Digital Notts Aspect Issue 3

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Christmas Jumper Day. An array of TV and radio stars have pulled on their silliest sustainable sweaters in support of Save the Children’s annual Christmas Jumper Day fundraiser, which is taking place on Thursday 12th December 2024.

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Gok Wan will be starring in the Theatre Royal’s pantomime, Peter Pan, this Christmas as the Magical Merman. We asked Gok to tell us a little more about his character, and what he is most looking forward to this festive season in Nottingham.

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Destination 105 is an allnew food focused, event experience with resident chef, Louisa Ellis. Check out what the Nottingham Food Critic had to say about her recent visit.

Nottinghamshire Aspect is published by Aspect East MIdlands Limited Telephone: 01157 526444

Publisher/ Director: Phil Cound phil.cound@nottsaspect.co.uk

Editorial: Phil Cound • editorial@nottsaspect.co.uk

Design: Tracy Miles • studio@nottsaspect.co.uk Accounts: accounts@nottsaspect.co.uk

While every effort has been made to ensure that adverts and articles appear correctly, Nottinghamshire Aspect cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by the contents of this magazine. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of its editor or publisher.

Nordic Noel. Transform your Christmas with this modern, minimalist collection.Embrace Scandinavian simplicity with bold, clean monochrome designs and subtle nude accents, creating a festive season filled with effortless chic.

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Handcrafted Luxury. Spoil yourself this festive season with Webb & Gray's luxurious, sustainably made gifts, decorations and homewares to adorn your home this Christmas.

Selective advertisements and editorials are copyright of Nottinghamshire Aspect, and must not be used without prior consent of the publishers. All prices are correct at time of going to print and all deals and offers are subject to change.

Competition Terms & Conditions

Please note when entering competitions you will be emailing the answers and supplying your telephone number and other personal information. Notts Aspect takes GDPR very seriously, the information you provide will never be passed out to any third party. Only when a winner is picked from any competition the company involved may want to send out the winners prize directly. Please ensure you read through this before entering.

Front page photograph: Peter Pan cast, photo courtesy of

Whitefoot Photography.

Festive Gift Range from framework fashion. A charity working to end homelessness has launched a festive range perfect for anyone who wants to give a gift with meaning this Christmas.

Winter Wonderland opens on Old Market Square from Wednesday 13th November. Bringing back the ever-popular Ice Rink and Sky Skate Ice Path, festive fun-seekers can indulge in all things Christmas until New Year’s Eve. 109

Making Waves. Cruise holidays are a popular and unique way to explore different destinations while enjoying luxury amenities and entertainment on board.

welcome to our latest edition!

Welcome to the latest edition of the online Nottinghamshire Aspect magazine. With Christmas nearly upon us, in this issue we have jam packed together some great ideas to get you into the festive spirit.

In our christmas section we have gift ideas, pantomimes, local markets, shows and events and much more that you and the family can enjoy.

In our Food and Drink section we have again some great recipe ideas along with Heavenly Desserts for those with a sweet tooth. Our resident food critic ventures down to Destination 105 in West Bridgford to sample their cuisine.

Our Home and Garden section features 5 ways of keeping warm during the cold weather, and if you are venturing outside, we have some tips for preparing your garden for winter.

Keep a look out on our social media posts as we are giving away to one lucky winner a John Lewis Christmas

Hamper and all you have to do is share or like the post and you will be entered into the competition.

There is so much going on in this edition for you to take a look at.

If you would like to subscribe monthly to the magazine then drop us an email to accounts@ nottsaspect.co.uk and we can add you to our ever growing list, plus it won't cost you a penny!

We hope you enjoy the magazine and if you would like aan article publishing, whether it be a personal story, or you would like to promote your business, then please get in touch at editorial@nottsaspect. co.uk or call us on 01157 526444.

Phil Cound

SHARE THE PRE-LOVE

INDIA AMARTEIFIO, ARLENE PHILLIPS AND LONDON HUGHES JOIN STAR-STUDDED LINE-UP SUPPORTING

SAVE THE CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS JUMPER

An array of TV and radio stars have pulled on their silliest sustainable sweaters in support of Save the Children’s annual Christmas Jumper Day fundraiser, which is back on Thursday 12th December 2024

The celebrity line-up urgin to don their daftest preloved jumpers and join in the tree-mendous fun includes Bridgerton star India Amarteifio, choreographer and ex-Strictly Come Dancing judge Dame Arlene Phillips, comedian London Hughes, Great British Bake-Off finalist Sandro Farmhouse, BBC radio presenter Joelah Noble and TV host Sophie Morgan.

Since launching in 2012, Christmas Jumper Day has raised over £37 million to help transform the lives of children around the world. The money raised supports children in the UK and around the world to stay safe, healthy and learning. Ahead of the big day, the celebs shared their festive traditions and tips on how to get involved in a sustainable way this Christmas Jumper Day:

India Amarteifio said: “I always took part in Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day at school so I’m really excited to be supporting the campaign this year. Save the Children does amazing work in the UK and around the world, helping to give children the best futures and create a fairer world for them. I think we often underestimate children, but their brains are so vast!

“My usual Christmas consists of a long walk followed by Yorkshire puddings for both the main and dessert, which might sound a little odd but it’s so good! I love to re-wear everything, so I

DAY

have lots of old jumpers to choose from. I also have some really cool vintage biker trousers from the 60s which are perfect for winter, so I’ll be wearing them with my old Christmas jumpers.”

Arlene Phillips said: “I can’t wait to dig out one of my jazziest jumpers for this year’s Christmas Jumper Day, I love adding

sweater on Thursday 7th December, and donate £2 to Save the Children.”

London Hughes said: “My Christmas is all about seeing family. I have so many houses to visit, it's almost like I'm Father Christmas himself! I love all things Christmas, particularly Christmas Jumper Day. I live in LA, so I’ll be wearing my Christmas jumper by the pool while I’m sipping a cocktail. I might get a bit hot but it’s all for a great cause - every pound raised on Christmas Jumper Day will go towards Save the Children’s work in the UK and around the world, so it’s worth getting a bit hot for! I’ve got lots of amazing vintage jumpers. I’m a designer girlie at heart. I like my fashion, so I love trawling through charity shops - sometimes you’ll find the best bit of vintage Gucci!”

Sandro Farmhouse said: “Christmas is my excuse to put down my baking tools and - instead of getting glammed up for Christmas parties - you’ll find me in my pyjamas or my furry Adidas tracksuit! I love being comfy, so my Christmas jumper of choice is all about comfort. You can dig your comfiest jumpers out for this year’s Christmas Jumper Day on 7th December. Wear it, donate to Save the Children, and wear it again over your PJs on Christmas Day!”

Sophie Morgan said:

“Christmas Day has got to be about being comfortable. Wearing something really cosy and warm is key so I’m usually in an extra big jumper and a pair of leggings. I'm terrible at throwing things away so I have loads of jumpers at home to pick from for Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day on 7th December. All you need to do to take part is throw on your favourite jumper and donate £2 to Save the Children.”

Joelah Noble said: “Christmas for my family is all about family interaction and love. It usually involves lots of eating, playing games, listening to music and just vibing. I love Christmas Jumper Day and digging out all my cosiest jumpers. I’m going to wear my Christmas jumper everywhere I can – at my Radio 1Xtra show, to the shops - I might even wear it out for dinner.”

SHAUN THE SHEEP NEEDS EWE!

Aardman and Pawprint Family launch exclusive Shaun the Sheep sew-on patch and enamel pin to support Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day

To celebrate the woolliest and most festive day of the year on Thursday 12th December, Aardman has colla-baarated with Pawprint Family to create a limited-edition Shaun the Sheep enamel pin badge and sew-on patch for Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day.

The pin and patch feature Shaun the Sheep wearing his very own festive knit. Sold via Save the Children’s online shop shop.savethechildren. org.uk from 7th October, the pin baa-dge is £4 and the sew on

baa-dge is £3.50 with 100% of the profits donated to the charity.

The baa-rilliant badges can be sewn or pinned onto any old jumper to upcycle it into a festive masterpiece for Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day. Join millions of people across the UK as they don their jolliest jumpers to raise money for Save the Children. Whether ewe are at work or in the classroom, everyone can join the UK’s biggest Christmas party to help make the world better with a sweater. All funds raised will create change for children that lasts for generations to come.

30,000 REASONS TO SUPPORT LINCS & NOTTS AIR AMBULANCE

On 30 October 2024, Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance responded to its 30,000th mission

This milestone comes during the charity's 30th anniversary of saving lives and lorry driver John, know only too well how vital the service is.

In June 2016, John was hit by a lorry on the busy A1, suffering life-threatening injuries. He says he owes his life to the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance crew who were by his side within 20 minutes. The doctor/paramedic team acted swiftly as John had suffered head, spinal, chest and hand injuries as well as two punctured lungs and multiple rib fractures.

John, from Swaton, near Sleaford, remembers leaving the weighbridge near Ferry Bridge Services to join the A1 south. Sensing a fault with his lorry, he stopped on the hard shoulder and stepped out of his cab to investigate. Unfortunately whilst he was walking around his lorry, he was struck by another truck travelling along the busy road.

Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance were soon by his side and the critical care team stabilised an unconscious John before

airlifting him to Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital, the hospital best equipped to treat his injuries.

John said “I don’t remember anything of the accident and the police had to tell me what had happened. They said that they could not believe I had survived, my injuries were so severe.”

John’s recovery took nearly 11 months. Eight years later he still suffers PTSD and still has problems with mobility in his shoulder which, due to the severity of the injuries, is inoperable.

John firmly believes that had it not been for the expert treatment from the LNAA team he would have either died or suffered worse injuries.

By the end of September 2024, LNAA had responded to 1315 missions - 327 of which were road traffic incidents. It costs £13 million to keep the helicopter in the sky and critical care cars on the roads, 24 hours-a-day, every day of the week.

Black Friday on a Budget

BLACK FRIDAY SALES ARE SET FOR NOVEMBER 29TH

Black Friday kicks off the busiest shopping period of the year, with huge retailers like Amazon or Walmart offering onlineexclusive discounts and free store pickup options. When purchasing items during a busy sale, it's important to be strategic to ensure you're getting the best deal and value for your money. Therefore, it is important to be prepared, monitor any items you are interested in buying, and compare prices to external websites to ensure you are getting a deal.

Below, the experts share ten pieces of advice that will help you find the best prices, save time browsing, and avoid any potential scams.

SET AND STICK TO A BUDGET

It is easy to get carried away while shopping online, as your next purchase is at the click of a button. However, for those who do not want to overspend, setting and sticking to a budget will help you shop with discipline. Set a clear budget and avoid going over this amount. If you're buying multiple items, such as clothing, electronics, or groceries, divide your budget accordingly to prevent overspending in one area.

BravoDeal's top tip: Use budgeting apps like Mint, YNAB (You Need a Budget), or PocketGuard to track spending in real-time. These apps help you monitor your online shopping and alert you when you're nearing your limit.

RESEARCH IN ADVANCE

Before the sales start, check the current prices of any items you are interested in, so you know whether they are a good deal based on the standard price. Tools including CamelCamelCamel or Keepa are good for tracking prices. Reading up on product reviews on different websites such as TechRadar or Consumer Reports will help you know whether the products are actually worth purchasing. If you see any items you like in advance, add them to your Amazon wish list ahead of time. This will make it easier to spot deals when they go live.

BravoDeal's top tip: If you have specifications in mind for items such as TVs, laptops or phones, make a list you want from the product, so you avoid any impulse purchasing.

LOOK FOR BUNDLES

Purchasing bundles can often save you money. Electronics, including smart home devices, are often bundled with accessories or complementary products, which can be of great value.

BravoDeal's top tip: For those sticking to a budget, ensure that you buy a bundle because you need the items, not just for the sake of it.

KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR LIGHTNING DEALS

These are time-limited offers that can save you extra money, but they tend to sell out quickly. Keep an eye on the countdown of a lightning deal, and purchase it as soon as possible.

BravoDeal's top tip: Always compare prices before purchasing an item, just in case the deal isn't as good as you think.

CHECK RETURNS POLICIES

Return windows are important, and some electronics may have shorter return windows or restocking fees. Amazon and eBay sale items typically have a return window, just like regular purchases, but the specific return period can vary. The standard return window for most items is 30 days from the date of delivery. However, this can change depending on the seller (if it's a third-party seller), the item category or the specific terms of the sale, whether it be for clearance or holiday sales.

BravoDeal's top tip: After purchasing items, test the product as soon as it arrives to ensure it works properly and meets your expectations.

Look for coupons and discounts

Some products on Amazon will have additional coupons or promotion codes applied during checkout. You can also find extra coupons on product pages. For products you regularly buy Amazon’s “Subscribe and Save” program offers discounts when you subscribe for monthly recurring orders of those items.

BravoDeal’s top tip: Bravodeal.com offers several Amazon discount codes from 85% off Amazon home deals, to 70% off beauty products.

Look at trade-in offers Amazon will sometimes offer additional savings if you trade in an old

electronic device or other item eligible for trade. This is generally useful when upgrading smartphones, tablets, or e-readers.

Go to the Amazon Trade-In page and you will find a list of categories for eligible trade-in items. Electronics (smartphones, tablets, video game consoles), books and textbooks, video games, and smart home devices are all included.

BravoDeal's top tip: If you agree to the offer of a trade-in, always ensure to confirm your items' conditions legitimately, as misleading submissions can lead to problems.

USE A PREPAID CARD OR A SEPARATE ACCOUNT

Use a prepaid card or gift card with a set amount that aligns with your budget. Once the funds run out, you can’t spend any more. Alternatively, create a separate bank account or e-wallet (like PayPal) just for shopping and transfer your budgeted amount into it. This keeps your personal finances separate and limits overspending.

BEWARE OF FAKE REVIEWS AND MANIPULATED RATINGS

Some sellers use fake or paid reviews to artificially boost their product ratings and manipulate reviews to make poor products appear highly rated, tricking buyers into thinking they're receiving a quality item. To identify this, look for reviews that are overly positive without much detail or that repeat similar language.

BravoDeal's top tip: Tools like Fakespot or ReviewMeta can help analyze the legitimacy of reviews.

AVOID FAKE WEBSITES AND LINKS Fake websites and links are among the most common scams. Scammers create fake websites that look identical to a retailer's site. These fake sites often appear in ads or phishing emails and attempt to steal your personal and payment information.

How to Spot It: Check the URL carefully. The official website should be www.amazon.co.uk (with no additional words or symbols). Secure sites will also have a padlock symbol in the URL bar.

What to do: Avoid clicking on links from emails or social media. Always type "amazon.com" directly into your browser.

Newark and Sherwood has much to be proud of: a captivating history, beautiful countryside, characterful market towns, world-renowned businesses and an enviable location at the crossroads of the country’s transportation network. Sitting at the heart of England between the A1 and the M1 and on the East Coast Mainline.

With London only 1 hour and 15 minutes away by train and excellent transport links by road, it is a fantastic place to locate your growing business. Newark and Sherwood is passionate about providing the best service possible for businesses already within the area and also for those who maybe wish to re-locate to Newark and Sherwood.

Newark and Sherwood is ambitious, forward thinking and has a growth agenda. Newark and Sherwood District Council serves 120,965 people, covering over 65,134 hectares of land, which contains 84 civil parishes and 21 wards. 39 elected members represent the district and work in collaboration with 435 employees to provide highquality services to residents.

The district’s Town Centres are renowned for a strong independent

offer and engaged business community which serve a local catchment. Newark on Trent is the largest town in the district and has an urban area that is home to 43,000 people. Over the next 20 years 7000 new homes are planned to the south of Newark along with the completion of the Southern bypass and the dualling of the A46.

Newark and Sherwood is home to the Newark Business Club which takes place on the first Friday of every month. With attendance of between 80-120 people it is a great way of networking with businesses in the area and being at the cutting edge of events taking place across the district.

Newark and Sherwood deliver a number of events throughout the year. These include the Annual Economic Growth Conference held in October each year. The conference allows for businesses to receive valuable information, hear from leading experts and to discuss the challenges and opportunities arising from future trends.

Newark and Sherwood work closely with the primary, secondary schools, Further and Higher Education providers endeavouring to ensure that the workforce of the future has the skills required to meet the needs of the 21st century businesses. The Future First Careers Expo is held in November each year at the Newark Showground.

Secondary schools from across the district are invited to meet with businesses, education and training providers. The Expo aims to improve the aspirations of young people, helping them to feel informed and inspired about a number of career paths.

In a world class destination offering rich outdoor activities, civil war heritage and the great legend of Robin Hood there is much to fill the leisure time of residents and visitors alike. Sherwood Forest provides the RSPB Centre. Southwell Minster and Newark Castle provides a few of the glorious attractions and opportunities for exploring the area.

For more information visit www.investnewarkandsherwood.co.uk. Call 01636 655260 or 01636 655277 or email veronica.dennant@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk

New choir bringing people together

Unleash your inner Adele, Aretha, Weller or Winwood!

The Collaboration Choir is a brandnew pop choir for all adults, bringing people together to sing popular music in a safe and welcoming space.

These weekly singing sessions offer a chance to get inspired, nurture a hidden talent, push boundaries – or try something completely different. You’ll learn new singing skills, grow in confidence, meet other like-minded individuals but also give back to the community around you through fundraising performances and incredible experiences.

The Collaboration Choir is the brainchild of actress, musician and vocal coach Carrie Rawlings. Her firm roots in all things Pop music have manifested in her ability to bring people together and feel part of something special. She trained in Musical Theatre at Mountview in London, runs the professional vocal group Vocally Bespoke (as seen on BBC1’s Pitch Battle) and is an accomplished Piano-Vocalist.

Says Carrie: “Music is about collaboration; community is about collaboration, and so I’m really passionate at the prospect of bringing these two things together to create lasting memories for people.

Singing has so many benefits, from boosting confidence and wellbeing to finding like-minded friends from within your community. There’s something really powerful about singing together as one big voice… You’ll be amazed how good you sound!

We put a big emphasis on having fun and feeling good – that’s the aim at the end of the day. You don’t need to have sung before. You don’t need any experience, and you don’t need to be able to read music. Just come along and let’s get collaborating!”

courtesy

For more details of how to sign up for a FREE trial go to: www.thecollaborationchoir.com/find-local-choir e: hello@thecollaborationchoir.com | t: 01223 297361

The Collaboration Choir Nottingham rehearses on Tuesday evenings at Kimberley School on Newdigate Street from 8-9:30pm and anyone can book in for a FREE TRIAL and come along!

Photos

Richard Howell Photography

The Magical M erman

Could you tell us about your character, the Magical Merman?

The magical merman is the goodie, the fairy character, the character that is not afraid of Captain Hook at all. Also, it’s my job to tell the story to all the kids, to let them know exactly what is happening and where, but also to have a lot of fun. I would probably say the merman is the cheekiest and probably the campest character as well in the entire show, so it’s about bringing some theatre and some creativity. Also, it's not really caring what people think.

Have you visited the Theatre Royal in Nottingham before?

I might have seen Duran Duran here many years ago. When I was growing up, Nottingham was the place we would come and shop. You always had better shops in Nottingham than we had in Leicester, so I would come here as a young teen to the trendy shops. Also, Nottingham is where we used to come clubbing as I got a bit older, so the Black Orchid was always a regular favourite with us, and we also used to go to the NG1 club which I think is still existing.

Have you worked with any of your Peter Pan cast mates before, either in panto or elsewhere?

The only person that I’ve kind of worked with is Denise (Denise Welch, playing Captain Hook) and that’s on Loose Women. She’s interviewed me I don’t

know how many times on that show, and I know Denise very well, but no-one else, which is actually a really nice position to be in because it means I get to look forward to working with all of them. Everyone brings their own different styles to the stage, their different humour, so it’s going to be really exciting to get into the rehearsal room just to see how everyone ticks.

As an East Midlander, originally from Leicester, will you have family and friends coming to see you over the festive season?

I can absolutely guarantee that the entire run will be filled with my family! They are so excited about me doing panto so close to home. My mum has already said that she wants to see every single one of the shows. If you know my mum, she’s a woman of her word so she could be at every matinee and evening performance whilst we’re here. It’s lovely and I cannot wait for that. In fact, I’m probably going to have to get Mum and Dad chairs put in my dressing room because I can imagine they are going to be here a lot.

