Iceni Magazine Norfolk Issue 163 by Iceni Magazine

I C E N I N O R F O L K

ISSUE 163

Focus On: Wellbeing

Nova Silver November Muse

A Gentle Guide To... Winter Wellbeing

The Quiet Power Of... Small Kindnesses

Restorative Habits For The.. Darker Months

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“Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.” - Victor Hugo Iceni Norfolk Issue 163 is here, and it’s all about wellbeing. Think goldenhour colours, cosy corners and a gloriously slow pace.

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First up: Sleepmaxxing. Everyone’s chasing the perfect night’s rest. Sleep experts say the trackers might be making things worse.

Tel: 07946 010295

Then comes the quiet rebellion. Small kindnesses. A cuppa left on a desk. A banana loaf on a doorstep. Cost? Next to nothing. Impact? Huge.

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Craving comfort? A Gentle Guide to Winter Wellbeing brings hygge, mys, candlelight and slow-simmered stews. Restorative Habits for the Darker Months swaps hustle for ritual. Screen-free evenings. Jigsaws. Long baths. Want to feel warmer from the inside out? Volunteering is the winter move of the season.

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CONTRIBUTORS Iceni Home And Garden, Nova Silver, Susan Leigh, Tim Barnes-Clay, Trevor Langley, Vicki Jeffery.

Out and about, Shaun the Sheep invades Blickling Estate with twelve wildly colourful sculptures. Rock Choir makes its Norwich Cathedral debut. Carols, candles and community. Slow down. Settle in. Embrace the season.

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Disclaimer

Copyright © Iceni Magazine Limited. All rights reserved. No articles, adverts, content or design in this magazine may be used or reproduced either in whole or part, online or in print. The views and advice from contributors are not necessarily those of Iceni Magazine Limited. Every effort is made to ensure the contents are accurate, however Iceni Magazine Limited can not assume responsibility for errors, omissions or incorrect information. Iceni Magazine Limited accepts no liability for loss, damage or difficulties resulting from contracts between The Client and their customer. Inclusion within the magazine does not imply a recommendation.

Contents 32

pages

Full of absolute dynamic

creative content!

“You Reap What You Sow”

COULD SLEEPMAXXING BE...

THE QUIET POWER OF...

The Answer?

Small Kindnesses

20 A GENTLE GUIDE TO... Winter Wellbeing

Nova Silver November Muse

Focus On: Wellbeing

The Quiet Power Of... Small Kindnesses

Could Sleepmaxxing Be... The Answer?

Audi Q3 e-hybrid S line Review

Jobs To Do In The Garden... For November

Dining Out: Pinocchio’s Style

JOBS TO DO...

In The Garden For November

A Gentle Guide To... Winter Wellbeing

The Warmest Thing... You Can Do This Winter

Restorative Habits... For The Darker Months

What’s On Our Picks

Rock Choir... To Make Cathedral Debut

Get Ready For... A Baa-Rilliant Day

COULD SLEEPMAXXING...

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Issue 163 2026

Could Sleepmaxxing Be The Answer? Many people have concerns about the quality and quantity of their sleep. Reportedly, 90% of adults don’t get enough sleep, whilst 25% experience insomnia on a Sunday night, ultimately affecting their health and wellbeing. Sleep can be disrupted by stress, health issues, relationship concerns, and even our bedrooms. Advice frequently suggests ways to improve our sleep, with 2009 seeing the introduction of the first commercial fitness tracker to incorporate sleep analysis, the Fitbit Classic. Since then, many others, including Garmin, Whoop and Apple, have integrated sleep trackers into wrist-worn devices, as have smart rings such as Oura, Ultrahuman and RingConn. Could sleepmaxxing be the answer? It offers some practical suggestions. No caffeine from early afternoon, no alcohol near bedtime, follow a consistent sleep schedule, retire to bed at the same time, including weekends, thereby anchoring your internal clock. Turn off phones, devices and TV 30-60 minutes before bed, go outdoors into morning light within an hour of waking up, keep your bedroom pitch dark, quiet and at a temperature of 16-18C. Various supplements, like melatonin, are suggested, as are mouth taping and nasal expanders to force nasal breathing. When much of life is measured, rated and investigated, adhering to a ‘perfect’ sleep template could become overwhelming, ultimately become detrimental and result in orthosomnia, or an obsession with ways to optimise sleep. This initiative is not dissimilar to the ad-inspired recommendation of 10,000 steps each day, which was introduced to promote

various sports goods and lifestyle choices, even though the criteria used have been discounted by scientists and industry professionals. The concept of a sleep score is “completely made up”, says Dr Alanna Hare, consultant in sleep medicine at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London. “There’s nothing recognised in sleep science that’s a ‘sleep score’. That’s just been created by manufacturers.” Dr Neil Stanley, sleep expert and author of the book How to Sleep Well, conducted research into wrist-worn sleep trackers forty years ago and found that gamifying sleep creates more disordered sleeping. “When you track your sleep it gives you a number, which means you have a target. You get into this cycle of worrying about your quality or quantity of sleep based on figures.”

