Issuu

NEWS & EVENTS HOME & GARDEN FOOD & DRINK FASHION & BEAUTY BUSINESS & LEISURE ART & CULTURE

Explore Southwell Walk

HIDDEN FOOTSTEPS Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust

INVESTING IN NATURE Comfort & Performance

ASTON MARTIN DBX GT Nottinghamshire

FESTIVE EVENTS

Discover Christmas At

DODDINGTON

Indulge

Winter Season

LUXURY FASHION

Nottingham City

Teresa Bovey’s Seasonal Recipes

THE ARTS THEATRE

BEER PAIRINGS & WINE PICKS

Made in Notts

WHERE ART BLOOMS ick up at selec op

R e ad F or

On line

tions FREE oca t tl

And much more...

Catharine Bailey

tions FREE oca t tl

Festive Season

ick up at selec op

THE SWEETEST SEASON

Welcome to the November/December 26 issue.

Made Made lifestyle magazine is designed and created with love by Createinn.

MARKETING BRANDING PHOTOGRAPHY DESIGN PRINT SIGNAGE WEB

Nottinghamshire is looking particularly magical at this time of year, and we’ve gathered some of our favourite festive events from across the county to help you make the most of the season. From sparkling light trails and bustling Christmas markets to enchanting experiences for the whole family, there’s plenty to tempt you out into the winter air. We also take a little trip to Doddington, where Sarah Hall shares the joys of Christmas inspired by the estate, its wonderful local produce and traditional craftsmanship. For a quieter moment of seasonal inspiration, we visit Allington Garden, where artist Catharine Bailey finds beauty in winter’s frosty landscapes, delicate seedheads and bare branches. Closer to the city, we step behind the scenes at Nottingham’s Arts Theatre to meet some of the passionate people bringing creativity and community together. We also hear from Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust about the importance of investing in nature’s recovery and why looking after our natural world is a gift worth giving. If you fancy wrapping up warm and heading outdoors, Sally Outram takes us on a delightful wander through Southwell’s countryside, uncovering hidden stories, beautiful views and fascinating local history along the way. And, of course, it wouldn’t be Christmas without a little indulgence! Teresa Bovey shares some wonderfully comforting festive desserts, while Welbeck Abbey Brewery and Piccalilli offer inspiration for pairing your seasonal food and drinks. We’ve also sprinkled in a touch of winter fashion luxury, alongside a look at the impressive Aston Martin DBX GT.

tion Ma en

e W h It w

is em ers

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elcome to our festive issue of Made! It’s always one of our favourites to put together here in the office, as we count down to the most wonderful time of the year. There’s something rather lovely about bringing these pages together as Christmas approaches, and we hope this issue brings you just as much warmth, joy and festive inspiration as it has brought us in creating it.

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As we look towards the new year, life coach Chris Collins offers a thoughtful reminder that January needn’t be all about resolutions and reinvention, but perhaps a little more kindness towards ourselves instead. However you choose to spend the festive season, whether it’s enjoying the celebrations, exploring our beautiful county or simply finding time to relax with those you love, we hope you find plenty to enjoy within these pages. From all of us here at Made, thank you for your continued support. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year!

On The Cover

Christmas Sparkle! Dessert by Teresa Bovey. Photograph courtesy of Jon Rogers.

Diamonds speak louder than words NOTTINGHAM | LEEDS | YORK | NEWCASTLE | WINDSOR www.berrysjewellers.co.uk

Made In Notts

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All rights reserved; reproduction of any part of this magazine is not allowed without the written permission of the publishers. Prices are correct at the time of going to press. While every care is taken, Made and Createinn Ltd, the publishers, endeavour to ensure that all the information inside the magazine is correct, prices and details including dates are subject to change.

Inside This Issue News & Events

Food & Drink

The Local Roundup. The latest news from across the region.

The Sweetest Season. Simple decadent desserts by food demonstrator and home economist,

Features 22

Festive Events Across Nottinghamshire. Nottinghamshire is bursting with festive cheer this Christmas! Here are just a few of our favourites.

Christmas At Doddington.

Teresa Bovey.

Health & Beauty 74

and under the tree. Sarah Hall shares how

Winter Luxury Fashion. Sophisticated details and modern styling create a beautifully polished winter wardrobe.

Rooted in the estate and shaped by the best of the season. Everything for the table

Beer Pairings & Wine Picks. From Welbeck Abbey Brewery and Piccallili.

The January Crash.

Christmas at Doddington is shaped by

Why self-acceptance could be the reset

the land, the seasons and a deep-rooted

you need. By Chris Collins, Life Coach.

passion for local food and craft.

Where Art Blooms. Allington Garden in winter: how artist Catharine Bailey turns frost, seedheads and

Home & Garden 56

bare branches into inspiration for her art.

Where Community, Creativity & Big Dreams Become One. Made meets Julian Phillips, Theatre Manager and Joel Milnes, Assistant

feel wonderfully welcoming this Christmas.

Travel & Leisure

in Nottingham, and discovers a true cultural

A ‘Greet’ Escape: Southwell’s Hidden Footsteps.

gem in the city.

Travel writer and photojournalist Sally

Manager, from the team at The Arts Theatre

12 Jobs Of Christmas. A few simple touches can make your home

Outram discovers the stories woven into

Invest In Nature.

Southwell’s glorious countryside on a walk that’s lovely in every season.

Investing in nature’s recovery is a win-win. By Erin McDaid, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust.

Aston Martin DBX GT. Aston Martin is proud to introduce the new DBX GT; a new interpretation of the marques acclaimed SUV that blends ultraluxury craftsmanship, refined comfort and effortless performance.

7 7

News & Events

News

The local roundup Unlocking Newark Castle's Hidden Dungeons £2.5 million funding boost will unlock Newark Castle’s hidden dungeons. The Newark Castle Gatehouse Project is set to receive substantial new funding from the Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, allowing the site to further enhance its visitor offer by opening up its hidden underground spaces, including three dungeons which haven’t been open to the public for a number of years. The latest investment builds on earlier support from the UK Government’s Local Regeneration Fund supported by the Newark Town Board, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and Newark and Sherwood District Council, which is already helping to secure the Castle’s future, restore the gatehouse, respond to the growing conservation needs, improve public access and enhance the surrounding gardens and green space. Visitors will not only be able to step back in time and enjoy views from windows that haven’t been accessible for four centuries as part of the original funding, but, thanks to an additional £2.5 million from Mayor Claire’s Investment Fund, phase two of the project can proceed. This next phase will open up all of Newark Castle’s underground spaces,

including three dungeons, creating safer and more accessible routes into areas that have been largely inaccessible to the public for some time. The work will focus on conserving these spaces, illustrating their unique historical stories and using immersive audiovisual techniques to reveal the castle’s hidden history. Opening these spaces is something many members of the local community have long called for. Two dungeons in the north-west tower will benefit from new ladders and lighting, while the Debtors’ dungeon in the south-west tower will undergo significant enhancements, including the installation of a floating glass floor that will allow visitors to view the historic features beneath. The Undercroft, which has had limited public access in the past, will be transformed into an exciting and flexible new community venue, with improvements including upgraded electrical infrastructure and the installation of a floating floor. Once complete, the space will be able to host a range of activities and events, including film screenings, live

music performances, educational visits, weddings and community gatherings. The underground spaces will be accessed through guided tours, offering visitors a unique and immersive way to explore Newark Castle’s history. Audio-visual installations will help bring these stories to life, creating an engaging and memorable experience. Alternative audio-visual experiences will also be available for visitors who are unable or choose not to enter the underground spaces. The funding will also support improvements across the wider Castle site, including safety enhancements to the bridge connecting the castle grounds to the waterside lock, improved garden lighting, more accessible pathways and new audio-visual projections on the Castle’s curtain wall. Work on the Newark Castle Gatehouse Project and the access to the underground spaces hope to be completed later in 2027. For details on the Castle Gatehouse Project and the full story visit: www. newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/news

Newark Castle, image by Steven Bramall.

Christmas Christmas Everything you need this Everything you you need need this this Everything Everything you need this

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News & Events

Remembrance Sunday 8 Nov Remembrance Parade Mansfield

The parade will start at West Gate/Buttercross and travel to the Civic Centre, where the main Service of Remembrance will be held outside the War Memorial. As well as standing together in Remembrance on 11 Nov, we also observe a two-minute silence at 11am on Remembrance Sunday.

Remembrance Parade Nottingham

The annual Service of Remembrance and Parade at the County War Memorial on the Embankment, Nottingham The event starts about 10.45am Remembrance Sunday.

Retford Rotary Club Festival Of Remembrance Retford, 7 Nov

Retford Rotary Club’s Festival of Remembrance, with Royal British Legion, will be held on 7 Nov 2026, at The Well Church Retford, Hospital Road, Retford at 7pm. Tickets cost £12. Entertainment will by Pleasley Colliery Welfare Band, Retford Musical Theatre Company, including The MOB and will be followed by the Royal British Legion with the traditional Drumhead Ceremony. Tickets are available from Mamma G's Italian snack bar & deli, Co-op Travel and The Well Church in Retford. Look out for the services across the weekend in your region.

Kids’ Village Frasers Plus Designer Outlet East Midlands marks major milestone in Kids’ Village partnership. Frasers Plus Designer Outlet East Midlands has marked the latest milestone in its ongoing partnership with Kids’ Village, as the charity has launched the first prototype lodge at its 30-acre site in Burton-on-Trent. Kids’ Village is creating a purpose-built holiday village for critically ill children and their families, providing a place to spend precious time together away from hospitals and treatment. The village is due to open in summer 2027. The outlet has been a long-term supporter of Kids’ Village, donating more than £37,000 since naming it their charity of the year in January 2025. In 2026 alone, it committed to donating a further £10,000, while team members took on fundraising challenges and supported the charity’s first-ever volunteer day last May. Building on this support, representatives from the outlet are set to join Kids’ Village’s corporate partners for a VIP walkthrough of the newly built prototype in the coming weeks. Designed with children at its heart, the four-bedroom lodge sleeps up to eight and includes a larger “magic room” for the child who is ill, alongside a “thank you room” for someone who has supported the family. Founded by Sam Fletcher-Goodwin following her own experience of cancer as a child, Kids’ Village will feature 10 four-bedroom, eco-built

lodges alongside a central facility, Charlotte’s Village. Once open, stays will be completely free for critically ill children and their families, with the village having the capacity to support 500 families each year. With ambitions to roll out the programme across the UK, Kids’ Village is looking forward to opening its flagship village next year. The visit is in conjunction with the charity reaching its £5 million capital appeal target in December 2025 marking another major step towards welcoming its first families. The partnership reflects the outlet’s wider commitment to creating a positive social impact, using its platform, resources and team to support communities across the region. Sam Fletcher-Goodwin, Founder of Kids’ Village, said: “The first prototype lodge is a hugely important milestone and an opportunity for our partners to see the vision they have helped bring to life. “We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support of Frasers Plus Designer Outlet East Midlands and its team as we work towards welcoming our first families in 2027.” Those wishing to find out more and support Kids’ Village can donate via our website here: frasersplus.com/destinations/eastmidlands/ whats-on/kids-village

News & Events

Illuminate The Midlands New regional cultural network shines a light on the Midlands. A major new collaborative network, Illuminate the Midlands, has been launched to showcase the transformative power of light art, culture, and creativity across the region. Illuminate the Midlands is a network of light art festivals spanning Beeston, Birmingham, Mansfield, Nottingham, Stoke-on-Trent, and Worcester. After delivering events independently for several years, partners have come together to work collaboratively in sharing expertise, supporting cultural development, and strengthening the region’s reputation for high-quality light-based events. As a pilot programme, the consortium will cocommission and present a contemporary light artwork that will tour the six locations from October 2026 to March 2027, creating a shared cultural experience while celebrating the unique identity of each place. At each location, the artwork will evolve and adapt to reflect the audience, place and festival while staying true to its creative vision. This dynamic approach to connecting with communities is at the heart of the project. Lessons learned about accessibility, production, audience engagement, and sustainability will be captured and evaluated to help shape future collaborations. The insights gained will support partners in developing more effective, strategic approaches to delivering events and cultural projects together. The Illuminate the Midlands consortium is made up of local authorities, cultural delivery organisations, business improvement districts, a civic society, and Arts Council England funded programmes, coordinated by a freelance Strategic Lead and Producer. Illuminate the Midlands Strategic Lead, Amy Dalton-Hardy, said: "Light Nights across the Midlands have always done brilliant things on their own, but rarely together. Illuminate the Midlands is about testing what happens when we pool our ambition, our knowledge and our resources. It's a pilot, and we're proud of that. What we learn this season will shape how festivals across the region work together for years to come."

The commissioned installation – Reflections by Lou Chapelle – is a series of holographic mirrors that invites viewers to pause for a moment and see their portraits intertwined with videos of moving water, accompanied by an atmospheric soundtrack. In Nottinghamshire it will be displayed at several Midlands light festivals over the next six months, including: Nottingham Light Night (5 & 6 February 2027), Mansfield Light Night (12 – 14 February 2027), Beeston Light Night (20 March 2027). Illuminate the Midlands is funded through Arts Council England’s National Lottery Project Grants programme, as well as the six partner festivals. The pilot will help establish new models for commissioning, touring, and partnership working that can benefit the Midlands long after the project concludes. Councillor David Mellen, Executive Member for Leisure, Culture & Tourism at Nottingham City Council, said: “We’re thrilled to be part of a collaboration that showcases the region’s creativity, and to welcome a new commissioned artwork as part of Nottingham Light Night. Projects like this bring people together, attract new visitors, support our cultural sector and help strengthen Nottingham’s reputation as a vibrant, ambitious and innovative city with culture at its heart.” Executive Mayor of Mansfield, Andy Abrahams, said: "It's an honour to be recognised as one of the founding members of the Illuminate the Midlands consortium. So far, we have hosted three of these exciting, low cost, inclusive events and have been able to capture the imagination of thousands of people in our community, and we're committed to making our 2027 Light Night event bigger, better and more immersive! Lou Chapelle said: “I can’t wait to see how the work evolves as it tours and takes form in different locations. The meditative soundtrack, created by sound artist Laura Campbell, will change and grow as we gather new voices about our connections to water along the way.”

Time To Write... Competition for writers who are trying to break into print. Since becoming a UNESCO City of Literature in 2015, Nottingham has championed emerging writers. This year, Nottingham City of Literature partnered with Nottingham Women’s Centre and the Feminist Archive on a paid residency for unpublished writers. Writers Online’s First 5K Novel Prize invites writers to submit 5,000 words from an unpublished novel and a synopsis. The winner receives £5,000 and a consultation with Sheil Land Associates literary agent Piers Blofeld. Writers Online editor Tina Jackson said: “The £5,000 prize is significant, but so is the chance to have a proper professional conversation about your work with somebody who understands what agents and publishers are looking for.” The runner-up receives £500 and a consultation with Monica Chakraverty, editorial director and head of scouting at Cornerstones Literary Consultancy. Open internationally to eligible unpublished, self-published and traditionally published writers, entries close at 23:59 on 31 Dec 2026. Details: www.writers-online. co.uk/writing-competitions/ the-first-5k-novel-prize

News & Events

Images courtesy of the Festival of Food and Drink.

A Feast-tastic Weekend! Big flavours, foodie fun & family adventures at the Festival of Food and Drink. This September, the Festival of Food & Drink at Thoresby Park served up a delicious weekend of artisan treats, street food, celebrity chefs and live cookery demonstrations. From tempting tipples and award-winning producers to creative workshops, crafts and family entertainment, there was something for everyone. A mouth-watering celebration of fantastic flavours, local talent and unforgettable foodie fun! Made Magazine was thrilled to be free to pick up in the VIP tent, adding a little extra sparkle to our weekend. A huge thank you to everyone who joined the fun! Mark your calendars for 2027, 18 & 19 Sep—we’ll be back with even more delicious delights. festivaloffoodanddrink.com

The Country Victualler Proper food, made in Nottinghamshire. Good food starts with good ingredients, traditional skills and people who care about what they make. That’s at the heart of The Country Victualler, a family-run artisan butcher and baker based in Tuxford, Nottinghamshire. Since 1973, we’ve been making proper British food, combining traditional butchery and baking skills with carefully sourced ingredients and a passion for quality.

