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With the embers of Hallowe’en dying out we now look to one of the best times of the year for most people with Christmas just around the corner.
Most people will be busy clearing up the pumpkins and spooky decorations, while some will already be flat out getting their houses Christmas ready and some will be well ahead of the pack with a fair number of lights already set up from the previous years!
Christmas is a time of celebration, and reflection, and for most it is the one time of the year where all the family will get together for a few days and reminisce over their childhood memories of the festive season.
We always return to our childhood memories of Christmas with some remembering their favourite presents they received from the big man in red, and above all we will remember the best times from our childhood Christmases. After all isn’t Christmas all about the kids?
Who can’t say they get great enjoyment from watching the wonderment in children’s eyes when they arrive into the living room on Christmas morning to see what has been left under the Christmas tree for them? The sheer excitement is enough to make us adults feel that magic once again.
There is also great fun to be had all around Fingal with so many events taking place over the next 6-8 weeks on the run up to the festive week. Christmas markets, Light shows, musical events and so much more will be sure to kickstart the festivities for the majority of people.
Christmas time is also a time for remembrance of loved ones who are not with us anymore but their memories live on in the hearts and minds of their loved ones who will always uphold the festive traditions of yesteryear.
So, be sure to get out and about and enjoy the run-in to the biggest holiday of the year btu remember not to get caught up in the panic buying but rather try to take in all what your local area has to offer on your doorstep!
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On Wednesday 25th September a trip to the Guide Dog Centre in Cork was organised by Tom O’Neill who was joined by a group of local Balbriggan/North Co Dublin volunteers along with some of Tom’s and his son Eoin’s friends. The group travelled to Cork and back with Irish Rail who were most helpful to all but gave additional help to those on the trip who needed the extra support.
The headquarters pulled out all the stops! Chris Bennet of the fundraising department met the volunteers and friends off the bus when they arrived, he was accompanied by Tim O’Mahony, C.E.O and Mary Terry from the office staff. Sinead and her kitchen team laid on a lovely lunch and two local volunteers, Dermot and Tom broke the group up into two separate groups and showed everybody every part of the centre. It was a joy and also a lonesome moment to see Breege’s bus again. The volunteers got to see the work involved for the students in training their new guide dogs as Sam the guide dog trainer demonstrated to the group. The feedback on the train home was that it was a wonderful
trip. The staff were amazing and what a fantastic facility. A great day was had by all and we would like to thank the Headquarters for being so welcoming and showing us around.
As Christmas time approaches, you might want to keep a lookout for our merchandise stand over the next couple of weeks as we will be out and about. Keep an eye on our social media accounts for details on where we are going to be set up. We will have car raffle tickets available for €5, with the chance to win a Citroën C4 Plus Hybrid. Our 2025 calendars and Christmas cards will also be available.
Our Balbriggan/North County Dublin branch also held a coffee morning on 22nd of October in the Senior Citizen Hall in Balbriggan. Our raffle last year was a huge success at the event, and this year was no different! We gave away some fantastic spot prizes and a great morning was had by all.
You can contact Balbriggan/ North County Dublin Branch of Irish Guide Dogs by phone/ text 0857663107, email: GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail. com or find us on Facebook at Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs.
By Jon Kavanagh
Like many great ideas it all started more or less by accident. Back in 1999 a few friends were socialising in the village of Ballyboughal when someone said, “Wouldn’t it be nice to go for a walk?” They began a fortnightly walk around the surrounding area. Word spread quickly and the idea literally gained legs, as more and more people joined the now weekly event. The meeting points expanded to cover the entire Fingal area and beyond. The members see hidden gems and pick up a bit of local history as they cast their shadow on just about every nook and cranny, from Newbridge House to Oldbridge House, from Balbriggan to Blessington and everywhere in between.
The celebration weekend included a dinner dance and a special walk, led by David O’Connor, former Mayor of Fingal, and sadly the sole survivor of the founder members.
