TN Uncovered December 2016 Edition

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TN EDITION - DECEMBER 2016

Delivered to 23,000 Homes and Businesses- Issue 52 www.tnuncovered.co.uk

IN THIS ISSUE Reader Competition WIN tickets to Reigate on Ice HOMES Big ideas for small living rooms HEALTH De-stressing christmas MOTORING Must have gifts for petrol heads

Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all of our customers at The Foresters Arms, Fairwarp We look forward to spending Christmas with you.

01825 712 808

The Brickmakers Arms, Ridgewood, Uckfield

01825 769 335

WELCOME

Hello...

Oh my goodness…in less than four weeks Christmas will be here!

Are you ready for your guests descending? Have you got your Christmas shopping sorted?

We might be able to help! In this issue we’ve got some ideas to make extra room for houseguests, strategies for getting through the Christmas if you’re feeling really stressed, must-have gifts for petrol heads, and ideas for days out when it all gets too much!

Of course we have our usual round up of fabulous goings on and people from our local neighbourhoods too, along with a delicious Christmas recipe for Baileys Crème Brulee – don’t mind if I do!

Merry Christmas! The TN Team

Contents

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4 COMMUNITY Community News What’s on 12 REIGATE ON Get your skates on!

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ICE

16 FOOD & DRINK Baileys Crème Brulee 20 LEISURE Cabin fever! The great escape 22 HEALTH The most wonderful stressful time of the year

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24 MOTORING Must have gifts for petrol heads

TN

25 PET CARE Christmas and pets 26 GARDENS Choosing a christmas tree

UNCOVERED

Heather Porter, Nadine Lindsay,

PUBLISHED BY

info@mantramagazines.co.uk

CONTACT

David Arnold, production@mantramagazines.co.uk

ONLINE

Jacob White, Jacob@mantramagazines.co.uk

Mantra Magazines Ltd

28 HOMES Big ideas for small living rooms

FEATURES EDITOR

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MANAGING DIRECTOR ACCOUNTS

Mandy Notridge, Credit@mantramagazines.co.uk

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ART & PRODUCTION

Unit 32, Rowfant Business Centre Wallage Lane, Rowfant, RH10 4NQ

Matthew Arnold, Matthew@mantramagazines.co.uk

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ADVERTISING SALES Nikki Relffe-Arnold, nikki@mantramagazines.co.uk

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ARTICLE WRITERS Jacob White, jacob@mantramagazines.co.uk Shelly Welti, shelley@mantramagazines.co.uk Nikki Relffe-Arnold nikki@mantramagazines.co.uk

COMMUNITY WRITER Jacob White Featuresdesk@mantramagazines.co.uk

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THE RINGLES CROSS Wonderful Home Cooked Food All our food is home made from fresh ingredients obtained where possible from local sources.

Bookings being taken now for Christmas and New Years Eve Quiz night first Tuesday of every month

FREE LIVE MUSIC EVERY FRIDAY AND SOME SATURDAYS

The Ringles Cross Hotel, London Road, Uckfield, TN22 1HG - 01825 765 428

THE PIG AND BUTCHER Restaurant Mon to Sat 12 noon - 3pm 6pm - 9pm Sun 12 noon - 3pm To Make a Reservation Call us on

01825 732 191

Great Carvery Available Every Sunday 12 noon - 3pm All our food is home made from fresh ingredients obtained where possible from local sources.

We Cater For A Wide Variety of Events.

The Pig and Butcher, Five Ash Down, Uckfield, TN22 3AN - 01825 732 191

20% Off

Pre-book a table, hand your completed voucher to one of our staff & receive

20% off your food bill.

Voucher is valid for 2 people only.

(Voucher cannot be used with pre-Christmas and Christmas menus)

Name: Date of Birth: Anniversary: Postcode: We appreciate your visit and would like to keep you informed of our special offers and events as they happen. We will not pass your details on to anyone else

Email: Mobile:

COMMUNITY

‘Super Mac’: Harold MacMillan Remembered Last month, to coincide with the US Presidential Election TN Uncovered looked back to the visit of President John F. Kennedy to Sussex. This month, we’re marking the 30th anniversary of the death of the British Prime Minister he was visiting – Harold MacMillan, affectionately known as ‘Super Mac’.

By Jacob White

B

ritish Prime Minister Harold MacMillan lived at Birch Grove, near Chelwood Gate for many years of his life – the house had been built in 1926 for MacMillan’s parents Maurice and Helen.

Harold Maurice MacMillan was born on February 10 1894, in Chelsea, his father was head of publishing at the family firm, MacMillan, and his mother was an American socialite.

Harold had two older brothers – Daniel and Arthur and studied at Eton and whilst at Balliol College, Oxford he signed up to the Grenadier Guards at the outbreak of the First World War. He served with distinction in France being severely wounded in the hip at the Somme, this brought an end to his military service and left him with a slight limp for the rest of his life.

After the war, he didn’t return to Oxford, instead he joined the family publishing house and stayed there until 1940 when his ministerial duties became too much.

He had been elected as an MP for Stockton-On-Tees in 1924, a seat he lost briefly before regaining it two years later, the 1920s also saw him marry Lady Dorothy Cavendish.

MacMillan served as Minister for Housing, Minister of Defence, Foreign Secretary and Chancellor of the Exchequer and when Anthony Eden

stepped down MacMillan became Prime Minister.