Proudly Nottinghamshire Our connection to Nottinghamshire runs through what we make, and one of the best examples is our Nottinghamshire Sausage. We’ve always loved a good sausage, so we decided Nottinghamshire deserved its own — just as Lincolnshire and Cumberland have their famous county sausages. The original recipe was created with Nottinghamshire firmly in mind, bringing together premium pork, fragrant herbs, Bramley apples — which originated in Southwell — and venison, reflecting the county’s historic connection with Sherwood Forest and the legend of Robin Hood. It was our way of creating a sausage that told a little of the story of our home county — a sausage we could proudly call the Nottinghamshire Sausage. Our traditional butchery range also includes British beef, freerange pork, lamb and poultry, alongside bacon, hams, roasting joints, meat boxes and seasonal favourites. Many of our products are award-winning, reflecting the care that goes into what we make.

foods through our website, with nationwide delivery available. Our products are also available through respected retailers including Harrods. At Christmas, customers can order festive favourites through our website for Click & Collect from our Tuxford Pod, making it easier to plan ahead for the big day. To obtain your Country Victualler Christmas brochure, simply subscribe to our newsletter and enjoy exclusive online deals!

The Country Victualler Pod Ashvale Rd, Tuxford, Newark. NG22 0NH Opening: Tues - Fri, 8am-4pm. Sat, 8am-1.30pm. Enjoy our fridge-to-fridge service where you can order online and collect via the Pod. For details visit: thecountryvictualler.co.uk Gift vouchers available. Contact us for details on 01777 874700.

Heritage recipes Highest quality ingredients Award-winning produce Supporting British farmers

THE

C OU N T RY V I C T UA L L E R

EXCLUSIVELY MADE BY US

Handmade from our bakery Our bakery is just as important to The Country Victualler. We make handmade pies, pork pies, pasties, sausage rolls, Scotch eggs and quiches, alongside cakes, desserts and other bakery favourites. From pastry and fillings to the finished bake, we believe traditional methods and good ingredients make a difference.

From Tuxford to Harrods Although our roots are firmly in Nottinghamshire, our food now travels much further. Customers can order our artisan meat, sausages, bacon, pies, bakery products, hampers and speciality Proud Suppliers To Enjoy premium Christmas dishes delivered across the country. Discover our festive hams, roasts, and more for a remarkable Christmas meal. PERSONALISED BUILD-YOUR-OWN HAMPERS AVAILABLE ALL YEAR ROUND BRITISH RED TRACTOR MEAT | FREE RANGE PACKINGTON PORK BUTCHERY MASTERCLASSES | FINE HAMS | FARM ASSURED POULTRY NATURALLY REARED LAMB | BEEF | AWARD WINNING PORK PIES PASTIES & SCOTCH EGGS | SAUSAGE ROLLS | BACON & SAUSAGES COLD MEATS | PÂTÉ | VEGETARIAN | & MUCH MORE...

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Opening Times

The Country Victualler Pod

Tues - Fri 8am - 4pm Saturdays 8am - 1.30pm

Ashvale Rd, Tuxford, Newark NG22 0NH 01777 874 700 | www.thecountryvictualler.co.uk

Events

News & Events

Bassetlaw Museum

Vision For Nottingham

Black Dust, Bright Stories

Former rough sleepers share their stories for Framework’s 25th Art Anniversary Exhibition.

Grove Street, Retford. DN22 6LD Runs until Jan 27

Bassetlaw Museum has been working with the Oasis Centre in Worksop on a new exhibition celebrating the rich mining heritage of the area. Black Dust, Bright Stories will shine a light on the area’s proud industrial past through an object’s exhibition, an art exhibition and a book of mining recollections. The project brings together personal memories, creative responses, and historic material to remember and celebrate the people, places and stories that helped shape Bassetlaw. The art exhibition features a collection of images inspired by mining, including striking oil paintings, portraits and work created by Oasis service users printing with materials found around Langold Lake. The exhibition offers visitors the opportunity to reflect on the communities, landscapes and industries connected to mining, and to celebrate the lasting contribution of local people to the area’s identity. For events details and visitor information visit: bassetlawmuseum.org.uk

Painting by Harry French, 1915.

Coreset

17a Friary Road, Newark NG24 1LE

'Colour amid Concrete'

On now - 18 Dec, Weekdays 11am - 3pm

Colour amid Concrete' is a multi-sensory exhibition of film, photography and installations exploring the lives of women in India who travel from rural villages in Rajasthan to the cities of Gujarat to work on large construction sites. At the centre of the exhibition is Majoor 9195, a documentary film by award-winning filmmaker, Senior Lecturer and practicebased researcher Meera Darji. The exhibition brings the physical and sensory world of construction to Coreset to reveal the lives of the women. Booking required.

www.eventbrite.co.uk

Former rough sleepers have shared their personal stories to inform an art exhibition marking 25 years of Framework, the East Midlands charity working to end homelessness. Framework’s 25th Anniversary Art Exhibition will provide a deeper understanding of the complex challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness. Artists Beatrice Giaquinto, Inge Tonge and David ‘Stick Man’ Higgins held a series of art workshops with service users and frontline staff to hear stories of trauma, support and recovery. Artist Beatrice Giaquinto has created three pieces including one inspired by an archive of 25 years of Framework Annual Reports, which tell the story of the charity and the impact it has made on people’s lives across the region. Another piece ‘Caught and Held’ is a response to the description of Framework being a safety net, having caught people and prevented them from ‘falling through the cracks’. Service users past and present have also contributed pieces to a collection of poetry and prose and created artwork for a postcard collection, available to purchase at the exhibition and online. Lawrence received help from Nottingham Recovery Network, part of Framework, to help get his life back on track after he found himself in a dark place struggling with mental illness and substance use. His recorded testimony is one of seven

lived experience stories featured in the exhibition. Lisa, 47, is a former rough sleeper from Nottingham who has been housed and supported by Framework. Lisa continues to receive support and now volunteers for the charity. Lisa's recorded testimony and poems feature in the 25th Anniversary Collection. ‘Breathing Space’ is a performance poem by David ‘Stick Man’ Higgins that reflects on the deeply human power of compassion, connection, and community support. The poem honours the Framework staff that provide hope, dignity and opportunity, offering a place of refuge and a catalyst for personal transformation, creativity, and growth. ‘Transformation’ by artist Inge Tonge is inspired by the art, conversation and unique time which evolved during the art workshops with Framework service users. At the official opening for invited guests, Framework Chief Executive Claire McGonigle will give a speech, former rough sleeper James will read out his poem and service user Lisa will share her story and what the support of Framework has meant to her. The exhibition will be open to the public at St Mary’s Church in Nottingham (17-22 Nov) and a final stop at the charity music festival Beat The Streets on 31 Jan. To find out more, go to www.frameworkha. org/25th-anniversary-exhibition

Artists David 'Stickman' Higgins, Beatrice Giaquinto, Inge Tong Framework Art Exhibition. Photography by Alex Wilkinson Media.

Library Events

News & Events

Bromley House Library Angel Row, Nottingham, NG1 6HL

Under 5s Workshops

On Freedom’s Wings

Mansfield: On now – 15 Nov Worksop: 18 Nov – 23 Dec

28 Nov Jess Kidd - Little Spark

FREE. As the Lancaster takes flight once more — this time in steel and spirit — the exhibition tells the stories of those who never returned, and the gratitude of generations who live in freedom because of their sacrifice.

Author Event, 11am

Exhibition

Join the acclaimed author Jess Kidd as she talks about her latest book - Little Spark – an electrifying thrilling work of atmospheric gothic fiction. A literary highlight of our winter programme. Tickets £8, seat and book £22.

6 & 13 Dec History Tours

Visit the library on a full guided tour, with principal rooms decorated for Christmas, step back in time on this tour that covers three floors and thousands of books. Advance booking essential – admission charges apply.

10 & 17 Dec The Library At Christmas Author Event, 11am

Experience the library on a unique tour in the evening and behind closed doors. In a small group you will learn more about the library and its collection, how we curate and care for it, as well as getting the opportunity to view some of the treasures of the library that are not normally on display. End your visit with a festive tipple and treat in our finest reading room - surrounded by books, Georgian architecture and with the library decorated for Christmas we think this will be the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of the High Street. Suitable for ages 16+. Advance booking essential – £20 per person.

5 & 12 Dec Christmas Gift Shop 4 - 6pm

Come and stock up on literary gifts as we open our festive gift shop. From bookmarks, jigsaws, puzzles and games, paperweights, and notebooks – expect a fine selection of unusual and quirky presents perfect for any stocking or present pile under the tree. No need to book – just come along and shop! www.bromleyhouse.org

Inspire Libraries Events

I Am A Maker – The Big Draw 2026: Make A Mark

Worksop: Now – 15 Nov Mansfield: 18 Nov – 23 Dec

Inspire worked with five professional artist makers to develop their creative practices for target groups; to work collaboratively and engage creatively to produce co-created artworks for the I Am A Maker Exhibition!

Exhibition

Agatha Christie: A World Of Mystery

Mansfield: 30 Oct – 18 Dec

FREE. Delve into the remarkable life and legacy of the bestselling novelist of all time, Agatha Christie. As a Living Knowledge Network partner library, we are delighted to be hosting a taster of the exhibition opening at the British Library in October 2026. From her best-loved characters including Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, to her impact on crime writers today, unravel the secrets behind the Queen of Crime’s enduring appeal.

Under 5s Workshops

Little Creatives

Newark – 3 Nov Mansfield – 6 Nov Retford Library – 7 Nov Southwell – 12 Nov Worksop – 14 Nov Sessions at 10am and 11.15am

Author Event/Heritage Talk

Francis Vivian: Nottinghamshire’s Classic Crime Writer Retford – 7 Nov, 1.30pm

£3. Award-winning crime novelist and critic Martin Edwards discusses the work of Francis Vivian, a forgotten master of detective fiction from 'the Golden Age of Murder', who was born in Retford and set some of his stories in the East Midlands'.

Author Event

Agatha Christie With Martin Edwards

Christmas Market

Worksop Library 28 Nov, 9.30am - 2.30pm

Free entry – no booking required Browse handmade items from local makers, enjoy indulgent treats and take part in an array of family activities. With seasonal crafts and live music, there’s no better place to spend the festive season!

Family Theatre

Leo And The Library Detectives Mansfield – 5 Dec, 2pm

£3. Author Martin Edwards will give a uniquely personal perspective on the achievements and legacy of Agatha Christie. 2026 sees the fiftieth anniversary of the death of the world's bestselling novelist (and the most successful female playwright in history).

Tickets £4 each. An interactive drama performance inspired by a love of crime fiction! Leo needs your help. There’s a body in the crime fiction section of the library and with the police an hour away only you can help solve the mystery. Written and performed by Daniel McVey, this promises to be a hilarious, quirky and interactive whodunnit for sleuths aged 7 to 107!

Live Music

Family Art Workshop

Mansfield – 10 Nov, 2pm

Jazz Steps Live At The Libraries: Greg Abate With The Belper Jazz Co. Worksop – 10 Nov, 7.30pm

£14. Guest touring US saxophonist & flautist Greg Abate combines swing’s easy-going vibe and bebop’s animated groove & inventiveness.

Mind & Movement Retford – 13 Nov, 2pm

FREE. Join Your Health Notts for their brand-new music and movement sessions at the library! We’ll move to music – nothing too fast or fancy, just a friendly mix of light exercise to help with balance, strength and mobility. Afterwards, there’s time to relax with a cuppa, biscuits and a good chat.

Balloon Powered Lancaster Bombers

Worksop – 5 Dec, 10am - 12pm

FREE. No booking required. Join artist Clare Taylor to make your very own balloon-powered Lancaster Bomber and fly it across the library! In association with the On Freedom’s Wings exhibition about the iconic landmark art installation of a Lancaster Bomber sculpture on the Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire border, which is on display in the library. Suitable for ages 5+.

Heritage Talk

The Christmas Radio Times

Mansfield Library – 15 Dec, 2pm

£4. An interactive event celebrating the release of Where the Earth Holds Secrets - a powerful new novel inspired by the true story of missing persons in Cyprus and the author’s own family history.

£3.50. For many families, the arrival of the Christmas edition of The Radio Times signalled the start of the festive season. In this talk, local historian Robert Mee will look at the changing nature of the magazine, from the first edition in 1923 until 1999. He will also look at the programmes offered by the BBC on Christmas Day - there will no doubt be an element of nostalgia for days-past, but broadcasting trends and improvements in technology will also be covered.

Songs & Scones

Connect & Create

Dementia Friendly Screening

£3. Who doesn’t love a cup of tea, a lovely scone and some social musicmaking? Live Music Now’s Songs & Scones programme brings people together to regularly engage with live music and connect with others in their local community over a cup of tea, a scone and uplifting live performances from professional musicians. The events are particularly suitable for older people – including those living with dementia and their carers.

£3. It’s never too late to try something new and share ideas in a friendly, supportive group. Our skilled Connect & Create artists will guide you to experiment with various artistic styles and techniques, as you work alongside others to make your mark and express yourself. These hands-on workshops are particularly suitable for older people and their supporters who would enjoy engaging with a variety of materials, and would benefit from experiencing creativity through all of their senses, in a relaxed group for all abilities.

FREE. Help your little one to unleash their creative imagination and develop new skills with the help of our professional artists. Come and share in the active, playful, and sometimes messy fun! The Little Creatives workshop programme is continually evolving, and you can expect a different experience with each artist in the team.

Retford – 6 Nov & 4 Dec, 2pm

Author Event

Eve Makis, Where The Earth Holds Secrets Newark – 14 Nov, 2pm

Retford – 20 Nov & 18 Dec, 2pm

Miracle On 34th Street (1994) (U) Mansfield – 16 Dec, 1.30pm

£1. When a department store Santa is institutionalised as insane, a young lawyer argues that he is the real thing in this charming update on the beloved original.

All Events:

Booking advised. To book and for details of events listed here and more, visit: www.inspireculture.org.uk Call 01623 677 200 Or pop in to your local library.

Events News & Events

Lace Market Proms Nottingham professionals tune up for first Lace Market Proms in aid of education charity. Professionals from across Nottingham will come together to deliver a first-of-its-kind musical performance at the historic St Mary’s Church in the heart of the Lace Market to help raise funds for The Yalu Collective. The inaugural ‘Lace Market Proms’ will take place on 17 Nov, with over 15 performers coming from a wide range of professional backgrounds. Those attending the concert will be treated to music from classical to contemporary, with solos, ensembles and a choir all taking part. For 2026, the event will be raising money for The Yalu Collective, which creates educational opportunities for communities in Sri Lanka and other developing countries that do not have the same access to facilities, resources and opportunities. “What started off as a small idea over a drink amongst friends has turned into a genuinely exciting event for Nottingham,” said Ashley Walters, Senior Land & Development Manager at Stagfield and the event’s founder. “We’ve assembled a talented group of performers spanning various professional services across Nottingham, and we’re pleased to share that 24/Three has committed as our headline sponsor for the inaugural concert.

“It’s a pleasure to have been asked to take part in this event,” said Victoria Green, Coowner, Sustainable Interior Design & Heritage Regeneration Consultant at Spenbeck. “The professional network in Nottingham is fortunate to have many gifted musicians who are delighted to give their time to make the event extra special, while supporting such a worthy charity in the most stunning of surroundings. “St Mary’s Church has always been a cornerstone of the local community, both in its beautiful physical presence and in its celebration of coming together, so what better place to bring together those who want to give something back through an evening bursting with a rich variety of musical entertainment?” The event is being supported by East-Midlands based architectural practice 24/Three as headline sponsor. Eden PR, headquartered in the Lace Market, is providing communications support around the event. Doors open at 6pm, with those in attendance able to network and connect before, during and after the performances. To buy tickets for the Lace Market Proms on the evening of 17 Nov, visit: www.theyalucollective.org.uk/tickets/p/theecho-vase-xmpy3.

Left to right - Victoria Green, Spenbeck; Ashley Walters, Stagfield; Tim Boxford, Maber; Zana Kentish Brade, Marsh Grochowski; Guy Willetts.

Retford & District Historical & Archaeological Society Grove Street Methodist Chapel, Retford

11 Nov, 7pm The Last Projectionist

Speaker: Derek Taylor Derek Taylor was the last resident projectionist at the Regal Cinema and Theatre in Worksop. He managed everything behind the projector and backstage up to the venue’s closure in 2005. He will reflect on his career handling film reel switchovers and working alongside acts ranging from local amateur dramatics to famous touring stars and pop artists. He will also look back on the history of picture houses in the region from their 19th century beginnings through to digital technology. Please note this talk was originally programmed for October but has been deferred to November.