What are you most looking forward to about being in Nottingham for panto season this year?

Gok Wan will be starring in the Theatre Royal’s family pantomime, Peter Pan, this Christmas as the Magical Merman. We asked Gok to tell us a little more about his character, and what he is most looking forward to this festive season in Nottingham

I’m really excited about being in panto because I had last year off, and I hated it.

I’m excited about being back in the Midlands for Christmas. In 31 years, this will be the longest amount of time I will have spent in the Midlands since I moved away, so of course having my family close by and also all the familiarity - the accent, and the culture, and the sense of community that you get from the Midlands that I grew up with - I’m looking forward to being enveloped in all that over Christmas as well.

Tell us why people should book to see Peter Pan this Christmas?

Peter Pan is going to be an explosion of campery, colour, light, song, and humour. It’s going to be a spectacular for the eyes and ears and every sense that you’ve got. It’s also a brilliant opportunity to get the whole family together to celebrate the festive period, and just to relax into something where we do all the work for you. You can have a complete laugh, and follow a storyline, and have a great day or evening out.

They are all the main points but also as well…I’m in it!

Peter Pan will be showing from 7 December – 12 January 2025 at the Theatre Royal Nottingham to book ickets visit www.trch.co.uk or call the Box Office on 0115 989 5555

Photo by Whitefoot Photography

Food & Drink

METHOD:

1. Take the crusts off your bread, then generously spread cream cheese on one side of each slice of bread. Sprinkle the watercress over the top of half the slices of bread, before sandwiching it with another slice. Cut the sandwiches into fingers, around 3-4cm wide.

2. Wrap the salmon slices around each finger, making sure they are fully covered and trimming any excess. Then, using a very sharp knife, cut the salmon rolls into squares, the same width as your fingers were (3-4cm). You should be left with a beautiful cross-section of salmon, bread, cream cheese and watercress!

Watercress is in season in the winter, so is an ideal time to be adding more watercress to your diet. It is also perfect food for our gut microbiome, making it the best antidote to the effects of rich food and overeating we’re all prone to do at this time of year! Ding dong merrily on your tongue! Enjoy!

PREP TIME: 5 MINS |

COOKING TIME: 10 MINS

Christmas Apple, Brie & Parma

Parcels

INGREDIENTS:

As the festive season looms onto the horizon, minds start to turn to entertaining and for many, the associated stress and panic. But, presenting food to impress needn’t be complicated, in fact, it can be positively easy! The Watercress Company shows just how easy eye catching, delicious Christmas food can be to make with these tantalising recipes, and with watercress featuring heavily in each, they’re relatively healthy too!

Christmas Salmon Sushi Sandwich

INGREDIENTS:

4 Slices White Bread 200g Sliced Salmon, smoked or unsmoked 60g Watercress, chopped roughly

150g Cream Cheese Black sesame seeds garnish

METHOD:

1. Slice the parma ham lengthways, so you end up with two thinner strips of ham.

2. In one hand, collect a slice of apple, a slice of brie and a pinch of watercress. Hold this combination together while you wrap them up together in a parcel. The ham should stick to itself, but you can always secure with a toothpick if needed!

For more stunning meal ideas, visit www.watercress.co.uk

DESTINATION 105

For months I walked past the church on Trent Boulevard – it has been a hive of activity during the day with trades and deliveries coming and going.

The daytime energy was in stark contrast to evenings and weekends when the doors remained shut, lights out, no sign of life. Every time I walked past and got the opportunity to peek inside I became more intrigued and felt like a Wonka’s chocolate factory folklore story was unfolding. As spring arrived there was still no signage and I just mentioned ‘the church’ in a local cafe to be told it was going to be called Destination 105 and Louisa Ellis (from Masterchef/Great British Menu) was there. I remember my reaction – “In Lady Bay?” and then I did what every normal nosy person does and stalked all social media channels until their website went live. 6 months later I finally walked through the doors. This is a bit of a labour of love story – Destination 105 host themed evenings with a set menu (usually tasting menu’s with 5+ courses), tickets (costing the total of the menu) are sold through their website for one sitting and sell out quickly. A perfect opportunity to try 105 came up when they ran a winter menu of three courses on a Monday night with the option to choose your reservation time. This meant I could get the toddler to sleep, handover to the babysitter and get there in time for an aperitif before the food was served.

The restaurant is just around the corner and is significantly more sophisticated than it’s previous incarnations. The building layout hasn’t changed much but now the tables are all faced towards the open kitchen. The kitchen itself is bright, busy and metallic which does jar slightly with the more muted dining room but no one was focusing on this contrast when Louisa and her team were centre stage. We both went for the standard menu and I am now kicking myself that we didn’t have one standard and one vegetarian as we could have tried so much more – lesson for next time. We started with the bread and snacks.

The snacks were Chicken croquette with ganjang, Chickory with chickpeas and jalapeno and Sourdough with gochujang butter. All dishes were delivered by the chefs working with Louisa and ours was very knowledgable about korean pastes and gave us a quick rundown of the differences. I wondered if Louisa had the same team for each night, how does that work when they’re only working once or twice a month? I still have so many questions to be honest about the operational set up of Destination 105 but onto the food.

The ganjang added a meatiness to the croquette that I wasn’t expecting and it tasted more like game than chicken, it was

I like eating out, trying new restaurants and being on the receiving end of great hospitality. I am a mum with 2 children (one baby, one 9 year old) so I include how the places I visit work for families. I have worked in bars, cafes, restaurants and pubs for most of my life. Good places should be supported, celebrated and shared.

NOTTINGHAM FOOD CRITIC

soft on the inside and crisp outside. The chickory wasn’t quite as tasty and was reminiscent of hummus with the bitterness of the chickory winning the flavour war. The bread and butter were the stars for me, the gochujang added warmth alongside the richness of the butter and tang of the sourdough.

When the Tuna Ceviche arrived I admit to being a little crestfallen at the presentation but the colours were bright and vivid. One of the things I really enjoy about pop ups and set menus is the idea that there is hopefully little waste – they know how many people are coming, they know what they are eating so they can make sure they get the freshest ingredients and this gives me peace of mind when eating raw fish.

The tuna was expertly cut and the ginger and coriander sauce had so much flavour they pulled the two other elements of the dish away from being unremarkable towards a triumph of a dish. The sweetness of the peeled tomato was perfectly balanced against the sourness of the sauce.

The Northerner LOVED this starter but

I missed a texture element as it was all quite ‘soft’.

The main course was Slow Cooked Miso Beef Rib, we watched the kitchen as they plated up the food for the few tables that were in our sitting and I wondered what the perfectly round ‘pucks’ were? They turned out to be the beef rib, full of flavour and seasoned well, I reflected though that there were some bits of service customers didn’t really need to see. The celeriac and lovage slaw on the side was a really interesting accompaniment; warm so there was no odd mashed potato and fridge coleslaw experience, it had layers of flavour that tempered the richness of the beef. There was a definite heat from the peppercorn sauce but it lacked the pepper flavour unfortunately. The truffle pomme puree

was a nice side and I was really pleased the truffle had been added with a light touch as I am not a fan. The dish was well executed but the beef reminded me of gala dinner/mass catering – I am sure there has to be some element of that with all kitchens but I think it was more apparent as we had seen each beef ‘puck’ lifted from a tray onto a plate in the open kitchen.

In an unfortunate series of events the pudding looked suspiciously like the rib of beef main course until you tasted it when it was without apology a very good dessert. The cake itself was light, moist and sticky but the real star was the sesame caramel. It played a little trick between your mouth and your brain, the former picking up the nutty, tahini element while the later was thinking

you’d lost your senses. It meant that 3 mouthfuls in it still felt like you were trying to work out what was going on. It cleverly fooled you into thinking it might be the ice cream with it’s malt flavour too, and only on trying all three elements separately could I be sure it was the sauce. I enjoyed this final act immensely and it felt like a true piece of culinary magic, Wonka style.

Destination 105 isn’t just about the food though (is anywhere?), it has a ‘star’ at it’s helm and the frisson when Louisa left the kitchen to speak to people she knew was like a volume dial in the dinning room. At one point a group approached the pass mid service to talk to her and she was entirely gracious, a penalty (or perk depending on how you look at it) of the theatre of an open kitchen.

Taste the Wonder of Winter

Heavenly Desserts is delighted to announce the launch of its highly anticipated winter campaign which will encourage guests to Taste the Wonder of Winter over the festive period. Launching on November 11 and available until January 31, this campaign will feature an enchanting selection of limited-time seasonal offerings and will invite guests to experience the comfort, warmth, and festive spirit in a culinary wonderland designed to bring people together.

In celebration of the winter season, Heavenly Desserts has curated a special, seasonal menu featuring two indulgent new desserts and three limited-time holiday beverages, each crafted to evoke the season’s magic and to provide a moment of joy and connection. The ‘Taste the Wonder of Winter’ campaign highlights Heavenly Desserts as the go-to destination for creating magical memories, whether it be for a family gathering, a festive gettogether with friends, or a cosy winter date night.

New Menu Highlights:

Salted Butterscotch & Walnut

Cookie Dough

Indulgence takes centre stage with this holiday twist on their classic cookie dough. Infused with the comforting flavours of butterscotch and walnut, the cookie dough is served alongside cinnamon gelato, topped with honeycomb and accompanied by a hot caramel pouring sauce.

Caramel & Almond Blondie

Dive right into their decadent Caramel and Almond Blondie topped with gingerbread custard and served with fresh raspberries. Plated alongside a mini amaretti, this dessert is bursting with festive flavours,

perfectly complementing the richness of the caramel and the sweetness of the almonds.

Caramel Waffle Latte: A spiced caramel latte topped with whipped cream, a mini caramel waffle and dusted with cinnamonholiday spirit in every sip.

Gingerbread White Hot Chocolate: Made with rich, white chocolate milk and infused with gingerbread syrup, this drink is topped with whipped cream and a sprinkling of speculoos crumb.

Macadamia Hot Chocolate: A festive take on a traditional hot chocolate, infused with macadamia syrup and topped with whipped cream and caramelised hazelnuts.

“As the winter months approach, we’re thrilled to introduce our seasonal campaign at Heavenly Desserts, offering a unique selection of drinks and desserts that capture the rich, comforting flavours of the season,” shares Yousif Aslam, Co-founder and Managing Director. “Our goal is to bring people together in a warm, inviting setting where they can enjoy each other’s company and savour the essence of the festive season along with the tastes of winter. At Heavenly Desserts, we're all about crafting memorable moments for our guests and this campaign is designed to turn every visit into a cherished winter memory.”

With its elegant decor and festive touches, Heavenly Desserts has always provided an ideal setting for guests looking to create lasting holiday memories. The ‘Taste the Wonder of Winter’ campaign builds on this tradition by offering a menu that embodies the essence of the festive season, blending classic flavours with Heavenly Desserts’ signature creativity and quality.

For more information about the ‘Taste the Wonder of Winter’ campaign or to find your nearest Heavenly Desserts location, please visit heavenlydesserts.co.uk

A greener gift this Christmas Introducing Fyne Herbs

This Christmas, give the gift of Fyne Herbs, a collection of living herb plants that provides a sustainable and meaningful alternative to traditional flower bouquets, delivered to your doorstep. Whether you're looking to add a touch of greenery to your loved one's home, inspire their culinary adventures or pamper your pet, Fyne Herbs are the perfect choice for a thoughtful and eco-friendly present.

Reimaging plants by post Fyne Herbs believes in a more sustainable approach to gifting. Traditional flower bouquets, while beautiful, often come with a hidden cost to the environment. The growing, transportation, and short lifespan contribute to a significant ecological footprint. Fyne Herbs’ collection of living herb gifts offers a thoughtful and unique alternative that will not only delight loved ones but also benefit the planet.

The herbs are grown in reduced peat compost with the packaging designed to minimise waste. They offer a practical and enjoyable gardening experience, inspiring creativity and connection with nature and are a sustainable and meaningful gift that will be cherished long after the initial bloom of a bouquet has faded.

Suitable for use both outside or indoors, Fyne Herbs will be as happy sitting on a bright windowsill over the winter as they are in your garden, balcony or patio during spring. Pop them in a pretty plant pot whilst indoors and you have a readymade decorative feature that is functional and fashionable as well as Fyne!

For the chef in your life, ignite their culinary passion with the specially themed herb collections ready to elevate their dishes to new heights. Each collection provides a living kitchen garden that provides fresh ingredients and is themed for every foodie. Whether they're a pizza

aficionado, a baking enthusiast, a sauce connoisseur, or a chargrilling expert, Fyne Herbs has the perfect set to choose from.

From the Mother Sauces Herb Collection to Baker's Brilliant Herb Collection, BBQ Herb Collection, or Dinner Party Herb Collection, each set includes everything you need to grow fresh, flavourful herbs at home.

This Christmas, why not give the mixologist in your life a "party thyme" gift that will add a unique flavour profile to their favourite drinks? The Cocktail Herb Collection, Gin Lovers Botanical Herb Collection, and Posh Mojito Herb Collection include fresh mint, basil, rosemary, lemon balm, and lavender. These herbs can be added to infuse cocktails and enhance signature drinks, impressing your guests with your bartending skills.

Create aromatic garnishes by simply adding a sprig of fresh mint, basil, or rosemary to your cocktails for a beautiful touch. You can also infuse sugar or alcohol with your favourite herbs to create custom syrups and bitters for your tipples. Herbs have been used for centuries to promote health and well-being. Many offer a range of benefits, from boosting immunity to reducing stress and Fyne Herbs has the perfect collection to gift to someone who needs some relaxation at the end of this year.

Choose your own collection of six plants that offer a variety of benefits for the mind and body. Whether it be lavender, valerian and lemon balm known for their

calming properties, mint and rosemary to invigorate the senses and stimulate the mind or St. John's wort, stevia and borage to relieve anxiety and stress, Fyne Herbs offer a wonderful variety of herbs that are nature’s pharmacy.

Or just make own collection of six plants for a personalised gift.

As we head into the festive season, several more collections that are ideal for gifting are about to be launched. These include Christmas Dinner, Seasons Blessings, New Home, Hot Toddy, Tea and more.

Buy Fyne Herbs as the perfect gift this Christmas

All herbs are grown in the UK. Each set includes decorative pots, wooden plant labels, herb snips, a collection card, and a growing guide. All items are beautifully presented in ethical, plastic-free, and recyclable packaging.

Fyne Herbs for cooking (£39 per collection)

Fyne Herbs for drinking (£39 per collection)

HANDMADE CHOCOLATE

Spread the holiday Cheer

This Christmas season, B&M are spreading the holiday cheer with the release of its Light-up Gonk Gin Liqueur with Gold Flakes 500ml, available at just £14 – making it one of the lowest price on the market!

Designed to elevate your festive spirits, B&M are bringing the perfect tipple to the seasonal celebrations with this dazzling drink.

The bottle transforms this drink into a piece of festive décor, the light-up effect brings a warm, glowing atmosphere to any Christmas celebration, the gold flakes add a luxurious touch and the whimsical gonk turns this tipple into a festive centrepiece.

Infused with the rich and vibrant favours of clementine and winter berries, the Light-up Gonk Gin with shimmering gold flakes suspended in the bottle adds an extra touch of magic this festive season, making it a showstopper for any gathering or

a thoughtful gift for loved ones. Christmas is a time for indulgence and to spend with your loved ones. Ignite the senses, shine bright and make some happy memories this holiday season with the B&M’s Light-up Gonk Gin whilst keeping your budget merry.

B&M’s Light-up Gonk Gin Liqueur is available in store nationwide now, add sparkle to Christmas parties, family gatherings or cosy nights by the fire.

Whether you’re treating yourself or gifting to someone special, this festive gin liqueur promises to create happy memories this Christmastime.

there's no one way to wagamama

wagamama unveils its fresh new menu on October 2nd, reminding guests of the different ways they can enjoy their soulful bowls as part of its ‘no one way to wagamama’ campaign. The new menu showcases the many ways guests can enjoy wagamama – whether it’s light snacks, hearty main bowls, shareable plates, or family feasts as the brand positions itself as a versatile eating house for every occasion.

One of the fresh new standouts of wagamama’s October menu launch is the hot honey fried chicken and hot sweet fried vegan ‘chicken’, a bold, spicy-sweet sharing dish and one of this year’s biggest food trends. For those seeking lighter bites, the menu also features koko ‘prawn’ crackers, a delicious vegan alternative to the traditional prawn cracker as well as vibrant rainbow pickles with a tangy sweet and sour vinegar sauce.

The menu includes an exciting collaboration with Rahel Stephanie, also known as Spoons, introducing crispy sambal fry, a fan-favourite Indonesian-inspired dish. Originally exclusive to wagamama’s noodle lab, overwhelming demand has led to its nationwide rollout. The dish includes lightly battered chicken or firm tofu coated in garlic and red pepper powder, paired with mild tomato sambal, vibrant pickled slaw, coconut rice and a

chilled, turmeric-stained egg, with amai sauce on the side.

Sharing her excitement about the partnership, Rahel comments, “Bringing my supper club to the lab at the start of the year was a dream. When I first moved to London, I realised how limited the representation of Indonesian cuisine was. The main motivation as to why I cook is to share and spread awareness about my country’s cuisine with those around me, and bringing this dish nationwide is a great opportunity to reach even more people. I can’t wait for everyone to taste the new dish and experience the flavours of my heritage which mean so much to me.”

In addition to food trends, wagamama is responding to a growing demand for cocktails and drinks that elevate the casual dining experience with an extensive new drinks menu. On the drinks menu, wagamama introduces the new cocktail ‘a breakfast in tokyo’ a sweet and zesty papaya gin with blood orange flavours, yuzu sherbet topped with organic prosecco. In addition, spicy mary, wagamama’s take on a classic, makes its debut with haku vodka, tomato juice, soy, teriyaki and spices. Another trend wagamama is embracing is orange

wine, a refreshing organic wine with a light orange hue, offers a bolder, more robust flavour profile, making it the perfect accompaniment to wagamama’s dishes.

wagamama is introducing a number of ambassadors through its unique loyalty platform where members can redeem free menu items, exclusive content and engage with the likes of Rahel, Alfie Cooks, and GK Barry. With guests continuing to prioritise value when dining out, soul club ensures wagamama remains an accessible and rewarding choice for its guests, offering both great food and meaningful rewards and experiences.

Chief Marketing Officer at wagamama Kay Bartlett says, “Our ‘no one way to wagamama’ philosophy is at the heart of this new menu. Guests want more than just a meal – they crave flexibility, variety, and personalisation. Whether it's a quick midweek lunch, a quiet moment of indulgence, or getting together over some shareables with friends, we believe that great food should cater to every mood or moment. That’s why at wagamama we want our guests to have the freedom to make each dining occasion, completely their own.”

Photo by James Moyle

GIFT IDEAS • PLACES TO VISIT • EVENTS PLACES TO VISIT • PANTOMIMES SANTA'S STEAM TRIPS • AND MUCH MORE

CHARITY’S FESTIVE GIFT RANGE FROM FRAMEWORK FASHION

A charity working to end homelessness has launched a festive range perfect for anyone who wants to give a gift with meaning this Christmas.

The range includes jumpers, mugs, puzzles, notebooks and greeting cards with heartfelt designs from ‘Everyone Deserves a Home’ to ‘Home Is Where The Heart Is’, so everyone can wear their support for Framework and celebrate the season with compassion and style.

This fresh range of seasonal gifts is the latest offering from Framework Fashion, the new online store established earlier in 2024 to support the charity’s fundraising.

The Christmas range follows the autumn collection of limited edition designs featuring a collage illustration of famous Nottingham landmarks as a tribute to the charm and vibrancy of the charity’s hometown. Specially created by

Framework’s own graphic designer Iryna Fryer, this collection features prints, tote bags, notebooks, T-shirts and hoodies.

All the products in the Framework Fashion range are made from organic materials using renewable energy and sent in plastic-free packaging. Items are designed to be sent back when worn out with instructions included, and new products are made from the material that's recovered. Everything is printed to order using water based inks one at a time and in real time, so there’s no waste from over-stocked designs and sizes. Most orders are printed within 4872 hours of when they are placed.