In October 1963, MacMillan resigned as Prime Minister following a difficult year which culminated in the Profumo scandal and at the same time a misdiagnosis of prostate cancer.

During retirement, he enjoyed the quiet life, only occasionally commenting on issues – during the 1980s he claimed the government’s privatisation programme was ‘selling the family silver’.

MacMillan died peacefully at Birch Grove months short of his 93rd birthday – he is now buried in the family plot at St Giles church, Horsted Keynes and fondly remembered as ‘Super Mac’.

Sussex links to Downing Street

Harold MacMillan isn’t the only Prime Minister with links to Sussex, here’s a list of five others: Britain’s third Prime Minister Henry Pelham, serving between 1743-1754 was born in Laughton 1930s Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin owned a home and lived in Rottingdean for many years In retirement, Jim Callaghan, Prime Minister during the 1970s owned a working farm in Ringmer Former Prime Minister David Cameron was beaten in the selection process for the Wealden seat in 2000 And finally… Current Prime Minister Theresa May was born in Eastbourne on October 1, 1956

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COMMUNITY

Time to sing the praises of one local church St Michaels and All Angels – Little Horsted Parish Church is in need of your help! Maybe you have attended a baptism, wedding or a funeral or even enjoyed the church’s Pumpkin Festival, the church’s curate Father Mitchell is appealing for your help to restore the 12th century TN church.

By Jacob White

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restoration appeal for the church was launched in July 2014 by the then Rector, the late Canon Martin Onions, at a reception at Little Horsted CE School attended by more than 100 local residents and dignitaries, including the Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex.

A number of fundraising events has taken place, including a teddy bear parachute jump, held in conjunction with Little Horsted CE School.

Tragically, Canon Martin Onions died suddenly in May 2015, meaning much of the fundraising momentum was lost.

However, fundraising activities continued to take place, and following the success of the church fete and flower festival held in July this year the appeal is once again building up a head of steam with the appeal currently standing at around £20,000.

This figure, represents 15% of the overall estimated £140,000 cost of the restoration project for the church that was once regularly

attended by Her Majesty the Queen when she stayed with friends, the Nevill family, who used to live in Little Horsted.

Father Mitchell, said: “The appeal was set up in response to the very real need to carry out essential works to the much-loved church, including the installation of a heating system, new lighting to replace the very outdated and insufficient existing lights.”

The Little Horsted parish consists of a small number of homes – around 100 in total – despite its large geographic size. However, many residents of Ridgewood and the surrounding area see the church as a local landmark and worship there.

“There is a thriving family service congregation which regularly attracts in excess of 70 people on the third Sunday of the month. The church seats 100 worshipers and was full to the brim on Christmas morning last year and baptisms take place every month” Father Mitchell says.

The church which has a long and interesting history and enjoys a very close relationship with the adjacent primary school and frequently hosts school services such as harvest festival, Christmas and Easter services, and the end of year leavers’ services.

“There is a small but incredibly dedicated team of people who run the church and look after it, and visitors are always welcome. It’s a special church with special people and your help in ensuring its future would be very much appreciated” Father Mitchell added.

Can you help St Michaels and All Angels – Little Horsted Parish Church?

For more information, or for details on how to make a donation to the Restoration Appeal, please email the Curate, Father Mitchell: revchristianmitchell@gmail.com

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COMMUNITY Spotlight:

Uckfield Christmas Day Lunch

There is no need to be lonely this Christmas

By Jacob White

T

he thought of TN residents spending Christmas alone has inspired one Uckfield couple to once again give up their day to offer those who want it, a free Christmas lunch and companionship.

Will you be lonely this Christmas or do you know someone who will be? A team of volunteers in Uckfield are hosting a lunch for those who would otherwise be spending the day alone.

Organised by Teresa Lane, 70, and her husband John, 71-years-old of Ridgewood, the event is in its third year and for the past two years has opened its doors to upwards of 20 people.

Volunteers will serve a lunch prepared by a professional chef from Glyndebourne Opera House, who himself has volunteered his services for several years including for charity Crisis at Christmas.

The couple were motivated by the thought of people being lonely on Christmas Day and hope that by serving a three-course lunch with all the trimmings they can help spread some Christmas cheer.

“I think it must be awful to spend what should be a joyous day on your own. We hosted the lunch for the past two years which were a great success and decided to do it again for a third year” Teresa said.

The Christmas Day lunch will be held at the Belmont Centre of Holy Cross church from 12 noon with the meal being served at 1pm with transport available to those unable to get there by themselves.

Teresa, said: “The lunch is an opportunity to chat to others, some who have lived in Uckfield for many years and some who have only recently come to the area and want to make friends.

“The meal is first-class, there will be vegetarian options and we can cater for smaller appetites.”

Tickets for the lunch are free but donations are welcome – to secure your place, tickets are available from the Uckfield Volunteer Centre or Gale and Woolgar, both located on Uckfield High Street and by calling Teresa and John Lane on 01825 762456.

Want to be part of a future Spotlight?

If your group is in the TN postcode area, let me know and you could feature in a future edition of TN Uncovered!

Email me: jacob@mantramagazines.co.uk and put TN Uncovered Spotlight in the email subject.