9 Dec, 7pm How Christmas Traditions Came About

Speaker: Bob Massey Start the festive season with an entertaining talk by Bob Massey about how our familiar Christmas traditions have evolved. Some date back to the Medieval period but many were introduced by the Victorians including our Christmas trees and cards. Mince pies and other seasonal refreshments will be served after the talk. All meetings for the coming season will start at 7pm at Grove Street Methodist Chapel, Retford. The annual membership is £10 (£1 for students) and gives entry to all 9 talks in 2026-27 programme. New members are very welcome, alternatively the charge per meeting is £3. For information on where to purchase tickets please email: retfordhistoricalsociety@gmail. com

Arts Theatre

News & Events

Dukeries Arts Society

Civic Centre, Carlton-in-Lindrick, S81 9AP

26 Nov

Holland's Golden Age Revealed

Mrs Jane Choy-Thurlow This study day will not only introduce you to the art of this dynamic period but will also talk about the history and culture that brought this art to fruition.

2 Dec

The 12 Plants Of Christmas

Mr Timothy Walker Apart from the pear tree, there are no plants in the 12 days of Christmas. Sadly, even that reference is erroneous, because partridges are ground dwelling birds. And yet at Christmas we are surrounded by plants. This talk puts the record straight and rewrites the zoocentric song replacing partridges with poinsettias, and maids with mistletoe. For further planned lectures and details visit: www.theartssociety.org/Dukeries The Society meet at the Civic Centre, Long Lane, Carlton-inLindrick, S81 9AP. For details on lectures, study/special interest days, theatre trips or the Society in general, contact Chairman, Caroline on 01909 531614. www.theartssociety.org/Dukeries

Worksop Society Of Artists Worksop Cricket Club, Central Avenue, S80 1EN If you're interested in art, a complete beginner, an experienced artist, the Worksop Society of Artists invites you to join them for friendly, supportive company at one of their regular Monday meetings. Everyone is welcome. The group meets at Worksop Cricket Club, on Mondays from 10am to 3pm; members stay as long as they please. Anyone thinking of joining is welcome at any time. The next demonstration will be on 16 Nov, 2-4pm, when Peter Woolley will demonstrate 'Watercolour Landscapes'. For details email: worksopsocietyofartists@ yahoo.com Or check the Worksop Society of Artists Facebook page.

Enjoy all the fun of the theatre here in Nottinghamshire... 21 Nov - 3 Jan

Cinderella

The Palace Theatre, Mansfield

You shall go to the ball with 2026's sparkling pantomime, Cinderella! Grab your friends, family and colleagues, sparkle your slippers and book your tickets before the clock strikes! Don’t wait for your invitation – book your tickets early and make sure the whole family has a ball this Christmas. With more fun than you can shake a pumpkin at, Cinderella is the perfect festive treat! www.mansfieldpalace.co.uk/ palacetheatre

27 Nov - 16 Jan

Aladdin

Nottingham Playhouse, Nottingham

Join us on a wild ride to a magical far-off land, for the astounding adventure of Aladdin! Can the plucky Aladdin prove himself to The Princess? And will the wicked sorcerer get his hands on the legendary lamp? With the help of a hilarious genie and some panto magic, anything is possible! With Nottingham’s favourite Dame John Elkington leading our fantastic cast, Aladdin promises to be a riproaring adventure bursting with spectacular costumes, amazing special effects, and comedy chaos at every turn. It’s a treasure trove of family fun in this festive spectacular that will make all your wishes come true! nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk

28 Nov - 3 Jan

Jack And The Beanstalk Theatre Royal, Nottingham

After selling his trusty cow for a few measly beans, Jack sets off on an adventure to outwit the evil giant and win riches beyond his wildest dreams… Follow Jack and climb a beanstalk of gigantic proportions to Cloudland, in the spectacular family panto, Jack and the Beanstalk. TV star, broadcaster and barrister Rob Rinder dazzles

as The Spirit of the Beans in this gigantic pantomime, alongside stage and screen favourite Samantha Womack as Mrs Blunderbore, returning Nottingham panto favourite and much-loved comedian Neil Hurst as Simon Trot, and acclaimed cruise and cabaret queen Mary Mac as Dame Trot. Completing the golden line-up are musical theatre stars Matthew Croke as Jack and Mia Kobayashi as Princess Jill. www.trch.co.uk

7 - 12 Dec

Funny Money

Lace Market Theatre, Halifax Square, Nottingham

By Ray Cooney Henry Perkins has had a very interesting day. He went to work, came home, and somewhere in between managed to acquire a briefcase stuffed with somebody else's money. Perfectly reasonable things happen after that. Dinner is served, guests arrive, and absolutely nothing spirals catastrophically out of control. Chaotic. Clever. Very, very funny. Contains some mild adult humour. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk www.lacemarkettheatre.co.uk

8 Dec - 3 Jan

Jack And The Beanstalk Newark Palace Theatre, Newark

Join Jack, Dame Trott and the lovable Clarabelle the Cow for a magical adventure packed with laughter, music and larger-than-life fun. From magical beans and a towering beanstalk to a majestic castle in the clouds and a fearsome, bad-tempered Giant, this spectacular family pantomime is bursting with festive magic. www.palacenewark.com

18 Dec

Traditional Carol Concert

The Majestic Theatre, Retford

A brand-new festive tradition begins at the Majestic Theatre! Join us for our inaugural

Traditional Carol Concert, featuring the magnificent Northern Musical Theatre Orchestra, as we celebrate the timeless music and true spirit of Christmas. Our Traditional Carol Concert returns to the heart of Christmas with an evening of beloved carols, community and reflection. Hosted by Reverend Mark Cantrill, the concert will feature all your favourite traditional Christmas carols, accompanied by the Northern Musical Theatre Orchestra, with plenty of opportunities for everyone to sing along. Before the concert, treat yourself to a warming glass of mulled wine and a festive mince pie, then settle in for an evening of glorious music, joyful singing and Christmas cheer in the beautiful surroundings of the Majestic Theatre. Whether you're continuing a family tradition or starting a new one, this promises to be a wonderfully uplifting way to celebrate the festive season together. www.majesticretford.org

23 Dec

The Puppet Folk Experience — Christmas Show

Bonnington Theatre, Arnold Leisure Centre, Nottingham

A live tribute show, The Puppet Folk Experience celebrates The Muppet Christmas Carol The Puppet Folk Experience is proud to present a “most sensational” festive tribute show, bringing acoustic mayhem, heart and humour to audiences this Christmas. Expect warmth, comedy, audience interaction and plenty of festive surprises in a unique live show made with genuine affection for the world’s most celebrated puppet performers. It’s time to light the lights and get things started this Christmas! *Please note: this event is a live performance and does not include a film screening. Tickets £14 adult/£10 under-16 /£45 family of four. www.boningtontheatre.co.uk

On Screen

The latest cinema releases and live screenings of major exhibitions, famous operas and the best theatre at the Savoy Cinema.

Screenings 13 Nov – Ebenezer

A thrilling ghost story set in Dickens' London, following one man's supernatural journey to face his past, present and future as he fights for a second chance at redemption.

20 Nov – The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping

Revisit the world of Panem 24 years before the events of The Hunger Games, starting on the morning of the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.

25 Nov – Focker-in-law

A young man named Henry, son of Greg and Pam Focker, faces family chaos when he decides to marry a strong-willed woman who appears to be his complete mismatch.

27 Nov – Hexed

An awkward teen and her Type-A mother learn her peculiarities might be magical powers, transforming their lives and revealing a hidden magical realm.

4 Dec – The Cat In The Hat

Meet the Cat in the Hat you don't know in an all-new, epic adventure where mischief, magic and mayhem reign supreme.

18 Dec – Dune: Part Three

Emperor Paul Atreides faces the fallout from his ascent to power as political plots and a galaxy-wide holy war endanger the future only he can see.

18 Dec – Avengers: Doomsday

Heroes from three different worlds must unite when they're thrust together to confront a catastrophic danger that could destroy everything they know.

21 Dec – The Angry Birds Movie 3

Red faces his greatest challenge yet, which is being a dad - and also saving the world.

23 Dec – Jumanji: Open World

The players have escaped the ever-changing jungles of Jumanji, but this time the game breaks free of its console, unleashing chaos into our world.

Visit www.savoycinemas.co.uk to book & to find full listings of all the most awaited movies & live screenings.

All imagery courtesy of Savoy Cinema.

'Chrysalis' – Student Showcase 14 Nov – 19 Dec 2026 Cath Ray Gallery & Studios. 58b Bridgegate, Retford. DN22 7UZ, Mon-Sat 10-5 (closes 2pm Tues).

Courses

There are quite a few things happening at the gallery this Winter, alongside the dropin sessions for Drawing and Painting, Stained Glass and Mosaics, and Slow-stitching for the Soul:

20 Nov

Christmas Kinusaiga

With Mel Eldred 4 - 6pm Adults £20 (plus child £10 – optional!)

22 Nov

Coiled Clay Creatures Ceramics With Shaun Clark 11am - 3pm, £50.

29 Nov

Copper Leaf Tree Decorations With Mel Eldred 2 - 4pm, £40.

7 Dec

Holly Sprig Clay Flowers With Nathalie Birch 7 - 9pm, £25.

10 Dec

Late night opening 7 - 9pm

Artwork from top by: Tracey Boardman, Doreen Ray, Jackie Riley, Christina Larsen and Jo Bowns.

Please contact Cath at the gallery for more information or to book a place on the workshops. Or call into the gallery and have a look, there will be information on other workshops and classes. For bookings and further information call: 0780 3204424 or email: raybooks@msn.com The Gallery is open Mon – Sat, 10am – 5pm (closes 2pm Tues).  Cath Ray Gallery & Studios  cathraygalleryandstudios

This exhibition of artworks in Retford will showcase the talents of students who attend classes, workshops, or drop-in studio sessions at the gallery on Bridgegate. This large ground floor space has been providing drawing and painting classes, afterschool clubs, regular crafting sessions, exhibitions and one-off artist-led workshops for the last four and a half years. The age gap between the youngest and the oldest student with work on show in the exhibition is 90 years, so it is a broad church of experience and abilities. Students come to daytime, afterschool, evening and weekend classes and are taught by several tutors and visiting artists, which ensures that a diverse range of skills and approaches to art can be experienced. Cath Ray, who set up the gallery in 2022 spent many years teaching art and working in galleries alongside her own art practice says: “I am a little old-fashioned and believe that students need a really good grounding in basic drawing skills and colour theory. Once they have learned those, I love to see how their own personal style and approach to art can develop. One of my after-school mums described the gallery as a 'hot house for artistic talent' and that absolutely summed up what I set out to do.” “When I have a student who goes on to study Art full-time at college or university, it fills me with pride and it is the best feeling in the world. Many of the adults who come have had to give up Art at some point in their lives and it is so heartening to see them rekindle their love of creating images and objects from their own unique perspective. I find it fascinating to see how this process can affect their confidence and transform their attitude to life and it really interests me to see what emerges when someone feels comfortable and able to express themselves artistically. With so many artists wanting to exhibit at the gallery (I am now booking 2030!), it has been hard to keep a slot free to show the work of students who come to classes here, but now felt like the right time to show all that they have achieved since we opened in 2022.”

NEW YEAR. NEW BEGINNINGS. NEW OPPORTUNITIES. Ready for something new?

Start 2027 with a course that matches your interests and ambitions. Your next chapter starts at Newark College.

OPEN DAYS 27:

Idle Valley

Nature Reserve, Retford

Flexible Adult Courses Visit our 21st Nov Open Day:

Café and shop open 7 days

Day) (closed Christmas

Idle Valley Nature Reserve Great North Road, Retford DN22 8RQ nottinghamshirewildlife.org/idle-valley Registered charity number 224168

Festive Events

Across Nottinghamshire

Nottinghamshire is bursting with festive cheer this Christmas! From bustling markets and Santa visits to twinkling light trails and magical displays at some of our region’s loveliest venues, there’s plenty to get you in the Christmas spirit. Here are just a few of our favourites over the next few pages…

FestiveEvents Christmas Comes To Clumber Park With Peter Rabbit™, Father Christmas and a host of festive experiences. With weeks to go until Christmas Day, Clumber Park is already preparing for a festive season filled with family adventures, creativity, music, traditions and winter walks. This Christmas, visitors can discover Peter Rabbit™ sculptures as part of a brandnew art trail, meet Father Christmas in his enchanting grotto, and enjoy a programme of seasonal experiences. From 21 Nov visitors can discover 12 larger-than-life Peter Rabbit™ sculptures as they explore The Trail of Peter Rabbit™ at Clumber Park, created in collaboration with Penguin Ventures and Wild in Art. Each of the sculptures has been uniquely decorated by artists from across the UK, offering visitors of all ages the opportunity to experience beautiful art outdoors, in nature, at a magical time of year. The trail, free with admission, will run until 3 Jan. And that’s not all. For those looking for a traditional Christmas experience, Father Christmas will be arriving in the Old Parsonage from 28 Nov. Families will enter a magical Winter Wonderland before meeting Father Christmas in his cosy living room, with time to share their Christmas wishes before choosing a gift from the Elves’ Toy Shop. There will also be special Storytime with Father Christmas sessions for toddlers and babies, with festive stories, nursery rhymes and songs.

There’s plenty to enjoy beyond the big festive favourites. Side Farm Flowers will lead seasonal wreath-making and festive table decoration workshops, using natural materials and foliage from Clumber. In the Chapel of St Mary the Virgin, visitors can capture the spirit of Christmas with a performance of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, while the traditional Nine Lessons and Carols service will bring the Christmas story to life through music. The festive programme continues outdoors, with guided Family Lantern Walks, a Heritage & Horticulture Amble, a Christmas Eve 10k Trail Run and the annual Tinsel Trek. There will also be plenty for Clumber’s four-legged visitors, with a festive dog walk and a chance to visit Santa Paws at Central Bark, the dogfriendly café. Rob Holder, General Manager at Clumber Park said: “As a team, we are always excited by Christmas at Clumber. Whether it’s someone’s first visit, an annual family tradition, or simply a chance to enjoy the outdoors through the winter months, there are plenty of ways to experience the festive season with us, with something for everyone to enjoy.” Christmas at Clumber Park runs from 21 Nov 2026 to 3 Jan 2027. For details and booking, visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/ nottinghamshire-lincolnshire/clumber-park

Dovecot Gallery Poplars Farm, Styrrup, DN11 8NB

Great Little Picture Show & Christmas Shop 6 Nov – 6 Dec, Fri, Sat & Sun 10am – 4pm

We will be open to help with that shopping issue that occurs at this time of year!

A Christmas Carol 10 Dec, 7.30pm

Tickets £pay what you think in aid of humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Booking essential dovecotgallery@gmail.com

Christmas Wreath Worksop

12 & 13 Dec, 2 – 4pm

Create the perfect Christmas wreath. £55 per person. Booking essential dovecotgallery@gmail.com For full details visit: www.dovecotgallery.co.uk

Southwell Minster

Church Street, Southwell, Notts, NG25 0HD

Winter Craft Fair

6 Nov, 4pm – 8pm 7 Nov, 10am – 3.30pm

There will be 60+ stalls selling a wide range of goods in the Minster, as well as an additional 15 in the stunning State Chamber of The Archbishop’s Palace next door (open both days). This is one of the region’s most loved events and is the perfect place to pick up a gift for a loved one whilst helping support independent businesses. Expect jewellery, ceramics, glassware, textiles, hand-crafted cards and much, much more. Entry: £4 suggested donation (under 16s free) Dogs on leads welcome. This event is an important fundraiser for the Minster. For many more events, and full details visit: www.southwellminster.org

Father Christmas at Clumber Park, image by Steve Bradley.

FestiveEvents Nottingham Winter Wonderland

Belvoir Castle

Marshall's Yard

Nottingham Winter Wonderland is back for 2026, bringing the magic of Christmas to Old Market Square, with all the festive favourites visitors know and love, plus some exciting new experiences and surprises to discover this year.