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COULD SLEEPMAXXING... Issue 163 2026

Though commercial trackers are now more sophisticated, they work in much the same way, measuring your movement with the same limitations. “If you want to measure sleep, you have to measure the brain.” Stanley adds, “Unless you’re measuring the brain’s activities, you’re not measuring sleep.” Devices vary, but in general they all provide users with a report of their night, broken into sleep stages - time awake, light sleep, deep sleep, and REM (rapid eye movement), often giving a “sleep score.”

their mood, fatigue levels and alertness, before tests checking their focus and reaction times. Researchers found that the people informed they’d slept badly reported feeling more fatigued and were less mentally alert - even though the sleep scores were all fake.

But sleep-tracking can make your sleep worse. Dr Hare says she’s noticed trackers causing anxiety, with more patients coming to her with data from various trackers and questions about sleep that are probably contributing to their sleep difficulties. Even though some have had medical tests with reassuring results, this hasn’t allayed their fears. She adds. “It’s great that there’s more focus on sleep as part of wellness, but sleep does not respond well to attempts to perfect it.”

So, if we’re told not to think of the colour yellow, we’d probably immediately think of it. If we’re buying a new car or doing home renovations, we suddenly become aware of the many instances around us. Similarly, learning our sleep scores can influence our perception of how we’ve slept upon awakening.

Relying too heavily on information provided by sleep trackers can result in an obsessive and compulsive focus about doing everything ‘right’. Relying on sleep scores, magnesium and white noise machines can turn the simple act of sleeping into a minefield. In one University of Oxford study, participants were given sleep trackers which assigned them a sleep score. The scores were randomised, and had no relation to how the participants had actually slept. The next day, participants rated

There’s also the daytime impact to consider. Studies show sleep trackers can affect how you function during the day, even when they’re not accurate. The more we focus on something, the more it features in our thoughts.

What does Dr Hare recommend for sleeping well? Keep your bedroom cool, dark and quiet within reason. “It doesn’t need to be pitch black, exactly 16-18C or totally silent,” she says. “Just coolish, darkish and quietish.” Seeing bright light in the morning is good for regulating your body’s natural clock, your circadian rhythm. Doing light exercise, and eating a “healthy, Mediterranean-style diet with plenty of plant variability”. Above all, keep it simple - “anything else, you don’t need it”.

Article By Susan Leigh Susan Leigh, South Manchester counsellor, hypnotherapist, relationship counsellor, writer & media contributor offers help with relationship issues, stress management, assertiveness and confidence. She works with individual clients, couples and provides corporate workshops and support. For more articles, information or to make contact please visit: https://www.lifestyletherapy.net PAGE

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MOTORING REVIEW

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Issue 163 2026

Audi Q3 e-hybrid S line Review

The Q3 has become a familiar sight on British roads, thanks to its blend of premium appeal, practicality and easygoing driving manners.

the shops, college or the local spin cycle class can be completed silently and smoothly on electric juice. Then, when it’s time for a longer expedition, there’s no need to plan around charging stops.

Now, the Q3 e-hybrid adds another card to Audi’s deck, letting you tackle everyday journeys on electric power while keeping a petrol engine for longer trips.

Inside, the Q3 feels every bit the premium SUV. The S line specification brings supportive sports seats, quality materials and a smart digital cockpit, while the infotainment system is undemanding to navigate and includes wireless smartphone connectivity.