Stocking Fillers

‘Home Is Where The Heart Is’ Festive Mug - £10

This ceramic mug is perfect for enjoying your favourite hot beverages this holiday season, whether that's a peppermint tea or a gingerbread hot chocolate! This festive mug is also a great stocking filler too! Celebrate the festive season and the comforts of home with every sip.

Framework Festive Notebook - £16

The perfect stocking filler this Christmas, this notebook is made from 100% recycled paper.

Nottingham Notebook - £16

This A5 hardback kraft paper notebook with its front cover Nottingham illustration is perfect for showing pride in the city.

Nottingham Medium Portrait Art Print £16

Combining art with a cause. This limited edition art print in black and white is ideal for home or work settings. Also available in a large size.

For

Her

‘Everyone Deserves A Home’ Women's Festive Jumper - £35

Spread warmth and cheer this winter

with this festive take on the classic 'Everyone Deserves A Home' design. Plenty of softness in this oversized jumper, making it the ideal piece for off-duty days.

‘Everyone Deserves A Home Gingerbread House’ Women's Festive Jumper - £35

Spread an important message this holiday season with this heartwarming oversized jumper. Not only is this the perfect addition to any winter wardrobe, but every purchase supports Framework's mission to end homelessness.

‘Home Is Where The Heart Is’ Women's Festive Sweater - £35

Embrace the holiday spirit with this brand new crewneck sweater. Available in cherry red or navy blue, this is the perfect sweater for those colder months.

‘Home Is Where The Heart Is’ Women's Festive Jumper - £35

Featuring a roomy fit, dropped shoulders, and a classic crewneck, this oversized sweatshirt is perfect this winter. Wear your support for Framework and celebrate the season with compassion and style!

For Him

‘Everyone Deserves A Home’ Men's Festive Jumper - £35

This oversized comfy sweater is a go-to choice for that laid-back look. Better yet, like everything in the range, it’s made using certified organic cotton in a carbon neutral factory.

‘Everyone Deserves A Home Gingerbread House’ Men's Festive Jumper - £35

Want to make a statement? The 'Everyone Deserves A Home' Festive Jumper has you covered. Cosy, casual and effortlessly amazing, this graphic jumper was made for laid-back days. Best of all, it's printed using low waste technology in a renewable energypowered factory right here in the UK.

Men's Retro Festive Jumper - £35

Add a playful touch to a seasonal wardrobe with this retro festive jumper. It's comfy, oversized fit makes it the perfect choice for those days when you need a cosy layer.

For Children

‘Everyone Deserves A Home Kids Gingerbread House’ Festive Jumper - £19.

Level up junior's winter collection with this awesome organic jumper. A cute and playful design that spreads an important message, this jumper is comfy, warm and sustainable.

Framework Festive Jigsaw Puzzle - £30

Everyone loves a puzzle at Christmas. Take on this 1000 piece jigsaw with a unique print created by Framework's very own in-house graphic designer. Promised

to provide hours of entertainment, this puzzle is perfect for family gatherings or a quiet evening at home.

‘All Roads Lead To Home’

Kids T-Shirt - £17

Made from certified organic cotton, this T-shirt features a striking maze design. Available in black and white, sizes from ages 3 to 12.

For Everyone

Festive Greeting Card - £3

This lovely greeting card is a simple yet heartfelt way to share good wishes this season. Every card purchased is supporting the charity’s work to provide safe and secure housing for those experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping.

All proceeds will go directly to the Framework charity’s Winter Appeal to secure the future of frontline street outreach workers across Nottingham, Nottinghamshire and Sheffield.

All fun and games!

Looking for fun and laughter with family and friends? These exciting games from Cheatwell are fun an whether walking like a chicken with the kids, testing your trivia knowledge, playing like a grand master, these games are a must.

Ultimate Top Trivia, £20 from Cheatwell.com

If you are keen on trivia then it’s sensible to keep it all in one place! This ultimate collection combines all four sets of our popular Top Trivia cards in one handy package! Plus 1000 extra entertaining questions unique to this pack. Includes questions on General Knowledge; Music; Sport; TV & Film plus Food & Drink!

Zensu, £15 from Board-Game.co.uk

Zensu is the new strategy game that’s simple to learn but hard to master! The aim is to cross your opponent’s border before they can cross into yours but, with pieces moving in four directions you have to keep your wits about you! Get it wrong and your opponent’s pieces will take you down! With Zensu you’ll never play the same game twice.

Skullduggery, £9.99 from Amazon

Avast, ye me hearties, it’s time to divide the plundered booty in this cunning card game of treasure and treachery. Will you make off with your fair share of the doubloons or will you be double-crossed by your sneaky shipmates? Swap and switch the spoils as you swindle your way to acquiring the most loot! Give no quarter as you use the Skullduggery tokens to hoodwink yer mateys and ransack their riches. It’s the game of piratical pilfering that separates the seasoned sea dogs from the listless landlubbers! Aaaarrrrgggghhhh! Winner of the 'People's Choice Award' for Best General Card Game at the UK Games Expo 2024.

Host Your own Pub Quiz, £23.99 from Amazon

Packed with contents, our classic pub quiz has everything you need to recreate the fun of a local trivia challenge but without the sticky carpets and the smug team in the corner.

Walk Like A Chicken, £16.99 from Wicked Uncle

Hilarious hide & seek activity game for the whole family, complete with funny walks. Race to find tokens in this totally wacky preschool game for 2 or more players. Have an adult hide the pieces around the house or yard, then start the scavenger hunt. But there's a clever catch - whatever token you're looking for, that's the way you have to move! From hopping like a kangaroo to zooming like an airplane, you've never looked so silly! With 18 funny cards, this smart game is a great way to get little ones active. Guaranteed giggles.

William

William

Bob & The Gang

Bob & The Gang is a charming new small business from Wollaton, specializing in one-of-a-kind animal headdresses, party accessories, and delightful gifts for children

Every item is meticulously designed from scratch and handmade with love by Kayleigh, a local mum of two.

Each creation is fully customizable - whether it’s adding a festive party hat to an animal headdress, personalizing party flags with your child’s name, or even crafting a custom product tailored to your ideas.

At Bob & The Gang, your imagination sets the limit! These adorable headdresses make perfect stocking stuffers for kids who love to immerse themselves in role play and dress-up adventures.

Crafted from soft, durable felt, they offer a comfortable and eco-friendly alternative to

Djeco Toysiscelebrating

Djeco makes outstanding craft kits, puzzles and beautiful quality wooden toys which we simply adore. Djeco toys and games are attractive, intelligent and fun for all the family. They specialise in highly imaginative and creative children’s toys.

Djeco collaborates with artists around the world, this transfers to young minds when they play with the toys and crafts.

their toys under £20…this is a brand that is perfect to gift and to purchase so that it everyaccompanies age stage.

TopToysPicks for 2024

Advent Inspiration

The onset of Advent is a time of joy and excitement –especially for younger family members –as the countdown to Christmas gets underway, children look forward to the school holidays and the carol singers herald the Nativity

One of the most beautifully traditional and natural ways to adorn your home in the season to be jolly is through delightful ‘Christmas Star’ plants, more commonly known as poinsettias, which are now available in a wide array of colours, shapes and sizes to suit any kind of festive décor. Here, Dr Susanne Lux of Stars for Europe looks at how to get into the Christmas spirit in homespun style.

ADVENT SHELF FAFFERY

For committed home stylists, shelf faffery is a trend to savour and Advent offers ample opportunity to indulge your every whim. In this homemade Advent calendar, the surprises are contained in 24 beautifully wrapped cardboard boxes, arranged in the shape of a Christmas tree on a shelf or mantelpiece. A variety of wrapping paper, colourful ribbons, pine branches and cut poinsettias in flower tubes attached to the bows of some presents, create a decorative effect. The top of the tree is formed by a bright red poinsettia in a test tube filled with water, hung on the wall. To ensure the poinsettias stay fresher for longer, immediately after cutting, first dip the cut ends in hot water (around 60°C) for a few seconds and then straight into cold water. Tip: If necessary, use hot glue and/or adhesive pads at some points to ensure the structure doesn't collapse.

SIMPLE BUT EFFECTIVE

A bowl planted with mini poinsettias and with an Advent calendar candle in the middle makes a space-saving alternative to a classic Advent wreath and is ideal as a gift. A drainage layer on the bottom of the bowl helps to avoid waterlogging. Wax adhesive discs are ideal for securing the candle. Tip: Alternatively, you can make this arrangement with floral foam and cut poinsettias.

VINTAGE VIBES

The contrast between the red bracts and green crockery gives this modern homemade Advent decoration its charm. The upcycling idea can be arranged in a variety of ways and is easily achieved with just four different cups, candles and mini poinsettias. Tip: When choosing a location, make sure the mini poinsettias are protected from the cold and draughts. Water the plants regularly with a little room temperature water. Avoid waterlogging!

TABLE CENTREPIECE

This colourful DIY Advent decoration is super easy to create. Simply plant a bowl with colourful mini poinsettias, add four taper candles and place in a bright spot protected from the cold and draughts. Water the mini poinsettias regularly from above. Tip: A drainage layer at the bottom of the bowl will protect the plants from getting waterlogged.

WREATHS & BOUQUETS

This unusual Advent wreath in warm terracotta, salmon and red tones looks sophisticated and rustic at the same time. To create this natural centrepiece yourself, add four candle holders to a straw wreath frame and attach small terracotta pots around it with hot glue. Stick dried rose heads and pine cones between the pots. Finally, place mini poinsettias and matching dried banksias and proteas in the terracotta pots and add taper candles to the holders. Tip: Place your wreath in a bright, warm spot away from draughts. Water the mini poinsettias regularly from above with a little water.

THE GIFT

This crafted Advent calendar in gold and cream looks very luxurious. The gifts are contained in 24 festively wrapped, numbered parcels, arranged in a square. Stylish wrapping paper and ribbons, pine branches and cut cream-coloured poinsettias in flower tubes filled with water make the arrangement an elegant focal point in the run-up to Christmas. To keep the poinsettias fresher for longer, immediately after cutting, dip the stems first into hot water (around 60°C) for a few seconds, then straight into cold water. Tip: If you secure the presents to a panel, you can also hang up your Advent calendar.

WHAT IT SAYS ON THE TIN

Upcycling can give classic Christmas decorations a new look: the basis for this Advent arrangement is a muffin tin. With red mini poinsettias, Advent candles (ready-made sets with the numbers printed on are available in stores), baubles, cones and pine greenery, this kitchen utensil can be turned into a modern alternative to the traditional Advent wreath in no time at all. This craft idea is great for making with children and works well as an original gift.

FESTIVE DINING

What would a Christmas table be without candlelight and floral decorations? These DIY flower arrangements offer both at the same time. You can create these magical table arrangements yourself in just a few steps. You'll need small bowls, doublesided transparent tape, stemmed glasses, a hot glue gun and glue sticks, wool string and tealights. You will also need the following florals for the arrangements: poinsettias, silver dollar eucalyptus (Eucalyptus polyanthemos), crab apple (Malus floribunda), dwarf mountain pine

(Pinus mugo), Austrian pine (Pinus nigra) rosehips (Rosa multiflora).

Cream poinsettias and dried flowers look beautiful in DIY vases made from Christmas baubles. For this elegant upcycling idea, you will need white lustre baubles, log slices (for example, birch wood), a hot glue gun and glue sticks, cut poinsettias and dried flowers. They are so easy to make. Simply remove the little caps from the baubles and, with the opening at the top, attach them to the log slices using hot glue. Fill each bauble vase with dried flowers and cut poinsettias. Place several vases together on your Christmas table for a striking centrepiece. Tip: Cut poinsettias will stay fresh in clean water for up to two weeks if, immediately after cutting, you first dip the cut ends in hot water (approx. 60°C) for a few seconds, then straight into cold water.

HOW THE POINSETTIA BECAME A CHRISTMAS PLANT

A native shrub of Mexico, poinsettias can grow up to 5m high in their native habitat. The Aztecs cultivated the plant, decorated temples with it and used it to produce a dye for colouring clothes and as a medicine to reduce fever. Poinsettia became favoured Christmas plants after the Spanish conquest, when missionaries to Mexico renamed it ‘Estrella de Navidad’ (Christmas star). Then, in the 17th century, the poinsettia made its debut in a procession of Franciscan monks and was gifted with the name ‘Flor de Nochebuena’ (Holy Night Flower), which marked the advent of its increasing use as a traditional Christian symbol. Fast forward to the early 20th century and German-born emigrant, Albert Ecke, enjoyed seeing thew the bracts of wild poinsettias turning red in December. He had the brainwave of growing them in his fields with a view to selling the vibrant

stems as cut flowers in the run-up to Christmas. After Albert’s death, his son, Paul, focused on establishing the poinsettia as the symbolic Christmas Star, although it wasn’t until the 1950s that varieties suitable to be kept as potted houseplants were successfully introduced. Henceforth, potted poinsettias started to replace the cut flowers, whilst the entrepreneurial Ecke family opened up shops in Hollywood and set about making the poinsettia into the world’s favourite festive houseplant.

This festive season, immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas at the enchanting Christmas Market at Nottingham

Castle, on Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December 2024

Organised by It's in Nottingham, the city's business improvement district, this event promises to be the perfect start to your holiday celebrations, offering a unique blend of festive shopping, delicious food, and seasonal entertainment - all set against the stunning backdrop of Nottingham Castle.

Step into a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, charming market stalls, and the heartwarming sounds of Christmas carols. Browse a variety of independent artisan vendors offering handcrafted gifts, bespoke decorations, and gourmet festive treats. Whether you're searching for one-of-a-kind presents or indulging in some seasonal shopping for yourself, this market offers the perfect opportunity to support local makers and artisans.

Warm your hands with a cup of mulled wine or gourmet hot chocolate as you explore the market, and enjoy culinary delights. This market is the perfect place to savour the best of Nottinghamshire's local produce while

soaking up the festive spirit. There’s plenty to keep all ages entertained. From meeting Santa in his grotto to enjoying free, family-friendly entertainment and live performances from local choirs and musiciansthere’s Christmas cheer around every corner! Families can also take part in craft workshops, creating their own festive keepsakes to take home.

Nestled in the grounds of the historic Nottingham Castle, this Christmas Market is unlike any other. The stunning views and architecture provide a magical backdrop for the festive fun. While you’re there, take the opportunity to explore the castle’s exhibitions and galleries, making it a truly memorable day out.

The Christmas Market, proudly organised by It's in Nottingham, in partnership with Nottingham Castle and supported by Nottingham City Council, is open from 10am to 7pm on Saturday 30 November and 10am to 4pm on Sunday 1 December. Prebook your *£1 ticket online to secure your spot at this must-visit event

*Please note: £1 tickets are available for pre-bookings only. The entry fee is the same for everyone (including children and Nottingham Castle annual pass holders) - there are no concessions.

Christmas in Lincoln...

With its cobbled streets aglow with festive lights, shop windows adorned with sparkling decorations and cosy pubs and bars decked with Christmas ornaments and roaring fires to warm up beside.

Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift, planning a meal with friends, or looking to make Christmas memories at one of the many festive events, this beautiful city has everything you need to kick off the festivities.

Start your journey in the vibrant city centre, where you’ll find a whole host of shops, restaurants and bars on offer. This year, there will be plenty of lights and decorations to enjoy, alongside Christmas trails, pop-up markets, and the return of Thor’s Tipi Bar.

For a delightfully Dickensian experience, follow the twinkling lights up to the Cathedral Quarter. Lined with historic architecture and characterful shops, these cobbled streets wouldn’t look out of place in a Christmas movie. As well as an abundance of photo opportunities, you’ll find some wonderful independent shops here – and plenty of places to stop for a brew.

Lincoln Cathedral offers breathtaking experiences with rooftop tours and various Christmas events, while Lincoln Castle offers something to suit the entire family, including rides,

festive treats and amazing Christmas lights.

Lincoln Ice Adventure

7 & 8 December

This enchanting experience will feature 16 ice sculptures, across the city’s iconic locations, perfect for visitors of all ages. A live ice-carving demonstration of the infamous Lincoln Imp will also be taking place on both days.

Lincoln Castle Illuminated

29 November – 23 December

Scale the illuminated castle walls and take in the beautiful night-time views across the city and county; enjoy the castle grounds bejewelled with festive lights and give your warmest season’s greetings to the resident castle dragons – Lucy and Norman. As no Christmas event is complete without festive food, local vendors will be offering sweet treats and winter warmers, including hot chocolate and mulled wine.

Lincoln Christmas Lights Trail

28 November – 3 January

Running through the festive period, the Christmas Lights Trail will illuminate the city with a dazzling array of intricate light displays and enchanting installations.

One of the most magical times to visit the city of Lincoln is at Christmas time

Festive Fever Snows Down on Belvoir Castle Retail Village AHEAD OF CHRISTMAS

Belvoir Castle’s Retail Village is preparing for a busy Christmas season as winter food and gift stalls, yuletide workshops, carol singers, choirs and Santa Claus descend on the Leicestershire Estate.

Starting on Saturday 23rd November and running until Sunday 22nd December, a lineup of events has been curated to celebrate the festive season in style.

Father Christmas will be stopping off at Belvoir during his busy schedule to join families for a special breakfast in a memorable Santa experience, as well as a traditional Santa’s Grotto where little ones will have the chance to share their wishes and receive a gift.

Shopping in the Belvoir Retail Village focuses on local makers and artisan gifts to create a joyful experience including festive foods in the Farm Shop alongside stylish homeware, fashion and accessories in the Duchess Collection and delicious Christmas Afternoon Teas in the Bistro.

From Saturday 23rd November until Sunday 22nd December, Christmas pop up stallholders will fill the wooden chalets

with crafts, food, drink and gifts to suit all tastes – every weekend. Pick up a Christmas food pre-order and collect from the farm shop to make your Christmas entertaining really easy and also browse the many other shops at the retail village, including The Grange Garden Centre, Bumbles Interiors, Tori Murphy and The Soapery.

Visitors will be entertained during weekend visits to Belvoir Retail Village with live music, choirs, musicians, carols singers and brass bands filling the space with joyful sounds as guests shop, dine and socialise.

For creatives, the heritage destination has worked with local makers to curate a programme of workshops taking place each weekend throughout the winter period including wreath making, bauble painting, decorative sewing workshops, Christmas card printing workshops, among many other opportunities to get crafty.

Youngsters who want to get outside and enjoy the British winter weather, Belvoir’s Adventure Playground has been transformed into a Christmas Trail filled with challenges, hidden surprises and lots of festive fun for little ones.

Rachel Cullis Dorsett, marketing consultant at Belvoir Castle said: “Christmas is such an incredibly exciting time of year for all ages and the team here has worked hard

to ensure that there’s a wide range of memorable festive events for all interests here at Belvoir. We’re very lucky to have our beautiful retail village and we hope our visitors enjoy everything this has to offer this Christmas in a truly glorious setting.”

And for a special festive treat to make memories with loved ones, the Christmas Afternoon Tea at The Belvoir Bistro is a truly delightful addition to the calendar. Dine on decadent cakes, savory sandwiches and scones with a festive twist in the birthplace of the Afternoon Tea tradition.

The Breakfast with Santa experience is available on select dates from 23rd November tickets are £25 per person, for both adults and children.

The Santa’s Grotto will also be available on select dates from 23rd November and tickets are £15 for each child, adults go free.

Families can receive 10% off their adventure playground tickets when booking online, with tickets costing £3.30 for adults, £5.50 for children and £16.50 for a family ticket.

Visitors can find out more about Christmas at Belvoir Retail Village and book online for selected events and workshops: www. belvoircastle.com/singleevent/christmasat-the-belvoir-retail-village

The Enchanted Parkland at Belton Estate

Journey through the doors of Belton’s mansion this Christmas and come face to face with magical woodland decorations and enchanting creations inspired by the parkland. Wander through spectacular rooms filled with seasonal surprises and decorated with twinkling lights and showstopping trees.