Santa's Grotto At The Castle

14 Nov – 24 Dec

Marshall's Yard Launches Christmas

Old Market Square, Nottingham, 12 Nov – 31 Dec

With free entry throughout the event, visitors can soak up the festive atmosphere without spending a penny, or build their perfect Christmas day or night out with a range of bookable experiences, food, drinks and attractions to suit different budgets. At the heart of Nottingham Winter Wonderland is the spectacular Ice Rink and Sky Skate Path, Nottingham’s unique suspended ice trail which takes skaters above Old Market Square and the Christmas Market below. The Observation Wheel will also return, offering panoramic views across Nottingham city centre, while the ever popular Ice Bar is back with an exciting new theme. There is plenty more to come too. New experiences and features are coming to Winter Wonderland this year, with special announcements still to come. Keep your eyes peeled, you never know what, or who, might turn up. You may even get the chance to meet the man in red himself, Father Christmas! Entertainment will also play an even bigger part in this year’s Winter Wonderland. A live host will be at the heart of the event throughout the season, alongside live DJs, tribute acts, themed nights and even more entertainment still to be announced. Visitors will also be able to explore a wide range of stalls throughout the Christmas Market, with festive gifts, crafts, food and seasonal treats filling Old Market Square. For businesses, Nottingham Winter Wonderland is the perfect destination for Christmas parties and team nights out. Get in touch to find out more and start planning your celebration. Nottingham Winter Wonderland is designed to offer something for everyone. Online booking open. Book before 12 Nov and save 20% on selected Ice Rink sessions taking place between 12 Nov and 10 Dec. Keep an eye on Nottingham Winter Wonderland’s channels for special announcements, new experiences and more festive surprises coming soon. For details visit: www.nottinghamwinterwonderland.co.uk

Grantham border, NG32 1PE

Step into an intimate, magical moment with Father Christmas — nestled within the magnificent rooms of Belvoir Castle, beautifully dressed for the festive season. Your family will be welcomed into Santa's private grotto for a joyful visit. Each child receives a special present, and you'll have time to take in the wonder of the setting. This is Christmas at Belvoir at its most special. Everyone needs a Deck the Halls Castle entry ticket. Santa's Grotto is then added at checkout — children's Grotto tickets only; accompanying adults do not need a Grotto ticket. Book your entry first, then add the Grotto and select a time slot. If you already have Castle tickets, you can add the Grotto later — an entry ticket is still required. For more events and to book tickets visit: www.belvoircastle.com

Gainsborough

15 Nov, 12pm – 6pm

We’re excited to announce the return of our traditional Christmas Light Switch-On event, taking place on 15 Nov in the Marshall’s Yard car park. Join us from 12pm until 6pm for a magical afternoon packed with festive entertainment, family activities, Christmas shopping and plenty of seasonal cheer, before we come together for the traditional countdown to switch on the Marshall’s Yard Christmas lights! Bring the whole family along and enjoy a fantastic festive day at Marshall’s Yard, Gainsborough, as we officially start the countdown to Christmas. Event Kindly Sponsored by STEP Fusion, Wright Vigar, Sills & Betteridge Solicitors Gainsborough and Scunthorpe, SW Cowley and Co Builders, Joiners & Garden Buildings.

Festive Fayre

28 & 29 Nov, 10am – 3pm

Get warmed up and in the festive spirit this Christmas by celebrating and shopping in a magical but traditional Christmas atmosphere. Visit our Festive Fayre this Festive period to pick up some amazing handmade gifting ideas for your loved ones this Christmas. For details visit:

www.marshallsyard.co.uk

News & Events

WORKSOP

SATURDAY 28TH NOVEMBER 12pm - 6:30pm

Old Market Square

RETFORD

SUNDAY 29TH NOVEMBER 10am - 6pm

HARWORTH & BIRCOTES FRIDAY 27TH NOVEMBER 3pm - 6pm

Market Square

TUXFORD

SUNDAY 29TH NOVEMBER 2:30pm - 6pm

Town Square

Civic Square

Visit northnottsbid.co.uk for more info

FestiveEvents News & Events

Lights Of Abraham

Rufford Abbey Country Park

20 Nov – 30 Dec, selected days only, see website for details.

Ollerton, NG22 9DF

Wollaton Hall & Deer Park

Derbyshire’s award-winning visitor attraction, The Heights of Abraham, has announced that the 2026 “Lights of Abraham” will shine again from 20 Nov.

Arrival Of Santa

Wollaton Winter Light Trail

Hilltop Park opens for a 3rd glowing winter…

The Lights of Abraham will feature new glittering archways, interactive stepping stones, a rainbow woodland, a ginormous moon, and colourful surprises round every corner along a trail that winds through the 60-acre estate, and takes around 1 hour to complete. Visitors to the Lights over the past couple of years have praised the “magical atmosphere”, the “jolly staff” and referred to the experience as a “treat for the eyes and soul”. Guests to the Lights arrive via the festoon-lit riverside walkway before boarding cable cars to take a flight across the illuminated valley and up through an avenue of colour to the summit. Once at the top, the trail winds along a circular tarmac pathway past historic structures, through woodlands and twinkling tunnels. The trail is pushchair friendly, but dogs are not allowed due to the salt used to

maintain the pathways in icy conditions. Rupert Pugh, Managing Director at the Heights, explains: “Last year’s winter trail was very popular, so this year we wanted to make sure that returning, as well as new guests have plenty of new features to enjoy. It’s going to be a stunning display. We’re aiming to be bigger and brighter than ever before!”. The Vista Restaurant and Treetops Café will be open for festive tipples alongside hot snacks, pizzas, Yorkshire Pudding wraps, delicious cakes and Christmas treats. Fire pits will also be installed outside to toast marshmallows alongside a luxury hot chocolate. The trail opens from 20 Nov and runs on selected nights until 30 Dec, excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Tickets start at just £8 for children aged 4 to 15 years if visiting mid-week before 18th December. Under 3’s are admitted free, and adult tickets are available from £23. To book tickets, visit: www.heightsofabraham.com

21 & 22 Nov

Step into the Christmas spirit at Rufford Abbey Country Park! Join us for a magical celebration as we welcome Santa to the park and kick off the festive season with joy and excitement!

Santa’s Grotto 28 Nov – 23 Dec

Bring the little ones to meet Santa and create memories they’ll treasure forever. Each child will receive a special gift from Santa – a cuddly 10” TY plush to take home and cherish. Tickets: £14 per child (includes gift). Two adults may accompany each child free of charge. Times: Bookable slots available between 9am and 4pm on selected November and December dates.

Farmers & Producers Christmas Market dates 12 – 13 Dec

This magical market brings together talented creators, growers, and food specialists for two days filled with seasonal charm, creativity, and community spirit. Wander through beautifully decorated stalls offering fresh festive produce, artisanal breads and cheeses, locally sourced meats, and indulgent sweet treats perfect for the season. You’ll also find handcrafted gifts, winter crafts, and unique treasures lovingly made by passionate independent makers — ideal for Christmas shopping.. For further details, to book tickets and view more events visit: ruffordabbey.co.uk

St. Swithun’s Church Retford

Christmas Tree Festival

28 Nov – 5 Dec Sat 11am – 5pm, Sun 2 – 7pm Thu & Fri 2 – 5pm, Sat 11am – 5pm

Bookable workshops, Wreath making, Christmas cookie decorating. www.stsretford.org

Nottingham, NG8 2AE

25 Nov – 3 Jan 27

After an incredible debut last Christmas, the Wollaton Winter Light Trail returns this festive season! The historic grounds will once again be transformed into a captivating wonderland of light, sound, and seasonal storytelling. The dynamic and engaging trail will be filled with largescale illuminated displays, atmospheric environments, and festive surprises throughout. Plus: Marshmallow toasting Independent food vendors Mulled wine & frosty biers Hot chocolate Kid’s funfair Mini chalets Dog friendly and more… Nottingham city residents can receive a 10% discount by entering their council tax number and postcode (discount available until 18 October). Use promo code NCC26 to enable your resident discount, then follow the steps to redeem 10% off tickets. Visit the website for details. wollatonhall.org.uk

Thoresby Park

Thoresby Park, NG22 9EP

Winterfest

27 & 29 Nov, 10am – 4pm

Winterfest Christmas market and family entertainment! Enjoy a magical Christmas market packed with unique gifts, seasonal treats, delicious food and drink and plenty of festive shopping opportunities. With wonderful Christmas atmosphere, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Free entry to market! £5 car parking applies. Bring the whole family along for a memorable festive day out, discover special gifts, soak up the seasonal cheer and make magical Christmas memories at Thoresby Park’s Winterfest event. For further details and times visit: www.thoresby.com

Our books are now open for Christmas reservations. Book via our website for parties upto 6. www.piccalillinottingham.co.uk For parties of 7-14 & private hire please email info@piccalillinottingham.co.uk

Piccallili, Cannon Court, Long Row West Nottingham NG1 6JE info@piccalillinottingham.co.uk 0115 6486498

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PHEASANTRY BREWERY High Brecks Farm, Lincoln Rd, East Markham, Newark, Notts, NG22 0SN · 01777 872728 · pheasantrybrewery.co.uk Open Monday - Friday, 10am–5pm

FestiveEvents News & Events

Newstead Abbey

Creswell Crags

Enchanted Christmas At Newstead

Santa's Little Helpers' Workshop

Delight in magical moments, full of sparkle & wonder with ‘Enchanted Christmas‘ at Newstead Abbey. Discover our enchanting rooms on a selfled walk through our Historic House. The House is open for ‘Enchanted Christmas’ on select dates (between 11 am – 4 pm – last entry 3 pm).

We’re inviting all the good boys and girls to Santa’s Little Helpers’ workshop to enjoy some festive stories and get creative by making a souvenir craft to take home. Santa himself will be coming round to see how his little helpers are getting on and to give out gifts to all the children taking part. £10 per child includes a gift from Santa. Free accompanying adults. Visit website to book.

Ravenshead, Nottingham, NG15 9HJ

28 Nov – 3 Jan

Craft & Gift Fairs

28 & 29 Nov, 5 & 6 Dec, 12 & 13 Dec, 19 & 20 Dec

10am-4pm. A fabulous range of crafters selling unique and quality gifts. The Craft Fairs are held inside, in our historic Cloisters, the perfect setting for seasonal fair. Entry is FREE, but usual car parking, site entry fees apply. Why not visit the House dressed for Christmas too! Entry fees apply. Site entry or parking charges apply: £7 per car & £2 per head for walkers or coach members.

newsteadabbey.org.uk

Nottingham Castle

Lenton Road, Nottingham, NG1 6EL

Christmas At Nottingham Castle 28 Nov – 3 Jan 27 (excludes 25/26 Dec & 1 Jan)

Community Christmas At Nottingham Castle. Local Choirs, schools and community groups, market stalls offering festive food and drink and a range of festive entertainment. Santa’s Grotto At Nottingham Castle Meet Santa & his friends at Nottingham Castle. Child (115): £9 (with gift). Under 1’s: Free (no gift) Adult (Annual Pass): Entry included. Adult (Non-Annual Pass): £9. Wintery Walks December is a perfect time of year to enjoy the seasonal changes including the frost on the trees within the Nottingham Castle grounds.

For full details visit: www.nottinghamcastle.org.uk

Crags Rd, Creswell, Worksop, S80 3LH

29 Nov, 6, 13 & 20 Dec

Santa's Winter Hideaway 28 Nov, 5, 12 &19 Dec Various times

Journey into our largest cave and meet Santa in his Ice Age hideaway! Santa’s helpful elves will take you on a walk through the gorge to find out where Santa has hidden himself away at the Crags. £10 per child includes gift from Santa. £8 per adult. Visit the website to book.

Abominable Snowman 29 Nov & 13 Dec 10.15am & 11am

Join our Stone Age guide and venture into our deepest, darkest cave to hear tales of winters long ago. Take part in an interactive cave experience and meet our mysterious (but friendly!) Abominable Snowman - he may have a magical gift for each child!   £10 per child, £8 per adult. Visit the website to book.

www.creswell-crags.org.uk

Light Post Farm This Christmas, White Post Farm is getting a festive glow-up! White Post Farm, Farnsfield, NG22 8HL Selected dates from 21 Nov – 23 Dec, slots running from 5pm. Step into Light Post Farm, returning bigger, brighter, and more magical for 2026! Join us every Thursday to Sunday from 21 Nov to 23 Dec for an unforgettable illuminated adventure through the heart of White Post Farm. What’s New For 2026 This year’s trail has been expanded to include brand-new light installations and even more photo-worthy moments. Expect displays designed to delight visitors of all ages. NEW Dog-Friendly Thursdays Bring your four-legged friends along on dog-friendly nights every Thursday, where pups are welcome to enjoy the festive atmosphere alongside the family. Expect water stations, treat stops, and plenty of wagging tails! Festive Farm Fun Wander along our beautifully illuminated 1km Christmas trail, soaking in the seasonal magic as you explore the farm after dark. Along the way, enjoy: • The chance to see newborn lambs arriving in early December. • Full access to the fascinating Reptiles of the World Exhibit. • Play time in the indoor Jungle Barn. • Seasonal food, hot drinks, and festive treats available throughout the evening. Create special memories with family and friends. Book now and amend your date up to 2 weeks before the event. To be part of the magic, follow Light Post Farm on Facebook: www.facebook.com/LightPostFarm Or visit: whitepostfarmandzoo.co.uk

CHRISTMAS AT HART’S Make this season truly unforgettable at Hart’s Kitchen. From intimate dinners to elegant gatherings with friends, family & colleagues.

Find out more and book via our website. For larger groups, please contact us directly. Standard Hill Park Row Nottingham NG1 6FN hartsnottingham.co.uk 0115 988 1900

TAKE THAT TRIBUTE

SUPPORTED BY

FestiveEvents The Magic Of Christmas At Norwood Park Embrace the festive season at this classic Georgian country house. Old Market Square, Nottingham, 12 Nov – 31 Dec

There’s something rather special about Christmas at Norwood Park. Nestled in the Nottinghamshire countryside, on the outskirts of Southwell this elegant Georgian country house takes on a magical atmosphere as the festive season arrives. This year Norwood’s seasonal event programme invites visitors to slow down, gather their favourite people and make memories together with a little festive magic thrown in.

Raise A Glass

Above The elegant Christmas interiors at Norwood, Esther Louise Triffitt Photography. Below: Afternoon tea at Norwood. Right: Norwood Park in the frost, Geoff Kirby Photography.

13 Nov | Tickets; from £41.50 Start the festivities early with an unforgettable evening tasting sparkling wines and enjoying festive nibbles hosted by an expert sommelier. Discover new favourites for the festive season ahead and indulge in plenty of merriment.

A Christmas Classic

11 & 12 Dec | Tickets; Children £19, Adults £29 Step into the world of Charles Dickens as The Three Inch Fools bring A Christmas Carol to life in this live theatre production. Combining music, illusion and spooky storytelling, this new production promises an evening of festive escapism.

Festive Favourites! Don’t Miss:

• Norwood’s showstopping 18-foot Christmas tree. • Cosy crackling fires in the main house. • The frozen lake and frosty views across the estate. • Norwood’s Highland herd, embracing the season in shaggy coats.

Festive Creativity

13 Dec | Tickets; from £65 Discover the art of table dressing as you create a beautiful festive tablescape for your Christmas table at this workshop hosted by The Flowershed Nettleham. Surrounded by Norwood’s elegant interiors, guests can create their own festive centrepiece using seasonal foliage, berries and candlesticks - bringing a touch of country-house style to your Christmas table at home.

Time For Tea

13 & 20 Dec | Tickets; Children £9, Adults £33 As one of Norwood’s most popular events, Christmas afternoon tea invites visitors to settle in for sandwiches, delicate sweet treats, freshly brewed tea and a glass of fizz, but don’t forget your family photo in front of the 18-foot Christmas tree. For a particularly memorable day out, the experience can be paired with the tablescape workshop on 13th September. For more information and event bookings visit: www.norwoodpark.co.uk/whatson Or call 01636 302099.

Sherwood Forest Sherwood, Edwinstowe.

Wreath Making Workshop Feel Good Gardens, Forestry Holdings, Kings Clipstone. 5 Dec, 10am – 12pm. 9 Dec 6pm – 8pm.

Join Izzy, Tree Nursery Officer from Sherwood Forest Trust, to create a beautiful natural winter wreath. All materials, drinks and nibbles provided. We'll be using natural foliage foraged locally, in front of the fire with lots of Christmas cheer! £30pp, please book via eventbrite link (will be on the website).