Dave retraced the steps of the first walk from Naul village to the Four Knocks Passage Tomb, which incidentally has a larger interior than New Grange. Lockdown was difficult but thankfully the gregarious lot managed to keep in touch on social media. As soon as restrictions were lifted the club sprang back bigger than ever. On an average Sunday morning around forty turn out to walk and talk whilst getting a bit of fresh air and exercise. The club has a strong social aspect and many long-lasting friendships have been formed over the years.
www.facebook.com/BalbrigganLocal
By Dave Kavanagh
Those that rent their accommodation privately, compared to home owners, can be a lot more vulnerable. Apart from the obvious points, like rents being increased or having to move out if a property is being sold, there are other potential events that could prove problematic for renters. As we saw in the early part of the pandemic, where many people’s incomes were drastically reduced, those with mortgages were permitted to avail of “payment breaks” with minimal effort. Unfortunately, those renting do not usually have the flexibility of this option. When someone cannot work due to illness or injury, they may suffer a loss of income, either immediately or after a short period, resulting in the inability to pay rent. This could lead to eviction and all of the problems associated with it. While those renting may not have been exposed to the kind of financial advice as someone going through the mortgage process, there are still safeguards that can be put in place. One option is Income Protection, paying them a portion of their income if they were unable to work due to illness
or injury. This could be the difference between affording rent or being evicted. Something not often considered by renters is Life Cover. If one of a couple renting passed away, this could allow the surviving partner (or family) to purchase their own home immediately without the need for a mortgage. Similarly, Serious Illness Cover could pay out a tax-free lump sum on diagnosis of one of the illnesses covered, giving another layer of financial security. Better to consider these options earlier rather than later.
Dave Kavanagh QFA has been advising people financially for over 25 years. For quotes or information (with no cost or obligation) he can be contacted by emailing Dave at info@ financialcompanion.ie or use the contact form on financialcompanion.ie or @Davekav_advice on Twitter and Instagram. Combined with his previous role of gym/nutrition adviser, he regularly gives talks and workshops at seminars and events for groups, companies and government departments on financial well being, positivity and motivation. As heard on RTE 2FM , LMFM and TV3.
Four properties in Balbriggan were chose to feature in this year’s Irish Architecture Foundation’s Open House Dublin in October.
Balbriggan was at the centre of the festival, with four architecturally acclaimed venues in the locality among those throwing open their doors to the public. Among them was The Lark, the country’s newest, most innovative, entertainment venue.
The Lark is this year’s winner of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland Public Choice Award - voted the public’s favourite building.
The other featured venues in Balbriggan were Ardgillan Castle; High Street Balbriggan and Open Studios.
Meanwhile, UCD architecture students recently visited Balbriggan to view the progress and plans of the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme.
The transformational project is aimed at creating a high-quality public amenity and premier visitor destination to revitalise Ireland’s youngest town.
The €50million 2019-2030 Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme aims to create a more attractive, connected place where people want to live, work, visit and do business.
Key milestones have been reached as work continues at pace on the transformational €15million Balbriggan Quay Street and Harbour project.
The students also learned of works planned for the former RNLI Boathouse, the transformation
of 6a-14 Bridge Street and a creative hub at 2-4 Dublin Street.
The ambitious vision contained in the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme was the result of an historic community engagement in 2019 which saw more than 25% of residents outline their preferences for the future of the town
Dr David Begg, chair of the Our Balbriggan Leadership Group, said the visit was tangible evidence of the positive impacts of the Our
Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme.
“Its purpose was to bring to life the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme,” he said.
“There was both a visual learning experience with follow up presentations on how the ambitious socio-economic and architectural rejuvenation of Balbriggan has been shaped by the community and brought to life by Fingal County Council.”
By Jack Shanley
Joker: Folie à Deux hit cinemas last month and was met with mixed reviews upon its release. While some praised its visual style and the performances of Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, others criticized its pacing, narrative, and overall tone. I happened to see it on the day of its release and had my own thoughts on one of the much-anticipated films of the year.
One of the primary criticisms levelled against the film was its lack of a clear narrative direction. While the first Joker film was a character study with a focused plot, Folie à Deux felt more like a series of disconnected vignettes. The film’s pacing was also a point of contention, with some viewers finding it slow and uneven.
Another common complaint was the film’s excessive use of musical numbers. While these sequences were visually striking, some felt that they detracted from the film’s overall tone and disrupted the narrative flow. Additionally, the film’s portrayal of mental illness was a source of debate, with some
arguing that it was insensitive and exploitative.
Despite these criticisms, Joker: Folie à Deux was undoubtedly a visually impressive film. The cinematography was stunning, and the production design was top-notch. Phoenix and Gaga also delivered strong performances, although some felt that their characters were underdeveloped, at times I felt it was just Gaga on screen and not Harley Quinn. Ultimately, whether or not Joker: Folie à Deux is a successful film is a matter of personal opinion. While it offers a visually striking and thought-provoking experience, its narrative shortcomings and controversial themes may alienate some viewers.