Utterly transformed, the Marble Hall will take on an ethereal beauty, leading you through a sugarplum fairy inspired land and delicate wildlife origami will enhance the Library’s features. Dried flowers and mushroom decorations will complement the Tapestry Room, while the Windsor Bedroom will be set for a parkland picnic. Families can even spot hidden crafted deer along the way, expertly made by a team of volunteers.

On your approach to the mansion, you’ll discover Santa’s sleigh within the West Courtyard. Custom built by maintenance volunteers, this sleigh, made accessible with space for a wheelchair user, provides a photo opportunity for family and loved ones, with the mansion as a festive background.

Belton will be at it’s festive best from 23 November - make the most of your visit and continue the fun across the estate. Explore the gardens, where wooden sculptures of reindeer (designed and made by volunteers) will add a touch of festivity and natural photo frames will provide

perfect photo opportunities. Attention all passengers! Festive journeys on the miniature train Belton Express will be running from 23 November. Take a train ride through the adventure playground, up to the woods and back again, and keep an eye out for winter wildlife to spot along the way.

Find inspiration to make the holidays extra special this year with a visit to Belton’s shop and indulge in a delicious hot chocolate and mince pie from the Stables Café. Explore a winter wonderland within the second-hand bookshop and discover a selection of reads for every reader.

From winter walks to festive crafts and family theatre shows to Christmas decorations, there’s plenty to enjoy at Belton this season.

Christmas in the Mansion is open daily, 23 November – 5 January 2025, from 11am – 3.30pm (last entry 3pm). Belton Estate is open daily, 9.30am –4pm. Entry is included in National Trust membership or normal admission to Belton Estate. There is no pre-booking required for daytime visits. Plan your visit on the Belton website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/belton

THE AFTER-DARK ILLUMINATED LIGHT TRAIL, CHRISTMASAT BELTON, RETURNS FROM 22 NOVEMBER

MAGICAL WINTER WONDERLAND

OF FROSTY FESTIVE FUN

To view the whole festive timetable visit us online

It’s never too soon to plan festive family fun! The National Ice Centre has opened up bookings to meet Santa as part of a fabulous festive experience for all the

wonderland filled with festive fun, ice skating excitement and a sprinkle of Christmas magic.

The big man will be welcoming visitors to his magical grotto in December next to the huge indoor skating rink transformed for Christmas. A visit to the on offer before Santa heads off on Christmas Eve.

To see what’s on and book a visit, go to Santa's Grotto 2024 - National Ice Centre.

Old Market Square is set to sparkle

The Mellors Group has today announced that Nottingham’s premier Christmas entertainment attraction opens on Old Market Square from Wednesday 13th November. Bringing back the ever-popular Ice Rink and Sky Skate Ice Path, festive funseekers can indulge in all things Christmas until New Year’s Eve.

Grab some skates and experience Old Market Square from above. Take in the scenic city views and enjoy a heavenly hot chocolate or mulled wine at the skate-up bar. For those less keen on heights, a ground-level family ice rink is available, along with a new children’s ice rink complete with penguin skate aids, allowing even the littlest skaters to enjoy this classic winter tradition at their own pace.

events. With live entertainment and DJs ready to get you in the mood for a party, various bars serving a range of delicious drinks and cocktails, and mouthwatering food from the Melt and Grill kitchen, you’ll find everything you need to get into the spirit of Christmas. Be sure to book your tables in advance to guarantee the best spot!

Offering something for everyone, the Christmas market will tempt shoppers’ taste buds with seasonal food and drinks whilst they browse unique handmade gifts, all while soaking up the holiday atmosphere. Take a break from shopping and experience the Observation Wheel, which gives the best view of the city, including Nottingham’s fabulous Christmas tree. Book in advance to guarantee your seat on the wheel.

With an exciting new theme, the Ice Bar will open its doors to visitors wishing to chill out in the frosty minus 10-degree temperature, whilst sipping on a tasty drink or two. Keep cosy in the gloves and coats that are provided and make sure to book early to avoid disappointment – this popular attraction always fills up fast!

The two alpine-themed bars, Sur La Piste and Altitude, will provide the perfect festive backdrop for after-work drinks, date nights, and meet-ups with friends and family. With numerous table booking and package options available, they are also ideal for your group Christmas social

Winter Wonderland will be open from Wednesday 13th November to Tuesday 31st December. The Ice Bar will open from Friday 15th November. Tickets are on sale now.

Family tickets, super off-peak and off-peak reduced price skating tickets are available on Mondays to Thursdays outside of the school holidays.

Nottingham City residents can also receive a 10% discount on super off-peak and off-peak ice-skating bookings – see the Nottingham Winter Wonderland website for more detail.

Edward Mellors of Mellors Group said:

“We’re thrilled to be back in Old Market Square this Christmas with Winter Wonderland. The festive bars, attractions and market stalls will all be back, bringing that special holiday spirit once again to Nottingham City Centre. The Sky Skate Ice Path will also be returning for its third year. It’s been a huge hit and we’re looking forward to keeping the magic going for residents and visitors alike.”

All Winter Wonderland bars and attractions are open for walk-up customers but to avoid disappointment it’s best to book tickets and tables, especially for group and corporate bookings in advance.

Discover the magic of Christmas

in Royal Leamington Spa with festive shopping and fun activities for all the family!

With a unique mix of independent stores, national retailers and great places to eat, drink and party, you will discover something for everyone in this hidden gem of a town. From finding the perfect Christmas tree to perfect pressies, Royal Leamington Spa has everything you need to ensure your Christmas is packed with festive sparkle!

Take a stroll around town to see beautiful Christmas windows offering inspiration for the wonderful gifts you will find inside. Leamington is alive with tasty delis, cafes, bistros and restaurants all bursting with scrumptious treats, so after all that shopping take time to relax and savour the flavours of the season.

Launching Christmas is the town’s Christmas Light Switch On event, Sunday 17 November. This year there will be beautiful new Christmas lights across the Town a glittering Ginger Bread House and Christmas Tree in Regent Court. Our weekly Sunday Christmas Markets continue to run until 22 December.

The final countdown to Christmas kicks off with the wonderful Lantern Parade, Sunday 01 December. Bringing the community together, thousands of colourful handmade lanterns will ‘Light up Leam’. Join us to share in both Christmas spirit and smiles as

this fabulous event illuminates the beautiful town centre! (There are also FREE lantern making workshops on weekends in November – see website for more info).

The charming and delightful Christmas Tree Festival returns, 7 - 15 December in All Saints Church. There will be around 60 Christmas Trees, decorated by local community groups, schools and businesses, which will sparkle in the winter darkness.

There will be a host of other festive treats and activities to explore for all and don’t forget to pop by and say ‘hi’ to Santa in the Royal Priors Shopping Centre on the weekend of 14 and 15 December supported by the Rotary Club of Royal Leamington Spa.

To top it off, this stunning Regency town, which boasts beautiful buildings, tree-lined avenues and award winning gardens, is close by … just over 1 hour from Nottingham, it makes for a fabulous day out for all the family. You will find FREE OFFSTREET car parking (WDC car parks and Royal Priors only) on Sunday 17 November and Saturday 7 December ONLY and all day parking in Royal Priors on Sundays for just £1.50.

COUNTDOWN TO

CHRIST MAS

Whether you have a sweet tooth, prefer a warming cup of tea or a festive scent for your home, we have a calendar for everyone! Let the Christmas countdown begin...but which one will you choose?

Pringles 12 day Advent Calendar 480g, B&M £10

24 Days of Stationery Advent Calendar, Martha Brook £109

Tealight Advent Calendar, St. Eval £44

Lego Friends Christmas Advent Calendar, Lego £19.99

Bailey's Advent Calender, B&M, £7

Festive House Advent Calendar, Cox & Cox £35

Noël Royal® – Christmas Advent Calendar, Mariage Frères £49

Festive,Fun & Fabulous

It’s the most wonderful time of year and when you’re feeling festive, nowhere quite compares to a Christmas market.

Selling everything from delicious local produce to hand-crafted gifts and traditional treats. This year won't be any different, with the same festive spirit, sensational seasonal food and great gift ideas, all in a safe setting, you'll get to experience the best of Nottinghamshire's Christmas markets.

Nottingham Winter Wonderland Market Square, Nottingham

13 Nov - 31 Dec

The festive season kicks off in the city from November 2024 with the Nottingham Winter Wonderland opening its doors. You can expect all the firm favourites this year including traditional chalet style market stalls, festive attractions, pop up bars and a dazzling 60ft grand fir Christmas tree, decked out with 4,000 red and white lights! Stay tuned for the dates being annoucned!

Lustre Craft Fair Lakeside Arts, Nottingham NG7 2RD 8 - 10 Nov

The perfect opportunity for some Christmas shopping in Nottingham, you can expect to see stalls from 50 of today's top designer-makers and craft artists from around the country. All exhibitors are hand-picked to give you the best in covetable, collectable craft, showcasing jewellery, textiles, ceramics, glass, leather, wood and much, much more. You can even commission unique gifts direct from the makers and talk to them about their work.

An award winning outdoor market with 70+ stall holders offering quality crafts, produce and provisions, the Ruddington Village Market runs on the first Saturday of each month throughout the year. Stop by on Saturday 7th December to grab yourself a fantastic gift!

Winterfest: Thoresby Arts & Crafts Fair, Thoresby Park, Newark NG22 9EP

30 Nov - 1 Dec

well as an additional 15 in the stunning State Chamber of The Archbishop's Palace next door. 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.

Steam & Christmas Market

Christmas Market at Nottingham Castle Lenton Road, Nottingham NG1 6EL 30 Nov - 1 Dec

It's in Nottingham are once again hosting a Christmas Market at Nottingham Castle. Browse a variety of stalls offering a wide range of gifts, decorations and tasty treats and enjoy live music, carol singing, familyfriendly entertainment, delicious food and warming sips of mulled wine as you soak up the Christmas atmosphere, set within the grounds of Nottingham Castle.

Enjoy a Christmissy weekend at Winterfest, where you can epxect a variety of craft and gift stalls perfect for that Christmas shopping plus family entertainment. A fun filled day out for all the family!

Rufford Mini Christmas Market, Rufford Abbey Country Park, Newark NG22 9DF

16 Nov - 22 Dec

Located in the Coach House Courtyard, the market features up to 12 stalls each day, showcasing a delightful range of Christmas gifts, handcrafted decorations, jewellery, and treats for pets. Whether searching for the perfect present or simply enjoying browsing, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Papplewick Pumping Station, Ravenshead NG15 9AJ

30 Nov- 1 Dec

The pumping station gets into steam for its final event of the year featuring a Christmas craft market with some of the finest artisans in the East Midlands. Featuring live music plus and trips to the underground reservoir.

Lincolnshire Food & Gift Fair

Lincolnshire Showground, Lincoln LN2 2NA, 30 Nov- 1 Dec

The Lincolnshire Food & Gift Fair is a mustvisit for those looking to stock up on festive goodies and handmade gifts. With over 150 exhibitors, the fair offers everything from local food and drink to artisan crafts, perfect for completing your Christmas shopping in style.

Winter Craft Fair at Southwell Minster, Southwell, NG25 0HD 8 - 9 Nov

There will be around 60 stalls selling a wide range of goods in the Minster, as

Burghley Christmas Fair

Burghley House, Stamford PE9 3JY

28 Nov - 1 Dec

As the festive season approaches, few places encapsulate the spirit of Christmas quite like the Burghley Christmas Fair. Whether you’re on the hunt for unique gifts, tantalizing seasonal treats, or just looking to immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas, the Burghley Christmas Fair should be at the top of your holiday itinerary. Here’s why this enchanting fair has become a beloved tradition for so many.

Gedling Borough Council has confirmed that it will be hosting a Christmas Light Switch On event in Arnold Town Centre along with a host of Christmas markets, later this month.

abba fever to bring festive glitz

EXCITEMENT is building among families across North Notts ahead of this year’s Christmas lights switch on events on Saturday 23 November in Worksop and Sunday 24 in Retford.

Organised by North Notts BID, in partnership with Worksop and Retford business forums, these free family-friendly events will bring jam-packed afternoons of Christmas activities, ending on a high with performances from popular tribute band ABBA Fever to kick off the start of the festive season.

Sally Gillborn MBE, chief executive of North Notts BID, said: “Once again the BID will be delivering an array of festive fun across our town centres at our popular Christmas light switch-on events for the whole community to enjoy. The events also support our local businesses by increasing footfall into the town centres, as well as offering them the opportunity to showcase their seasonal spirit and offers ahead of the busy Christmas period on the big screens at both events.”

The Worksop festivities commence at 12 noon with a raft of stage and street entertainment throughout the day in the Old Market Square, including school choirs and other talented local performers. Families can enjoy shopping from a selection of stalls and treats from food and drink vendors. With fun games and freebies also on offer, the day’s festivities will conclude with a live performance from ABBA Fever at 5:30pm, culminating with the lights switch on and fireworks display at 6pm.

Events continue into Sunday from 10am in Retford’s Market Square, with more than 125 stalls set to provide a host of shopping opportunities, fairground rides, family activities and food and drink offerings. Retford’s Christmas lights switch on is set to

commence at 5pm - followed by a closing performance from ABBA Fever.

The event incorporates Grove Methodist Church's Star Festival, with a carol service on the stage at 10:30am before a packed programme of live stage entertainment. Santa will be on stage at 12pm, with further live performances taking place during the afternoon.

Throughout the day, attendees can enter a competition to be Santa's little helper and be chosen to help turn on the lights.

always looking to expand how we can engage with local organisations and community groups to create captivating Christmas events. These, as always, are freely accessible and encourage people to visit local eateries and businesses while in town.

Through our increased management of the stage performances this year, we’re particularly excited to see how the crowd reacts to the amazing performances we have in store.”

Harworth & Bircotes Civic Square will be hosting its lights switch on from 3pm-6pm on Friday 29 and a craft fair and winter wonderland, including Santa, on Saturday 30 from 10am-3pm. Tuxford’s annual Christmas market and lights switch on follows a week later on Sunday 8 December from 2pm-6pm in the Market Square. Those interested are encouraged to visit the Facebook events page for the latest updates on the Worksop Christmas Lights and

The Worksop and Retford events will also be running two digital reindeer trails, where families are tasked with finding Santa's missing reindeer in the windows of businesses across the town centres, with entries picked at random to win a prize for each trail.

Sally added: “Having hosted several years of family Christmas events, we’re

UPCOMING CHRISTMAS EVENTS: WORKSOP OLD MARKET SQUARE SATURDAY 23 NOVEMBER, 12-6:30PM

RETFORD MARKET SQUARE

SUNDAY 24 NOVEMBER, 10-6PM

HARWORTH & BIRCOTES CIVIC SQUARE FRIDAY 29 NOVEMBER, 3-6PM

HARWORTH & BIRCOTES CIVIC SQUARE,

MAGICAL AFTER DARK TRAIL AT WHITE POST FARM

21 NOVEMBER TO 22 DECEMBER

Light Post Farm sees the popular family farm near Newark teaming up with Gloworm Festival to present an enchanting festive light trail experience. The fields of Farnsfield will be illuminated by more than 250,000 sparkling lights to enhance the features of the much loved farm with plenty of photo opportunities along the route.

Opening on Thursday 21 November, Light Post Farm is now open for bookings for timed slots from 5pm every Thursday to Sunday up until 22 December. With tickets at £12 per person and £45 for families, it will give visitors the opportunity to enjoy the attraction in a new light.

Dozens of glitter balls will float above the duck pond along with its life sized Boom Box playing Disco classics; the Rainbow racetrack will explode into colour and sound and the Jungle Barn will sparkle with planets and stars. The Enchanted Garden will come to life with Gingerbread Houses, flowers and lights, where visitors can expect the weird and wonderful and a 60m long illuminated Triangular Tunnel will light the way.

Art students from Nottingham College have designed a life sized illuminated Advent Calendar and are now building the installation ready for the opening.

Morgan Wood, White Post Farm, said: “The entire team here at White Post Farm is so excited to bring Light Post Farm to our visitors this November! Christmas is always a magical time here at the farm, and this light trail will enhance that special feeling even more. We cannot wait for the farm to be transformed into a

lit-up Christmas village.”

There will also be the chance to meet rare breed new born lambs expected late November, who will be kept cosy in the Silver Barn where all the farm babies and older animals live. Miniature Donkeys and Reindeers will be arriving in late November to spend Christmas at White Post Farm.

The 1km trail will wind around the outdoor animal enclosures and indoor barns, including the Reptiles of the World, home to West African Dwarf Crocodiles and the indoor Jungle Barn play area newly added this year. There will be plenty of friendly animals to meet en route from Alpacas to Wallabies as well as lots of rare breeds such as Old English Goats, Oxford Sandy and Black pigs and Greyface Dartmoor sheep in the fields.

Admission includes access to the Mini Christmas Market, with hot chocolate, roast marshmallows, and sweet treats. Children can join Ginger Snap to decorate gingerbread or create some magical reindeer dust to take home for Christmas Eve. All the farm cafes are open as normal up to the closing time of 9pm.

Richard Walpole, Gloworm, said: “White Post Farm is one of the most popular family attractions in the region, welcoming tens of thousands of visitors each year. We’re delighted to be partnering with them to bring this fantastic new festive experience as a quality affordable experience for families this Christmas.”

Tickets are priced at Individual £12; Family (2 adults and 2 children) £45. Under 2s go free. Booking fees apply. White Post Farm pass holders receive 20 percent off on Thursday and Sunday visits.

The trail is accessible to wheelchair users and suitable for pushchairs with free parking on site, at an easy to reach location within 30 minutes by car from Nottingham, Mansfield, Newark and Worksop.

GET READY TO LAUGH AND CHEER

Grab your magic carpet and get ready to fly into festive family fun with this year’s Palace Theatre Newark pantomime, Aladdin!

Running from Friday 6 to Tuesday 31 December, and in collaboration with Jordan Productions, families and audiences of all ages are invited to come along on this journey filled with laughter, magic, and wishes galore!

Beware! Widow Twankey, played by Phil Stewart, is on the lookout for any man in the front row, while her zany son Wishee, played by the outrageously funny Danny Childs, struggles to keep her under control. Alex Scott Fairley is all set to cause trouble as the evil Abanazar this festive season, whilst Emma Marsh is on a mission to stop the baddie as our hero, Aladdin.

Councillor Rowan Cozens, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and the Arts at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “Last year’s performance was a great hit, and I thoroughly enjoyed the show.

I cannot wait to get back into the theatre this winter for another year of pantomime fun. It’s undoubtedly a must-see, and what better way to spend this holiday season than creating cherished moments with loved ones, surrounded by the enchanting atmosphere of the Palace Theatre?”

Widow Twankey wants a husband, Abanazar wants the magic lamp, Aladdin wants adventure, and Wishee-

it’s for a birthday, Christmas, or just because, these gift vouchers are the ideal present for theatre lovers and those who cherish unique experiences. Share the magic of live theatre by visiting the friendly box office staff at the Palace Theatre Newark or call 01636 655755 to purchase your gift vouchers. They will be happy to assist you in choosing the right denomination and provide any additional information you

Hook ticketsyourtoday...

TV fashionista Gok Wan will lead the cast alongside TV personality and actress Denise Welch, children’s TV favourite Paul Chuckle, and comedy ventriloquist Steve Hewlett.

The Theatre Royal, Nottingham and Crossroads Pantomimes high-flying family pantomime Peter Pan will open on Saturday 7 December 2024 and run throughout the festive season until Sunday 12 January 2025.

Leading the cast is stylist, DJ, broadcaster, cook and author Gok Wan as The Magical Merman, along with TV personality and actress Denise Welch as Captain Hook, children’s TV favourite Paul Chuckle as Starkey, comedy ventriloquist and BGT Finalist Steve Hewlett as Smee, along with Kate Stewart as Tink, Molly Farmer as Wendy and Aiden Carson as Peter Pan.

Gok Wan’s TV career started with the overwhelming success of his Channel 4 series, How To Look Good Naked, which proved so successful that a further six series were filmed, as well as three series of Gok’s Fashion Fix. His other recent TV credits include Gok’s Chinese Takeaway for National Geographic, Gok’s Style Secrets, Gok Live: Stripping For Summer, Too Fat Too Young, and Gok’s Teens The Naked Truth, Say Yes to the Dress Lancashire for the Discovery channel and Gok Cooks Asian.