Christmas Eve Walk Sherwood Heath 24 Dec, 10am – 12pm

Join Graeme, Conservation Manager from Sherwood Forest Trust, for a winter guided walk from Sherwood Heath, through Rotary Wood, to Thoresby Vale Country Park. At the top, we will have warm drinks to enjoy the view over. Please feel free to bring your own flask of something warm and snacks. Suitable for all ages, the walk will be on paths which can be uneven in places, please come dressed for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and dogs are very welcome! Free event.

nderFour u isplay cover d areas cks ng sna Warmi in le availab é the caf useum Great m ll those ra shop fo ifts ng aviatio

Guided Winter Walk Sherwood Heath 29 Dec, 10am – 12pm

Join Graeme, Conservation Manager from Sherwood Forest Trust, for a winter guided walk from Sherwood Heath, through Cockglode Wood, to Thoresby Vale Country Park. Please feel free to bring a flask of something warm and snacks to enjoy at the top of the pit! Suitable for all ages, the walk will be on paths which can be uneven in places, please come dressed for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and dogs are very welcome! Free event. Full dates and booking details will be available via the website and social media channels.

www.sherwoodforest.org.uk

Winter Opening Hours 10am to 4pm daily (last admission 3pm) Christmas Closing 24-26 December & 1 January

www.newarkairmuseum.org enquire@newarkairmuseum.org

01636 707170

Newark [Notts & Lincs] Air Museum Drove Lane, Newark, Notts NG24 2NY Registered Charity Number: 256434

FestiveEvents News & Events

Renaissance At Kelham Hall Kelham, Hall, Newark. NG23 5QX

Christmas Murder Mystery 3 Dec

Bassetlaw Museum Grove Street, Retford

Christmas At Bassetlaw Museum Once again this year, the museum will be beautifully decorated for the Christmas season. Come and explore our rooms and galleries, adorned with festive garlands and twinkling Christmas trees. A special highlight will be Santa’s cosy sitting room. Imagine a parlour filled with the little

comforts and handy equipment that he needs before setting off on his Christmas journey. Free entry. Donations are welcome. Please note that the museum will be closed for the festive season. For the most up-to-date opening times, please visit: bassetlawmuseum.org.uk

Step into a glitter drenched, laugh out loud festive dining experience with "A Death at Christmas Number 1!" This immersive murder mystery combines glamour, seasonal excess and a chart topping storyline that takes a deadly twist.

Noughties Christmas Party Night 17 Dec

Relive the sparkle of the 2000s with a high energy festive night packed with iconic hits, pop nostalgia and live performances from the fantastic Noughty Nineties Band. To discover the full listings of events, and to book tickets for this Christmas at Renaissance At Kelham Hall visit: www.renaissance-kelham.com

Worksop Priory Worksop

Frasers Plus Designer Outlet East Midlands Mansfield Rd, South Normanton, Alfreton, DE55 2JW

Meet Santa Or Mrs Claus 21 - 24 Dec

This Christmas, families can meet Santa or Mrs Claus at Frasers Plus Designer Outlet East Midlands, with 20-minute grotto sessions running including SEND-friendly options, themed activities, a printed photo and goodie bag for £7.50 per child.

Breakfast And Supper With Santa From 2 Dec

Breakfast and Supper with Santa will also launch from 2 December, giving children the chance to enjoy festive treats, stories and songs with Santa, with proceeds from both experiences supporting Kids’ Village. For opening times visit: frasersplus.com

Worksop Community Christmas Tree Festival 2 - 6 Dec, 10am - 4pm Late-night opening 7.30pm on Thu 3 Dec The Worksop Community Christmas Tree Festival 2026 returns this December, promising five days of festive celebration inside the breathtaking Worksop Priory Church, whose stunning medieval architecture provides a truly magical backdrop. This year’s festival will feature dozens of uniquely decorated Christmas trees, each created by local businesses, community groups, schools, and charities. Visitors are invited to wander among the displays, enjoy the festive atmosphere and refreshments, and support participating organisations. Special events during the festival 3 Dec, 2pm, Box of Frogs guitar group performing. The group is part of the Worksop &

District U3A. 4 Dec, 11am, Mosaic Recorder Consort. 5 Dec, The Worksop Priory Christmas Fair. Keep an eye on our Facebook posts for new bookings! Entry to the festival is free, with visitor donations warmly welcomed to help cover the costs of hosting this beloved community event. Guests can also take part in the popular Best Tree Competition. Each visitor will have the chance to vote for their favourite tree, and the tree with the most votes by the end of the festival will receive a £100 donation for their chosen cause. For details email: admin@worksoppriory.co.uk Or call: 07355 850735

Events & Details Although we endeavour to ensure that all of the events listed within this issue are correct it is always advisable to check before the event in case of booking requirements, cancellations, alterations or planning changes.

www.madeinn.co.uk

The stag outside Frasers Plus Designer Outlet East Midlands.

s t f i G s a m t Chris

Add a little sparkle to your Christmas shopping with a selection of our favourite sparkling gifts...

Cathy Stephens

Platinum "Eleuthera" Necklace - Sapphire, Diamond & Aquamarine - £3,050. 18ct Gold & Platinum Diamond Necklace £2,655. Matching Stud Earrings - £2,240. Available at Cathy Stephens, Nottingham and Leicestershire. www.cathystephens.co.uk

Downtown Stores

Berry's

18ct Yellow Gold Rhodolite Garnet and Diamond Pendant - £4,895. 18ct Yellow Gold Umbalite Garnet and Diamond Ring - £7,695. Nouveau Collection 18ct White Gold Four Diamond Drop Pendant - £3,895. Nouveau Collection 18ct White Gold Full Diamond Drop Earrings - £8,295. Available to purchase from Berrys, Leeds, York, Newcastle, Nottingham and Windsor. www.berrysjewellers.co.uk

Hawkstone 12 Days of Advent Pack - £44.99 Ninja ES301UK Luxe Café MINI Espresso Machine. Available to purchase from Downtown Grantham, Downtown Boston. downtownstores.co.uk

Berry's

TUDOR Black Bay 41mm Monochrome Black Dial & Bezel Men's Watch - £4,170. Available to purchase from Berrys. www.berrysjewellers.co.uk

National Trust

Give The Gift Of Membership Some gifts are impossible to wrap. A walk beneath ancient trees. The first signs of spring in a kitchen garden. A quiet afternoon discovering the stories held within an old house. Or maybe it’s a place for the children to enjoy some fresh air, or somewhere to meet a friend halfway for a coffee and a wander.

his season, give someone the gift of more days like these with National Trust membership.

Here in Nottinghamshire, there are three places to explore, each with their own unique character. In the north of the county, on the outskirts of Worksop, Clumber Park, a once-grand ducal estate, offers 3,800 acres of sweeping parkland and gardens, a magnificent lake, and traces of a remarkable past. Follow in the footsteps of the Dukes of Newcastle through the peaceful Pleasure Grounds up to the walled kitchen garden and beyond. Simply find a bench and watch as the seasons change, or take part in an array of guided walks, tours, and seasonal events.

In Southwell, at The Workhouse and Infirmary, discover more than 200 years of history and the changing attitudes towards poverty and care that shaped this thought-provoking place. Beyond the striking architecture are the stories of the people who lived and worked here waiting to be heard. Back in Worksop at Mr Straw’s House, you’ll find yourself transported back to the 1920s as you enter an ordinarylooking home tucked away in a quiet cul-de-sac. Here, an extraordinary collection of everyday objects has remained almost untouched since the Straw family moved here in 1923. Three places. Three different experiences. And that’s just the beginning.

Because one of the joys of National Trust membership is knowing that there are hundreds more places waiting to be discovered across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

A reason to get outside Membership gives you the freedom to make a day of it or just pop out for an hour. Perhaps it’s a woodland walk before Sunday lunch, a picnic in the sunshine or a winter stroll followed by a cream tea. And because you’re not paying for entry each time, there’s no pressure to make every visit into a grand day out. You can return to the places you love throughout the year and see them differently each time. Landscapes and gardens change, there’s always wildlife to spot, and a calendar of events offers something new to get involved in.

Making a difference With National Trust membership, you’re helping to make a real difference. As Europe’s largest conservation charity, the National Trust cares for more than 500 places, from historic houses and gardens to coastlines, woodlands, and countryside. Membership helps support the conservation work that keeps these places special — protecting nature, caring for historic buildings, and looking after landscapes. And we couldn’t do it without you. So, when you walk beneath the trees at Clumber Park, discover what life was once like behind the walls of The Workhouse and Infirmary, or step back in time at Mr Straw’s House, you’re also helping to make sure these places and their stories remain for future generations to enjoy.

Further afield With splendid houses to discover, wild coastlines to walk and stunning gardens to get lost in, your membership can become a passport to exploring more of the country and perhaps discovering a new favourite place along the way. For families, it can mean a ready-made supply of days out. For walkers and nature lovers, somewhere new to explore. For history enthusiasts, fascinating stories to uncover. And for anyone who simply enjoys getting outside, it’s a good excuse to do even more of it.

A gift that keeps giving Give the gift of membership this season and give someone a whole year of memories. It might start with a winter walk at Clumber, but who knows where it could take you next?

National Trust Membership Find out more about National Trust membership next time you visit a property, or join online at: nationaltrust.org.uk/membership Page opposite: Clumber Park Lake and view to Chapel, Steve Bradley. This page from top: Front of The Workhouse and Infirmary, David Kissman. A great family day out, National Trust Images, John Millar. Mr Straws House, one of the many National trust treasures to visit on your doorstep, Tammy Herd.

Doddington Farm Shop

Christmas At Doddington Rooted in the estate and shaped by the best of the season. Everything for the table and under the tree.

Sarah Hall shares how Christmas at Doddington is shaped by the land, the seasons and a deep-rooted passion for local food and craft.

here is a certain kind of magic to Christmas at Doddington, one that feels deeply rooted in the rhythms of the land. Here, the festive season unfolds in harmony with nature, tradition, and a longstanding commitment to quality. From the historic Kitchen Garden to the Farm Shop shelves, everything tells a story of provenance, care, and connection. At the heart of Doddington’s food philosophy is a simple but powerful idea: that great food begins close to home. Situated under the gaze of the Elizabethan Hall lies the beautifully restored Kitchen Garden, brought back to life in 2007. It supplies seasonal produce directly to the estate’s cafés and shop, forming the backbone of a true field-to-fork experience. “The journey from field to fork begins just beyond the Farm Shop doors,” explains Sarah Hall, Head of Heritage and Retail. “The garden lies at the heart of our approach to food: grown with the seasons, cared for by hand and enjoyed close to where it was produced.”

This connection to the land becomes especially meaningful during the festive season. While many retailers lean heavily on imported ingredients to meet traditional expectations, Doddington takes a different approach - one that embraces the natural calendar. “That connection is especially meaningful at Christmas,” Sarah says. “We believe produce tastes best when it has been grown naturally, rather than being forced. You’ll find a sense of seasonality running through everything we do.” As a result, the vegetables filling festive baskets reflect what is truly ready in the garden, encouraging visitors to rethink what a Christmas table can look like, less about convention, and more about flavour. Sustainability, too, is woven into every aspect of the estate. While arable farming ended five years ago with the launch of Wilder Doddington – a 400-year vision to restore nature

Doddington Farm Shop

across the estate – livestock continues to play an important role. Rare-breed Lincoln Red cattle graze the fields, cared for by herdsman Hari, and his cheerful mantra: “Happy Cows, Happy Life.” Their beef is used throughout the estate’s cafés and restaurant, where chefs adopt a nose-to-tail approach, ensuring that every part of the animal is valued. It’s a philosophy that reflects both respect for the land and a commitment to reducing waste, principles that resonate strongly with today’s more conscious consumers.

This year brings a blend of much-loved favourites and new discoveries. Welbeck Bakehouse returns with seasonal breads and its much-anticipated mince pies, “it’s never too early for the first mince pie of the season,” Sarah notes, while the food-to-go counter will be brimming with festive staples like sausage rolls and Scotch eggs. Alongside these are hand-picked panettones and stollens, expanded gin selections from Lincoln Distillery, and a wide range of seasonal meats and pork pies from Hambletons butchers.

“Having skilled people preparing food here gives us a close connection to what we sell and serve,” Sarah explains. “Our butchers can talk customers through the meat they are buying, our deli staff can help you choose the perfect cheeseboard, and our kitchens and bakers bring care and craft to everything we make.”

Yet Doddington’s offering extends well beyond its own produce. Positioned on the Lincolnshire–Nottinghamshire border, the estate has built strong relationships with a network of regional suppliers over the past two decades. “We look for producers who make something genuinely good and can tell us clearly how it is made,” says Sarah. “Quality comes first, but relationships matter too. Working with producers across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire gives customers a range that reflects this part of the country, with products and stories they may not find in an ordinary supermarket. Alongside what we produce on the estate, those suppliers help us offer everything needed for a memorable Christmas meal.

At Christmas, this expertise becomes even more valuable. Whether customers are searching for the perfect centrepiece, something ready to share with guests, or a small indulgence to enjoy during a visit, the team is on hand to guide them.

These partnerships bring depth and diversity to the Farm Shop, allowing customers to discover products with a strong sense of place, items that feel personal, distinctive, and often unavailable elsewhere.

That same ethos carries through into the Farm Shop experience. With so much produced in-house – from butchery and baking to prepared dishes – there is a tangible sense of craft behind everything on offer.

Lead image (opposite): Seasonal floral arrangements by local supplier Vintage Floral. This image: Hambletons butchery counter.

Championing independent makers is particularly important at Christmas, when shoppers are seeking gifts and food that feel thoughtful and unique. “Independent makers bring real character to our shelves,” Sarah reflects. “We enjoy being able to introduce customers to the people and places behind those products, and supporting smaller producers helps make our Christmas range distinctive.” Visitors can even meet some of these producers in-store, sampling their goods and hearing the stories behind them. Meanwhile, Sarah and her colleague Hayley host a relaxed Friday Wine Club between 2 - 3 pm, inviting customers to explore unusual wines paired with seasonal treats, no booking required. The Wine Shop within Doddington Farm Shop offers a carefully curated selection of wines from across the globe. “We are particularly proud of our range of English wines, showcasing the growing quality and diversity of English winemaking. Alongside our wine selection, we also stock a range of spirits, craft beers and alcohol-free alternatives.” The Pont family has been producing honey on the Doddington Estate for four generations.

“We’ve got a celebratory selection of wines perfect for festive feasting, cosy nights in and gifts for the wine lovers in your life. From rich reds and elegant whites to bottles made for raising a glass on Christmas Day,” adds Sarah. As the festive season unfolds, the Farm Shop evolves into something more than a place to stock up, it becomes a destination in its own right. Alongside food, visitors can browse hampers, food and drink gifts, homeware and products from local makers. With the Bauble Barn, Country Clothing, Home Store and Bike Shop, and places to stop for something to eat, visitors can make Christmas shopping part of a festive day out, with plenty more to explore and enjoy across the estate. “The range grows to meet all the different ways people shop for Christmas,” Sarah explains. “Our teams love to welcome customers and give that personal service which makes Christmas shopping a pleasure, not a chore.” For first-time visitors, the experience is designed to be immersive and unhurried. A day at Doddington might begin with a visit to the Elizabethan Hall, beautifully decorated for the season, followed by a walk through the estate, time spent browsing the shops, and perhaps a leisurely lunch or coffee. “I hope people feel welcome to slow down and enjoy it,” Sarah says. “A Doddington Christmas has that mix of heritage, good food, thoughtful shopping and time spent together.” It is, ultimately, this sense of balance – between past and present, nature and nurture, simplicity and celebration – that defines Christmas at Doddington. A place where the festive season feels not just observed, but truly experienced.

Seasonal produce, freshly picked from the Kitchen Garden.

This image: Doddington Hall in the snow. Below: One of Doddington's homegrown Christmas trees, decorated for the season. Images courtesy of Doddington Hall and Gardens.