Its plug-in hybrid system combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol mill with an electric motor to produce a sizeable 272PS. That means performance is no afterthought, with 0-62mph taking just 6.8 seconds. Yet the real appeal is its ability to trek more than 70 miles on electric poke alone. For many drivers, that could cover the majority of daily motoring without the petrol unit firing into life. Charge at home, and trips to work,

There is enough room for four adults to travel happily, while the rear seats also provide useful space for growing kids. The boot remains practical, too, despite the extra hybrid hardware, making the Q3 versatile enough for family life. The cabin is an enjoyable place to spend time - everything feels well screwed and glued together, with the sort of solid, understated

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MOTORING REVIEW

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Issue 163 2026

quality expected from Audi. It avoids needless fuss and gives the impression it was designed to make daily motoring uncomplicated. On the road, refinement is the Q3 e-hybrid’s primary superpower. Electric clout makes it particularly hushed around town, while the petrol lump and electric motor work together smoothly when more oomph is required. Plenty of grunt is available when pulling onto a motorway or overtaking slower traffic, but the Q3 never feels like it’s trying too hard. The suspension balances comfort with control, soaking up Britain’s embarrassingly poor road surfaces while keeping the SUV composed through twisty sections of tarmac.

The Q3 e-hybrid therefore makes a compelling case for plug-in hybrid ownership. It offers the quietness and instant response of electric driving for shorter journeys, combined with the freedom of petrol power when motoring further afield. Add in its classy interior, useful space, brawny performance and impressive electric range, and the Q3 e-hybrid is a versatile whip that fits neatly into day-to-day life.

Fast Facts: Audi Q3 SUV e-hybrid 272PS S line S tronic • Max speed: 134mph • 0-62mph: 6.8 seconds • MPG: 150.1 • Powerplant: 1,498cc petrol + electric • Power: 272PS • CO2: 43g/km • Price: £49,655

By Tim Barnes-Clay. Insta: @tbarnesclay & TikTok: @timauto_ PAGE

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JOBS TO DO....

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Issue 163 2026

Jobs To Do In The Garden For November

As the clocks go back and the days shorten, November can feel like the garden’s quiet shutdown. In truth, it is one of the most rewarding months for those willing to pull on their wellies. The effort you put in now will pay dividends come spring, and there is a quiet satisfaction in tidying the plot before winter takes hold.

Cut back spent perennials, but leave a few seedheads standing. Teasels, sedums and ornamental grasses look magnificent when rimed with frost, and they offer food and shelter to overwintering insects and birds. Any diseased material, such as mildewed foliage or black-spotted rose leaves, should go in the council green waste bin or be burned rather than composted.

Clear and Compost

Planting for the Future

The first priority is the fallen leaves. Rake them from lawns, where they block light and encourage disease, and from paths, where they become treacherously slippery. Don’t consign them to the bin, though. Pack them into black bin bags, pierce a few holes, dampen them and tuck them away for a year or two, and you will be rewarded with crumbly leaf mould, a superb soil conditioner and mulch.

November is the ideal time to plant bareroot trees, shrubs and hedging, which are cheaper than container-grown plants and establish quickly in the cool, moist soil. Roses, fruit trees and native hedging mixes such as hawthorn, hazel and field maple are all excellent choices. Soak the roots for an hour or so before planting, and firm them in well to avoid air pockets.

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It is also your last real chance to get spring bulbs in the ground. Daffodils should ideally have gone in earlier, but tulips actually prefer a November planting, as the colder soil helps to reduce the risk of tulip fire. Plant them at around three times their own depth, and consider adding a little grit to the planting hole on heavy clay soils to prevent rotting. The Kitchen Garden Don’t abandon the vegetable patch just yet. Garlic cloves and autumn-sown broad beans, such as ‘Aquadulce Claudia’, can still be sown, while overwintering onion sets will establish before the worst of the weather. Harvest parsnips, leeks, Brussels sprouts and kale as needed, and remember that parsnips in particular taste sweeter after a good frost. Dig over any empty beds, leaving the clods rough so that winter frosts can break them down naturally. Spread well-rotted manure or compost on top and let the worms do the hard work of incorporating it. If you have a fruit cage or soft fruit, now is a good time to prune autumn-fruiting raspberries down to ground level and to plant new canes.

Issue 163 2026

Protect and Prepare Tender plants need your attention before the first hard frost arrives. Lift dahlias, cannas and tuberous begonias, dry them off and store them in trays of slightly damp compost in a frost-free shed or garage. Move pots of tender perennials such as pelargoniums into a greenhouse or conservatory, and wrap containers of less hardy plants in horticultural fleece or bubble wrap. Raise pots onto pot feet to stop them becoming waterlogged. Clean and check the greenhouse while it is quiet. Wash the glass to maximise precious winter light, scrub benches and pots with hot soapy water to banish lurking pests, and check heaters are in good working order. Look After the Wildlife Food is increasingly scarce, so keep bird feeders topped up and provide fresh water daily, breaking any ice that forms. Before lighting a bonfire on the fifth, check the pile for hibernating hedgehogs, and consider leaving a quiet, leafy corner or a purpose-built hedgehog house in a sheltered spot. Tools and Lawn Care Finally, give your tools some love. Clean off soil, sharpen blades, oil moving parts and wipe metal surfaces with an oily rag to prevent rust. Service the lawnmower before storing it, and raise the cutting height for any final mowing, stopping once growth slows. Spend a little time on these jobs now, and you can settle by the fire with a clear conscience, knowing the garden is ready for whatever winter throws at it.