In addition to his sartorial television appearances, Gok has solidified his reputation as a broadcaster, author and chef, most recently adding record-topping DJ to his extensive list of credentials, which saw him release his debut single, a hugely popular cover of Baby D’s Let Me Be Your Fantasy, with Kele Le Roc. Gok remains a regular guest presenter and resident fashion expert for ITV1’s This Morning and various hit television programmes.

Denise Welch has extensive TV credits including regular roles in Coronation Street, Waterloo Road, Boy Meets Girls, Hollyoaks,

Down to Earth, Soldier Soldier, and Spender. Denise has also made appearances in Dead Canny, Benidorm, EastEnders, Inspector George Gently, Born and Bred and The Vice.

Her theatre credits include The Gap (Hope Mill Theatre), Diana: The Musical in Concert (Hammersmith Eventim Apollo), Loose Women Live UK Tour, Calendar Girls UK Tour, The Rise and Fall of Little Voice (Royal Exchange Theatre, Steel Magnolias (UK Tour), Smack Family Robinson (Rose Theatre Kingston), The Ancient Secret of Youth and The Five Tibetans (Octagon Theatre Bolton), Grease (Haymarket Theatre Leicester) and Ruby in Yakety Yak at The Astoria.

Paul Chuckle became a household name as part of the legendary double-act The Chuckle Brothers with his beloved brother Barry. Generations have grown up with the catchphrase “to me, to you” made famous by the brothers on the BAFTA award-winning TV show ChuckleVision, which commanded prime time viewing slots for nearly three decades.

Alongside his TV work, Paul is a familiar face in theatres around the country and is one of the most in-demand panto performers in the UK. When not on-stage entertaining, Paul can often be found in some of the UK’s biggest nightclubs as a popular DJ.

Comedy ventriloquist

Steve Hewlett won the affection of the nation

when he reached the final of the seventh season of Britain’s Got Talent. Since his BGT appearance, Steve has toured extensively, and ahead of joining Nottingham audiences this Christmas, will be touring around the UK entertaining people at festivals, theatre shows, cruise ships and holidaymakers at Butlins and Haven resorts.

Singer/songwriter Kate Stewart’s theatre credits include Snow White in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Molly Farmer’s credits include Wendy in Peter Pan (Bristol Hippodrome), and Aiden Carson’s credits include You and I: A New Song Cycle.

The production is staged by Crossroads Pantomimes, the world’s biggest pantomime producer.

Join Peter Pan and the characters you know and love this Christmas in this swashbuckling panto adventure. This family treat will include all your favourites including Tinker Bell, Wendy, John, and Michael Darling.

With amazing special effects, stunning sets, beautiful costumes and barrel-loads of laughter, Peter Pan will take the whole family on a magical trip to Neverland like never before!

Peter Pan runs from Saturday 7 December 2024 to Sunday 12 January 2025 at Theatre Royal, Nottingham. For more information on performance times and to book tickets, please visit www.trch.co.uk or call the box office on 0115 989 5555.

Peter Pan Cast by Whitefoot Photography

A Magical Beanstalk Grows at Nottingham Playhouse

This holiday season, Nottingham Playhouse is set to enchant audiences with a giant-sized serving of festive fun. Their annual pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, promises to be the perfect night out for all the family.

Taking centre stage as our lovable hero Jack is Finton Flynn, fresh from his national tour as Jamie in Everybody's Talking About Jamie. You might also recognize him from his stint on Coronation Street as Russ Gray. Flynn can’t wait to spend Christmas in Nottingham - " I'm so delighted to be joining the team at

Nottingham Playhouse for this year's panto. I love panto season and can't wait to see all those happy, festive families in the audience.”

Flynn joins a stellar cast of panto veterans, including the legendary John Elkington as Dame Daisy Trott (expect outrageous costumes and even more outrageous jokes), and Tom Hopcroft as the delightfully dastardly Fleshcreep.

Finton Flynn

But the magic doesn't stop there. Fourteen local youngsters will bring the farmyard to life, playing

everything from chickens to scarecrows. Who knows, you might spot a future star in the making! Adam Penford, Artistic Director couldn't be more pleased with the cast. "Finton is a terrific performer. We're delighted that he will be joining us for his first ever panto. The Playhouse panto is legendary, and he'll be working alongside the very best. What a great addition to our brilliant seasonal team.”

Will Jack outwit the giant and reclaim his father's magic harp? Can he bag the goose that lays golden eggs and change his family's fortunes? And most importantly – how many spectacular costume changes will the best Dame in Nottingham have? There's only one way to find out! Tickets for this sky-high adventure are already on sales so grab yours now for this super-sized extravaganza that will leave everyone feeling sky-high.

A Fresh Take on The Ugly Duckling Comes to Nottingham Playhouse

Nottingham Playhouse is bringing a delightful treat to its youngest audience members this Christmas. A charming new adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's beloved tale, The Ugly Duckling, promises a magical experience for children aged 3 to 8.

Ethan Cooper makes his Playhouse debut in the title role, joined by Maya Thompson, (who audiences will recognise from last year’s Hansel and Gretel) who will bring to life to a menagerie of lovable farm animals.

Behind the scenes, an exciting team of creatives is breathing life into this classic story. The script is by Isabella Waldron, and Laura Ryder will direct. Composer Ben Glasstone has created enchanting original music to accompany the duckling's journey.

Families can look forward to a 50-minute show filled with music and interactive moments. But what sets this production apart is its commitment to accessibility. Creative captioning, using simple imagery to highlight key story points, makes the show more inclusive for children with hearing difficulties or auditory processing issues.

The Designer for the show is Nottinghamshire-born Alexandrea Hopkin-Spratt, a Nottingham Trent University graduate (BA Hons Design for Theatre and Live Performance) who was announced as the winner of the Playhouse Prize earlier this year. The prize gives a recent graduate their first professional job after training, which is producing the costume and set designs for the Christmas show for younger children in the Neville Studio. "I'm thrilled to be part of this production," Alexandrea commented. "Knowing that many local schools will have access to this performance aligns perfectly with my passion for bringing arts to young audiences."

The Ugly Duckling is part of Nottingham Playhouse's broader initiative to nurture local talent and provide equal opportunities in the arts. After its run at the Playhouse, the show will embark on a tour of schools and community venues in January 2025.

At its heart, this production is a gorgeous family show. We follow a unique little duckling who, feeling out of place in their own family, sets out on an adventure to find where they belong. Along the way, they encounter clever

creatures and face exciting challenges, ultimately learning that being true to oneself is the greatest adventure of all.

Don't miss this opportunity to introduce your little ones to the magic of live theatre with a story that celebrates individuality and friendship.

The Storm Whale

LIVE ON STAGE AT LAKESIDE ARTS

Lakeside Arts to welcome families to enjoy the much-loved story of The Storm Whale based on Benji Davies’ awardwinning books The Storm Whale and The Storm Whale in Winter.

Nottingham families are in for a treat this Christmas at Lakeside Arts. The University of Nottingham’s arts centre proudly presents The Storm Whale, a heartwarming stage adaptation of Benji Davies’ award-winning books The Storm Whale and The Storm Whale in Winter. Written and directed by Matt Aston, this captivating production is designed especially for children aged 3 and up, and their families.

Join this magical Christmas show as we take you out to sea to meet a little whale... This is a tender story following Noi, who rescues and befriends a whale washed up on the beach. Next winter, Noi waits and longs to see his friend again. Will it take another storm to bring them back together?

Filled with playful storytelling, brilliant puppetry, and original music by Julian Butler, The Storm Whale is a perfect introduction to theatre for children. Produced by some of the biggest names in children’s theatre – Engine House, York Theatre Royal, Little Angel Theatre and The Marlowe – this production promises to be a magical experience for the whole family.

Benji Davies’ The Storm Whale won the inaugural Oscar’s Book Prize and was named Dutch Picture Book of the Year 2017. Inspired by the coastal charm of Whitstable in Kent, Davies' story beautifully captures themes of friendship, love,

courage, and the wonders of the sea.

Writer and director Matt Aston is a familiar name to Nottingham audiences. A master storyteller, he previously directed the 2018 Christmas show Red Riding Hood at Lakeside Arts, as well as the stage adaptation of Benji Davies' Grandad's Island. His work has been praised as "witty and wonderful" by The Guardian.

This charming theatre adaption of The Storm Whale has been described as "quality storytelling at its best" by Pocklington Post, guaranteed to enchant little ones. Previous young viewers have shared their delight: “really good and fun and snowy” (Noah, 6) and “Wow, it was so good!” (Edward, 8).

Writer and Director Matt Aston said: “Benji Davies’ The Storm Whale and The Storm Whale in Winter are two books very close to my heart as they are firm favourites with my two children. It is beyond fantastic to get the chance to adapt both Benji’s books into one play for young people and their families. And we are delighted to bring the show to Lakeside Arts this Christmas."

Families visiting Lakeside for The Storm Whale will find plenty of festive surprises. From whalethemed decorations, delicious Christmassy treats in the café, to a special The Storm Whale-inspired installation in the Wallner Gallery –created by students from Djanogly Strelley Academy – there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Based on the idyllic University Park campus, with the popular Highfields Park on Lakeside’s doorstep, there’s plenty of space for children to burn off energy before or after the show.

James Parkinson, Deputy CEO at Lakeside Arts says: “Christmas at Lakeside is always a magical time, with our spaces filled with festive cheer and children’s excitement for theatre. We’re especially thrilled to show this adaptation of Davies’ charming books to the theatre, and we can’t wait to welcome you for this special holiday treat.”

The Storm Whale. Photo by Northedge Photography

Santa'ssteamGot

Steam trains are a quintessential part of the British landscape, often seen chugging along gently in the countryside or in famous films, like chronicles of Narnia or Harry Potter.

But steam train excursions are becoming increasingly popular with the public, coming in a myriad of forms from murder mystery dinners inspired by Agatha Christie to sightseeing tours of the Scottish Highlands.

Dubbed ‘The Golden Age of Travel’, the steam engine is a staple part of British history. We may be used to high-tech, highspeed trains now in the modern era, but the invention of steam trains was a vital part of the Industrial Revolution. Having been created well over 200 years ago, the steam train helped the evolution of the railway system and eventually travel all together.

Today, steam trains are considered a more beautiful and relaxing way to travel, and most set off on steam train journeys for fun rather than necessity. Steam train events and excursions are a slower-paced way of taking in the

picturesque views as you travel.

Plus, they have the added bonus of offering a key piece of history to passengers. Steam train outings are run across the country and come in a variety of themes.

Companies up and down the UK host elegant black-tie dinners with multiple courses or luxury afternoon teas aboard their steam trains.

Many are aimed at families, providing outings and more interesting ways of seeing the sights. And who could forget the lively seasonal events that take place throughout the year?

This winter, seasonal events will be held on almost every steam train service in the UK to celebrate Christmas.

Dress up in your favourite Christmas pyjamas and pop on that Santa hat before setting off on the cosiest Christmas train ride around.

Sip on hot chocolate and nibble on sweet treats as you enjoy steaming softly through the frozen countryside. And look out for a surprise visit from Father Christmas as he visits all the

boys and girls aboard.

Seasonal Christmas steam train events will be departing from stations all over the Midlands and surrounding areas from November to December. Make sure to secure your place on a Christmas steam train to see Father Christmas and his elves this festive season.

Make this Christmas extra special with a magical journey aboard a traditional steamhauled train!

What 's On

If you are looking forward to a night out here’s our roundup of the top events happening in december.

paddy mcguinness - nearly there

Sunday 1 December 7:45pm

Royal Concert Hall Nottingham

£31 to £41. Age Guidance 15+

Limited Availability

what’s on in december 2024 at the jimmy carr

BBC Concert Orchestra - The Universities for Nottingham Concert

Wednesday 4 December 7:30pm

Royal Concert Hall Nottingham

£12 to £41 plus discounts for Groups, Under 26s and full-time students

Age Guidance 7+

Peter Pan

Saturday 7 December 2024 – Sunday 12 January 2025

Theatre Royal Nottingham

£16.50 to £45 plus discounts for Members*, Under 25s, Families, Schools, and Groups

Age Guidance 3+

Nottingham Harmonic Choir - Messiah

Saturday 7 December 7pm

Royal Concert Hall Nottingham

£19.50 to £30 plus discounts for Over 60s, Under 16s, Students, and Groups Age Guidance 5+

Home Alone in Concert

Sunday 8 December 3pm

Royal Concert Hall Nottingham

£33.50 to £71.50

Age Guidance: This film is rated PG

Live At Lunch - Christmas with the NTU Chamber Choir

Monday 9 December 1pm

Royal Concert Hall Nottingham

Free admission – no booking required

Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny

Wednesday 11 December 7pm & 9.30pm, Royal Concert Hall Nottingham

£37.50. Age Guidance: Strictly 16+

The Halle Christmas Concert

Thursday 12 December 7:30pm

Royal Concert Hall Nottingham

£12 to £41 plus Multibuy packages, and discounts for Groups, Under 26s and fulltime students

Age Guidance 7+

The Amy Winehouse Band

Friday 13 December 7:30pm

Royal Concert Hall Nottingham

£30 to £34

The Bootleg Beatles

Saturday 14 December 7:30pm

Royal Concert Hall Nottingham

£36.50 to £78

Limited Availability

Sunday Piano Series: Dina Duisen

Sunday 15 December 11am

Royal Concert Hall Nottingham

£13.50. Age Guidance 7+

The Holiday in Concert

Tuesday 17 December 7:30pm

Royal Concert Hall Nottingham

£36.50 to £71.50. Age Guidance 13+

Limited Availability

Sara Pascoe, Tim Key, Steen Raskopoulos, Janine Harouni, Ivo Graham, and Alex Horne: Live At Christmas

Wednesday 18 December 7:30pm

Royal Concert Hall Nottingham

£29.50. Age Guidance 16+

Limited Availability

theatre royal & royal concert hall

peter pan amy winehouse band

Christmas at the Musicals

Thursday 19 December 7:30pm

Royal Concert Hall Nottingham

£20.50 to £33.50

Age Guidance 10+

Kate Rusby: Winter Light Tour

Friday 20 December 7pm

Royal Concert Hall Nottingham

£37 plus discount for Under 16s

Nottingham Harmonic Choir

Family Carol Concert

Saturday 21 December 5pm

Royal Concert Hall Nottingham

£14.50 to £27 plus discounts for Over 60s, Under 16s, Students, and Groups

Age Guidance 3+

The Snowman Live

Sunday 22 December 1pm (relaxed performance) and 5pm

Royal Concert Hall Nottingham

£20 to £24.50 plus discount for Under 16s

Step Into Christmas

Monday 23 December 7:30pm

Royal Concert Hall Nottingham

£34 to £39

Taylormania

Saturday 28 December 7:30pm

Royal Concert Hall Nottingham

£32.50

Limited Availability

Glenn Miller Orchestra

Monday 30 December 3pm

Royal Concert Hall Nottingham

£30.50 to £37 plus discounts for NHS Workers, and Under 26s

Sinfonia Viva’s New Year’s Eve Gala

Tuesday 31 December 6pm

Royal Concert Hall Nottingham

£22.50 to £42.50

To book tickets for any of these events go to www. trch.co.uk or call the Box Office on 0115 989 5555.

A Festive Celebration With a Twist

Embrace the Spirit of Solstice this Christmas at the National Justice Museum with the ever-popular festive murder mysteries return with a 1920’s twist

Picture the scene. It’s the Winter Solstice 1922, and the depths of winter have gripped Nottingham. The local charitable philanthropist from Westwood, Nottinghamshire has invited the residents of the local village to Nottingham’s Shire Hall for a festive celebration - with a twist.

Prepare to gasp in delight as they present a world-renowned Spiritualist as the night's entertainment. Will they be able to connect with the spirits of the past on the darkest and shortest day of the year?

All guests are invited to be seated in the candle-lit Courtroom as the séance begins. Sadly the recently deceased landlord of the local pub is missing from the party – or are they there in spirit, to wreak revenge on their assailant?

That’s right – the National Justice Museum’s famous Christmas murder mystery parties are back for another year! Perfect for couples, groups, and even work parties, these interactive experiences put you in control as you interrogate suspects and hunt for clues in this historic Nottingham venue.

But who’s on the suspect list? During the evening, you’ll meet a host of curious characters, all of whom could be the culprit.

Could it be Elton, the evening’s host?

A charitable philanthropist (and don’t they make sure we know it), they reside in Westwood, Nottinghamshire after inheriting the estate from a distant cousin who sadly died fighting in the great war. They don’t really like to talk about the circumstances of their inheritance, but they will tell you all about the extremely generous donations they make, and we wonder… why that may be?

Or perhaps you’re more suspicious of the gardener, Acres? They seem to have invited themselves, but failed to adhere to the dress code, or use the soap they were gifted last year. Still, we cannot begrudge the help a little solstice tipple, they do keep the Westwood estate looking so verdant and free of weeds. Of course, this is the best place for Acres to meet wealthy party goers who may enjoy a flutter on the horses, or the dogs, or a game of cards, or chance… We do wonder how they stay on top of all those debts.

There’s always Taylor, a wonderful teacher at the Robin of Loxley School. Although only being with us for just over a year they have shown a keen interest in local history, art and antiques (and how unfair it is they have yet to discover anything that can make them a pretty penny). They have, however, been terrifying the school children with their temper. We do hope they have not had cause to teach someone a lesson they won’t forget.

And of course there is the evening’s occult entertainment, renowned spiritualist Belrose. Are they truly able to contact those spirits who linger between this world and the next? They are here on this darkest of winter nights to gaze into the great beyond. Who will they contact, what secrets will they uncover…and what secrets are they desperate to hide?

During the evening, you’ll tour this grand, Grade II* listed building searching for clues and interviewing each suspect in different locations to track down the

culprit, before sitting down to a delicious three course Christmas dinner. During the meal, you can mull over details of the crime and deliver your verdict ahead of the big reveal in the Museum’s stunning Victorian courtroom.

The Spirit of Solstice: A Festive Murder Mystery runs from Thursday 28 November to Saturday 21 December, beginning at 6.30pm. Tickets are £55.99 per person, including a three course Christmas meal, arrival fizz cocktail or mocktail, and the murder mystery event.

HOCKLEY TO WELCOME

NEW TIKI BAR

NOTTINGHAM’S nightlife scene is about to get even more vibrant with the exciting arrival of Tahula’s Tiki Shack, brought to life by the creative team behind The Blind Rabbit, Walrus and Penny Lane.

Opening at the end of November, Tahula’s Tiki Shack promises a unique island-inspired retreat, with a wide selection of fresh cocktails and lively music helping to transport guests to a tropical paradise in the heart of Hockley.

escape with inventive cocktails, great music, and unbeatable beach vibes. We can’t wait to welcome everyone later this month.”

Located on Carlton Street, Tahula’s Tiki Shack will occupy the former lower floor of the beloved Hockley Arts Club, which will continue to operate on the top two floors, but with a new hidden entrance for added intrigue.

Dan Ellis, CEO of Fletchergate Industries, said: “We’re always passionate about delivering unique experiences that set our venues apart. Tahula’s will offer Nottingham something fresh—a space to unwind in a tropical

This latest launch marks the tenth venue for the awardwinning Fletchergate Industries, creating four new jobs in the city and building on the successes of the team’s other venues across the city.

Renovations are currently underway to transform the space into the perfect tiki hideaway, with the team promising eye-catching interiors and lots of exciting touches - a signature of all Fletchergate Industries venues.

Tahula’s Tiki Bar will be located at 20A Carlton Street, Nottingham NG1 1NN Find out more Instagram @tahulastikishack

Please mention Notts Aspect when calling or visiting the shop

Suddenly you will be given more clarity relating to a personal relationship that given you good reason to doubt someone's honesty and integrity. You may even start thinking about relocating or looking to make alterations to your current abode. Don’t become too frustrated because everything is working out the way it must, and to your advantage.