Christmas At Doddington Find everything you need for the festive season at Doddington: For The Festive Table

• Locally sourced meat and butchery favourites • Seasonal Kitchen Garden vegetables • Artisan breads, deli cheeses and festive treats • Handpicked wine, local spirits and craft beers

Gifts & Seasonal Shopping

• Christmas hampers and food and drink gifts • Bikes and cycling accessories • Country clothing and gifts from local makers • Seasonal décor, table settings and homeware • Homegrown Christmas trees, wreaths and baubles

Make A Day Of It

• Explore the Hall dressed for Christmas • Winter walks and seasonal activities • Christmas Afternoon Tea, café and restaurant dining

Doddington Hall & Gardens

Main Street, Doddington, Lincoln, LN6 4RU Call: 01522 694308 Email: info@doddingtonhall.com

Discover opening times, events and much more, visit: www.doddingtonhall.com

Travel

Sun, Ski Run Or Festive Fun! All Available This Winter From East Midlands Airport. Whether a winter break means escaping the UK weather for some sun and warmth, enjoying the festive enchantment of Europe’s best Christmas Markets, or heading for the ski slopes for an adrenalin rush, East Midlands Airport has got it covered.

he conveniently-located airport – right next to the M1 and within an hour’s drive for eight million people – offers an effortless start to any holiday, with 98% of customers clearing security in under 15 minutes and enjoying a wide range of improved facilities in the departure lounge. Three main airlines – Ryanair, Jet2 and TUI – offer a variety of destinations to choose from throughout the winter season, when the customer experience is even easier than ever. For those chasing winter sun, all three carriers fly to some of the most popular destinations at this time of year – Tenerife, Alicante, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Faro. All offer fabulous beaches, warm to mild weather, beautiful sightseeing opportunities, along with great food and drink experiences and nightlife for those who want it. Many more destinations are also available – such as Jet2 flying to Heraklion in Crete and Agadir in Morocco this winter for sun seekers. New routes with TUI this winter include Antalya in Turkey and Egypt’s Sharm el Sheikh – both offering exceptional hospitality and warmth, with the TUI Magic Life Redsina hotel in Sharm El Sheikh bringing a new concept hotel to TUI customers for the first time. Meanwhile for those looking for city breaks and Christmas Markets, Jet2 has added Gdansk to its list of ideal destinations for winter. Two new weekly services will operate to the Polish city from November 27 to December 21, along with Berlin, Budapest, Krakow, Prague and Vienna until January. All offer magical Christmas card scenes of cobbled streets, twinkling lights, traditional wooden stalls bursting with handmade gifts and local treats, along with festive music and events. There is also a one-off special flight to Swedish Lapland on December 23 with Transun, offering a magical family experience for Christmas including a sleigh ride, husky sledding and of course meeting Santa. For skiers travelling from East Midlands Airport this season, there’s plenty of choice. TUI fly to Salzburg and Chambery while Jet2 fly to Geneva – all offering gateways to some of the finest Alpine skiing available. TUI also fly to Turin which opens up the option of Italy’s Susa Valley, while Ryanair can connect you to Malaga, Krakow and Prague for access to the Sierra Nevada, lowbudget Polish resorts and the Czech Republic’s Giant Mountains.

East Midlands Airport. www.eastmidlandsairport.com

Flight bookings can be made here: www.eastmidlandsairport. com/flights-and-hotels/book-flights/ or here for the Lapland flight: www.transun.co.uk/let-it-snow.

Home & Garden

Where Art Blooms Allington Garden in winter: how artist Catharine Bailey turns frost, seedheads and bare branches into inspiration for her art.

n a clear winter morning at Allington, the garden reads like a drawing. Seedheads stand like punctuation against the pale sky; the last roses cling to their stems. Catharine Bailey moves through the beds with a camera and a small sketchbook, eyes tracing the spare shapes that only winter reveals. Where summer offers riot and colour, winter offers line, texture and an economy of form—and for Catharine those elements are as essential to her work as pigment and paper. Catharine mines Allington’s seasonal shifts— especially the quieter moods of winter—to inform botanical watercolours, photographic studies and a range of greeting cards. Her practice treats the garden not as backdrop but as partner: a place where form comes from bare branches, frost becomes pattern and colour becomes subtle and muted.

“The weather can be cold and miserable, and it can be tempting to stay indoors and hibernate,” she says, “but it is surprising what beauty can be found if you go and hunt for it. I go and look every day, and something will always catch my eye—frost on leaves or the last rose bud, holly berries, glossy and red, the intricate pattern of a pinecone.”

“it is surprising what beauty can be found if you go and hunt for it.”

A winter studio in the garden By late autumn the garden’s exuberance has given way to a different kind of richness. Roses produce their hips and hawthorn its haws. The ground is covered with fallen leaves and mushrooms flourish in the damp of autumn among the scattered cones from the pine trees. Snowdrops begin their tentative push long before Christmas, and by February they

carpet the woodland alongside bright cups of winter aconite. Hellebores offer dusky, dusted tones—edged and speckled with purple, pink and green—that Catharine translates into subtle washes on paper.

From garden matter to art

Catharine’s watercolours are meticulous studies of form and texture: the curve of a petal, the architecture of a seedhead, the way frost etches a leaf. Her photography supplies reference and composition; many of her greeting cards begin as a photographed study that she refines in paint. A long summer border at Allington demonstrates her eye for colour, texture and composition; in winter that same border reveals the structural lines she later echoes in her paintings. She arranges plant material as if composing a still life, pruning and grouping stems to test negative space.

Catharine Bailey

Practice as ritual and record Winter is a season of slow work and careful record-keeping. With fewer public events and open days, Catharine uses the months to catalogue experiments and make sketches that point to new directions. She recommends a simple practice to fellow gardeners and artists: carry a small sketchbook and make a daily drawing or painting from the garden. “It will provide a fascinating record of how your garden changes throughout the year,” she says, “and could be framed or used as inspiration for Christmas cards.” The discipline trains the eye to notice small shifts—the way light falls on a seedhead, the subtle change in a leaf’s edge—and those observations become the raw material of her work.

Community, commissions and context Catharine’s practice sits comfortably at the intersection of botanical art and place-based making. Visitors to Allington in summer come for the roses and the sweeping borders; those who return in winter discover a different kind of attraction: the clarity of form, the quiet drama of frost, and the way a garden’s architecture can teach an artist to see. Allington garden is open for the National Garden Scheme on the 13th and 20th of June 2027, for private groups throughout the summer, details are available in the NGS Yellow Book and by visiting: ngs.org.uk Allington, Gonalston, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG14 7JA

 catharinebaileyart

Imagery courtesy of Catharine Bailey.

Leisure

Where Community, Creativity & Big Dreams Become One Made meets Julian Phillips, Theatre Manager and Joel Milnes, Assistant Manager, from the team at The Arts Theatre in Nottingham, and discovers a true cultural gem in the city.

oasting a stunning façade that curiously eludes a nostalgic feel of an old-movie house, is local-favourite, The Arts Theatre; one of Nottingham's most cherished performance venues. Intimate, welcoming and packed with personality, it is a venue that has successfully married its rich heritage with a forward-thinking roll call, and where local talent find their stage dreams. As the venue looks towards its 80th year celebrations in 2028, we take a journey into the behind-the scenes magic that allows aspiring performers take their first steps on stage, local groups to bring ambitious productions to life, and where community audiences discover everything from comedy and drama to live music and family entertainment. What makes The Arts Theatre particularly remarkable is that, in an era of shrinking arts budgets and increasing financial pressures, it continues to thrive through the incredible support of the local community, fellow creatives, and the determination of a small but passionate team. "We might be a small theatre, but we are always dreaming big," says Theatre Manager Julian. "I’ve always believed that theatres are where dreams are made and provide the space to curate incredible memories for a lifetime, and that’s what we aim to do here – to nurture creatives of any age and background and provide them with the support and resources to being their talent to the stage.” The Arts Theatre's story stretches back much further than many people realise. The building itself began life as a Baptist church around 1815 before being transformed into a theatre in 1948, run by the Cooperative Wholesale Society. In 2001 it was purchased by Nottingham Arts Theatre, an educational charity whose volunteer Board of Trustees relaunched it as a community venue. Today, it houses a 270-seat auditorium, alongside a smaller studio space that has become an increasingly important creative hub, seating 50 and 70 standing. Previously used for rehearsals, in recent times the studio has become a theatre stage, with smaller shows and workshops taking place all year round.

Image opposite: Julian Phillips and Joel Milnes, at the entrance of The Arts Theatre. This page from top: Stars of the 2026 summer school Make Me A Musical. The Arts Theatre 270-seat auditorium.

From left to right: Summer School, Railway Children. Youth Theatre 26, production of Sweeny Todd. The 2024 School Edition of Les Misérables. One of the autumn 2026 show posters - An Evening with Jack The Ripper.

Unlike larger regional venues, The Arts Theatre offers a rare closeness between performer and audience. It is fully on one level, with excellent sightlines from every seat, creating an atmosphere where every laugh, gasp and standing ovation feels personal. It enables a much closer connection between the performer/s and the audience. It also provides a hearing loop, has space for wheelchair use, and works with other local venues to provide additional support to those with disabilities, during intervals, and will increase interval times if needed – cementing its pledge to be as inclusive and easy to navigate as possible. There are charming touches too, including traditional ice cream trolleys wheeled through during intervals, offering a nostalgic nod to theatre-going of years gone by, and the beautiful café bar always has a bustling atmosphere during the intervals. Although many people know The Arts Theatre as a place to watch performances, its role within the city goes much deeper. As an educational charity, nurturing creativity is at the very heart of what it does. "We want to grow talent and nurture it in the theatre," Julian explains. Demand for youth opportunities has grown significantly in recent years, reflecting Nottinghamshire's vibrant performing arts community and the enthusiasm of young people eager to get involved. According to Julian, "Demand has outstripped what we can currently deliver, so we must continue to develop our youth services. It’s thrilling to see so many young people with an appetite for creative arts.” The theatre's Youth Group, led by Youth Group Coordinator Jessica Royce, has gone from strength to strength. Each year members present showcase performances and a major Youth Theatre production every March. Importantly, auditions are

open to everyone, even those who are not regular members of the youth programme, so the theatre is very much open to encouraging and celebrating local talent, for everyone. Their achievements have been remarkable. A few years ago, they tackled Les Misérables, followed by Everybody's Talking About Jamie and then the notoriously challenging Sweeney Todd. "They were phenomenal," Joel says. "The feedback was fantastic." Easter and summer workshops offer opportunities to explore musicals, drama and performance skills before culminating in productions of their own. The recent staging of The Railway Children demonstrated the breadth of their work, while another project invited young participants to create an entirely new musical in just one week. "We want to give them a platform to be their most creative selves”, Julian says with a smile, “and we will aways support that. It's about building connections with young people, and they build friendships and confidence.” Unlike producing theatres that create most of their own professional work, The Arts Theatre primarily operates as a receiving house. Yet rather than limiting its role, that model has helped create an extraordinary culture of collaboration. The venue regularly welcomes local dance schools, theatre companies, music groups, comedians and promoters, creating a programme that genuinely reflects the city. "The beauty of hiring out the venue," Joel says, "is giving you diversity of events and activities for people to come and see or take part in. But we also like to approach creatives and ask them to choose our venue as we will support in numerous ways here in the venue to enable their production – it’s a very collaborative process and we are proud of our flexibility and

Participant from Open Stage Young Company.

hands-on, let’s get you on the stage’ approach. We want to see talent flourish, and in choosing our venue, we both gain.” Among the regular users are Nottingham Trent University musical theatre students, University of Nottingham performers, medical student productions, AJ School of Dance, Dancin' Motion and numerous other local organisations. One of Julian's ambitions has been to strengthen the theatre's dramatic offering. "Encouraging more theatre, rather than relying on our already popular tribute acts and youth group productions has meant we can diversify our audience and ensure continuous interest in our events programme. We have done a lot of work over the last two years to enrich our offering, so there is always something for everyone.” "There is no typical evening here," Julian continues. "The diversity runs through all our programmes. It keeps us fresh, current, and reflecting our audience’s tastes and interests, which is important as we are championing the stage but also championing our community.” Recent productions include Animal Farm, with the everpopular panto this year confirmed as Goldilocks and the Three Bears, comedians such as Fatiha El-Ghorri and Seann Walsh make up the 2026 comedy roster, and 2027 will see The Bob Dylan Story, The Dusty Show, Del Amitri, best selling author Natalie Haynes, Janet Street Porter, and Phil Daniels discussing the cult classic Quadrophenia, with many more acts and shows of different genres already confirmed on the website. The programme also champions new voices and underrepresented stories. Every October, Black History Month celebrations feature: And Still I Rise, showcasing black performers and creatives from across the region.

Meanwhile the emerging studio space continues to surprise audiences - from stand-up comedy and local writing projects to experimental theatre and even a Cantonese opera that proved so successful it will return in the main auditorium. The theatre has also embraced inventive local productions. Last year, a Nottingham-based drag parody called The Wizard of Nottz delighted audiences with its playful take on The Wizard of Oz. Julian, and the audience were immediately impressed. "It was superb." Such was the response that its creators are returning with a brand-new production, Murderer?! I Barely Know Her! For Julian, projects like these capture the venue's spirit perfectly. "Increasingly groups come to us, we can see the gold in their idea or their script, and we are privileged to play a role in them putting their show on and make their dreams come true." While audiences may see the performers, a dedicated team works tirelessly behind the scenes. "It's a very hands-on small team," Julian says. The technical side is outsourced, but the sense of family remains unmistakable. The theatre also welcomes additional volunteers and is always keen to hear from people who would like to get involved. There are valuable opportunities for students too, with local young people gaining work experience that benefits both them and the organisation. Speaking warmly of those placements, Julian admits: "They make such a difference. We miss them when they are gone." We discover also that perhaps the most remarkable aspect of The Arts Theatre is how it sustains itself. Unlike many cultural organisations, it receives no regular Arts Council funding and benefits from no core public subsidy. Instead, it relies on venue hire, ticket sales, donations, sponsorship, legacies and

Julian Phillips and Joel Milnes, in the auditorium.

community goodwill. It is, quite simply, a theatre that pays its own way. “The model allows complete artistic freedom and autonomy over programming decisions while keeping the organisation firmly connected to its community roots. But it of course relies heavily on a lot of generosity, and this marries well with our roots as it will always be a community endeavour." Businesses and individuals can sponsor shows or youth activities, with many excellent and highly visible ways to reach the audience with their brands. Donations can be made directly through the website and are always greatly welcomed. Others choose to support simply by hiring the venue for performances, rehearsals or events, which forms the backbone of the theatre’s intake. And then there are legacy gifts. “Sometimes knowing you can be a part of something long after your own enjoyment of the space can really touch the heart of local theatre-goers, and legacies are increasingly helping us to ensure our own future.”

Get involved at The Arts Theatre

"People come here and say, 'My daughter danced here 20 years ago'," he says. That sense of affection runs deep. "It is woven into the fabric of the city." And perhaps that is the secret of The Arts Theatre's enduring appeal. Whether you are a young performer taking your first bow, a proud parent in the audience, a comedy fan, music lover or local resident reminiscing about shows gone by, it offers something increasingly rare: a genuine sense of belonging. As Julian puts it: "You may see someone you recognise on the stage. It's about locals celebrating local talent and entertainment." We conclude that at The Arts Theatre, there may be no such thing as a typical evening, but there is one reassuring certainty: there will always be a warm welcome waiting inside. For detail of upcoming shows, booking and further details visit: www.nottingham-theatre.co.uk Find The Arts Theatre on social media.  /nottinghamartstheatre  nottinghamartstheatre

Young people interested in joining can register through Jessica at youth@artstheatre.org.uk, while auditions and opportunities are regularly advertised through the theatre's social media channels for anyone who wants to come along and give it a try without being a youth group member. For anyone searching for the perfect gift for a theatre lover, gift vouchers are available online and in person, opening the door to a year of unforgettable experiences. Signing up to the theatre's monthly newsletter, through the website, which already reaches more than 14,000 subscribers, is also a great way to stay connected with upcoming shows, workshops and community events. www.nottingham-theatre.co.uk

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Invest In Nature Investing in nature’s recovery is a win-win. By Erin McDaid, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust.

Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust

n my earlier article I highlighted the fact that we don’t just rely on nature, we are very much part of it. Nature and a healthy environment with properly functioning ecosystems underpin not just our health and wellbeing but every aspect of our lives, from the air we breathe, water we drink and food we eat, to our economy. Back in November 2025, experts addressing the National Emergency Briefing spelled out the threats posed to our natural systems, food security, public health and even our national security. Alongside overwhelming evidence of the ecological and climate crises, new research shows that 82% of British people consider nature personally important, while 58% believe the Government is not doing enough to protect it. When asked to consider the role of local politicians, this figure rises to 66% - suggesting that our local representatives have a long way to go to get decisions right in respect of supporting nature’s recovery. When challenged on why they are not acting for nature, politicians all too often cite the need to deal with the cost-ofliving crisis. Whilst the cost-of-living crisis has been challenging for everyone over the past five years or so, it does not explain the lack of action on nature over decades that has placed us at the mercy of a volatile climate and left one in six UK species at risk of extinction. With many people struggling to cover household bills it is no wonder that politicians have sought to prioritise policy linked to cost of living measures, but the fact that 70% of people reject the notion of a trade-off between protecting nature and addressing the cost of living suggests the need for a new approach. 55% of people also believe that nature is underfunded – suggesting that politicians claiming their hands are tied actually have a stronger mandate to act for nature than they might think. There is growing evidence that investing in nature can also deliver financial dividends too, whether through new urban greenspaces attracting inward investment, reducing health inequalities, or providing natural flood management solutions that benefit both communities and wildlife.