Until next month, Happy Gardening! PAGE

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DINING OUT...

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Issue 163 2026

DINING OUT: PINOCCHIO’S STYLE Burton upon Trent (also titled Burtonon-Trent or simply Burton) is to be found in East Staffordshire, approx. 11 miles south-west of the city of Derby. Famous for its history of local brewing, Burton upon Trent continues to be a popular market town, with many visitors ‘exploring’ the town’s history, enjoying sports, leisure activities and pursuits, including rambling along the banks of the River Trent. Public transport links include frequent buses and trains. Restaurants and eateries

offer cuisines to and requirements.

suit

all

preferences

Pinocchio’s restaurant, Burton upon Trent, is well-established. This Italian dining venue has been very popular from the outset, at its current location since 2005 and previously from 1982, providing impressive cuisine to a high standard. To begin, I favoured Funghi Diavola (Fresh button mushrooms and prawns baked in the oven with garlic, tomatoes, chillies, topped with mozzarella cheese). This was a splendid

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Issue 163 2026

selection, being flavoursome and with very good presentation. For the ‘main event’ I chose Pollo alla Crema (Chicken breast cooked with a creamy mushroom & Brandy sauce, asparagus), from an excellent menu list, which also offered fish, pasta variations, steaks and more. All meat and fish dishes are served with vegetables and roast potatoes. This dish arrived with aromas to please my nasal senses. The complementing flavours of ingredients worked together superbly, with all being cooked perfectly. Succulent and tender, ‘Compliments to Chef’, were duly dispatched. Chefs Ella and Adam, with the brigade of kitchen personnel, delight in providing memorable times for diners. Choices also included vegetarian and vegan options. Set, fixed-price menus and the ‘Specials Board’ offer increased value, with plenty of choices. For dessert - Tiramisu was on the list. This made-on-site Italian delectation completed the near end, to a most enjoyable dining occasion, with all dishes being amply portioned. Quality wines/drinks have everyone’s preferences covered and parties/receptions/ corporate events are easily accommodated. Entertainment/live music times are hugely popular, as are the gift vouchers too - surprise someone? Thank you to Marianna and Paul for a genuine greeting, plus daughters Concetta and Lorena for their exemplary service throughout. Highly recommended. Pinocchio’s, 86 High Street, Burton upon Trent, DE14 1LJ. Tel: 01283 537526. Web: www.bbsrestaurant.co.uk

As always, Enjoy! Review By Trevor Langley PAGE

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NOVA SILVER

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Issue 163 2026

Nova Silver November Muse November is beautifully represented by citrine, a warm golden gemstone that brings a touch of sunshine to the darker days of the season. Paired with cool polished sterling silver citrine creates a striking contrast between warmth and clarity making it a timeless choice for November jewellery. Citrine is often associated with joy, positivity, confidence and abundance. Its golden tones are said to represent warmth and light, making it especially meaningful as autumn fades into winter. Traditionally, citrine has also been connected with prosperity and success, giving it a symbolic quality beyond its natural. For those born in November, citrine offers a personal connection to their birth month while still feeling effortlessly wearable. Its warm colour complements autumnal tones but has enough brightness to carry through into the winter season.

Deep, mysterious and effortlessly timeless, lapis lazuli brings a rich contrast to cool sterling silver. Its intense blue tones, often scattered with natural flecks of golden pyrite, give each stone a distinctive character and an almost celestial quality. Lapis lazuli has long been associated with wisdom, truth and inner strength. Traditionally, its deep blue colour has been linked with the night sky, making it a meaningful stone for November, a month of longer evenings, darker skies and a turn towards winter. Paired with sterling silver, lapis feels refined yet slightly mysterious. The cool silver enhances the depth of the blue stone, creating jewellery that works beautifully with darker autumn and winter wardrobes. Whether worn as a pendant, ring, bracelet or pair of earrings it adds a subtle statement without feeling overly bold.

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THE QUIET POWER...