Professionally you may receive an offer that is too good to refuse resulting in either a financial gain from an investment, or challenging new job opportunity. You can also look ahead to a chance to enjoy some time for you rather expecting others to make you happy. Take personal responsibility for your own life.

Written in The Stars

By Linda Lancashire

There will be a good reason to consult professionals regarding some proper advice. Don’t be surprised if you are asked to lend money, or it could be you who is doing the borrowing. Exhaustion and poor health issues need addressing, so take a deeper look at adjusting your lifestyle. Tricky situation you are avoiding are bound to crop up, but you must keep your cool.

Aries taurus cancer leo

You are approaching an important turning point in a close relationship professionally. Thanks to your communicative skills you will succeed in a potentially explosive showdown. Because of all the enormous changes you have introduced into your current lifestyle, you are now attracting new and very different friends whom you share common interests with and whose companionship you enjoy.

Treats that you secretly enjoy begin with two interesting discoveries about yourself and others. A career change may also come about that will release you from the boredom and monotony of your current situation allowing you to explore new avenues. If you are unsettled about your current domestic situation, then its time to take action.

It's all systems go. But your attention will be drawn to one particular major project that is going to use up a lot of your time, energy and money, If you are planning an important special occasion, Someone from the past may suddenly turn up or you may hear about their maneuvers. Whatever the situation, its vital that you keep firm control over your emotions because much will be at stake.

Slowly but surely you are witnessing major changes to your environment that can only benefit you personally and financially in the long term. Beware of someone trying to entice you into a false sense of security. Your serious side is lightened by a few surprises and as for romance, be prepared for the unexpected.

Your air of independence leads you to taking that vital first step towards a better life. News about someone who has previously wronged you will come as no surprise. Take care of your health and don’t take any unnecessary risks especially if you are affected by long haul travel and extreme changes in time zones.

A last minute change of plan will work to your advantage. By putting some health distance between you and certain others, you will begin to learn the truth about their lives and how far removed you really from their reality. A new romance beckons on the horizon, and if you do decide to pursue that route, it could prove exciting in more ways than you could possibly imagine.

A lucrative business offer promises to yield much wealth. Spending time with loved ones and family will be rewarding. A conversation with a stranger could be the beginning of a beautiful new friendship. It’s time to let the past go because you have far too much good to look forward to. If you have spent away from home, you will feel delighted to return to your creature comforts.

Although friends are important, you can be emotionally supportive without being soft touch and you may just decide to put some distance between yourself and someone who can be a bit unreliable. It’s time to bring your dreams and ambitions out of storage and start making them a reality because all things are possible.

If you are currently involved in a romance or tricky business arrangement relationship where you are unsure of where and how you stand, avoid being influenced by someone who enjoys playing mind games. Friendships made in unlikely places could lead to new beginnings

Nottingham Belfry Hotel. The event promises an evening of celebration, community spirit, and fundraising to aid groundbreaking research that is transforming breast cancer diagnosis and treatment globally.

The Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre (NBCRC) has gained international recognition for its cutting-edge research, including the development of the Nottingham Grading System and the Nottingham Prognostic Index, which are used worldwide to improve breast cancer outcomes. The centre's current focus includes detecting breast cancer early, stopping its spread, and creating personalized treatments to enhance patient care.

Why the Boobie Ball Matters

This event is crucial in ensuring the continuation of the NBCRC’s life-saving work. The centre relies heavily on fundraising to support its research efforts, which provide new insights into breast cancer and drive the development of innovative diagnostics and therapies.

A Cause Close to the Heart

For Alexandra Perry, a volunteer organiser of the Boobie Ball, this cause is deeply

Institute and has met many incredible women who have gone through similar experiences.

"The work being done by the team at NBCRC is truly inspiring," she says. "I’ve seen first hand the dedication of the researchers, and I am honored to contribute to this effort by helping to organise the Boobie Ball. It's a chance to give back to a cause that has had such a profound impact on my life and so many others."

A Tribute to a Special Sisterhood

Lisa Johnson, a breast cancer survivor from Nottingham and founder of the Boobie Ball, has a deeply personal connection to the event. In 2015, at the beginning of her chemotherapy, Lisa was introduced to Claire Bower and Rebecca Redmond by their breast care nurse. The three women quickly formed a strong bond, supporting each other daily through their treatments. Affectionately calling themselves the "chemo sisters," they found comfort in their shared experiences.

Sadly, both Claire and Rebecca went on to develop secondary breast cancer. Claire passed away in May 2020, during

the lockdown, forcing her friends and family to watch her funeral via Zoom link. Tragically, Rebecca also passed away this August."This year’s Boobie Ball is dedicated to the memory of my dear friend Rebecca," Lisa shares. "We went through so much together during our treatments, and I want this event to honor her strength, her spirit, and all the incredible women like her who have faced breast cancer with courage."

Join Us for an Evening to Remember

The Boobie Ball will be a night filled with hope, entertainment, and the opportunity to support breast cancer research. Guests can expect an evening of live music, a raffle, and auction prizes, all to raise funds for NBCRC. Attendees will also have the chance to hear from breast cancer survivors and those working on the frontlines of research.

Get Involved

Tickets for the Boobie Ball are available now, and all proceeds will go directly to supporting breast cancer research at the Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre. Local businesses and individuals are also encouraged to contribute raffle or auction prizes to help make the event a success.

The Proper Boxing Event

Everyday in the UK, 18 people take their own life. That's 18 people who feel their only option is to no longer carry on. Suicide is the biggest killer of men aged under 45. ( The Hike with Mike Foundation)

12 years ago I found myself in a position where I constantly felt down and life totally overwhelmed me. The GP handed me anti-depressants like sweets and was sent on my way!! The problems only worsened and my anxiety went through the roof… I independently looked for help and had talking counselling for 3 years. This totally changed my thinking process, outlook on life and quite possibly saved it too.

I did a marathon for the hike with Mike foundation last year and wanted to do something this year for them too.

Out of the blue a good friend of mine ‘Seb’ contacted me saying he

wanted to do something for his charity “The New Way “ who work with substance abuse and homelessness in our area. Both of us had been matched to box each other 11 years ago but the bout never went ahead … He said in these exact words “ fancy that scrap now ?”

From this we have been contacted by various friends who would like to have an exhibition match to support our charities. We have now booked a venue and Seb and I are training everyone weekly to put on a show and raise funds and awareness for both Charities.

Every single pound is going direct to the New Way and The Hike with Mike foundation.

For further information see contact details below: Leigh Jackson Tickets £25 Contact Leigh Lpjackson78@gmail.com Insta Lpjackson78

NET RENAMES TRAM AFTER FASHION ICON

Beeston-born fashion designer Sir Paul Smith has become the latest Nottingham star to receive the honour of having a Nottingham Express Transit (NET) tram named after him.

The commemorative renaming comes in celebration of Sir Paul’s career which spans more than 50 years, following the opening of his first ever 3x3 metre store in Nottingham in 1970 and has grown to include more than 130 shops across the globe.

Sir Paul has become a trailblazing British designer whose work influences both fashion and popular culture.

hope they and all those living in or visiting the city enjoy taking a ride on my tram and exploring all it has to offer.”

Sir Paul Smith joins many other notable Nottingham people who have also had a tram named after them, including actress Vicky McClure, cricketer Stuart Broad and football star, Mary Earps, who unveiled her named tram last December.

Alison Sweeney, head of marketing at NET said:

His colourful Signature Stripe design is now instantly recognisable, featuring heavily within his own fashion house as well as locally; in 2013 he designed the tie for Beeston Fields school, and in 2006 Nottingham’s Broadway Cinema opened a Paul Smith Auditorium, filled with striped seats.

Speaking on the tram renaming, Sir Paul said: “Coming back home to Nottingham is always a joy and especially for the honour of having a tram named after you. This city is where it all began for me and my career, and I feel incredibly lucky to be recognised in this way. I’m proud to say my business still employs a lot of people in Nottingham, I

“Naming our trams has always been a fantastic way for us to honour the success of people from our city, and Sir Paul Smith is the perfect candidate for this high accolade.

“His creative contribution is truly something to be celebrated and even now, 50 years since launching his career, The Paul Smith Willoughby House flagship store is a key part of Nottingham’s retail offering.

“As such a key part of Nottingham life, we know how important it is for us to ensure that each of our trams reflect local people who have gone on to achieve brilliant things, and we understand the importance of this practice to the city. We’re continuing to review our renaming process and are excited to share further plans on this in the upcoming months.”

SUSTAINABLE SKINCARE

Eco Skincare Launches New Online Platform, Offering Sustainable Skincare for Conscious Consumers

Founded in 2018, Eco Skincare Ltd is a leading eco-friendly skincare brand based in Framfield, East Sussex, offering a wide range of sustainable products designed protect both skin and the environment. With a mission to reduce plastic waste and combat ocean pollution, Eco Skincare Ltd has earned multiple awards for its innovative approach to ecoconscious beauty.

Eco Skincare is excited to announce the launch of its new online platform, www.ecoskincare. co.uk, a one-stop shop for individuals seeking skincare products that align with their environmental and ethical values.

Designed for eco-conscious consumers who prioritise sustainability, the site features a carefully curated selection of skincare brands that promote healthy skin and a healthier planet.

Finding the right skincare brand that aligns with both your skin's needs and your personal values can be a challenge, especially with the growing number of options on the market. Eco Skincare simplifies this process by offering a range of easy-to-use filters, allowing customers to search for products based on specific criteria such as vegan, organic, plastic-free, or natural ingredients.

Whether you're looking for stand-alone skincare staples, thoughtful gifts for a loved one, or the convenience of curated subscription boxes, Eco Skincare has it all. With a diverse collection of brands—from well-known favourites to emerging ecofriendly innovators—the site ensures that every customer can find skincare products that reflect their ethical beliefs while delivering effective, high-quality results.

"We offer skincare that people can trust— both in terms of performance and its environmental impact."

Ocean Mission at the Heart of Eco Skincare

The story of Eco Skincare begins in 2018, when founder Emma embarked on a 2,400-mile journey across the Pacific Ocean to raise awareness of the devastating impact of plastic pollution. Although the

of performance and its environmental impact.

We’re proud to be making a difference, showing that you don’t have to sacrifice quality for sustainability”.

Eco Skincare is committed to making a lasting impact on the environment through its eco friendly skincare

and its ongoing partnership with Big Blue Ocean Cleanup, a UK-based non-profit dedicated to protecting our oceans from plastic pollution.

Experience Ocean-Friendly Skincare Today

Ready to make a difference with your skincare routine? Explore Eco Skincare’s award-winning range at www.ecoskincare.co.uk. Choose skincare that helps not only care for your skin but also protect the oceans we love. Dive into sustainable beauty and make a positive impact with every purchase.

Health & Wellbeing

WELLNESS

GIFT ING

Christmas is a time for self-care and love, so relax and rejuvenate with B&M’s range of wellness gifts and bring in the new year in the best way. Head to B&M to shop wellness gifting from just £3.00!

Himalayan Salt Lamp, £12

Scented Candle with Crystal, Happiness Positivity & Relaxation, £3 each

Shower Steamers 4pk - Wind Down £4 Beauty Fridge with Led Mirror

Naeo Night Sky Ultrasonic Glass Diffuser Set, £15

Self Care Journal, £3

Rechargeable Head Massager, £15

Blues

BEATING THE A WARRIOR ADDICT X-MAS

Finding that the colder weather and darker nights is affecting your mood? You could be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and you wouldn’t be alone

In fact, it has been estimated that 29% of British adults suffer from the condition during the winter months and battle with feelings of depression. So, what can be done to alleviate the symptoms and put a spring in your step again?

REMAIN ACTIVE

It may be tempting to spend your evenings curled up on the sofa when the sun stops shining, but it’s crucial to stay active in order to counter the effects of SAD. Consider exercises that you can do from the comfort of your own home, join your local gym and take advantage of indoor fitness classes or get outside at the weekends and enjoy a brisk walk – what could be better when the leaves have fallen?

KEEP YOUR VITAMIN D LEVELS UP

Vitamin D, otherwise known as the sunshine vitamin, is known to play a role when it comes to our mental health, so ensuring that you are getting enough during the autumn and winter months could help with your mood. Great sources include fatty fish such as tuna and salmon as well as cheese and egg yolks.

LET THERE BE LIGHT

Have you ever considered

light therapy? Many people find it an effective method for combatting their SAD, and it’s easy to get started with by investing in a light box. Light boxes work by emitting a light that can be up to ten times brighter than a conventional light that you would have in your office or home. Place it in a warm room in your home and get into a routine of sitting in front of it for 30 minutes every day.

LOOK FOR A SUPPORT GROUP

Talking things through is sometimes the best way of overcoming your problems and if you get online you’ll likely find a support group near to you for people that are battling with SAD. Instead of keeping your feelings bottled up, consider getting them out in the open and sharing your experiences with likeminded people.

TRY SOMETHING NEW

Occupying your mind is a great way to combat the side effects of SAD, and nothing will get your brain working harder than a new hobby. It’s a great distraction from the cold, dark evenings and is sure to make you feel brighter in no time. You could try learning a new language, a different sport or start baking cakes, perfect with Christmas around the corner.

The countdown to Christmas is in full swing, so for any of you looking for some X-Mas wellness ideas we have your back. Eco-Friendly Yoga, Pilates & Exercise Mats For Men. Warrior Addict has some incredible products that are sure to put a smile on his face.

The Warrior Mat, £69

Our Warrior Mat is ideal for an At Home Exercise, Yoga or Pilates Mat. Our luxurious mats will look cool in any home gym set up, they are black and come with handy alignment lines for positioning. They are wide, long and thick and grippy so great for longer legs and knee support.

Step #C Baseball Cap £29

Gifts from £10 to £100 all sustainably made from high quality materials in small batches

Gift or shop our brand-new Eco Warrior Yoga Gift Set which makes the perfect yoga gift for anyone that is both a Yogi and a Climate Warrior at the same time.

INCLUDES:

Cork Yoga Mat + Yoga Mat Carry Strap

2 Cork Yoga Blocks

1 Yoga Strap Free Online Beginners Yoga Course Retails at £99.00

Step W

Hydro Flask, £28

The Step Set Of 3 Yoga Mats, £177

Cork Block Set, £25

Additionally, over half of employees in the UK are experiencing symptoms of depression. These alarming figures reveal that the challenges are not discussed enough, leading to feelings of isolation among those affected.

There are many factors that can have an impact on mental health and well-being. Music can make a difference, as making or playing music has been proven to deliver many mental health benefits.

To raise awareness of the positive impact of music on mental health, leading music insurer musicGuard has spoken out on the benefits of music in improving well-being and self-esteem.

“With so many people in the UK facing mental health challenges, it's clear that the topic of mental health and its influences is very important and needs to be spoken about more. Music has the power to break down barriers of isolation, elevate wellbeing, boost self-esteem, and

offer an outlet for expression” says Simon Bennett, Managing Director of musicGuard.

Playing music provides a mood boost, and can help to stave off depression, anxiety, and negative thoughts. It can reduce stress and improve confidence, giving a sense of purpose.

Boosts Confidence and Self-Esteem

Mastering a new musical instrument or writing a song instils a sense of accomplishment and boosts self-confidence. As individuals progress and overcome challenges, they develop a belief in their abilities and gain a sense of self-worth. Performing in front of others and receiving positive feedback further enhances confidence and self-esteem, providing a strong foundation for personal growth.

Emotional Expression

Music is a universal language that allows individuals to

express emotions in a unique and powerful way. Learning to play an instrument provides an outlet for emotional expression, enabling individuals to convey their feelings, experiences, and thoughts through the art of music. It can be a therapeutic experience, promoting emotional well-being and stress relief.

“Whether you're seeking to improve your mental well-being or just trying out a new hobby, playing music can help. And although it may not make your worries disappear completely, it can relieve stress” adds Bennett.

Mental well-being is just one of the many benefits that come from playing music.

Christmas Have a Happy AND HEALTHIER

Top Tips to Look After Your Digestive Health Over the Festive Period

With party season fast approaching, it might not just be the goose that’s at risk of getting fat! How do we help our bodies survive the weeks of rich food and alcohol as we celebrate Christmas?

Award winning nutritionist and gut health specialist, Dr Lucy Williamson holds the gut microbiome at the core of a healthy body and mind so looking after our gut health will ensure we survive the excesses of the season!

“The festive season is a wonderful time for getting together with friends and family and we all tend to cram way more socialising into that two-week period than any other time of the year. The inevitable party food and celebratory glasses of alcohol take their toll not just on our digestion but on our sleep patterns and moods too. However, paying a little extra attention to our gut health can help us survive, and enjoy, Christmas while preparing us for the demands of the new year and winter too!”

Here are Lucy’s top tips to look after your digestive health over the Christmas period:

Alcohol

A glass of red wine can be beneficial for our gut health as it contains antioxidants which our good gut bugs love! For this same reason, cider can also be a good choice as apple skins are rich in antioxidants too. However, balance is key of course...... why not try mixing in alcohol-free days and enjoy a sophisticated glass of sparkling tea - these Kombuchas can still feel like a lovely treat but give your liver a break! They're also low in sugar to help your waistline over the Festive period (we often forget that red wine, cider, beer etc are high sugar drinks) and being naturally probiotic can support our digestive health too. (Just a reminder that the recommended weekly alcohol intake for men and women is 14 units. This equates to about 1 pint of beer or cider daily, or 1 glass red wine daily)

Sleep

Christmas is such a busy time, but we

know that sleep is vital to nurture our gut microbiome and digestive health; this is partly due to its effect on our gut brain axis - the pathway by which our gut impacts our emotional wellbeing. If it's hard to get in your 8 hours, try a lunchtime power-nap - our natural daily rhythm really wants us to do this! To drop out of carrying too much tension, try a short walk, some stretches in the garden or a 10-minute breathing meditation for example.

Eating late

We all love a party - which means eating later and less of an overnight fast which can really disrupt our gut brain axis, gut health and digestion. If you've eaten late the night before, try to adjust for this by having breakfast much later the next day so you still get at least a 12 hour fast.

Probiotic foods

Eating these little and often can be really helpful for balancing our good gut microbes - a small glass of kefir half an hour before breakfast, substitute in raw apple cider vinegar into your seasonal vinaigrettes, keep some sauerkraut in the fridge; it’s a great accompaniment to your festive cheeseboard - you can make these easily at home too.

Liver

Dish out the love with high quality protein - fish and chicken are good choices or try some lovely lentils, pulses and beans for good quality plant protein, like in a warming bowl of bean chilli

Plant variety

A great way to keep your gut happy is to remember to include as much plant

variety as you can across all your meals. The ideal is 30 plants a week. Here are some easy ways to do this:

• Nuts and seeds sprinkled on your breakfast bowl, soup or roasted veg.

• Remember spices and herbs count in the 30 a week too, so enjoy these ingredients in your favourite festive recipes like leftover turkey in a tasty curry!

Make simple veg dishes extra gut-loving by adding in extras for example:

• Sautéed leeks with quickly prepared peas,

• Winter herbs added into stir fries & roasted veg.

• Dress potatoes with a lovely herby mix like mint, parsley and oregano.

• Try a homemade green pesto to use with pasta in emergencies.

• Add extra fibre into your morning porridge - I love to use chia seeds, barley flakes, puffed quinoa and a sprinkle of cinnamon with my oats so it’s a five-plant porridge!

So go ahead – have yourself a merry little Christmas but spare a thought for your gut and gift it some nurturing foods between celebrations!

FESTIVE PYJA MAS

Gather your loved ones and create unforgettable holiday memories with B&Ms fantastic range of matching Christmas Pyjamas! Pair with some fantastic slippers or socks to really get into the festive spirit!

Mens Novelty Christmas

Fair Isle Pyjamas, mens £10, ladies £9, older kids £7, younger kids £6, baby £5

Merry Christmas Pyjamas, mens

ladies

Candy Cane Pyjamas mens £10, ladies £9, older kids £7, younger kids £6, baby £5

Snuggle Slippers

Xmas Slipper Socks

Cosy Club Pyjamas

£10, ladies £9, older kids

Fashion

HIGHLAND COLLECTION

TO TARTAN, OR NOT TO TARTAN?