A 2015 study of the impact of investment in parks and green spaces in Edinburgh found that every £1 invested delivered around £12 of social, economic and environmental benefits. A later study in the USA suggested that the wider benefit, including savings linked to health, could be as high as 100:1. We’re already seeing the impacts of dragging our feet on mitigation and preparing for climate change in terms of spiralling weather extremes and the resultant social, economic and environmental costs. Continuing to delay action for nature risks species becoming extinct and ecological systems collapsing. The cost of recovering from either of these scenarios is likely to cost infinitely more than carefully targeted preventative investment.

Disconnected by design Given that public support for nature is so strong, why does political support remain so limited? It would be all too easy to claim that politicians are simply out of touch with what people want or guilty of a collective, and all too human ‘head in the sand’ approach. However, the level of resistance to making the right choices and the prevalence of anti-nature rhetoric – which often frames species such as newts and bats as blockers on growth – suggests other factors are at play. Some political prevarication and posturing is inevitable. However, the tendency to ignore the evidence or kick the can in terms of delivering solutions is such that it is hard to ignore the impact of lobbying and misinformation from anti-nature interests. Whether in terms of the oil and energy sectors resisting acceleration of the shift to clean technologies; narrow-minded sections of the industrial farming sector or housebuilders and developers placing profit ahead of protecting wildlife – undermining the case for nature protections serves a wider range of vested interests.

Page opposite: Water vole feeding on roots, Tom Marshall. Bottom row from left: The endangered black redstart was once a regular sight in Nottingham, John Smith. The endangered Turtle Dove is still hanging on in North Notts thanks to targetted action, Amy Lewis. A nature 1st approach to regeneration can help unlock investment, Lorna Griffiths. 1 in 6 UK species including the Large Heath Buttefly are endangered, Stefan Johansson.

seeming to ignore concerns over the issue of sewage discharge into our rivers and oceans – the public upswell of disgust and demands for change has delivered a sharper focus on the issue from the regulator and new measures are set to be included in a Clean Water Bill due to come before Parliament soon.

These sectors are amongst the best funded and most powerful lobbies looking to keep the status quo or to go even further in terms of undermining environmental protections.

A movement for nature

To put nature into recovery will require a movement for nature, with people from all walks of life motivated and supported to act. People who care for nature are not just helping restore nature and wildlife, they are enhancing their own health and wellbeing and improving their local community and connection to it.

Those of us fighting wildlife’s corner have to accept that it’s an uphill battle to face down threats to nature when up against such powerful vested interests – but we all have a vested interest in nature’s future.

Securing nature’s recovery can’t be left to charities and NGOs and those who are already taking action. The real challenge is to make nature recovery something everyone feels part of and the first step towards this is making access to nature fairer.

Nature’s future is our future and the vast majority of people for whom nature is personally important, need to make our collective voices heard. Organisations such as The Wildlife Trusts will continue to give voice to people’s concerns, but we all have an individual responsibility to get the message across. When politicians, at the local and national level, hear a message loud, clear and consistently they have to act. When postbags and inboxes were filled with complaints about potholes, this issue, seemingly ignored for years, suddenly reached the top of the agenda and funds were found to act.

We then need to create more opportunities for people from all walks of life to take action within their communities whether through volunteering, supporting local wildlife projects, or taking part in national days of action that bring neighbours, schools and businesses together. By making taking action simple, welcoming and satisfying for people to get involved with we can embrace a culture where caring for nature becomes second nature.

Using our collective voice on environmental issues can deliver results. Whilst the challenge is stark, there is hope. After years of

As well as taking positive action ourselves, we must be ready to make clear to those in positions of power that nature isn’t just nice to have, it is necessary. Every time politicians or vested interests claim that “we can't afford it”, we should remind them that nature is not a luxury. It is the foundation of our health, economy and security. The real question is not whether we can afford to invest in nature's recovery, but whether we can afford not to.

This page from top: You can take action for nature by volunteering locally, Meg McKay. Local campaigners in Nottingham are demanding action for swifts, WildNG. You can add your voice by joining a march, Arran Wilson.

Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust Tel: 0115 958 8242 E-mail: info@nottswt.co.uk www.nottinghamshirewildlife.org

Whilst potholes are a pain, in the context of local and global issues they are small beer – but the collective voicing of concern has delivered investment and action.

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The 12 Jobs of Christmas Forget endless to-do lists and festive perfection. A few simple touches can make your home feel wonderfully welcoming this Christmas – without turning December into a month of hard labour.

hristmas is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, yet somewhere between the shopping lists, wrapping paper and endless preparations, it's easy to forget to enjoy it! But the real magic of Christmas isn't found in expensive presents or perfectly decorated homes. It's in the little things – the smell of home baking, a catch-up with old friends, family gathered around the table or an impromptu invitation for mince pies and a cuppa. Often, it's these simple pleasures that create the happiest memories. And making your home feel festive needn't involve a huge budget or a week of hard work. A few thoughtful touches can bring warmth, sparkle and a little Christmas cheer to even the busiest household. So, before the festive rush takes over, here are twelve easy ways to make your home welcoming, cosy and ready for Christmas.

1. Deck the doorstep A beautiful wreath, a couple of lanterns and a welcoming doormat make a wonderful first impression.

2. Let there be light Twinkling fairy lights aren't just for trees. Drape them around mirrors, windows or fireplaces for instant Christmas magic.

3. Clear the decks A little decluttering creates breathing space for decorations, presents and the inevitable mountain of Christmas chocolates.

4. Bring the outside in Gather sprigs of holly, ivy or evergreen foliage for simple, natural displays that won't cost a fortune.

5. Create a cosy corner

As Charles Dickens wrote in A Christmas Carol, “I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.”

Add soft throws, plump cushions and warm lighting. Perfect for escaping the festive madness with a good book.

And perhaps that's the real secret to a wonderful Christmas home. Not perfection, immaculate cushions or matching baubles, but warmth, laughter and the people who fill it.

6. Spruce up the garden Sweep away fallen leaves, tidy the doorstep and give winter pots a little attention. Job done!

7. Prepare for overnight guests Fresh bedding, fluffy towels and a bedside chocolate make visitors feel thoroughly spoilt.

8. Set the scene Dress the dining table with candles, greenery and your favourite glassware. Even Tuesday's supper will feel special.

9. Add a little sparkle Polish mirrors, straighten pictures and dust those forgotten corners. Small touches make a surprising difference.

10. Make scents of Christmas Think cinnamon, orange, cloves and pine. A festive fragrance instantly sets the mood.

11. Welcome winter wildlife Top up bird feeders and provide fresh water. Your feathered garden visitors deserve a Christmas treat too.

12. Put your feet up! Light the candles, pour something delicious and admire your handiwork. You've earned it.

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Home & Garden

The Quiet Beauty Of Christmas Create a beautifully effortless festive home with inspiring ideas from Habitat. Think calming tones, natural textures and considered details that bring Christmas magic without the fuss. Christmas doesn't have to mean an explosion of tinsel, glitter and decorations in every corner. Sometimes, the most beautiful festive spaces are those that embrace a little simplicity. Think soft, cosy textures, warm lighting, natural greenery and carefully chosen decorations that add just the right amount of seasonal sparkle. With a few thoughtful touches, you can create a home that feels wonderfully festive without losing its sense of calm. Take inspiration from Habitat, where understated styling and timeless pieces prove that less really can be more. With all the excitement of Christmas shopping, festive gatherings and celebrations, there's something rather lovely about coming home to a peaceful retreat. A place to curl up with a warm drink, enjoy the gentle glow of twinkling lights and simply savour the season. Layer up comforting throws, introduce soft candlelight and let natural materials and subtle festive details do the talking. After all, Christmas is as much about those quiet, cosy moments at home as it is about the celebrations, and creating a space where you can truly relax might just be the loveliest gift of all. All imagery courtesy of Habitat. Interior decor items all avalable at Habitat, for details visit: www.habitat.co.uk

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THE HAMPTONS, JENKINS AVENUE, RETFORD, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE NEW REDUCED PRICE. PX CONSIDERED. For viewings, contact William H Brown on 01777 704248 Internal photos taken from typical Oakdale show homes, furniture and furnishings not included.

Home & Garden

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ith rising energy costs majority of us are looking for ways to save money. Wallrock Thermawall offers a very hardwearing, cost effective and practical way to save energy in your home as well as helping to create a cosier environment. The product works by creating a thermal barrier at the wall surface ensuring more heat is retained within the room for massively reduced warm up times and on-going energy savings - at the same time combatting the formation of condensation and the resultant unhealthy and unsightly mould growth.

At 50cm wide, ThermaWall is easier to hang than traditional Wallrock Thermal Liner or KV600, making it much easier to handle by yourself, or for novice DIY'ers. Being 600gsm (3-4mm thick), ThermaWall is a composite product consisting of a PVC free insulation layer permanently bonded to a heavy duty reinforced liner, all designed to give many years of reliable and money saving service.

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Sally Outram

A ‘Greet’ Escape:

Southwell’s Hidden Footsteps From riverside rambles and railway relics to old mills and Minster views, travel writer and photojournalist Sally Outram. discovers the stories woven into Southwell’s glorious countryside on a walk that’s lovely in every season.

outhwell is a beautiful little town in the Nottinghamshire countryside. Its landmarks are understated yet enduring: the Minster above the rooftops, the River Greet through meadows, the former railway line now the Southwell Trail, and the hamlets and mills that once supported local life. Exploring these sites along this glorious all seasons walk reveals their connections. The river, trail, mills, and villages are all integral parts of a shared history. The River Greet is modest in scale. It flows quietly through fields and woodland, shaping the landscape in subtle but lasting ways. It originates near Kirklington, passes through Southwell, and joins the Trent at Fiskerton. Along its course, it collects tributaries such as Halam Beck, Edingley Beck, and Cotton Mill Dyke, each contributing to its charm. As you walk alongside the river, its character changes depending on where you are. Near Maythorne, it passes old mill buildings and flows under footbridges and sluices once used for industry. Further along the Robin Hood Way, it consistently offers views of willow and alder, with occasional sightings of moorhens, grey herons, and little egret along the shallows. The Greet’s appeal lies in its subtle details: the curve of its banks, shallow pools, and distant views of the Minster’s spires. It has quietly influenced work, travel, and settlement in the area. While the River Greet connects the landscape effortlessly, the Southwell Trail represents its human history and still hides railway relics beneath the soil. The wilder northern stretch of the Trail crosses Sherwood Sandstone, a rock formation around 250 million years old. Formed in a hot, arid landscape during the Triassic Period, it preserves evidence of a time when this part of Nottinghamshire lay within a vast desert environment. Walkers often miss that beneath the Trail's surface lie sections of original railway ballast, pockets of clinker, and occasional

fragments of blue brick from the Kirklington platform edge. In some cuttings, the soil chemistry is still influenced by coal dust from wagons that passed through decades ago. Originally part of the Midland Railway linking Southwell with Mansfield, the line transported passengers and goods for over a century. By 1968, the line had closed, stations were dismantled or sold, and the tracks removed. However, the route remained and took on a new purpose. In the early 1970s, Nottinghamshire County Council acquired sections of the line and opened them to the public. Through resurfacing, improved access, and ongoing management, the former railway became a multi-user bridleway for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders, whilst also serving as an important wildlife corridor. Walking the Trail, you can see the railway’s legacy in the straight route, cuttings, embankments, and remaining station houses at Southwell, Kirklington, and Farnsfield. The blue brick platform edge at Kirklington and the wide sidings near Bilsthorpe, once used for coal wagons, are still visible. Nature has reclaimed the area. In winter, ivy-leaved toadflax brings colour to the Trail, whilst rosehips, hawthorn berries and spindle provide food for the birds. Along the River Greet, walkers may be lucky enough to spot a kingfisher, its brilliant blue plumage flashing low over the water. Butterflies such as Speckled Wood, Comma, and Red Admiral are found near Maythorne during the warmer months, whilst buzzards can be spotted circling above the fields, and occasionally a sparrowhawk may be seen hunting along the hedgerows. Further north, the landscape shifts as Sherwood Sandstone becomes prominent and the soil turns poor and acidic. Broom and gorse dominate the cuttings, giving the Trail a wilder, more open character. This area highlights the landscape's geological, historical, and ecological layers.

Images courtesy of Sally Outram.

Sally Outram

Maythorne lies just beyond Southwell, set in countryside that is both open and sheltered. The hamlet consists of cottages, a fishing lake, hedgerows, and the prominent old mill. The Old Silk Mill lies at the heart of Maythorne’s history. Originally built as a water-powered cotton mill to supply yarn to the framework knitting industry, it was converted in the early 19th century to produce silk and lace thread. A small community grew around the mill, providing homes and services for workers. During the Second World War, the building billeted soldiers, and today it has been converted into apartments while retaining much of its historic character. Although it is part of Maythorne’s history, the Old Silk Mill merits individual attention. Such mills shaped rural communities by providing employment, structure, and identity. They shaped settlement patterns, goods transport, and river management. The Maythorne mill’s transition from cotton yarn and silk production to wartime accommodation, demonstrates how buildings adapt to changing needs. Its conversion into apartments preserves heritage whilst allowing continued use. Though no longer industrial, the mill remains a focal point. Look out for the blue plaque on the old mill, which highlights the site’s significant role in this unique riverside hamlet.

All imagery courtesy of Sally Outram.

Caudwell’s Mill sits on Station Lane, near where the Trail returns to Southwell. The mill marks the intersection of the river, the trail, and the town. The mill’s solid presence anchors the landscape and is one of Southwell’s best-known landmarks. Built on the site of the town's medieval Burrage Mill, it became an important flour mill after Charles Caudwell purchased it in 1851. Wheat arrived by road, rail and barge, and the mill's famous Greet Lily Flour supplied bakers across the region for generations. Its enduring presence makes it a natural starting point for exploring this historic market town. If time allows, extend your visit beyond the Trail and explore the rest of Southwell. The town is renowned for the magnificent Minster, with its celebrated medieval carvings and imposing architecture, while the National Trust’s Workhouse offers fascinating insight into Victorian social history. Nature lovers may also enjoy a visit to the Swan Sanctuary, and throughout the town you will find elegant buildings, attractive independent shops, and historic streets full of character. After a day of discovery, visitors can choose from an excellent range of cafés, pubs, and restaurants, giving you the perfect excuse to slow the pace and enjoy all that Southwell has to offer this festive season. Happy rambling x

Sally

Directions 1. Start at the Southwell Trail car park on Station Road, just past the Final Whistle pub.

2. Look out for the wooden fingerpost (bridleway) directing

The basics Distance: Approx time: Terrain:

4.1 miles (6.6km) 1 hours 40 mins/2 hours at a leisurely pace. Track, surfaced lanes, riverside paths, disused railway, town. Difficulty: Easy. Maps: OS 270 Sherwood Forest. Parking: Southwell Trail Car Park next to The Final Whistle Pub. Start Point: Southwell Trail Car Park next to The Final Whistle Pub. Dog friendly: Yes, on a lead. Refreshments: The Final Whistle, Station Road, Southwell, NG25 0ET, Reg Taylors Tea Room & Garden Centre, Hill Farm Nurseries, Corkhill Lane, Southwell.

you along the Southwell Trail (former railway line), continue along passing over a small footbridge. Continue straight ahead for approximately 1.5 mile, you will see a pumping station to your right. Continue ahead along the trail, there are a number of footpaths to your left if you fancy a detour. They lead to Maythorne Lane, but I like to stick to the trail. 3. Just before reaching the lane, cross over a small bridge. Turn right onto Maythorne Lane and walk towards Maythorne village, passing a fishing lake and pond to your right. 4. Continue along the lane into open countryside and follow the road to reach the Old Silk Mill, following the waymarkers. 5. After passing the Old Silk Mill (notice the blue plaque on your left), bear left and cross the River Greet using the gate and footbridge at the sluice. Continue over a second gate and footbridge a short distance afterwards. 6. Bear right and follow the curving riverside path, which is also the Robin Hood Way, keeping the river on your right at all times. 7. As you continue, you will walk past an industrial estate on your left, continue until you reach Caudwell’s Mill (marked with another blue plaque). 8. Turn right onto Station Road which merges with Normanton Road, cross over the bridge, and continue back to the car park, completing the circular route. If you have time, take a stroll to the riverside on the opposite side of the bridge. There are numerous benches overlooking the river, making it the perfect place to sit, relax, and enjoy the wildlife. I've been lucky enough to spot a kingfisher flashing along the riverbank.