In all truth I’d recommend checking out Joker: Folie à Deux and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of 2 stars. You can watch it today at your local cinema.
Director: Todd Phillips – Rating: 15A – Genre: Musical/Thriller – Run Time: 2h 18m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.
Independent Councillor
Tony Murphy, a dedicated and experienced representative with over a decade of experience, has officially announced his candidacy for the newly created Dublin Fingal West constituency in the upcoming General Election. With a strong track record of leadership and community advocacy, Murphy is committed to building on his successful career as a Councillor to represent the needs of his constituency at national level.
Since his first election to Fingal County Council in 2014, Murphy has been a tireless advocate for the people of Fingal. He has consistently prioritised the community’s wellbeing, as evidenced by his impressive poll-topping results in the Balbriggan electoral area in both 2019 and 2024. Having lived and worked in Balbriggan for over 40 years, Murphy has a profound understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing local communities in Rush Lusk Loughshinny Skerries Balrothery and the rural Fingal area. His work has particularly focused on enhancing local infrastructure, improving services, supporting businesses, and fostering an inclusive and vibrant environment. His pivotal role in securing funding and resources for major projects, notably the ambitious Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Plan, has been widely acknowledged. This
program has had a transformative impact, establishing Balbriggan as one of the most desirable towns in Fingal to live, work, and raise a family.
Councillor Murphy stated:
“I am proud to announce my candidacy for the Fingal Dublin West constituency in the upcoming General Election. My focus has always been on delivering real results for the community, and I believe my experience, dedication, and deep-rooted connections to the area will allow me to continue to make a positive impact. I look forward to the opportunity to represent the people of Fingal Dublin West on the national stage and work toward a brighter future for all residents.”
Following the recent constituency boundary changes, the former Dublin Fingal five-seater constituency was split into two three-seater constituencies – Fingal Dublin West and Fingal Dublin East. Fingal Dublin West covers a number of vibrant communities, including Balbriggan, Balrothery, Skerries, Loughshinny, Rush, Lusk, Ballyboughal, Kilsallaghan, St. Margaret’s, Coolquay, Oldtown, Garristown, and Naul.
With a strong track record of effective leadership, Tony Murphy will leverage his local experience and community-first approach at the national level, ensuring the voices of Dublin Fingal West residents are well-represented in Dáil Éireann.
Between shopping, decorating and planning, Christmas is a busy time of year for Mammies so we’ve got some tips to help!
Meeting friends or family? Bracken Court Hotel’s ‘Winter Rose Afternoon Tea’ is a lovely way to enjoy a catch up. They also have fab shared Christmas party nights for dancing the night away.
Christmas day can be stressful, and it is wonderful to let someone else do all the hard work. Farnham Estate in Cavan has a fantastic Christmas package where you can enjoy festive Christmas Eve & Christmas Day dining without having to step into the kitchen! Ideal for family get togethers.
Love 90’s music? Pillo Hotel Ashbourne throwback Christmas party nights are jam packed with classic hits. Dance your cares away and check out their B&B offers. Much nicer to ‘Get the lift
home’ upstairs than worrying about taxis!
For those who are tricky to buy for, we love Hampers & Co. Their hampers start at €14 and there’s a huge range like wellness, wine, picnic, baby & more Literally something for everyone!
Looking for a winter getaway? The Four Seasons in Carlingford is within walking distance to gorgeous Carlingford Village and close to Dundalk. Lovely food, beautiful scenery, great shopping. They have wonderful winter packages available, and their gift vouchers make wonderful gifts.
For skincare lovers www.ziajashop.ie has gorgeous products. Available online and in Dunnes, Tesco & Chemist Warehouse. I love the Baltic Spa range for pampering. They have wonderful baby & kid’s products too, like bath jelly and cookies & cream toothpaste. Fun and
By Jon Kavanagh
Back in the early 80s we watched in wonderment when KITT the talking car appeared in the TV series Knight Rider. Today, KITT’s descendants all talk, as a disembodied voice guides us to our destination in air-conditioned luxury. But have we lost the driving experience? In years gone by motoring was hands on and problematic. Scarcely a day would pass without hearing the call for help “Will you give us a push?” The powerless steering on an uncooperative car carrying its own body weight in rust would have challenged the muscles of The Incredible Hulk himself.