This season, we proudly introduce our Highland Collection, a harmonious blend of British craftsmanship and Scottish tradition, offering a modern take on iconic Highland style. Featuring six distinct pieces – each item is expertly crafted from 100% premium merino wool for durability, comfort, and a touch of luxury.

Each piece in this collection is made entirely in Britain, produced at our Nottingham factory with attention to detail from the finest quality merino wool.

Samantha Thomas, Designer and Director, comments: "I love Scottish traditions and

have always been drawn to the rich heritage that surrounds them. Being a British brand, made in Britain, it felt important to draw inspiration from our great British heritage. This collection is my way of paying tribute to that legacy while infusing modern elegance into timeless designs."

Whether you're looking to make a bold tartan statement or simply incorporate subtle elements of tradition into your wardrobe, the Highland Collection is designed to suit every taste. Proudly British, these pieces reflect the finest in craftsmanship, offering elegance and style rooted in heritage.

Highland Tartan Oversize Pullover £360

Highland Tartan Hairband £30

Highland Tartan Socks £48.50

Highland Tartan Skirt £115

Highland Tartan Scarf £105 Highland Tartan Tie £29.50

Explore a range of seven invigorating and evocative aromas from fresh notes of cucumber and honeysuckle to mood-boosting mandarin and pink pepper.

For just £16, the Eau de Parfum sets include a full sized 48ml option housed in a chic coloured-glass bottle, alongside a handy travel size, perfect for those on-the-go moments.

Shop online and enjoy free store collection at www.marksandspencer.com

gifts for her

Time to start thinking about the perfect gifts for your favourite people this Christmas. Whether she's a foodie, a gardener or a fashionista, we have you covered with our curated gift guide for her!

Moon And Star Enamel Pendant Necklace by Mirabelle, V&A £50

and Violet Creams 80g, £15

Laura Ashley Beauty Bag

Sandalwood Perfume diffuser, Heavenly Homes and Gardens, £55

Natalia Willmott, Key vintage necklace £55

Noël Royal® Flavoured Black Tea, Mariage Frères £28

Ferris Jewelry Organizer in Natural, Umbra £26.98

Cocktail Candy Ring, Fool's Gold Jewellery £100

Bee Mini Grab Cross Body Jasper Conran £220

wildly stylish & sustainable

Leopard print is back, and Issy London is leading the way with eco-friendly, faux fur must-haves! From the chic Loretta Luxe Coat (£259) to the statement-making Adele Leopard Jacket (£229), these pieces are perfect for staying warm, stylish, and sustainable this season. Issy London’s collection is all about cruelty-free fashion that doesn't compromise on bold style.

Issy London’s Faux Fur Leopard Collection You’ll Love

Discover our ethically produced, premium faux fur collection. Designed in London and made from eco-friendly responsible materials, our new collection is crafted using recycled materials that began their journey as plastic bottles. Our timeless collections are beautifully designed to be treasured, year after year, conscious faux fur that's future (and fashion) friendly.

Adele Leopard Faux Fur Coat Brown, £229.00

Lila Sleeveless Coat Vegan Luxe Leopard

Claudia Luxe Leopard Faux Fur Jacket £209.00

Lena Leopard Faux Fur Jacket £229.00

Halle Jacket Luxe Vegan Faux Fur Berry, £219.00

Loretta Luxe Faux Fur Coat Leopard £259.00

Lena Leopard Faux Fur Jacket £229.00

Sock Subscription, Sock Geeks £9

Charcoal Grey Merino Wool Chunky Cardigan, The Nautical Company £87

Silas- Hammam at Home Gift Set, The Positive Company £85

CONNAISSEUR MARCO POLO® Black tea & jelly gift set, Marco Polo®, £39

SPOIL

YOUR FEET

Socks make a perfect present or a great treat for Christmas feet. The perfect stocking filler or Secret Santa gift? Cosy or traditional, wild and whacky...which style will you choose for the men in your life?

ArtnWordz Unisex Socks 'UmBeatles', The Design Gift Shop £15.27

Quirky Red Sneaker Socks by Ginger Fox, The Design Gift Shop £11.69

Royal Pavillion South Gallery Socks, Brighton & Hove Museums £15

Famous Artists Socks Collection, not just a shop £33

Men's Beer Socks Triple Pack by Luckies of London, The Design Gift Shop £22.93

Blueq Men's Socks Grumpy Old Man, The Design Gift SHop £13.74

Poodle Socks by Bonnie Maison, V&A £20

Shop Bounty the Black Cat Maneki Neko Socks - Quinn the Fox £8

Destinations

The Lakes

Love

for

The Lake District is undoubtedly home to the UK’s most popular national park, attracting millions of visitors each year who descend to sample its beautiful collection of mountains, lakes and forests. Visit in wintertime for invigorating walks and scenic exploring.

Windermere is Cumbria’s beating centre, and at 10.5miles long, is the largest lake in the whole of England too. Surrounded by mountain peaks and smaller villages, it’s arguably the most popular part of the Lake District to visit. The town of Windermere itself is home to The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, where children with a love of literature can explore how the famous author’s work was shaped, in part due to summer holidays at the Lakes. Enjoy a short stroll from Windermere and visit Orrest Head, a hill boasting unparalleled views of the surrounding countryside.

Another hotspot for ramblers and climbers alike is Ambleside, a small town situated at the head of Windermere Lake. A great base for exploring the Lakes, Ambleside is a bustling area with plenty to see and do after a day spent walking. Set up camp here and choose from a variety of accommodation

types including lodges, B&Bs and budget-friendly hostels. Take to the water from Ambleside Pier and discover the beauty of Lake Windermere or enjoy a guided cruise with Windermere Lake Cruises.

For a more peaceful experience in the Lakes, the smaller villages of Grasmere and Rydal are ideal choices. Grasmere village boasts its own lake and has plenty of shops, pubs and cafes ideal for refuelling at.

Be sure to also sample some of the legendary Grasmere Gingerbread, invented in 1854 and hailed by foodies all over as some of the best gingerbread in the world.

Rydal Mount was where the poet laureate William Wordsworth resided and with glorious views over Windermere, Rydal Water and the surrounding fells, it’s easy to see why it grew to become Wordsworth’s most loved family

home. Tour the house, which dates from the 16th century and contains some of the family’s most beloved possessions.

Back in the heart of the action is Ullswater, where another striking lake surrounded by a dramatic mountain backdrop makes for epic views, whether you are on foot or travelling in by car. For an active day of exploring, take on the Ullswater Way, a 20 mile walking route that goes around the entirety of the lake. Be sure to stop off at the number of villages along the way including Glenridding, Patterdale, Pooley Bridge and Howtown.

For even more breath-taking beauty, the Langdale Valley is another walker’s paradise, with iconic routes running up to the Langdale Pikes, pike being a local term for peak. The valley is split into two distinct areas, Great Langdale and Little Langdale. While visiting make your way through the village of Elterwater and marvel at the bracken clad heathland, quaint cottages and traditional village pubs.

With beautiful mountain walks, charming villages and enchanting scenery, it’s easy to see why the Lake District has inspired some of Britain’s most renowned literary talents and continues to draw back crowds of families, couples and lifelong friends hoping to sample more of its undeniable charm. Whether

for slow or fast-paced breaks, it’s one of England’s most resounding treasures.

MakingWaves

Been dreaming of a cruise holiday but can’t let go of your beloved resort escape just yet?

Cruise holidays are a popular and unique way to explore different destinations while enjoying luxury amenities and entertainment on board. Whether you're looking for relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, there’s likely a cruise that fits your preferences. Here’s an overview of what cruise holidays entail and some tips for making the most of them:

Ocean Cruises

Caribbean: Often regarded as one of the most popular cruise destinations, with islands like the Bahamas, Jamaica, and the Virgin Islands. These cruises typically focus on relaxation, beach activities, and vibrant island culture.

Mediterranean: Explore European destinations such as Spain, Italy, Greece, and Turkey. These cruises offer a combination of stunning coastlines, ancient ruins, and rich cultural experiences.

Alaska: For nature lovers, Alaska cruises provide breathtaking views of glaciers, wildlife, and rugged coastlines. Popular ports of call include Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway.

Northern Europe: From the fjords of Norway to the Baltic capitals like St. Petersburg and Tallinn, these cruises are perfect for history and nature enthusiasts.

River Cruises

Danube, Rhine, and Seine: River cruises in Europe offer a more intimate experience, often with stops at historic towns, castles, and vineyards. They tend to be smaller ships with less emphasis on large-scale entertainment.

Mekong, Nile, and Amazon: In other parts of the world, river cruises offer a chance to explore less-travelled destinations, often with an emphasis on culture and local communities.

Expedition Cruises

For those seeking adventure, expedition cruises go to remote and wild destinations like Antarctica, the Galapagos Islands, and the Arctic Circle. These cruises focus on exploration, with activities like kayaking, wildlife viewing, and hiking.

Luxury Cruises

These are high-end cruises that emphasize comfort, gourmet dining, personalized service, and exclusive experiences. Companies like Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, and Crystal offer all-inclusive luxury cruises with fivestar accommodations and top-notch amenities.

Family Cruises

Many cruise lines cater specifically to families with children, offering kidfriendly activities, kids' clubs, family

excursions, and entertainment. Disney Cruise Line, for example, is famous for its family-friendly itineraries and activities.

Benefits of Cruise Holidays

Most cruise packages include accommodation, meals, entertainment, and activities. This makes budgeting easier and offers great value. You only need to unpack your bags once, but can visit multiple destinations during the cruise. This is ideal for people who enjoy seeing multiple places without the hassle of travel logistics.

Cruises typically offer a wide range of activities, from pools and spas to shows, casinos, fitness centers, and themed parties. They are also a great way to meet people, whether you're traveling solo or as a couple or family. Many cruise lines offer meet-ups, group excursions, and themed events.

Traveling by sea offers the opportunity to enjoy stunning ocean views, especially during sunrise and sunset. Many cruise itineraries feature scenic destinations like fjords, islands, and coral reefs.

Cruises can range from short 3-day getaways to week-long or even longer voyages. Shorter cruises are great for first-timers, while longer cruises allow you to explore more destinations. Check the season for your chosen destination, the Caribbean is ideal in the winter months, while Alaska is best in summer. Mediterranean cruises are popular in spring and autumn.

Experience the Magic

Step into a dream world of snowy wilderness for the trip of a lifetime!

Finnish Lapland is famous for its spectacular scenery, uncanny resemblance to winter wonderland and of course, for being the home of Santa Claus and his reindeers. Step into a dream world and brighten up the dark winter days with the warm glow from villages and ski resorts or the serenity of the snowy wilderness. A once in a lifetime experience with unforgettable sights to marvel at and treasure, Lapland is a must visit destination for explorers, families and adults of all ages.

Unquestionably one of the most breathtaking spectacles of the natural world is the Aurora Borealis. The Northern Lights are an exciting and rare experience for many but in Finnish Lapland they appear more than 200 nights a year, creating an incredibly likely chance of witnessing their incredulous beauty.

Encounter the natural phenomenon of the Midnight Sun throughout the winter months along with all the activities that come with it, such as hiking the beautiful fells for a mesmerising view or visiting cultural events, for example the Midnight Sun Film Festival in Sodankylä. Explore the Finnish wilderness in style, relax and enjoy a sled ride pulled by playful huskies or Santa’s very own reindeers for an authentic winter adventure.

Delve into the Finnish culture and learn about their endangered indigenous population, The Sámi, who now stand just 6,000 people strong but remain the

only indigenous people of the European Union in the Northern parts of Finland, Norway and Sweden. Be intrigued by the preservation of their language and culture, governed by an autonomous parliament of Inari.

Now of course, we must address one vital reason which draws people to Lapland from all over the globe, Santa Claus. Although the exact location of Mr Claus’ house remains unidentified, you can visit him all year round in his Rovaniemi office where he regularly greets visitors and seeks their deepest wishes at Christmas.

If you have been drawn to Finland by the gorgeous white blanket of snow, the opportunities for winter sports are endless. There really is a slope style for everyone, from beginners and kids runs to black slopes for the professionals amongst us, ski or snowboard down the scenic and inviting slopes for an exhilarating thrill.

Whatever brings you to the land of magic and wonder, winter sports, delicious food, Santa’s grotto or the breath-taking natural beauty, you won’t be disappointed. With unbelievable scenery, interesting activities and a once in a lifetime experience, a trip to Lapland will be one to remember.

With unbelievable scenery, interesting activities and a once in a lifetime experience, a trip to Lapland will be one to remember.

Home & Garden

Discover a blend of glossy and matte ceramics, smoked and frosted glass, and delicate handwritten and handdrawn details, bringing contemporary sophistication to your holiday décor.

Nordic Noel

Transform your Christmas with modern, minimalist elegance with the Nordic Noel Collection. Embrace Scandinavian simplicity with bold, clean monochrome designs and subtle nude accents, creating a festive season filled with effortless chic.

Beaded Merry Tree Dec £2.50

Nordic Dessert Bowl £2

Ceramic House

Glass Bottle Tree Dec £3 Ceramic Houses Dec - 4pk £4 Gingerbread Snowflake Dec £2.50

Round Ceramic House Tealight Holder £2.50

Iridescent Wooden Snowflake £3

Christmas Tree Glass Mug £3.50

Resin

Gingerbread House Dec £2.50

INSERT HEADER COPY

Whether you’re updating a modern loft or refreshing a traditional home, the sleek furniture and plush textiles of this trend will instantly bring an element of calm and timeless style to any room.

Foil & Embossed Wrap - 3m £1.50 // Nordic Noel Ribbon - 6pk

Noel Luxury Crackers - 6pk £8

Beaded Snowflake Bauble £3 Nordic Noel Hanging Star £3.50

Gold Bells

Garland £5

Wreath with Wooden Houses £3

Gold Stag £6

Glass Bottle Tree Dec £3

Wooden Star Dec White £2

Keeping Warm this Winter

A PROPERTY expert has shared her advice on cheap and easy ways to keep your house warm this winter as a new report shows one third of homeowners regards energy efficiency as being too expensive.

The majority of homeowners experience barriers to carrying out energy efficiency savings, according to the latest annual HomeOwner Survey from the HomeOwners Alliance. It found that 57% of homeowners felt that there are barriers to carrying out energy efficiency improvements. The cost of making improvements was cited by 36% of people responding to the survey as the main reason for not carrying out work, whilst 19% said that the lack of grants and incentives was off-putting.

A similar proportion of homeowners, 18%, said they were not convinced that the energy savings would offset the up-front costs of making improvements. Energy improvements that were adopted were simpler and inexpensive options, like loft insulation that had been carried out by 51% of respondents.

Commenting, Klara Painter of House Buy Fast, said: “The furore over winter fuel payments has dominated the headlines, but there are improvements that we can make to our homes which do not cost vast sums of money. Properties in rural areas are most at risk because they tend to be older and colder and are hit harder by rises in energy prices.

“Successive governments have reiterated the commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, but that faces a threat because of the large number of old and energy inefficient properties in the UK. If a home is considered to be not appropriately energy efficient, its value could drop significantly.

“They also risk limited market value growth or restricted access to specific financial products, but avoiding that can involve a very modest initial outlay.”

Klara said there are five easy ways to stay warm this winter:

• Draught-proof doors and windowsletting warm air that you have already paid to heat escape makes no sense. Check around windows and doors to see if there is cold air getting in and, if so, apply self-adhesive draught-proof tape to seal the gaps.

• Insulate pipes and hot water tank - hot water cylinder jackets cost around £20

to buy but could save the average semi £165 a year in heating costs.

• Reduce your boiler flow temperature - this controls the temperature of the water that circulates in your radiators: save on your gas bills by reducing the setting to 60 degrees.

• Maximise your radiators - your radiators may have cold spots, so bleed them of air to improve their performance. You could also install reflector panels behind them on external walls, a simple job that could save £20 a year on bills.

• Insulate your loft - some 25% of the heat in your home can be lost through the roof if it is uninsulated and, while the cost of installing loft insulation could be £950, you could get it free with the Great British Insulation Scheme. On average, loft insulation can save you £200 a year on bills.

Removable Murals

Removable Murals THE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS DECORATION

Deck your halls and create the ultimate winter wonderland this Christmas with removable festive wallpaper murals from Wallsauce.

Whether you’re looking to create Santa’s grotto for the kids or are hosting fashionable parties, take your Christmas decoration to a whole new level. From snowy birch trees to folklore patterns, choose from over 70 designs to bring the magic of Christmas to your home.

Available to order on the removable peel and stick wallpaper, the Christmas murals are the perfect temporary solution for creating impressive festive decor. Simply choose your favourite design, enter your dimensions and select the ‘peel and stick’ wallpaper option.

Once your made-to-measure festive backdrop arrives, simply ensure your wall is smooth and clean, peel off the backing and stick each panel

to your wall. Should you ever wish to remove it, peel it off and see your wall return to how it was.

Bring the Christmas magic to your home with a festive wallpaper mural. The peel and stick removable wallpaper is a great solution for temporary decoration at Christmas. As this material leaves no mess or damage behind on a correctly prepared wall, other designs are usually the perfect solution all year round for those in rented homes.

Wallsauce ships worldwide – Prices for peel and stick murals from £29/ m2. Every mural we produce is printed on demand and is unique to you. We don't hold stock. For the full festive range please visit our website.

take a seat

As we head into winter, nothing beats curling up in an armchair, with a cosy blanket, to binge watch your favourite film or TV show. So why not add style, colour and comfort to your space with these gorgeous new seating arrivals?

A selection of My Furniture’s classic lines are now available in an array of fresh new hues. So whether you’re drawn to bold, eye- catching shades or prefer soft, soothing tones, the newly updated colour options are designed to complement any décor.

The ever-popular Brodie Swivel Chair is inspired by highly collectable, midcentury American furniture. Upholstered in tactile chenille, Forest Green and Light Taupe have been newly added to the existing range of Mustard, Dove Grey and Black colour ways. Its sculptural swivel base is finished in stylish brushed brass (Forest Green) or Bronze (Light Taupe).

The luxurious Metz range, inspired by contemporary Italian furnishings, is now available in velvety shades of Camel and Olive. Complemented with a solid ash base and brushed brass feet to make a statement in your living room.

Gorgeous earthy tones of Terracotta and Forest Green have been introduced to the Melville and Pax ranges, which are both upholstered in sumptuous chenille. The generously padded Pax Accent chair is completed with a curved ash frame with matt black stained finish. Swivelling Melville is perfect for reading

and watching movies.

The timeless Lauren Lounge Chair is now available in soothing shades of Lichen and Limestone. The durable linen-effect fabric is not only beautiful, but also ultimately practical. Other colours in this range include Blue, Smoke Grey and Calico.

To inject a bit of retro fun to your living room, the contemporary Ponte and Chess chairs have distinctive silhouettes, clad in light, neutral fabrics. Swivelling Mush is playful and squishy, while classy Carlton swivels in Chalk or Taupe velvet.

Brodie Swivel Chair in Forest Green and Light Taupe from £379.99

Lauren Lounge Chair in Lichen and Limestone from £219.99

Ponte Lounge Chair in Beige from £249.99

Mush Swivel Chair in Natural Linen from £349.99

Metz Armchair in Camel and Olive from £599

A TREE FOR

CHRIST MAS

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, how lovely are your branches! Each year you bring us delight, with brightly shining Christmas light! Which tree will you choose this festive season...

Colour Pop Imperial tree (7ft), Dobbies £129

Imperial tree (7ft), Dobbies £129

Winter Shimmer Gold Tree, Dunhelm £40

2m Warm White LED Fairybell Outdoor Christmas Tree, Lights4fun £174.99

Lighted Artificial Pine Christmas Tree, Wayfair £84.99

Pot grown trees, from £24.99 Dobbies

Rattan Christmas Tree H80cm, Ivyline £49.99

Indoor Outdoor Light Up Faux Olive Tree, Cox &Cox £165

How To Heat Your Home In Style

Prepare for the change in season with cosy indoor heating solutions, perfect for those colder evenings slowly creeping up on us

Whether you live in a modern home or a traditional English cottage, choose from a variety of home warmers, including smartcontrolled fireplaces or multi-fuel, ecodesign stoves, to create a captivating ambience in your living spaces.