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Issue 163 2026

The Quiet Power Of Small Kindnesses

There is a particular sort of magic high”, that warm glow you feel after doing in being on the receiving end of an something generous. unexpected kindness. It’s also wonderfully contagious. Witnessing Perhaps it’s the stranger who holds the door a little longer, or the colleague who leaves a cup of tea on your desk during a miserable Monday. These moments last seconds, yet they have a curious habit of staying with us for days. In a world that often feels hurried and a touch cynical, acts of kindness are quietly becoming a form of rebellion. And the best part? They cost next to nothing.

kindness makes us more likely to pass it on, which means a single gesture can ripple outwards in ways we never see. The person you smiled at on the morning commute may go on to be more patient with their children that evening. You’ll probably never know, and that’s rather lovely. Kindness at home

Why kindness matters more than we think

Charity, as they say, begins at home, and so does most real kindness. It’s easy to save our best manners for strangers while taking those closest to us for granted.

Research from psychologists across the UK and beyond suggests that being kind does as much for the giver as the recipient. Performing small good deeds has been linked to improved mood, reduced stress and a greater sense of connection. Some studies even point to a “helper’s

Try making your partner’s coffee before they ask. Leave a handwritten note in a teenager’s school bag. Put the washing away without announcing it to the household. These gestures needn’t be grand; their power lies in showing that you noticed and that you care.

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Kindness in the neighbourhood Britain has a proud tradition of neighbourliness, even if we’re sometimes too reserved to practise it. Yet the smallest overtures can transform a street into a community. Offer to collect a parcel for the neighbour who works long hours. Bake an extra loaf of banana bread and leave it on a doorstep. Check in on an elderly resident during a cold snap, or simply say hello. For many people, particularly those who live alone, a friendly chat over the garden fence may be the only conversation they have all day. If you’re feeling more ambitious, consider organising a street swap for books, plants or children’s clothes. It’s kind to your neighbours, kind to your wallet and kind to the planet, a rare triple win. Kindness at work The modern workplace can be a pressured place, which makes kindness all the more precious. Credit a colleague’s idea in a meeting. Offer to help a new starter find their feet.

Issue 163 2026

Send a message to someone who has had a rough week, with no agenda beyond letting them know you’re thinking of them. Managers, take note: a sincere “thank you” costs nothing and is remembered long after the annual bonus has been spent. Kindness to strangers Some of the most affecting acts are those performed without any expectation of thanks. Pay for the coffee of the person behind you in the queue. Give up your seat on the train. Leave a generous tip, or a kind review for a small business that has served you well. Donate the clothes you no longer wear to a local charity shop, and the books you’ve finished to a community library. Even a genuine compliment can turn someone’s entire day around. If you admire a stranger’s coat, tell them. They’ll almost certainly be delighted. Don’t forget yourself Kindness, crucially, must include the person in the mirror. We are often far gentler with others than we are with ourselves. Give yourself permission to rest, to say no and to make mistakes without a lecture. Treat yourself as you would a dear friend having a difficult day. Starting small The beauty of kindness is that it doesn’t require time, money or special talent. It simply asks that we pay attention and act on the impulse to help. So here is a gentle challenge: this week, commit to one small act of kindness each day. Keep a note of how it feels, and watch what happens. You may find, as so many do, that the world seems a little warmer than you remembered, and that you had a hand in making it so. PAGE

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A GENTLE GUIDE TO...

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Issue 163 2026

A Gentle Guide To Winter Wellbeing

There is a particular kind of quiet that Chase the Daylight arrives with the colder months. The clocks go back, the evenings draw in, and suddenly the world feels softer around the edges. Winter is often framed as something to endure, but what if we treated it instead as a season to be savoured, a time to slow down, nourish ourselves and turn inwards? Embrace the Rhythm of the Season Nature does not demand productivity in January, so why should we? Trees rest, animals hibernate, and the garden lies fallow. Allowing yourself a gentler pace is not laziness; it is wisdom. Try shifting your expectations: fewer commitments, earlier nights and a little more space in the diary. If your energy dips, listen to it rather than fighting it.