Before embarking on a journey preparation was essential, with extra time added for the almost inevitable breakdown. Essential equipment included a large container of water for the radiator, that overheated more often than John McEnroe on the tennis court; a length of rope to secure any parts that came loose and a pair of ladies’ nylon stockings that were regularly called upon to serve their country as an emergency fan belt. If
affordable.
Looking for somewhere different for shop & stay break? The Silken Thomas, in the grounds of Kildare Castle is unique. Close to Kildare Village, it has beautiful accommodation, plus award winning bar & dining.
Mrs Claus Gingerbread Christmas experience at Casino Model Railway Museum Malahide is back this year and is open for bookings.
Santas Magical Cabin at Ilac SC & Kilnamanagh is also back. Book at Santaexperience.ie
Elf Town Dublin at RDS is now taking bookings too. After the huge success last year, The Lark Panto is back. This year it’s Cinderella and runs from 5th December. Tickets are on sale now! Follow us on mams.ie for more tips & giveaways!
cars were performing below par, so too were many of their drivers. Prior to the introduction of the driving test in 1964, people simply went to the post office and brought a licence that entitled them to drive anything from a mini to a bus – a situation that led to some interesting characters finding themselves behind the wheel.
A couple of ‘eccentric’ drivers that come to mind include a district health nurse who would exit her black Morris Minor, walk a distance to a crossroads, look both ways, leisurely return to the car and drive through, with a misplaced confidence that made Russian roulette look like a game of snakes and ladders, and a North County Dublin farmer who took up driving somewhat late in life. Following a spate of near misses, a well-meaning friend advised him to use his indicators, so people would know where he was going. In response he sharply retorted “It’s none of their (“!”) business where I’m going!” Today we are disconnected from our cars. We no longer “go for a spin” with no particular purpose in mind. A professional with a laptop is required to make even minor adjustments. The days of clutching an oily rag and a heavy hammer, known affectionally as “the persuader” are well and truly in the rear-view mirror.
Celebrating 20 years next January, experience TradFest everywhere you go, from the Mountains of South Dublin across Dublin City and to the castles and coastline of historic Fingal.
Now in its third year in Fingal the festival will return to the many unique and historic venues across the region: Malahide Castle, Swords Castle Chapel, The Millbank Theatre, Skerries Mill, Draíocht Theatre and the iconic Seamus Ennis Arts Centre, while increasing its musical footprint in additional new venues: The Lark, Ardgillan Castle, The Abbey Tavern and Donabate Community Centre.
Fingal Acts for 2025 include: Karen CaseyThe Women we will rise, Jacqui Martin & Derek Hickey, Tara Breen, Eoghan ó’Ceannabhaín, Mike Hanrahan and Eleanor Shanley, Luka Bloom, Ines Khai, Molly O’Mahony, Paudie O’Connor &
Aoife Ni Chaoimh, Emma Langford, Stockton’s Wing -Voices from Fingal Mick Hanly with Anto Drennan and Eoin O’Neill, The Henry Girls, Bernadette Nic Gabhann, Frank, O’Rourke & John Feely, Molly Donnery, Brídín, Sorcha Costello, Evelyn Kallansee & Declan Sinnott
There will also be a special celebration of the actor, local resident and TradFest patron Stephen Rea. The Oscar-nominated and multi awardwinning actor has for long had a global reputation for his exceptional skills on both stage and screen. Over four nights in The Lark Theatre, Balbriggan, TradFest will honour Stephen through words and music. Joining Stephen over the 4 nights will be poet Paul Muldoon and musicians Neil Martin, Louise Mulcahy, Matt Molloy, Maighread Ní Dhomnaill, Paddy Glackin and Derek Hickey.
TradFest in Fingal will also celebrate the life of Barney McKenna, original member of the Irish band The Dubliners and Fingal resident across two days and nights in The Abbey Tavern, Howth in January 2025.
Mike Hanrahan and Stockton’s Wing will give a special concert in Donabate Community Centre where they will be joined on stage by the voices of Fingal Choir
In line with its audience development objectives, TradFest also will deliver an expanded community programme later this year which will outline a series of new exciting, free communityled events in Fingal.
Whether you’re a fan of live music, or just looking for a night of Irish culture and craic, TradFest is where you want to be in January 2025.
Author and podcast host Georgie Crawford has teamed up with Specsavers Balbriggan to encourage budding authors to enter their nationwide short story competition.
The competition launched to help celebrate Specsavers’ sponsorship of the Junior and Senior Children’s Book of the Year categories at the An Post Irish Book Awards 2024.