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COMMUNITY My TN Passion and I…

Jack’s on the way up What’s your passion? This month I meet YouTuber Jack Meacher who tells me about his passion for fi lm making, what inspires him to pick up the camera and what has been his biggest achievement.

By Jacob White

J

ack Meacher, 18-yearsold is a gap year student who is not taking it easy, rather he is spending the year taking each day shot by shot and clip by clip as he manages his own YouTube channel.

The film maker and former Uckfield Community Technology College student is a tech fanatic and although he lists badminton, cricket and hockey as his hobbies film making is his gold medal passion.

Inspired from a young age to become a film maker, Jack says that the growth of YouTube in recent years and in particular the popularity of YouTubers such as KSI has got his creative juices flowing.

Jack said: “Ever since I started watching short action sports videos and YouTubers such as KSI I grew to love the idea of

Jack on set

making films and ultimately sharing them with as wide an audience as I could.”

KSI, whose real name is Olajide ‘JJ’ Olatunji is a British rapper, actor, comedian and YouTuber who has received more than 14 million subscribers and 2.8 billion video views (As of the autumn of 2016).

As well as KSI, Jack says that his passion was sparked by the work of Casey Neistat, and with regards to Neistat’s work it was the American’s editing style that inspired Jack’s passion for film making.

“Casey consistently creates inspirational content and makes daily videos which are unmissable! When I see what he does with his films it makes me want to create videos just like him!” says Jack.

For Jack, the biggest challenge for him has been getting his foot in the door for more opportunities in the industry which is growing apace, but he

has already been involved in big projects.

Jack said: “I have been to MCM Comic Con, London and filmed there and I was also invited to YouTube space at Google headquarters to edit film with professional software and equipment.’

“The film already has more than 145,000 views and counting! The thought of that many people watching some of my camera work and editing makes this my biggest achievement!”

Jack is not sure where he’ll find himself at the end of his gap year – he has university place offers but he’s open minded and thinks with experience he could be in the frame for an industry job soon.

Want to be part of a future My TN Passion and I…?

If you live or work in the TN postcode area, let me know and you could feature in a future edition of TN Uncovered!

Email me: jacob@mantramagazines.co.uk and put My TN Passion and I… in the email subject.

Uckfield Foodbank

COMMUNITY Friday, December 2 (10.00am - 9.00pm) Saturday, December 3 (10.00am - 6.00pm) Sunday, December 4 (11.30am – 4.00pm - Christmas Service at 4.30pm) Holy Cross Church Festival of Christmas Trees

Holy Cross Church, Uckfield TN22 1BP. The annual Festival of Christmas Trees, a firm fixture in the town’s calendar, last year more than 6,000 people flocked to attend.

There will be refreshments and children’s activities available.

Admission is free, however donations are welcomed with funds going to the church and The Children’s Society.

www.churchofholycrossuckfield.co.uk Saturday, December 3, 3.00pm Uckfield Singers Christmas Concert Civic Centre, Bellfarm Lane, Uckfield TN22 1AE.

Christmas songs and carols as well as tunes from Joseph and His Tehnicolour Dreamcoat.

Tickets are Adults £7.00 and Children (under 16) £5.00.

Tickets will be available to buy from Gale and Woolgar in the High Street from November 7.

Wednesday, December 14, 7.00 pm Uckfield Community Orchestra Christmas Concert At Uckfield United Reformed Church, 7

4 New Town Uckfield, TN22 5AE Christmas Concert of popular pieces including carols. Entry and refreshments free, retiring collection for Chailey Heritage Foundation.

Visit www.uckfield-community-orchestra.co.uk Saturday, December 17, 9.00am - 12.30pm, Heathfield Farmers Market Co-Op car park, 110 High Street, Heathfield TN21 8JD.

Fresh local produce, arts and crafts - buy direct from the producer. For more information, call: 01892 610314, or email: farmersmarket@heathfield.net Mondays, 7.00pm for 7.30pm, Rotary Club of Uckfield The Forge Hotel, Halland, BN8 6PW.

Regular Monday evening meetings - come and have a meal with friends and do something amazing!

For more information, call Jeff on: 01825 761145

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n incredible 1,540Kg of food was donated to Uckfield foodbank from 23 schools, churches and a care home through their Harvest Festival services. This donation comes at a time when the Trussell Trust network of foodbanks reveals that more than half a million emergency food parcels have been issued across the UK in the first six months of the 2016-17 year. The staggering number means that the Trussell Trust foodbank network is on course to distribute the highest number of food parcels in its 12-year history during 2016-17.

During the first six months of the 2016-17 year Uckfield foodbank has distributed 243 three day emergency food supplies to local people. 86 of this number were children.

This is a 14% increase on the number of people helped by the foodbank during the same period in 2015-16. 55% of clients come to the foodbank due to problems in receiving benefits and 27% due to low income.

Sharon Burt, Manager of Uckfield Foodbank, said: “On behalf of our clients we would like to thank all those who donated through a Harvest Festival service. Anybody could find themselves in need of the foodbank. Every week we meet local people like you or me, who have been hit by something unavoidable – such as illness, a delay in welfare payments or an unexpected bill - and are unable to afford food. It really is only with the community’s support that we’re able to provide vital emergency help when it most matters, and we’re constantly surprised and overwhelmed by local people’s generosity.”