Light is the great mood-maker, and winter rations it carefully. Make a habit of stepping outside within an hour of waking, even when the sky is the colour of porridge. Natural light, however weak, helps regulate your body clock and supports your mood. A lunchtime stroll around the block or a few minutes by a bright window can work wonders. If the darker months weigh on you heavily, a daylight lamp may help, and it is worth speaking to your GP if low mood persists. Eat for Comfort and Care Winter cooking is one of the season’s quiet joys. Think slow-simmered stews, buttery root vegetables, porridge with stewed fruit and spoonfuls of warming spice. Lean into seasonal

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A GENTLE GUIDE TO... Issue 163 2026

produce: parsnips, squash, kale, leeks and citrus fruits are at their best now and packed with goodness. A steaming bowl of homemade soup is as nourishing for the soul as for the body. Do not forget to keep hydrated, too; herbal teas, with ginger, peppermint or chamomile, count beautifully towards your daily intake. Move, Gently When the temperature drops, the sofa calls. Yet movement is one of the kindest things you can do for yourself in winter. It need not be a punishing regime. A brisk walk through crisp, frosty woods, a restorative yoga session in the living room or a leisurely swim followed by a hot shower can lift your spirits and ease stiff joints. Wrap up warmly, layer thoughtfully and consider it a small adventure rather than a chore. Create a Cosy Sanctuary The Danes have hygge, the Swedes have mys, and we might simply call it making the house feel lovely. Dim the overhead lights in favour of lamps and candles. Pile blankets onto the sofa, add a sheepskin to your favourite chair and keep a book within easy reach. Bring in a little greenery, such as evergreen sprigs, eucalyptus or a pot of winter-flowering cyclamen, to remind you that life continues beneath the frost. Your home should feel like a warm embrace at the end of the day.

Stay Connected It is tempting to hibernate entirely, but human connection is a powerful antidote to the winter blues. Arrange a regular supper with friends, a Sunday walk with a neighbour or a long phone call with someone you love. Even small moments of warmth, such as a chat with the barista or a wave across the garden fence, nourish us more than we realise.

Prioritise Sleep

Find Joy in Small Rituals

Longer nights offer a natural invitation to rest more deeply. Aim to keep a consistent bedtime, and build a calming wind-down routine: a warm bath, a few pages of a novel, perhaps a lavender pillow spray. Try to keep screens out of the bedroom, and keep the room cool and dark. Good sleep underpins immunity, mood and resilience, all of which are put to the test in winter.

Perhaps the secret to winter wellbeing lies in the little things: the first sip of a hot drink on a frosty morning, the glow of fairy lights, the scent of woodsmoke on the air. Create tiny rituals that mark the season, and savour them mindfully. Winter will not last for ever, but while it is here, there is much to treasure. Be gentle with yourself, stay warm and let the season hold you. PAGE

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THE WARMEST THING...

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Issue 163 2026

The Warmest Thing You Can Do This Winter

As the evenings draw in, it’s tempting to Where help is needed most retreat to the sofa with a blanket, a box The colder months bring particular pressures, set and a generous bar of chocolate. from rising heating bills to deepening isolation. There’s nothing wrong with that. But if you’re craving something that lifts your own mood as well as your neighbours’, winter is the perfect moment to give a little time to your community. Start small, start local You don’t need to commit to a rota or surrender every weekend. Begin by asking what your area actually needs. Your local volunteer centre can match you with opportunities by postcode, interest and availability, and websites such as Do-it and NCVO are a good place to start. Noticeboards in libraries, community cafés and places of worship are also goldmines, as are neighbourhood social media groups.

Here are some of the most rewarding ways to pitch in: • Warm spaces: Libraries, church halls and community centres across the country open their doors for free hot drinks and company. Hosts are needed to put the kettle on, strike up conversation and tidy away afterwards. • Food banks and community fridges: Demand tends to climb in winter, so sorters, packers and drivers are always welcome. • Befriending: Age UK and many local schemes pair volunteers with older people who may go days without a visit. A weekly chat over a cuppa, or even a phone call, can be a genuine lifeline.

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THE WARMEST THING... Issue 163 2026

• Night shelters and festive projects: Charities supporting people who are homeless often recruit well ahead of Christmas, so apply early. • Everyday neighbourliness: Gritting a path, collecting a prescription or dropping round a hot meal requires no formal training at all. What to expect If a role involves working with children or vulnerable adults, you’ll usually need a DBS check, which the organisation normally arranges. Training is typically provided, so don’t worry that you lack the right skills. Reliability and a warm manner are what most coordinators prize above everything else.

someone is waiting for you at the bus stop. Dress in layers, pack a flask, and keep your expectations gentle. Not every shift will feel lifechanging, but the small ones add up.

Make it work for you

The feel-good factor

Be honest about your time. An hour a fortnight, given faithfully, is worth far more than a burst of enthusiasm that fizzles by February. If you work full-time, ask your employer whether they offer paid volunteering days; many do, and few staff take them up.