As an author and a mum to two young children, Georgie is encouraging children to get involved in the competition.
“Parents and guardians, I urge you to encourage your children to dive in – you’ll be amazed by what they create. And who knows, they might just surprise themselves (and their school!) with a win,” she said.
The winner of the junior and senior category of the Specsavers short story competition will win €500 for their school library along with all the titles shortlisted in the Specsavers Irish Children’s Book of the Year categories at the An Post Irish Book Awards 2024.
Georgie’s top tips for writing a short story: Believe in your story magic: You have stories bursting inside you, just waiting to be told! Trust your ideas, no matter how big or small, silly or serious. Let your imagination soar and don’t be afraid to explore the unknown corners of your creativity.
Write about what you love: What makes your heart sing? Is it a day at the beach, a video game adventure, a special friendship, or maybe a dream you once had? Turn your passions and real-life experiences into stories that will resonate with readers.
Fuel your imagination: Be a reading explorer! Journey through different kinds of books – funny comics, thrilling mysteries, magical fantasies. Discover what other authors do and ask, “What if?” to spark amazing story ideas of your own. Make it exciting: Show, don’t tell! Instead of saying “The monster was scary,” describe its slimy scales, razor-sharp teeth, and bloodcurdling roar. Use all five senses to bring your story to life and don’t forget to add a problem or challenge for your character to overcome.
Writing tips: Start small – even a few sentences is a great start! Read your story aloud to yourself to see how it sounds. Don’t be afraid to ask grown-ups, teachers, or friends for feedback. And most importantly, don’t give up! Writing takes practice, but the more you write, the better you’ll become.
Most importantly, have fun! Writing should be an enjoyable adventure! Let your imagination run wild, embrace silliness and surprise, and savour the process of bringing your unique story to life.
To enter Specsavers’ competition simply create
a short story, no longer than 500 words, inspired by the carnival picture.
“The carnival had come to town, a buzz of colour and noise. But there was one stall, tucked away in the corner, that was different. It was completely silent, and the sign above it read ‘See Your Dreams - One Euro Only’. I knew what to do…
Closing date for entries is Tuesday 7th January 2025. All entries should be posted to: Specsavers Short Story Competition, c/o WHPR, 6 Ely Place, Dublin 2.
You can also pick up an entry form at your closest Specsavers store or submit online at www. specsavers.ie/irish-book-awards
A new exhibit that showcases experiences faced by people from marginalised communities across Ireland has been opened in Swords, as Fingal County Council looks to continue its efforts to combat racist attitudes and behaviours.
The “Building Bridges: Forging Pathways Beyond Prejudice” exhibition is the fourth and final phase of the SALAAM project which was developed in partnership with Fingal County Council and the University of Limerick, Doras, the Immigrant Council of Ireland and the Irish Network Against Racism.
Opening the exhibition, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Brian McDonagh, said: “Fingal is a county that not only celebrates its rich diversity but actively fosters inclusion and social cohesion. We take pride in our role as leaders in delivering on our Public Sector Duty obligations. This commitment isn’t just outlined in our strategic plans and policies—it is embedded in the very heart of everything we do. Our goal is to ensure that all who live, work, and visit Fingal feel welcomed and safe”.
Fingal is amongst the most diverse and dynamically growing populations in Ireland and Fingal County Council is committed to social integration and enhancing the quality of life for
all the residents as it continues to grow.
Minister Joe O’Brien emphasised: “Fingal continues to ensure that it meets the needs of one of the country’s most diverse populations. In doing so it looks to recognise the vital contributions that non-Irish communities make to our lives every day and reminds us all of the importance of providing welcome & supports to all Fingal residents so that we can continue to build successful & thriving communities that benefit all of us living and working in the Fingal area.”
Featuring eight comics, the collection of heartfelt stories aims to share the often-harsh experiences faced by non-Irish nationals and open up a dialogue that champions diversity, equality and inclusion.
The project lead, Dr. James Carr from University of Limerick, says: “The ‘Building Bridges: Forging Pathways Beyond Prejudice’ exhibition is a poignant testament to the power of visual art as a tool for creating an understanding of our changing environment. It serves as a platform for the unheard by amplifying the narratives and lived experiences of our diverse communities through visual storytelling”.
National Women’s Enterprise Day (NWED) will take place on Thursday, 17th October, and the venue for the biggest event celebrating NWED this year is the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Blanchardstown.