Nationally, between April and September 2016, Trussell Trust foodbanks distributed 519,342 three day emergency food supplies to people in crisis compared to 506,369 during the same period last year. 188,584 of these went to children. Here in the in the South East Trussell Trust foodbanks gave out 45,435 three-day emergency food supplies to people in crisis, compared to 44,427 in the same period last year.

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London Temple Garden Tours

West Park Road, Newchapel, Surrey RH7 6NB | Phone: 01342 837 952 Tuesday - Friday from 9am - 7pm • Free Guided Tours • Free Entrance • Free Parking • Free Buffet Lunch For Groups of 10+ Reservations Necessary Open all year round

During 2016 hundreds of visitors have enjoyed our gardens and complimentary lunches. We wish all of our visitors a very happy Christmas and look forward to seeing you in the New Year!

“Thank you once again for your hospitality, for lunch and for the opportunity to look around your beautiful gardens.

The Trees are magnificent and the grounds are very well kept!” - East Grinstead Horticultural Society

We are still open for tours during the Winter months so you can experience the beautiful change of seasons whilst visiting these wonderful grounds. The tours are wheelchair friendly along well maintained pathways to explore the many trees, shrubs and plants etc.

“We all found the morning very informative about the Temple, your faith and the gardens. The lunch, which was delicious, just finished the morning off ” - Forest Row Women’s Institute

Upcoming Events at the London Temple Visitors Centre Sunday, 4th December 6.00pm: London Brittania Ward Young single Adult choir Saturday, 10th December 1.00pm & 4.00pm: ‘Enchanted’ Quartet Sunday, 11th December 6.00pm: Manna Road Gospel Choir Sunday, 18th December 6.00pm: Nigel Rogers - Readings & Choir Monday, 19th December 7.00pm: The Nabrotsky Family

Find us on the web www.lds.org/placestovisit Follow the London Temple Visitor’s Centre on Facebook

COMMUNITY

Get Your Skates On!

What better way to celebrate mid-winter than getting your skates and taking to the ice? Back once again for this Christmas season is the annual Reigate on Ice and it is bigger and better than ever!

By Jacob White

D

o you fancy yourself as the next Jayne Torvill or Christopher Dean?

The duo that melted hearts on St. Valentine’s Day in 1984 at the Winter Olympics in Sarajevo has inspired millions to get their skates on and to take to the ice.

Whether it was their perfect performance 32-years-ago set to Ravel’s Boléro or through their involvement in the hugely popular Sunday evening ITV reality TV show Dancing on Ice which ran for nine series between 2006 and 2014.

Well, don’t worry you needn’t be either an Olympian nor be ready to appear on national television to have fun at Reigate on Ice.

Back for 2016 with new features and the return of old favourites the event is bigger and better than ever!

Officially opening on Thursday, December 1 with a visit from the Mayor of Reigate and Banstead. This is followed by a public launch party two days later including a spectacular firework display and a performance by Shane Richie’s band.

If you’re looking for a wintery wonderland look no further!

Besides the ice, there will be entertainment from magicians, singers, fairground rides and – new for 2016 Santa’s Grotto.

So, whether on ice on not get set for full-on family festive fun!

To enhance the Christmassy atmosphere there are plans

A date for your diary!

Join the party on Saturday, December 3 at 6.30pm for an evening of festive fun as the ice party warms up!

Following a day of activities across Reigate which will see Santa land by helicopter in Priory Park and the town’s Christmas Fayre. for a Disco Roadshow each weekend of the event which is great if you’re planning a nightout with friends or a workplace do – and if you’re feeling chilly after your skate, there’s plenty of festive food and drink to warm you up!

Competition Time!

We’ve teamed-up with Reigate on Ice to offer you the chance to win family tickets to the event.

For more information on how to win, visit our website: www.tnuncovered.co.uk

Ice, ice baby!

If you’re not lucky enough to win the family tickets we have up for grabs don’t worry, the ice rink is open until Monday, January 2. For more information about tickets, visit www.reigateonice.co.uk Reigate on Ice, Priory Park, Bell Street, Reigate RH2 7BA

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ADVERTORIAL

Pre-Paid Funeral Plans – Peace of mind for you and your loved ones It goes without saying that losing a loved-one is an incredibly stressful and emotional time, with considerations such as funeral expenses often causing further concern and stress.

O

ver recent years there has been huge coverage in the media about funeral costs, which, for the last two decades, have consistently risen far in excess of the annual rate of inflation. Average funeral costs have increased from £1,230 in 1997 to over £4000 today – an increase of over 225%*.

Taking out a pre-paid funeral plan fixes the cost of the funeral director’s fees and services at today’s prices, meaning whatever they cost in the future, there will never be anything additional for your family or estate to have to pay towards them.

In the current period of low interest rates, many people now see the huge benefit in ‘investing’ capital into a pre-paid funeral plan instead of conventional savings accounts, given they’re a far more effective and robust means of budgeting for what is, alongside taxes, life’s only inevitable expense.

In addition to helping your loved-ones in the financial sense, taking out a funeral plan also allows you to dictate the precise format of a funeral, thus alleviating any uncertainty amongst those left behind as to what you’d like the service to include.

At Good Wills, we work in partnership with Safe Hands – one of the UK’s leading providers of pre-paid funeral plans.

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Figures taken from Sun Life Cost of Dying Report 2013.