Studies have long linked volunteering with improved wellbeing, a stronger sense of purpose and reduced loneliness, all of which can be in short supply when daylight is. Many volunteers say they receive as much as they give: new friendships, new skills and a renewed fondness for the place they live.

Consider recruiting a friend, a colleague or the whole family. Volunteering together turns good intentions into a social occasion, and it’s far easier to turn up on a drizzly Tuesday when

There’s also something quietly restorative about being useful. Stirring a vast pot of soup for strangers, or helping someone find the perfect paperback in a warm library, tends to put your own worries in proportion. Your next step This week, set aside ten minutes. Search for your nearest volunteer centre, pick one cause that tugs at you and send a short email expressing your interest. That’s all it takes to begin. Winter may be cold, but communities are at their warmest when people show up for one another. Be one of them. PAGE

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Issue 163 2026

Restorative Habits For The Darker Months

When daylight seems to disappear before the afternoon has properly got going, it can be tempting to simply count down the days until spring. Yet the darker months have their own quiet appeal. They offer permission to slow down, turn inward and make home life feel a little more nurturing.

Start the day gently Dark mornings can make leaving a warm bed particularly unappealing, so consider creating a morning routine worth getting up for. Rather than reaching immediately for your phone, give yourself a few quiet minutes first.

Rest doesn’t have to mean doing nothing. Often, it’s about creating small pockets of calm that allow us to recharge.

Open the curtains, make a favourite hot drink and enjoy breakfast sitting down if you can. A shower, a few stretches or simply pottering around the kitchen can provide a gentler transition into the day.

From gentler mornings to screen-free evenings, these simple habits can make autumn and winter feel less like something to endure and more like a season to embrace.

If possible, make the most of natural daylight when it appears. Even stepping outside for a short walk or spending a little time in the garden can break up a day spent indoors.

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Create cosy rituals There’s a reason small comforts feel particularly welcome at this time of year. Turning ordinary moments into rituals can give your day a reassuring rhythm.

RESTORATIVE HABITS... Issue 163 2026

And if some days call for the sofa instead? That’s fine too. Rest and movement aren’t opposites. Both have a place in a balanced routine. Make something comforting

Perhaps you light a candle while cooking dinner, make tea in a favourite mug when you finish work or settle down with a book before bed. Keep a blanket by the sofa, put on some music or make Sunday evening the time for a long bath.

Cooking can become a restorative activity rather than another household chore. Autumn and winter are ideal for simple, warming dishes: soups, stews, casseroles, crumbles and traybakes that fill the kitchen with inviting aromas.

The ritual itself doesn’t need to be elaborate or expensive. What matters is consciously choosing moments that encourage you to pause.

You might make a large pot of soup for the week ahead or spend a rainy afternoon baking. Focusing on the chopping, stirring and tasting can be surprisingly absorbing, especially when you’re not rushing.

Make evenings quieter Long evenings can easily disappear into television, scrolling and catching up on jobs. Try reclaiming some of that time for slower activities. Read a few chapters of a novel, start a jigsaw, knit, draw, write in a journal or listen to music. Even one screen-free evening each week can make home feel calmer. Dim the lights, put your phone somewhere out of reach and resist the urge to be productive every minute. Winter evenings lend themselves beautifully to simply being at home. Keep moving, but be kind to yourself Maintaining an exercise routine can feel harder when it’s cold, wet and dark outside. Instead of expecting yourself to keep exactly the same habits all year, adapt them. Choose a lunchtime walk when there’s more daylight, try gentle yoga at home or wrap up for a weekend stroll. Movement doesn’t need to be strenuous to feel worthwhile.

Give yourself permission to slow down Perhaps the most restorative winter habit is also the simplest: expecting a little less from yourself. Think of slowing down as an important form of self-care, creating space to rest, restore your energy and enjoy the simple comforts that make the darker months feel a little brighter. Nature slows down at this time of year, and we can take inspiration from it. Leave some space in the diary. Say no occasionally. Spend an afternoon reading without feeling you should be doing something more useful. The darker months don’t have to be filled with constant activity. With a few comforting rituals and slower routines, they can become a valuable chance to pause, recharge and appreciate the quieter pleasures of home. Sometimes, the best way to brighten winter isn’t to rush towards spring, but to settle in and enjoy the season you’re in. PAGE