The annual Dublin NWED event, organised by Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Fingal on behalf of the LEOs in the Dublin region, is a highlight in the business calendar for enterprising women across the region and offers a unique opportunity to celebrate female entrepreneurship.
The theme of this year’s National Women’s Enterprise Day is ‘Making It Happen’ and the programme includes a variety of guest speakers, female entrepreneurs, lively panel discussion, small-business case studies, an exhibition of enterprise support agencies as well as plenty of opportunities to network with other female entrepreneurs and business owners.
Celebrated TV broadcaster Mary Kennedy was announced as this year’s NWED Master of Ceremonies, while a number of inspiring speakers from several business sectors were also unveiled, including Lorraine Heskin (CEO of Gourmet Food Parlour), Oonagh O’Hagan (MD of Meaghers Pharmacy), Fiona Buckley (CEO of She Speaks Agency), and Breda McCague (CEO of Aiming4Awesome).
The ambassadors announced for their respective regions are Michelle O’Keefe, Co-founder of Platform 55 (LEO Fingal); Aisling Tuck, founder of Naked Bakes (South Dublin LEO); Alicia Garrigan, Founder of GirlGottaChange (LEO Dun Laoghaire Rathdown) and Niamh Tallon, Founder of Hersport.ie (LEO Dublin City).
The event will also provide access to valuable information and resources from representatives of key organisations such as the Local Enterprise Office, Enterprise Ireland, Revenue, Intreo, Department of Social Protection, InterTradeIreland, AwakenHub, TU Dublin, TrailblazHER, and Microfinance Ireland.
Registration is at 8.45 am with the opportunity to network over breakfast. The event kicks off at 9.30 am and will conclude with a networking lunch, which finishes at 2 pm.
Speaking at the launch of the NWED Dublin event, the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Brian McDonagh, said: “Fingal is a thriving hub of innovation and entrepreneurship, and I’m delighted to celebrate the incredible women who are driving our region forward. National Women’s Enterprise Day is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the vibrant business community we have here, and to inspire even more women to pursue their entrepreneurial endeavours.”
The event is subsidised by the LEOs in the Dublin Region and a limited number of fully inclusive early bird tickets are available at only €25. Places are limited, so early booking is strongly advised. For further information and online bookings visit www.localenterprise.ie/fingal.
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This is easy… we are offering you the chance to win €50. All you have to do is correctly fill in the crossword and discover the name of an area in Fingal spelt out in the coloured squares. Then send the completed crossword and your answer by email, with your name, address and telephone number to communitylocals@ gmail.com before 5pm on the 16th of this month. The first correct entry to be drawn will win €50..Good luck
1. Felt a powerful desire for something. (6)
5. The world’s second largest country by area. (6)
10. Capable of resuming original shape after stretching. (7)
11. Pedal driven vehicle. (7)
12. Thin and fit. (4)
13. Sweet food from nectar. (5)
15. Send via the postal service. (4)
17. Scrape as if to relieve itching. (3)
19. A word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations. (6)
21. Not often. (6)
22. Previously, before now. (7)
23. Country which achieved independence from Sweden in 1905. (6)
25. Ancient Greek oracle. (6)
28. A short day! (3)
30. Youthful males. (4)
31. Take a husband or a wife. (5)
32. An inclined surface connecting two levels. (4)
35. Bring something to a destination. (7)
36. Relating to an area beside the sea. (7)
37. Produced by crossbreeding. (6)
38. Delievered a sharp blow. (6)
2. The state of the world as it really is rather than as you might want it to be. (7)
3. Express one’s preference for a candidate in an election. (4)
4. A licensed medical practitioner. (6)
5. Evidence of a spider. (6)
6. Long part of a guitar or banjo. (4)
7. State emphatically and authoritatively. (7)
8. Beds on a ship or train; usually in tiers. (6)
9. Expression of doubtful interest or surprise. (6)
14. Questionable energy source. (7)
16. A person who is regarded as underhanded and furtive. (5)
18. Challenged to do something. (5)
20. Bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer. (3)
21. The colour of the Left. (3)
23. A person of little influence. (6)
24. Payment to a copyright holder for use of their work. (7)
26. Generic name for a credit card. (7)
27. African antelope with ridged curved horns. (6)
28. The opposite of profane and ungodly. (6)
29. Rough paths and roads. (6)
33. Finished in cricket. (4)
34. A poker hand with two cards of the same value. (4)
CHRISTMAS VOUCHERS AVAILABLE