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Teresa Bovey

The Sweetest Season Rich, comforting and full of festive flavour, simple decadent desserts by food demonstrator & home economist, Teresa Bovey.

Teresa Bovey

Black Forest Trifle This chocoholic trifle is quick and easy to make over the festive period. For a grown up version soak the cherries overnight in extra Kirsch! The recipe can also easily be doubled to make a showcase trifle for a buffet table if desired. Ingredients 2 double chocolate muffins 1 x 400g can black cherries 2 tbsp Kirsch 400mls ready-made custard 150mls double cream, whipped For decoration Grated chocolate

Method 1. Slice the chocolate muffins and arrange them in the bottom of 4 individual trifle dishes. 2. Mix together 2 tbsp Kirsch and 2 tbsp cherry juice and pour over the muffins. 3. Reserve 4 cherries and spoon over the remaining cherries over the muffins. 4. Add 100mls custard over each cherry base. 5. Spoon or pipe the double cream over the custard. 6. Top with a reserved cherry and sprinkle with grated chocolate before serving. Makes 4 individual trifles Cooks Tip – Make your custard in the microwave for ease and speed. Place 1 tbsp sugar and 25g custard powder into a large jug, add 1 tbsp cold milk and stir well. Pour in 400mls milk and Microwave on full power for 2-3 minutes, whisking once or twice during cooking until thickened.

Teresa Bovey

Nutty Mincemeat Tart Ingredients 320g ready-made shortcrust pastry ½ x 400g jar mincemeat 6 dried figs, quartered 6 apricots chopped 30g pistachios, chopped 40g walnuts, chopped

Method 1. Preheat the oven to Fan 170ºC/Gas 5. 2. Roll out pastry and line a 22cm fluted flan tin. Use any trimming to form spiral twists for the top. 3. Spread the mincemeat over the base of the pastry, top with the figs, apricots and nuts. 4. Twist the remaining pastry strips over the top of tart. 5. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Cuts into 6-8

Food &Bovey Teresa Drink

Savarin Ingredients 6g sachet dried yeast 1 tsp caster sugar 75mls warm milk 3 large eggs 3 ozs butter. melted 6 ozs sifted plain flour Rum Syrup 200mls water 100g granulated sugar Pared strips from 1 orange 3 tbsp dark rum To decorate Orange segments and grapes or any other preferred fresh fruits and 300mls whipped double cream.

Method 1. Mix the yeast and caster sugar together in a large bowl and gently stir in the milk a little at a time. 2. Using an electric whisk add the eggs and whisk for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and then whisk in the melted butter and finally the flour. Leave to prove in a warm place until the dough has doubled in size (roughly 30 minutes}. 3. Stir gently and then transfer the mixture into a 22cm greased ring or savarin mould. 4. Leave to prove again for 40-45 minutes until the cake mixture has risen again.

5. Bake at 180ºC/Gas 5 for 25-30 minutes. 6. Make the rum syrup by placing the water, sugar and orange strips into a small pan and cooking on a medium heat until the sugar has dissolved. Remove orange strips and pour in the rum and leave to cool. 7. Once the savarin has cooked gently pour over the half the warm syrup, turn the savarin out onto the serving plate and slowly pour over the remaining syrup. 8. Fill the centre with fruits and serve with double cream. Serves 8

Teresa Bovey

Mulled Wine Syllabub Ingredients 300mls mulled or red wine 80g caster sugar 1 inch stick cinnamon 1 clove Rind and juice from 1 orange 1 tbsp Cointreau 500mls double cream To decorate Red and black currants or mixed frozen fruits.

Method 1. Place the wine, sugar, cinnamon, clove and orange rind into a small pan and boil gently for 15 minutes or until reduced by half. Leave to cool. 2. Remove the pared orange rind and add the Cointreau. Reserve 2 tbsp syrup for decoration. 3. Whisk the cream until thickened and then slowly whisk in the mulled syrup.

4. Pipe or spoon into glasses and top with a little fruit for decoration. Drizzle over any remaining syrup. 5. Serve with spiced biscuits or shortbread. Fills 6-8 shot glasses Cooks Tip – Serves 4 in champagne glasses.

Find more of Teresa's wonderful recipes in the Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter cook books available to buy online on: www.madeinn.co.uk/shop

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Food & Drink

Beer Pairing Perfect Christmas Beer Pairings from Welbeck Abbey Brewery

ith Christmas dinner planning underway, Welbeck Abbey Brewery is helping festive hosts find the perfect beer pairings for their seasonal celebrations. Based on the historic Welbeck Estate, the brewery combines traditional brewing methods and carefully selected ingredients to create beers that reflect the seasons and local heritage. Claire Monk, General Manager at Welbeck Abbey Brewery, said: “Wine is often the traditional choice at Christmas, but beer can be just as versatile. Different beer styles bring out different flavours, and our festive range offers the perfect pairings for Christmas dinner.”

Welbeck's Christmas Pairing Guide Turkey and all the trimmings The Night Before... Fruity IPA pairs perfectly with roast turkey, stuffing, and seasonal vegetables, with its tropical notes complementing savoury festive flavours.

Vegetarian festive dishes White Stag Session IPA is an ideal match for nut roast, mushroom Wellington, and roasted root vegetables. Its light body and refreshing hop character balances rich, earthy flavours.

Christmas pudding and festive desserts Cocoa Noël Chocolate Stout offers rich chocolate and roasted malt flavours that pair beautifully with Christmas pudding and other festive treats.

Cheeseboards The rich character of Cocoa Noël also makes it an excellent partner for mature Cheddar, Stilton, and other after-dinner cheeses. Available for a limited time, Welbeck Abbey Brewery's Christmas range includes Cocoa Noël (Chocolate Stout), The Night Before... (Fruity IPA) and White Stag (Session IPA). For more information, visit: www.welbeckabbeybrewery.co.uk.

A Little Festive Spirit

We Rec ommend..

(By the Glass) From Piccalilli From festive favourites to bottles worth making a fuss over, here's the picks for a deliciously merry season. Dan Coles, owner and head chef, Piccalilli, Nottingham. M&S Rosé Pét Nat

Pierres Dorées Pinot Noir 2025

It’s £15 and made at Heppington Vineyard in Kent. It’s a vegan Pinot Noir and Chardonnay blend, low-intervention, and naturally sparkling. It looks a bit cloudy and peach-coloured in the glass; it’s light and refreshing. On the nose, soft flowers, strawberries, and apples. It tastes super dry and crisp – lots of bright citrus and pink grapefruit with a bit of red berry underneath. If you’ve wanted to try natural wines but are worried about them tasting too weird or "funky", this is the perfect starter bottle. Pair with a spiced noodle broth or a big bowl of pho with loads of fresh herbs and chilli.

Born from a bold winemaking gamble: planting Pinot Noir in the heart of Beaujolais, a region historically dominated by Gamay grapes, it's a younger, fresher alternative to a traditional red Burgundy. On the nose, it brings fresh strawberries and raspberries with a slight spice to it. On the palate, it has flavours of blackcurrant and sloe, giving way to a more clean, fresh finish. Best to serve slightly below room temperature; store in the fridge and take it out an hour or so before serving. Pairs well with lamb chops, grilled and served pink, or a creamy goat's cheese.

Hanwell Wine Estate Classic 2018 Sparkling White Wine From Hickling Pastures near Melton Mowbray. At £32.95 a bottle, it's a little on the pricey side, but if you want to turn up to an event with a bottle to talk about, this is a great choice. Each bottle is hand-numbered. The three classic Champagne grapes: Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Aromas of apple and lemon, on the palate lemon sherbet with biscuity notes. A great pre-dinner drink. Note they also do some great events at the vineyard, such as a wine 5K. Check out their website for details and for orders.

Grower Series, Old-Vine Macabeo 2025 Organically farmed and vegan, from Castilla, it's a sustainably grown Spanish white wine. Under £10 a bottle from a small producer, it's great value for money. Notes of white peach; it's fresh, juicy and crisp. Easy drinking with real character. It's great for a weeknight dinner with a bowl of light pasta or risotto. Available from Wanderlust Wine.

Primitivo Il Pumo San Marzano From Cantine San Marzano (a cooperative winery in southern Italy), it's a dry, full-bodied everyday wine. It's 100% Primitivo (a grape genetically identical to Zinfandel), unoaked to preserve the fresh fruit-driven character of the grape. It's deep in colour, intense flavour of plum and cherries, with subtle notes of vanilla. It's smooth & savoury, but the tannins are soft, making it an easy-drinking red. Pair with a hearty braised beef dish, short ribs or maybe even a beef shin suet pudding. This is our house red at the restaurant. You can pick up a bottle to take home with 15% off menu price.. We sell all our wines to take home by the bottle at 20% off menu price. For wine from Wanderlust Wine, visit: wanderlustwine.co.uk

Find out more... Piccalilli.

1A Cannon Court, Nottingham, NG1 6JE. Email: info@piccalillinottingham.co.uk Call: 0115 6486498 www.piccalillinottingham.co.uk  piccalilli_nottingham

Events & Wine Nights. We host regular wine events at the restaurant. From seasonal tastings to special dinners — get in touch to reserve your spot or find out more.

Upcoming wine nights; Wine evening, 20 & 21 Dec 6.30pm. £37.50pp 5 wines and snacks. We're also open Mon 21, Tues 22 & Weds 23 for lunch only, before closing for our winter break from the 24 Dec, reopening, Fri 8 Jan. To book email: info@piccalillinottingham.co.uk Dates: 1 Nov - limited availability. 20 Dec - booking now available.

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Health & Beauty Chris Collins

The January Crash Why self-acceptance could be the reset you need. By Chris Collins, Life Coach.

here is a particular kind of emotional whiplash that hits after Christmas. One moment life is filled with gatherings, indulgence, late nights and familiar rituals, and the next, the decorations are down, the diary looks empty and January seems to demand a complete reinvention. For lots of us, the instinct is to respond by becoming stricter. Exercise more. Drink less. Eat better. Work harder. Organise everything. Become, in short, a supposedly improved version of yourself.

But what if the better starting point is not selfimprovement, but self-acceptance? From a Positive Psychology perspective, wellbeing isn't simply about eliminating flaws or maximising productivity. It is also about developing a compassionate and realistic relationship with ourselves. Self-acceptance means acknowledging where we are with our strengths, limitations, emotions and imperfections, but without turning that awareness into selfcriticism.

Second, replace resolutions with experiments. Rather than declaring that you will exercise five times a week, experiment with taking a 20 minute walk three times this week. Instead of promising to completely transform your diet, add one nourishing meal to your routine. Small, achievable actions create evidence that change is possible without demanding perfection. Finally, practise compassionate self-talk. When you catch yourself thinking, “I should be doing better,” imagine what you would say to a friend in exactly the same situation. Then offer yourself the same language. Self-compassion isn't an excuse for stagnation, it creates a psychologically safer foundation from which change can happen.

This matters particularly after Christmas because the postholiday period can create a perfect storm of comparison and unrealistic expectations. Social media is creaking with transformation narratives, while cultural messaging encourages us to treat January as a blank slate. If we interpret normal post-holiday tiredness, low motivation or disrupted routines as evidence that something is wrong with us, we can quickly create a cycle of criticism, guilt and further depletion.

Perhaps the most useful January question isn't “Who do I want to become?” but “How can I take better care of the person I already am?”

Self-acceptance interrupts that cycle. Instead of asking, “What's wrong with me?”, try asking, “What might I need right now?” The first question invites judgement but the second invites curiosity, and that small linguistic shift can change the way you respond to your own experience.

The Christmas period doesn't need to be something you recover from. And January doesn't need to be something you conquer. Sometimes the healthiest reset begins with recognising that you are already worthy of kindness, before you've changed a single thing.

Chris Collins - ICF ACC. For further details call: 07973 179982 Email: chris_collins22@hotmail.com You can also find booking details through instagram:  @chriscollinscoach  Chris Collins Life Coach

Try beginning January with a 3 part reset. First, take stock without judgement. Write down three things that feel good in your life, three things that feel difficult and three things you would genuinely like to change. Resist the temptation to label yourself as successful or failing. You are simply gathering information.

Paradoxically, accepting yourself as you are can make meaningful change easier. When improvement is no longer viewed as a punishment for perceived inadequacy, it becomes an expression of self-respect and so more likely to be taken on.

Life Coaching Updates For regular updates, prices and information regarding personal and group sessions, sign-up to Chris's mailing list by emailing: chris_collins22@hotmail.com

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Motoring

Aston Martin DBX GT Ultra Refinement, Effortless Performance DBX GT represents the pinnacle of luxury and refinement in the Aston Martin SUV portfolio.

ston Martin is proud to introduce the new DBX GT; a new interpretation of the marques acclaimed SUV that blends ultra-luxury craftsmanship, refined comfort and effortless performance. Expanding the breadth of choice in the DBX range with the highest levels of luxury, comfort and refinement without any sacrifice in performance, DBX GT finds a new harmony where presence, sophistication and enhanced daily driveability come to the fore, while enjoying the same on-demand dynamic capability for which the DBX is renowned. Aston Martin CEO, Adrian Hallmark said: “DBX GT is aimed at customers who prefer assured elegance over sporting aggression and demand a higher degree of luxury. By refining the visual drama and elevating the interior with new elements of craftsmanship, the DBX GT delivers a true ultraluxury experience; one which comes with no sacrifice in performance.”

Ultra Refinement Visually the DBX GT is distinguished by comprehensive exterior changes which emphasise the renowned form and proportions of Aston Martin’s acclaimed SUV. Where DBX S expresses sporting prowess through assertive features, DBX GT delivers quiet luxury and elegance, through luxury detailing and high-quality materials and finishes. Aston Martin EVP & Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman said: “Aston Martin is uniquely placed to combine ultra-luxury and performance. All our cars combine both, but each car finds a different balance, both visually and dynamically. With

DBX GT we have taken a more discreet approach. One which downplays its outright performance and instead exudes a quiet charisma. Elegantly understated, yet safe in the knowledge it possesses the same performance and classleading dynamics expected of a DBX.” From inception, DBX has delivered a handcrafted, luxurious interior design underpinned by everyday utility and intuitive ergonomics. Blending craftsmanship through functionality, it combines the commanding view of an SUV with the cocooning feel of a sports car. DBX GT introduces heightened craftsmanship and comfort with bespoke embroidery details on new seat forms. Front and rear seats have been redesigned with enhanced cushioning, redefined bolstering and carefully engineered comfort curves to balance dynamic support and everyday usability. To enhance the seating plushness a 10mm thick memory foam layer has been added to the cushion structure, whilst sculptural changes to the bolsters increase lateral support and comfort. DBX GT also introduces a new individual rear seat layout, elevating the rear environment design and comfort while retaining the flexibility of 5-seat capability. Two individually sculpted seating positions align the rear environment to the front seat design language with extended headrests and bolsters providing enhanced comfort for rear occupants by increasing lateral support, making longer journeys more comfortable. The addition of the standard panoramic glass roof floods the cabin with natural light, making the rear environment an even more enjoyable place to be.

Motoring

The Aston Martin DBX GT. All imagery courtesy of Aston Martin.

DBX GT interior introduces tactile expressions of quality, where material selection, precision and execution meet to create a luxurious interior. Anodised metal drive mode rotary controller and secondary switchgear provide a jewellery quality finish. The choice of GT-specific monotone, duotone and tritone upholstery colour combinations are embellished by intricate panels of quilting and perforation, plus complex embroidery stitching in a pattern unique for DBX GT. Comfort continues beyond the seats, with the prioritisation of cabin ambience and noise performance to complement the new interior design. This has been achieved through targeted improvements throughout the body structure, alongside meticulous attention to cabin sealing to minimise the transmission of unwanted sound from road, wind and traffic noise. Likewise precise placement of sound deadening materials in door panels, front and rear wheel arch zones and the rear load space, plus use of acoustic laminated rear side glass minimise noise levels from the outside world. Deep pile carpets not only support acoustic isolation but serve as a further layer of opulence to the DBX GT’s ultra-luxury feel. The measurable result is a 13% improvement in ‘Articulation Index’ - the automotive industry score of how easy it is to hold a conversation on the move. Whether chatting with passengers, making a telephone call, or enjoying the Bower & Wilkins audio system, the DBX GT provides a quieter, more relaxing, more luxurious cabin environment. To discover further details about the Aston Martin DBX GT visit the nearest Aston Martin showroom or visit: www.astonmartin.com All imagery and editorial thanks to Aston Martin. For full details visit: www.astonmartin.com

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