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Issue 163 2026

Rock Choir To Make Cathedral Debut For Charity Carol Services

Rock Choir

Rock Choir to make Cathedral debut for Set within the beautiful surroundings of Norwich Cathedral, the evening will be filled Charity carol services People of Norfolk are being invited to come together this Christmas for two Norfolk & Norwich Hospitals Charity’s carol services at Norwich Cathedral and Cromer Parish Church. The first is taking place in the Cathedral on Saturday, 5 December at 5pm, and will celebrate the impact charitable support has on patients, families and staff across our hospitals. The free event will feature performances from Rock Choir, making its first appearance at Norwich Cathedral, alongside the muchloved N&N choir Vocal Unity and the talented Norwich Lower School Choir.

with festive music, seasonal readings and moments of reflection, offering an opportunity to celebrate the community that supports local hospitals throughout the year. Rock Choir Leader Emily Robinson said: “We’re thrilled to be performing at Norwich Cathedral for the first time - our Rockies are really excited to be part of such a big event for the community. “We’re looking forward to spreading the Christmas spirit with plenty of festive songs. “It’s a real privilege to be supporting the Norfolk and Norwich Hospitals Charity and giving something back to a cause that means so much to so many people.”

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NNUH Carol Service

The second event on Thursday 10 December at Cromer Parish Church, starting at 7pm, will see the return of the Rock Choir and Vocal Unity, who will be joined by the Lobstars Youth Choir. Rachel Backshall, Director of Norfolk & Norwich Hospitals Charity, said: “One of the things I love most about our carol services is seeing so many people come together in such beautiful settings to celebrate the spirit of Christmas and the difference our community makes to local hospitals. “Throughout the year I have the privilege of meeting patients, families, staff and supporters whose lives have been touched by the generosity of others. These services are our chance to say thank you, reflect on what we’ve achieved

together and celebrate the kindness that exists across Norfolk.” “I would personally like to invite everyone to join us. We would love to see the cathedral and church filled with people coming together to celebrate Christmas.” Following the services, guests will be invited to join us for refreshments. Admission is free and everyone is welcome. While tickets are not required, the charity is asking those planning to attend to register their intention by emailing charity@nnuh.nhs.uk with the number of people in their party and which venue they will be attending. More information is available on the Charity events page. PAGE

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Issue 163 2026

Get Ready For A Baa-Rilliant Day Out As Shaun The Sheep Comes To Blickling Estate This Winter.

Little Donkey by Donna Newman. Photo credit: Doug Lodge.

From Saturday 14 November to Sunday 17 January, twelve eweniquely designed Shaun the Sheep sculptures will be displayed in the gardens at the National Trust’s Blickling Estate in Norfolk. In collaboration with Wild in Art and Aardman, the Find the Flock trail promises fun for the whole family. Each super-sized Shaun the Sheep sculpture, standing tall at 160cm, will be positioned at iconic locations around the gardens. The flock has been painted by twelve different national and international artists with bright

colours and funky, bold patterns. Visitors are invited to pick up a trail map and embaa-rk on a journey through art and adventure, learning more about the artists as they go. Sebastian Billing, Experience & Programming Manager, said, “We are so excited to have our woolly friend Shaun the Sheep at Blickling Estate this winter! The trail provides a ewe-nique opportunity for visitors to enjoy the beauty of the gardens, spend quality time with loved ones, and discover a new festive experience as they find the flock.” Annie Laughrin, Commercial Trails Manager at Wild in Art said, “We're thrilled to be continuing our ongoing partnership with Aardman

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Animations to bring Shaun the Sheep to Blickling Estate. We hope visitors will discover the joy of the trail and see how our incredible artists have brought this iconic and cheeky character to life.” Isabella Baldo, Attractions & Live Experiences Executive at Aardman added, “We are excited to see Shaun arrive at Blickling Estate this winter - a season our favourite Mossy Bottom Farm residents love celebrating. We are certain he will be well looked after and will provide great family entertainment for visitors seeking the beautifully designed Shaun sculptures around the trail.” The gardens at Blickling Estate are open daily from 10am to 4pm, with extended opening in some areas of the garden until 7pm on the following dates: · Saturday 28 November and Sunday 29 November

Santa Shaun by Megan Heather Smith-Evans. Photo credit: Jon Scrimshaw

· Saturday 5 December and Sunday 6 December · Saturday 12 December and Sunday 13 December · Wednesday 16 December to Wednesday 23 December The Find the Flock trail is included with standard admission, free for National Trust Members and children under 5. Please check the Blickling Estate website for up-to-date opening days and times before you visit.

Shaunucopia by Tim Sutcliffe. Photo credit: National Trust Images Mike Selby

For more information and to plan a baa-rilliant visit go to: nationaltrust.org.uk/blickling PAGE

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