chop the pineapple and add to the bananas with the oil, eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until combined, then fold into the dry mixture until smooth. Finely chop the pecans and gently fold in, then divide the batter evenly between your prepared tins. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until risen, golden and the sponges spring back when touched lightly in the centre. Run a knife around the edge of the tins, then leave to cool for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. Meanwhile, to make the icing, sift the icing sugar into a free-standing electric mixer, add the butter and beat until pale and creamy. Add the cream cheese, finely grate in the zest of 1 lime and add a squeeze of juice, then beat until just smooth – it’s really important not to over-mix it. Keep in the fridge until needed. To make a brittle topping, place the caster sugar and a splash of water in a non-stick frying pan on a medium heat. Shake flat and don’t stir it, just swirl the pan occasionally until dissolved and lightly golden. Add the pecans and a pinch of salt, spoon around to coat, and when nicely golden, pour onto a sheet of oiled greaseproof paper to set (check out the how-to video below). Once cool, smash up to a dust (you’ll need about half to top the cake – save the rest for sprinkling over ice cream. To assemble the cake, place one sponge on a cake stand and spread with half the icing. Top with the other sponge, spread over the rest of the icing, then grate over the zest of the remaining lime. Scatter over the brittle dust and decorate with a few edible flowers, such as violas, borage or herb flowers, if you feel that way inclined.
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WHAT DOES CHRISTMAS MEAN TO YOU? MARK
SUMMER
Sharing and giving, the Christmas tree and everything!
Love and family, meeting up together!
VAL
For quite a while, commercialisation of Christmas has taken over almost completely, church and carol services are pushed into a small corner of TV schedules, and there are remark’s “it’s just for the kids really”. I’m not like Ebenezer Scrooge with his “bah humbug” remark (Scrooge changed from being selfish and mean into a kind and generous person and was never happier) Various charities working throughout the year, leap into action in greater strength at Christmas, the support needed for vulnerable people should be yearlong in my opinion. I’ve seen many Christmases come and go but I would just like to say: ‘Don’t lose sight of what Christmas is all about.’ Matthew Ch. 1 vs.21 - 23.
RACHEL AND STEPHEN
We love the twinkly lights, the food, being with family & friends, the celebration, the tree & gifts. It’s about the greatest gift that God gave us, Jesus, it’s when we celebrate His birthday & his unconditional love. The word “Emmanuel“ is in a few Christmas carols leading up to the big day it means “God Is With Us”. That’s who Jesus is, not just for Christmas, but permanently close to us & in relationship with us if we ask him. He helps us find peace & rest with Him, even when life is not going so well, we are both eternally grateful for all He brings to our life, hope, healing, restoration, joy. Thats why we love it, for all these reasons, Jesus is God’s gift to us, to you & me. Happy Christmas to You!
LILIANA, DUTU AND MAYA
Getting together with Friends and sitting around the table sharing a meal together and enjoying the moments. At home in Romania the most important thing was spending time with our parents on the first day of Christmas. I remember my mum baking and the smells in the house while we decorated the tree on Christmas Eve.
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hope!
Come and support your local senior football team! You may be pleased and surprised!
KIDS
We are a friendly, family orientated group of volunteers from the surrounding communities of Musselburgh, Whitecraig and Wallyford who give of our time to see our team compete in the Semi Professional East of Scotland Football League (Tier 6 of Scottish Football).
Where fun is No1 ALL WELCOME ages 5-10
Pastor Glenn has recently agreed to be the Club Chaplin and we openly welcome him to Olivebank Stadium (just off Market Street at the end of Lochend Road South).
• Monthly Saturday Fun Club for all coming soon. • Keep your eyes out for more information Get in touch for more information: info@myhopechurch.co.uk 0131 665 0303
There is no better day out for the individual or family and we have a tuck shop, merchandising with a small bar for hospitality guests.