Endorsed by the National Federation of Funeral Directors, Safe Hands Funeral Plans combine affordability with outstanding levels of service and care.

Safe Hands Funeral Plans offer a range of five different plans to suit different tastes and budgets.

Ranging in price from £1695 to £3700, all can be tailored for either cremation or burial. Safe Hands also offer a host of affordable payment terms, with interest free options available if you spread the cost over 12 or 24 months.

In common with all funeral plans, the monies you pay for your Safe Hands Funeral Plan are held securely in a ring-fence trust fund, where, over the course of your lifetime, they are invested by independent, specialist, trust fund managers.

Then when you pass away, the monies (including interest generated) are released from the trust and paid to a local, reputable, funeral director who then will conduct your funeral in accordance with the instructions contained within your plan.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information, or call Safe Hands Funeral Plans direct on 0800 917 7099 quoting Good Wills.

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FOOD AND DRINK

Baileys Creme Brûlée Thousands of recipes can be found at www.waitrose.com Preparation time:10 minutes + chilling Cooking time: 40-45 minutes Total time: 50-55 minutes + chilling Serves: 6

COOK’S TIP

Ingredients 600ml double cream 200ml semi-skimmed milk 6 medium Waitrose British Blacktail Free Range Egg yolks 30g caster sugar 4 tbsp Baileys Irish Cream 3 tbsp demerara sugar If you have a cook’s blowtorch, use it instead of the grill to melt the sugar on top of the brûlées as it’s much easier to control the heat.

Method 1. Preheat the oven to 150ºC, gas mark 2.

Pour the cream and milk into a saucepan and heat until almost boiling.

Remove from the heat and set aside for 10 minutes.

2. In a heatproof bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together with a balloon whisk until combined.

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Stir in the cream mixture and Baileys and pour into 6 small ramekins.

Remove from the tin and leave to cool, then chill for 2 hours.

3. Put the ramekins in a 4. Preheat the grill to hot. roasting tin and add Sprinkle the demerara enough cold water to sugar in an even layer the tin to come two over the brûlées and thirds of the way up the grill until the sugar sides of the ramekins. has melted, about 2 Carefully put the roasting minutes. Leave to cool tin in the oven and until the sugar has cook for 30–40 minutes, set, then serve or until just set. straight away.

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ADVERTISEMENT

CROSS IN HAND HEATHFIELD Free Function Room Hire for up to 80 guests or 30 if seated.

Buffet Packages available, starting at just £4 per head. (Min 20 people) Ideal for Weddings, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Funerals and Christmas.

Free Food Tuesday Nights 6.30pm - 8.00pm Hurry whilst stocks last.

Live music venue with excellent bands on Fridays or Saturdays throughout the month.

Call for details or check our Facebook

Cross In Hand, TN21 0SN - 01435 865 449

Opening Times: Monday - Thursday 12-11pm, Friday - Saturday 12-12pm, Sunday12-10.30pm

ANNIVERSARY

Christmas Must Haves Of 2006 Continuing our year of tenth birthday celebrations, this month we’re remembering the must haves for Christmas in our first year of publishing back in 2006!

By Jacob White

T

en years ago there were two top selling items that children were after – one was a technological revolution which would get us all up on our feet, the other was a retro revival from outer space!

Nintendo Wii (From £129.99 to £169.99) Back in 2006, everyone was up off the sofa, mums, dads and grandparents alike with the children swinging and swiping their way around their lounges with their handheld Wii remote controlling their on-screen sporting antics.

Just how many breakages can be attributed to it, we’ll never know!

Cyberman Mask (From £12.50) A decade-ago, the Doctor Who revival was kicking-off with a new generation of Doctor Who fans emerging as Christopher Eccleston took on the role of playing the dapper-dressed Time Lord. This mask stormed the market along with a full-range of Whovian merchandise aimed at children.

Others on children’s lists to Santa back in 2006…

Dora The Explorer accessories, Sony Playstation 3 and timeless favourite Monopoly saw strong sales.

Autism Sussex comes to Uckfield!

A

utism Sussex recently opened a brand new charity shop on Uckfield High Street, selling good quality clothing, bric-a-brac, books and DVDs. All the money we raise is used to provide our unique services across Sussex, supporting people with autism and their families.

We are appealing for volunteers to support our new venture! If you are friendly, reliable and have a few hours spare each week, then why not join us? Our volunteers serve customers on the shop floor or help to process the stock, ready for sale.

You don’t need any previous experience as we’ll give you all the training you need.

Volunteering in a charity shop is a great way to gain retail work experience, meet new people and have fun – all while helping to raise funds for a worthwhile cause.

Interested? Please pop into the shop and speak to Anita Collins, the shop Manager.

We are at 73 High Street, Uckfield, TN22 1AP – or call Anita on 01825 508946.

LEISURE

Cabin Fever – The Great Escape

There are so many ‘Tips for Surviving Christmas’ in magazines such as ‘two weeks before Christmas – now is the time to ice your Christmas cake’.

However, what do you do when the Christmas cake has been iced, and considerable inroads have been made into the fruity creation?