Kids church every Sunday: • • •
Crafting, games, fun and learning Life skills and friendship Safe welcoming place where Jesus is cool
During the restrictions activity packs are available for all to be sent out, just email your details to us at info@myhopechurch.co.uk
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Look us up on: www.musselburghathletic.co.uk Facebook: Musselburgh Athletic F.C Twitter: @musselburghath Everyone is welcome – it’s not just for old men these days!
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WHAT’S ON AT CHRISTMAS? Here is a fraction of what is happening in East Lothian over the festive season, fear not, you can find out more online for your nearest town.
Panto time, oh yes, it is! Hansel and Gretel at the Brunton Theatre Musselburgh 7th December to the 31st December 2021. Fun for all the family Christmas Jumper Day at Musselburgh Racecourse 20th December 2021 at 11am for a fantastic day of racing. Soak up the festive atmosphere at Newhailes Santa Experience 4th December to 19th December www.nts.org.uk
HOMES & INTERIORS Whether you are planning to deck the halls, or keep it simple this Christmas, there are many ways to add a personal touch to your decor by getting creative, and making your own. I like to get my craft box out, pour myself a large glass of wine and pop the Christmas tunes on the record player. Here are some ideas you could try this year:
Haddington Events Group on Facebook have information on What’s on there and there is also www.haddingtoncc.org.uk for details on their Christmas Lights for Festive season 2021, there may not be an event, but the town will be adorned with beautiful lights to celebrate Christmas 2021. Dunbar Craft Centre and Community Shed on Spott Road, Dunbar, are having a Christmas Wreath Workshop on Saturday December 4th at 1-pm-4pm. Create your very own wreath, take it home and learn skills to use for Christmas’s to come. Tickets are for sale on Event Brite.
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Star or Angel? It’s quite a debate, I have always opted for a star, last year I made some DIY paper/origami decorations to use as a garland and a large one for on top of the tree. Just pick your colours and buy some card and get folding. I would recommend creating them in a variety of sizes and colours to mix and match with your other decor. They look super stylish and minimalist.
Festive Table Decor
Hope Magazine Christmas Fayre, Hope Hub, Market Street, Saturday 27th November 2021 1-5pm for Christmas Shopping from our local small businesses, come along and join in there is coffee, cake, kids craft and more. North Berwick will host a Virtual Lights Switch on and it takes place online 28th November 4-4.30pm, to enjoy the experience from the comfort of your own home, search up the community council Facebook page or the website www.northberwickcommunitycouncil.org.uk
Festive Tree Decor
Festive Wreath The tradition of hanging a wreath on your door dates back centuries, and is used to welcome guests. I like to host an annual wreath making night with family and friends, it’s become a bit of a tradition and is a great way to gather everyone together. Mulled wine and mince pies are obligatory! There are plenty of online tutorials to get your started and give you some inspiration. Top Tip: Christmas tree sellers will usually give you the cut off sprigs for free if you ask.
houseofholmesinteriors
If you usually host the Christmas dinner there is no need to fork out for expensive table decorations. I like to create new bits and pieces for the table every year to switch it up, you may have the same guests every year so it’s nice to surprise them with a new theme. I made these cute napkin rings last year from wrapping bits of toilet roll tubes in Christmas wrapping paper and adding a sprig of olive branch. Top Tip: I use a sample of patterned wallpaper for the table runner which you can get from any DIY store.
So, get ready to personalise your Christmas this year and give some of these DIY decorations a bash.
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s a m t s Chri
CELEBRATION SERVICE
CAROLS, MINCE PIES, SANTA, GIFTS & LIVE MUSIC PLUS MORE
SUNDAY 12TH DECEMBER
HOPE HUB, BRIDGE STREET, MUSSELBURGH
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Phone: +44 131 665 0303; | Email: Info@MyHopeChurch.co.uk Website: www.myhopechurch.co.uk
Hope! Church, is charity registered in Scotland, No: SC010342, and a charitable company limited by guarantees, No: SC417097.