By Jacob White hristmas is, and should be a time of hope and happiness, but even the most ardent festive fanatic cannot escape the onset of cabin fever when the season of goodwill to all is in short supply, and you need to make a great escape! After all, there are only so many cold turkey sandwiches one can eat…

C

December 27th Otherwise known as PJ Day. You’ve waved goodbye to the extended family and worn out the little ones – so what are you going to do now? Today is not a day for jammies, instead, celebrate Christmases past by having a nostalgic escape!

December 28th The day after PJ Day is when cabin fever starts to kick in so it’s a good day to blow away the cobwebs and work off that turkey, mince pie and mulled wine stomach! A brisk walk in the countryside is the perfect escape today!

Event – Imperial War Museum, London An age-old favourite, this London museum tells the stories of people’s experiences of modern war from the First World War to the conflicts of today. Current exhibitions include; Real to Reel: A Century of War Movies, Edmund Clark: War of Terror and IWM Contemporary: Mahwish Chishty. www.iwm.org.uk Imperial War Museum London, Lambeth Road, London SE1 6HZ

Event – Wilderness Wood Wilderness Wood will be open from December 27 for winter walks around the woods, fun on the big swing and zip-wire in the play-glade followed by delicious hot drinks, lunches and the biggest cakes in Sussex - and probably Surrey - in front of a cosy roaring fire,perfect in crisp conditions! www.wildernesswood.org Wilderness Wood, Main Road, Hadlow Down, East Sussex TN22 4HJ

December 29th I know by now the temptation to indulge in some pre-January sales is there but there’s so much more to the season than sitting in front of a PC, laptop or tablet or traipsing around the stores, instead chill out and head to the ice!

December 30th New Year’s Eve… Eve… Well, kind of! If the countdown to 2017 begins in earnest tomorrow, today should be about reminiscing about 2016 which is coming to a close and celebrating family.

A family Christmas escape is the best escape!

Event – Reigate On Ice Enjoy the perfect winter day out at Reigate’s beautifully festive ice rink. Whether by day or night, the stunning rink is the perfect setting to skate with family and friends, and if you’re feeling chilly don’t worry! There’s the age-old favourite of creamy hot chocolate and for wintery mulled wine stalls. www.reigateonice.co.uk/ Priory Park, Bell Street, Reigate, Surrey RH2 7BA

Event – Brighton’s Royal Pavilion The Taj Mahal-style Royal Pavilion is a taste of the exotic in the centre of Brighton with a colourful history – built as a seaside pleasure palace for King George IV it mixes Regency grandeur with the visual style of India and China with lots to of exhibitions to see, including an ice rink to enjoy! www.brightonmuseums.org.uk/royalpavilion/ Royal Pavilion, 4/5 Pavilion Buildings, Brighton BN1 1EE

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Flight Simulator Experiences The perfect gift this Christmas!

The Virtual Flight Centre offers various flight options for all budgets with 3 aircraft types to choose from!

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follow We post regular community updates throughout the month

Virtual Flight Centre Thornhill Court, off A272 in Coolham, near Horsham

www.virtualflight.co.uk 08456 800 737

@TNUncovered info@studiotalking.co.uk

07540 470539

www.studiotalking.co.uk

Have you ever wanted to create an Autobigraphy?

Instead of writing one, why not record one?

What better gift than your life told in your voice?

Because your voice is unique and captures so much more about you than words alone.

We will record you in the comfort of your own home and add photos and music of your choosing to create a lasting piece of family history. Your story will be edited and arranged onto CD or DVD and presented to you in a personalised box.

Prices start from £155

It couldn’t be easier; you do the talking and we’ll take care of the rest!

HEALTH

Christmas

The most wonderful stressful time of the year?

Let’s be honest, even for those of us that love the Christmas season, it can become so stressful, that by mid-December we wish it was all over!

By Nikki Relffe-Arnold

F

or many people who already suffer from anxiety and depression, Christmas only serves to make matters worse - with the expectations to be the perfect host or hostess, families being thrown together for days on end, not to mention the never-ending Christmas shopping.

Christmas adverts on TV show happy families, laughing and joking while they meander from shop to shop, piling their arms full of beautifully wrapped gifts, before arriving home to the perfect house made all the warmer by the obligatory log fire.

At home, in front of the fire adoring parents’ cosy-up without a care in the world, having deposited all the gifts which were bought in one trip, under the perfectly decorated tree. Sound familiar in your house? No, mine neither and therein lies the problem.

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We can get disappointed that life isn’t like it is made out to be in the adverts. Christmas shopping trips are fraught with frequent arguments, screaming kids, and hordes of people also stressed to the eyeballs - unless you are organised and shop online weeks ahead.

Imagine, feeling stressed or anxious all of the time, let alone just at Christmas, when all it does is make you feel worse because you know that you really should be enjoying this time of the year.

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What can you do to get through without things getting out of control?

Most importantly and top of the list, keep appointments with your therapist, counsellor or doctor – yes it’s a busy time, but your treatment and wellbeing should still be at the top of your gift list to yourself.

Try to minimise stress by shopping online where possible - do this throughout the year, or in periods when you are feeling less anxious or stressful.

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Better still – opt for gift cards from stores that your family and friends love. Order them online, plus they don’t need gift-wrapping!

Send greeting cards online either electronically or physical cards from www.moonpig.com or similar – the great thing about these sites are that you can often ‘organise’ your cards months in advance and just book the date in when they should be sent.

Don’t offer to ‘do’ Christmas for the family ~be honest and tell them you don’t feel up to it. This can also help alleviate the pressure on decorating the house. If you feel like doing the decorations then fine, but if you don’t no one is going to be disappointed.

If you are celebrating elsewhere and are expected to contribute food, buy it, don’t stress yourself further by making dishes. If you want to see family and friends, make arrangements under your terms – if you only feel up to an hour or so,

arrange to have morning coffee or a walk.

A good idea is to get out of the house, rather than have people visit you; this puts you in control of when you arrive and leave.

Finally, make sure you also treat yourself. Have a massage, manicure or pedicure, take walks in the fresh air, or buy a new book to treat yourself.

Hopefully some of these suggestions might ease some of the pressure we all feel at this time of year, helping to control those things we can, and getting extra help with those things we can’t.

MOTORING

Must have gifts for petrol heads

By Ben Morley

H

aving trouble thinking of things to buy the petrol head in your life? Well you needn’t worry too much, there are plenty of cool things out there for Santa to bring them.

Assuming of course that they have been good this year.

Obviously it depends upon how much you want to spend, but anything from a Matchbox version of their favourite car or a supercar experience in one at a racetrack, you’ll not struggle to find something to please them.

Something for the garage You can get some cool neon signs, or even just straightforward tin signs. This is the sort of thing that no selfrespecting petrol head would be without in their garage/man cave/spare room.

Driving Experiences Brands Hatch is your nearest circuit, and it’s a cracker, there are a number of experience days for the petrol head in your life, from Rallying to driving a BMW M4 on the legendary tarmac.

Car Accessories Nothing says ‘I Love You’ quite like a decent set of alloy wheels, but trying to second guess exactly what style, size, or type, would be nothing short of a nightmare. So maybe you are better off buying something like some good quality floor mats.

Slot Cars Because everyone who likes cars is a big kid at heart, there is no way that unwrapping a Scalextric set won’t bring a smile to their face. The slot cars themselves are highly detailed these days, almost too good to use, let alone smash off of the skirting boards in your front room.

P&B

Tickets to a car show There are plenty of car shows to attend during the course of the year, many being large indoor ones that aren’t affected too much by the weather. Of course it depends what your tame petrol head is into, but the show season starts at the NEC with Autosport International in January and finishes in November with the Classic Car Show.

Mobile Valeting

Office 01825 766 353 Mob 07590 480 865 - 07891 336 742 pandbmobilevaleting@yahoo.co.uk

PET CARE

Christmas and Pets – What you can do to keep them safe If you are the owner of a cat or a dog, there are some ways for making sure your home is safe for your four-legged family members this festive season.

We spoke to Head of Training at Pets Corner, Lucy Ross for her advice.

C

hristmas may be very exciting for humans but for many animals it can be a source of anxiety and can present dangers with research showing that Christmas Eve typically shows a 20% increase in emergency referrals to veterinary practices compared to other days across the rest of the year.

Keeping decorations out of reach – cats and dogs can be very inquisitive animals and often want to explore new and exciting things.

The dazzle of decorations attracts many pets and animals may be tempted to chew on electric cables attached to lights and glass tree baubles can cause paw injuries.

Lucy, says: “Make sure any loose wires are tucked well out of the way – with special

By Jacob White cable hideaways or appropriate tape. Make sure all decorations are firmly secured and out of the reach of pets – use tree ornaments that won’t break easily like wood.”

Keeping an eye on Christmas treats – our furry friends might like to join us as we fill-up on our fancy festive gastronomic goodies this Christmas but chocolate, nuts, grapes and raisins are all extremely highly toxic to animals and can cause serious digestive issues.

Lucy, says: “Avoid the temptation to feed your pets with human treats and keep an eye on them to ensure they

TOP TIP: Some plants and flowers including mistletoe, ivy, holly and poinsettias can be toxic, so avoid these if you have pets.

aren’t sneaking a snack behind your back. Keep pets healthy with their regular diet and feed times.”

Protecting pets from the cold winter weather – as the temperatures drop at night make sure your pets are kept warm and given plenty of extra blankets to sleep with.

Lucy, says: “Invest in a goodquality animal coat that is fitted to your pet’s measurements.

This will help protect your pet outdoors.”

You can find further tips, advice and information on the Pets Corner website in the Petopedia section: www.petscorner.co.uk/petopedia

Have you liked our facebook page yet?

• Dog walking • House sitting • Puppy play dates • All animals cared for from hens to horses • Horse riding lessons ( BHS instructor) • Friendly ,family-run business

01825 749630 • 07583 906833

Like We post regular community updates throughout the month www.facebook.com/TNUncovered

GARDENS

Choosing a Christmas Tree

Practical advice on choosing your real Christmas tree, tips on how to look after it, and how to recycle once the festivities are over.

By Jacob White

I

t’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas but in most homes Christmas really starts when the tree goes up.

So, if you love the idea of a real tree, but don’t know where to start we’ll take you through the options.

This is now a time for choosing, you’ve dreamt of your ideal Christmas tree, now it’s time to make those dreams a reality!

We’ve picked a fab four of trees which you might like to consider and which will tick your festive boxes: Norway spruce The most traditional looking Christmas tree from Scandinavia with a mid-green colour and fine, delicate foliage and a distinctive ‘Christmassy’ scent.

Lodgepole pine Historically used by Native Americans to hold up tipis, this tree is a cheerful green colour, tinged slightly with yellow, and a sharp fragrance.

Nordmann fir A popular Christmas tree because the needles aren’t sharp and don’t drop as much as other trees with bold green needles with whitish underside.

Scots pine This one is Scotland’s national tree, it’s got a rich fragrance and is easy on the eye, this lovely conifer has bluey-green foliage and soft needles.

Caring is sharing Caring for your Christmas tree and ensuring it looks its best for the festive period really is sharing!

It’s all about sharing the colour, fragrance and also a beautiful centre piece for your decorations!

When you get home, stand your new tree in water and keep it in a cool place - a garage is a good place before you’re ready to take it indoors.

When you’re ready to move the tree indoors, cut off around one inch (2.5 cm) from the bottom of the trunk and shake gently to remove loose needles.

Use a special stand which are available from most garden centres to pot the tree with the trunk in water, but not with soil as this will stop water being absorbed.

Now, it’s down to location, location, location – place your tree in the coolest part of the room, ideally next to a window and don’t forget to water daily.

Post-Christmas recycling

Some councils will collect and recycle your real Christmas tree for you at the same time as they collect your rubbish, if you put it out for collection on your usual bin day from mid-January.

However, with others you cannot leave it on the kerbside, but there are special recycling sites where you can take your real tree for recycling during the month of January.

For up-to-date information on council recycling, visit: Surrey: www.surreycc.gov.uk | West Sussex: www.recycleforwestsussex.org | East Sussex: www.eastsussex.gov.uk

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HOMES

Big Ideas for Small Living Rooms If you long for more space (who doesn’t at Christmas with all those houseguests?), but lack the funds for a move or extension, there’s still plenty you can do to create space in your living room.

By Nikki Relffe-Arnold

W

hether you have just moved and are finding your belongings just don’t fit, or have gradually accumulated too much furniture and too many accessories to fit comfortably into your space, there’s plenty you can do to regain that light and airy feel to any room with a little bit of effort.

Try to use objects and ornaments that will reflect light, so anything made of metal, glass or other light reflecting materials will only help to enhance the feeling of space.

Windows There are two schools of thought when it comes to windows – either do away with curtains and use simple blinds to fit with your existing décor, or to maximise the illusion of space by hanging curtains at ceiling height and the whole width of your wall, no matter what size your window.

Surprisingly, both give an illusion of more space!

Flooring To create maximum light reflection, take up carpeting and replace with wooden or laminate flooring – this will allow more light to bounce around the room giving a sense of more space.

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Walls Instead of using small pictures on walls, go BIG. A piece of art (covering around 70% of the wall) will instantly make the wall look bigger.

Light wall colouring will also help create an illusion of space, as will hanging large mirrors, particularly opposite windows and doorways, as these will reflect the space outside of windows and through open doorways.

Finally, if there is any possibility at all, hide that huge 50” TV screen, perhaps in a unit with doors, or maybe ‘hidden’ in among other pictures on the walls. That way, at least if Coronation Street or EastEnders gets boring on Christmas evening, your guests can admire your art!

TOP TIP:

TOP TIP:

De-clutter Firstly, before you start on anything, have a declutter. Only keep accessories or pictures that you love and add to the style and ambience of your room. A few beautiful pieces will add interest and not clutter up your surfaces, creating the feeling of more space in the room.

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If you can’t do without some comfort, use rugs instead of carpets.

Particularly effective is a rug beneath a dining room table and chairs.

It helps define the eating space and keeps your toes warm while eating!

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INDEX Audio Biographies, Studio Talking, 21

Hotel and Restaurant, The Ringles Cross Hotel , 3

Bathroom Restoration, Renubath, 30

Mobile Car Valeting, P & B Mobile Valeting, 24

Building & Maintenance, Reg Mardlin, 30

Property Refurbishment & Construction,

Care Home, Sussex Health Care, 5

Baileybridge Property Refurbishment & Construction, 29

Charity, Cats Protection, 10

Public House, Pig & Butcher, 46

Charity, Chestnut Tree House, 23

Public House & Restaurant, Cross In Hand, 17

Conservatories, Icon Roofs Ltd, 27

Public House & Restaurant, The Brickmakers Arms, 1

Curtains and Soft Furnishings, Florence Landais, 29 Dog Walking & Pet Sitting, Endless Summer, 25 Domestic Fuels, Geoff Boorman Fuels, 30 Farm Shop, Heaven Farm Shop, 18 Garage Refurbishment, VSF Ltd, 7 Gutter Cleaning & Repairs, Ground Based Gutter Clearance, 27 Heating Services, Storaheat, 30

Religious group, London Temple Visitor Centre, 11 Retirement Home, Holy Cross Priory, 17 Retirement Properties, Charters Village Ltd, 32 Roof & Gutter Cleaning, Tilley & Co, 30 Roofing, Andrew Skeggs Roofing, 29 Virtual Flight Centre, Flightdeck Technology Ltd, 21 Will Writing Service, Good Wills, 31

Wills Written

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▪ Advice on protecting your estate should your spouse / partner marry or remarry after your death ▪ Advice on Community Care ▪ Probate Advice & Assistance ▪ Pre-paid Funeral Plans ▪ Trusts

Good Wills 01342 314082 01293 978979 07845 599520

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