Wood-burning stoves have a certain charm about them, don't they? The soft, flickering light they emit, their crackling sounds, and the welcoming warmth they provide on a chilly evening. Of course, we're slightly biased here at Direct Stoves - but thousands agree! For many UK households, wood burners are more than just a heating appliance.

Inset wood burning stoves are a great alternative to a traditional open fire and offer a much more efficient burn that will put a lot more heat into your room. They are also cleaner and easier to use, and are designed to fit in most fireplace

openings so are ideal to use in smaller rooms where space is at a premium.

As we all grow more conscious about our environmental footprint, the question of ecofriendliness is looming over stoves. Are wood burners bad for the environment? The good news – not necessarily. If you care about your environmental impact, that doesn't mean you

have to shun the log burner. In fact, modern stoves are highly efficient and eco-friendly.

Direct Stoves and Direct Fireplaces are here to help you choose the right smart controlled fires or eco-design stoves for your home. With an extensive selection, view all the options available to find the ideal fit for your living space.

Gazco

ACR Woodpecker WP5Q-LS Wood Burning Multifuel Ecodesign Stove £1,399

Gazco Studio 1

Balanced Flue Hole in the Wall Gas Fire £3,460

Prepare Your Garden For Winter With Verve

Preparing your garden for winter is crucial to ensure that your plants, soil, and garden structures remain healthy and ready for the next growing season.

Clean Up the Garden

Remove Dead Plants: Clear out spent annuals, vegetables, and any diseased or dead plants. This helps prevent pests and diseases that can spread over winter in garden debris.

Weed Control

Pull out weeds

To reduce competition for nutrients and prevent them from spreading seeds during winter.

Leather Deep Lichen Green Gardening gloves Large, Pair Protect Perennials and Bulbs.

Cut Back Perennials

Trim back perennials to a few inches above the ground, especially if they are prone to diseases. However, leave some seed heads for birds to eat and to add winter interest to the garden.

Mulch Around Perennials

Apply mulch around the base

of perennials to insulate the roots from freezing temperatures. This also helps prevent the freeze-thaw cycle that can damage roots.

Plant Bulbs

Late fall is a good time to plant spring-blooming bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocuses. They require the cold period to bloom in spring.

Soil Care

Amend the Soil: Add compost

or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil with nutrients. This organic matter will break down over winter, improving soil structure and fertility for spring planting.

Mulch

Apply a layer of mulch (like straw, leaves, or wood chips) to protect the soil from erosion, moderate temperature fluctuations, and retain moisture. Mulching also prevents soil compaction from winter rains or snow.

Verve Polyester (PES) Navy Gardening gloves £3.50

Leather Deep Lichen Green Gardening gloves Large, B&Q £7

Verve Latex White/green Gardening gloves £2.50

Verve Red Woodchip mulch 100L Bag, B&Q £12

Handcrafted Luxury

Spoil yourself this festive season with Webb & Gray's luxurious, sustainably made gifts, decorations & homewares to adorn your home this Christmas

Christmas Baubles

Our luxury marbled Christmas baubles have been made by hand using the traditional Ebru marbling technique. This means that each and every bauble is completely unique. We use high quality ceramic baubles made in a family run factory in Derbyshire and specialist Turkish marbling paints to ensure a superior finish. Each bauble is complete with a long satin ribbon and comes in its own beautiful gift box.

Gilded Walnuts

results in a smooth, even finish and a deep gold colour. Each luxury candle holder has a blue flocked velvet base and come in a beautiful gift box. This is limited edition of just four luxury candle holders.

Gilded Candlesticks

These luxury, sustainable wavy candlesticks have been handmade from reclaimed antique and vintage table legs. They have been gilded with silver leaf which has been carefully applied by

hand and varnished for protection. The luxurious metallic finish is a dyed genuine silver leaf which has a beautiful soft sheen and natural variations in colour. Each candle holder is a one-off handcrafted piece.

Visit our online Christmas Shop, full of luxurious, beautiful pieces to adorn your home or gift to your loved ones during the festive season and beyond!

Based on traditional Victorian Christmas tree decorations, our luxury gilded walnuts have been made by hand using two layers of 24 carat gold leaf. The process of double gilding ensures a smooth and even finish and a deep gold colour. The walnuts are hung with luxury double sided velvet ribbon in a choice of red or navy blue. Our walnuts come in a beautiful gift box with a ribbon and make ideal gifts and keepsakes.

Fluted Luxury Candle Holders

The epitome of sustainable luxury, these candle holders have been hand crafted from reclaimed furniture feet and double gilded in genuine 24 carat gold leaf. The process of double gilding involves applying two layers of gold leaf which

Fluted Luxury Candle Holder

24 Carat Gold £150

Gilded Walnut 24 Carat Gold, £72

Set of 4 Marbled Baubles Navy and Gold £125

Luxury Marbled BaubleRed, Pink & Black, £40

Gilded Wavy Candlestick

Genuine Silver Leaf £130

Property

High Level of interest from house buyers at The Paddocks

IN NETHER BROUGHTON

Local Developer Williams Homes have released all Nine properties on their development in Nether Broughton which is Located on Dalby Road in this charming Leicestershire village in the Vale of Belvoir.

Local Developer Williams Homes have released all Nine properties on their development in Nether Broughton which is Located on Dalby Road in this charming Leicestershire village in the Vale of Belvoir, This small development offers a range of 2, 3 and 4 bed homes which offers potential homebuyers the chance to become part of a thriving local community.

All the houses at the Paddocks benefit from fully fitted kitchens with Quartz Worktops, kardean flooring and a range of Quality Bosch appliances including ceramic induction hob, Single oven and microwave/oven combi, fridge/freezer and dishwasher. The bathrooms and en-suites are luxuriously designed and are fitted with Villaroy and Boch sanitary ware with quality chrome fittings. White towel radiators and porcelanosa ceramic wall tiles.

Our new homes will provide purchasers with a highly efficient home and a new concept of living. One of the

key advantages is there will be NO Gas bills to pay. By using an Air heat source pump to provide heating and hot water, it is possible to greatly reduce CO2 emissions. Also as standard all homes includes solar panels, security alarms and electric vehicle charging points.

Ian Anderson Sales director of Williams Homes said “We are very excited with the release of our New Homes at the Paddocks and we have received a high level of interest with 2 of the plots already reserved, so I would

SEAL OF EXCELLENCE

FOR NOTTINGHAMSHIRE DEVELOPMENT

A Site Manager at Barratt Homes’ The Hawthorns development in Sutton-inAshfield has been awarded the prestigious Seal of Excellence from the National House Building Council (NHBC), which is a top industry accolade.

Josh Smart (32) has been recognised for his exceptional commitment to maintaining high-quality construction standards whilst overseeing the development, exemplifying the excellence that Barratt Homes strives to achieve. The NHBC Seal of Excellence is awarded to approximately 130 site managers nationwide, reflecting their exceptional performance in various aspects of site management.

This accolade follows his earlier success in winning his first Pride in the Job Quality Award, highlighting his dedication to delivering high-quality homes, with the Seal of Excellence award marking an outstanding year of achievements for Josh.

Josh said: “I am ecstatic to have received a Seal of Excellence award. As a firsttime Pride in the Job winner, I did not expect that my team and I would win such a prestigious award on top of this. I’d like to thank Rob Hutchings, Rob Taylor and Steve Hallam for all their help and support this year, it has been invaluable.”

After nearly eight years of commitment to Barratt Homes, Josh remains focused on delivering expertly crafted homes at The Hawthorns, ensuring they meet the highest standards of quality.

Mark Cotes, Managing Director at Barratt Homes North Midlands, said: “We’re incredibly proud of Josh for securing a Seal of Excellence

award and we’d like to thank him for his continuous hard work. The role of a site manager requires a tremendous amount of dedication, and ours are on the ground each and every day to make sure their developments are maintaining a high standard.”

Earlier this year, Barratt Homes also achieved a five-star rating from its customers in the HBF Customer Satisfaction Survey, which recognises both build quality and excellence in customer care. This is the 15th year in a row that the developer’s customers have rated it as a five-star housebuilder.

The Hawthorns boasts a selection of three bedroom homes priced from £244,995, many of which include a range of offers and saving up to £25,328. Additionally, home buyers could secure their ideal property with a reservation fee of just £99 as part of a limited time offer*.

The sought-after development is located on the outskirts of Mansfield and Sutton-inAshfield, providing residents with simple access to an array of amenities, including a choice of supermarkets, a cinema and scenic walking routes at King’s Mill Reservoir.

To find out more about The Hawthorns, visit the website. For more information about any nearby developments in the county, visit the website at Barratt Homes in Nottinghamshire.

*T&Cs: The £99 reservation fee offer cannot be used in conjunction with Movemaker, Part Exchange or Part Exchange Guarantee. Any cancellations from reservations using the £99 reservation fee will not be refundable.

Bloor Homes is urging First Time Buyers to take a look at their options for buying a new home at Keyworth Rise before the predicted rise in stamp duty tax for First Time Buyers in early 2025. This comes as the developer has released its last energyefficient homes in the final phase of this popular development in Nottingham where the new-builds’ Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings will allow purchasers to qualify for a green mortgage which could have a better rate than a regular one.

The threshold was raised by the previous government to allow First Time Buyers to pay zero stamp duty on purchases of up to £425,000 until March 2025. With the new Labour government indicating that they will not be extending the threshold beyond this date, anyone buying a home for the first time from April 2025 will pay stamp duty tax on properties over the lower threshold of £300,000.

Angie Prince, Sales Director for Bloor Homes’ Midlands region, said: “The change to the threshold means First Time Buyers have just a few months to secure one of our last remaining homes at Keyworth Rise before the threshold is removed in March 2025. As a builder of new homes, we are not only able to offer the advantage of having no forward chain, which speeds up the whole process, there are ‘green mortgages’ available for purchasers choosing a new,

energy-efficient home. This could allow purchasers to receive cashback and/or better interest rates from lenders when buying an energy-efficient property.

“To add to this, we are offering to pay the 5% deposit required by many lenders on selected plots, making now a great time to make the move to a brandnew home. In other words, anyone currently saving for a deposit won’t have to find it in time for the stamp duty threshold change, we can pay it for them. We pride ourselves on providing energy-efficient and costeffective properties for forward-thinking buyers who wish to explore the green mortgage schemes. The EPC ratings also mean that purchasers can both save up to £183 a month on energy bills and live in a home which produces 60% less emissions than a second-hand property.

“It is definitely worth exploring the savings that can be made via a green mortgage with financial advisers or directly with lenders. And of course, anyone wishing to find out more about the new homes and how they can benefit from our Deposit Paid scheme can visit the sales centre and showhomes to talk to our friendly sales team.”

Keyworth Rise is located on Bunny Lane in Keyworth, just 6 miles from Nottingham and West Bridgford, with a range of three, four and five bedroom homes.

on selected plots for buyers wishing to move to one of the final new homes before Christmas.

Bloor Homes will pay a 5% deposit

Josh Smart, Site Manager at The Hawthorns

LAST CHANCE TO BUY FINAL

RIVERSIDE APARTMENTS

The final properties at a Nottingham riverside development have gone on the market, with 95 per cent of homes on the site already sold.

Construction at Trent Bridge Quays has been completed and only the last few one- and two-bedroom apartments remain available to buy.

The development has provided 156 homes, including town houses and apartments. With just five per cent left to sell, the appointed estate agent said there was a sense of urgency growing amongst would-be buyers. Built by award-winning developer Elevate Property Group, the development stands on a former brownfield site on the banks of the River Trent adjacent to Notts County football ground.

David Hofton, Elevate’s sales and marketing director, said: “This has been a fantastic project to work on. The riverside location is stunning and, being in the heart of the city’s sporting heritage, it has been a privilege to bring the development to fruition.”

Trent Bridge Quays is located in the NG2 area of Nottingham. Within easy walking distance and sight of Notts County, Nottingham Forest and Trent Bridge, homes there have appealed not only to first-time buyers, downsizers and families, but also sportspeople and fans.

The remaining apartments for sale in the final block are priced at £215,000 for a one-bed and £260,000 for a two-bedroom apartment with gated parking available.

All have been equipped with high specification, ‘best in class’ interior design features including fully integrated kitchens, quality flooring throughout, and Porcelanosa tiles in the bathroom.

In addition, a large two-bed, two-bathroom duplex apartment fronting the River Trent is available to buy. Measuring 1,580 sq. ft (the

size of a typical four-bed house), it is priced at £570,000, has a penthouse specification, and patio that faces due south and takes in some stunning river and canal side views. All properties at the development have an EPC rating of B, putting them in the top 10 per cent of energy efficient homes in the country.

Trent Bridge Quays is part of Nottingham’s wider urban regeneration project, which has seen land alongside the River Trent transformed into desirable locations for waterside homes.

Kerri Bywater, new homes partner at William H Brown, said: “Trent Bridge Quays has transformed this section of the riverbank. High buyer interest has reflected the desirability of the homes here. The location of these apartments is a tonic for the body and soul. The benefits of waterside living on both physical and mental health are tremendous, especially here where there are some beautiful walks alongside the River Trent to Victoria Embankment or a stroll into West Bridgford.”

The site is equal distance between Nottingham city centre and West Bridgford. It has attracted a high proportion of owner occupiers keen to enjoy the waterfront views and newly planted promenade in one direction, and city skyline in the other. Buyers have also commended the apartments for their ‘lock up and leave’ potential thanks to their low maintenance and easy access to the train station and East Midlands Airport.

Kerri said: “There is now a sense of urgency amongst home buyers who want to secure a property at this prime riverside location. Just five per cent of the original release remains for sale so time really is ticking. Plus, those

reserving now have the potential to move in for Christmas.”

Elevate Property Group is an award-winning developer founded in 2011, establishing countrywide expertise in residential, commercial and land acquisition.

David said: “Having analysed market conditions, we believe the property market has now bottomed out. Halifax and Nationwide are reporting price rises, inflation is falling with mortgage rates following and we are offering first-time buyers a helping hand to help buy their first home with a ‘five per cent gifted deposit’. There is no better time to buy.”

“Encouraging reports from other experts in the field are also coming in. In its five-year residential forecast, Savills predicted that the East Midlands region would outperform national house price growth by over 20 per cent over the next five years.”

Trent Bridge Quays marketing suite is open from 10am to 5pm Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. View the brochuretrent-bridge-quays.co.uk

For more details or to book an appointment to view, call William H Brown, West Bridgford on 0115 981 9828 or 07895 312490. Alternatively, email sales@elevatepropertygroup.co.uk

THE VISIONARIES Behind Lusso Park Homes

Kerrie and Robert, the husbandand-wife team have reimagined the traditional park home, transforming it into a luxurious, modern, and highly customizable living experience. With an unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship, they have created Tye’s Close Park in the heart of the Lincolnshire wolds delivering only 9 stunning homes, ensuring each one is tailored to reflect your personal style and needs.

In this personal insight, Kerrie and Robert talk you through how they’ve achieved this transformation:

Exclusive and Private Living at Tye’s Close

With just 9 homes, we offer a rare opportunity for residents to enjoy a serene, low-density living environment. The limited number of homes ensures that the community remains a peaceful retreat, free from the noise and congestion of larger developments, allowing for a tranquil lifestyle in a private and exclusive setting.

A Strong Community Feel at Tye’s Close

With only 9 homes, Tye’s Close fosters a close-knit community where residents can truly get to know their neighbors and enjoy a more connected lifestyle. The limited number of homes encourages meaningful social interaction, while still providing ample personal space and privacy. It’s the perfect balance of community and tranquility.

Sustainability and Eco-Conscious Design

We have incorporated sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems into their homes, focusing on reducing environmental impact. Superior insulation, and eco-friendly construction practices ensure energy efficiency and align with modern eco-conscious living trends.

Customizable and Personalized Homes – Tailored to Your Lifestyle

We believe that your home should be as unique as you are. Offering a highly customizable living experience, we allow homeowners to personalize every aspect of their home, from the interior layout to the finishing touches. Whether you prefer open-plan living, a spacious kitchen, or bespoke finishes, each home is designed to reflect your individual tastes and lifestyle.

Private Landscaped Gardens

Every Lusso home comes with a beautifully designed, private landscaped garden, offering homeowners a peaceful retreat right at their doorstep. These gardens are meticulously maintained as part of the service charge, allowing you to enjoy a lush, well-kept outdoor space without the hassle.

Instead of traditional fences, we have planted natural laurel hedges that provide a soft, organic boundary between properties. For those with pets, there is the option to include mesh in between the growing laurel, ensuring privacy while still maintaining the garden’s natural flow.

Enjoy Space, Privacy, and Freedom

We understand the importance of space. Unlike many typical park home communities where homes are closely packed together, Tye’s close offers the luxury of wider spacing between its 9 park homes. This extra space provides:

• Greater Privacy: With more distance from neighbours, residents can enjoy their own personal sanctuary without feeling overlooked.

• Freedom to Customize: The generous outdoor areas allow for custom additions such as garages, decking, summer houses, or hot tubs—perfect for creating your ideal outdoor living space.

• Pet-Friendly Tranquillity: The spacious layout is ideal for pet owners, offering ample room for pets to roam freely while you enjoy the peace and quiet of your surroundings.

Enjoy Greater Control and Transparency

Unlike many park home communities where utilities are centrally managed, we offer residents the unique advantage of directly managing their own electric, water, and gas services. This means:

• Full Transparency: Homeowners receive their utility bills directly from the service providers, giving them clear insight into their usage and expenses.

• No Hidden Fees: With no central management of utilities, there are no additional fees or markups. Residents pay only the standard rates for their consumption, ensuring greater value and control over their costs.

Education

CHOOSING A SIXTH FORM

Choosing the right Sixth Form for you can be nerve-racking. It’s a big step up from your GCSEs and you suddenly have to narrow down your subjects drastically based on what you want to do in the future. These helpful tips will guide you through some of the things you should consider when picking your Sixth Form and will hopefully make the transition a little less scary.

RESULTS

Looking at the previous results of a Sixth Form will give you a good idea about the quality of teaching there. This can indicate how well you are likely to do if you attend, especially if you narrow it down to specific subjects.

For the best outcome, choose a Sixth Form with at least 70% passing grades and remember to look back on the past five years of results. Are they getting worse? Or are they improving?

SUBJECTS

Picking just three or four subjects can be difficult, especially if you don’t know what you want to do yet. It’s easy to scroll through course listings on the Sixth Form’s website to get an idea of what they offer and what might appeal to you.

However, if you do know what you want to study and they don’t offer that subject, it might be wise to choose a different college. If you take a course you don’t want to do, you probably won’t enjoy it, you’ll lose motivation quickly, and you won’t do very well.

FACILITIES

Make sure the Sixth Form you choose has the right tools for your course to support your learning. Computers, libraries, and peaceful study spaces are a great example of facilities that will aid your learning and, if the college you choose has these, it’s a good indicator that you will do well there. Just remember to look at course specific facilities too to make sure they can help you achieve your best across the board.

SUPPORT

Everyone knows that A-levels can be stressful. It is important that you have access to good, reliable student support otherwise you could become demoralised and burnt-out, increasing your chances of failing. If the Sixth Form you’re looking at has workshops to support struggling students, a union to relay student input to faculty, and excellent pastoral care to help you deal with non-college-related problems, then you’re on the right track.

activities the Sixth Form offers and find out what is popular with other students. Taking part in the things you love alongside your A-levels can boost your morale and motivation and make sure you have fun at the same time.

An Education for Life

Many boarding schools are housed in ancient buildings, combining beautiful, centuries-old architecture with modern classrooms and facilities.

Boarding schools offer pupils a top quality education, helping them to develop their skills and abilities. In the UK all boarding schools have to meet strict government standards on the quality of their teaching, accommodation and pupil care.

The term ‘boarders’ applies to pupils who live at the school, while ‘day pupils’ live at home and attend school during the day. Having a mix of both types of pupils creates a good social atmosphere.

At a boarding school, pupils usually live together in houses – there might be several of these in each school. Girls and boys will have separate accommodation and usually there will be at least one house parent living on site to look after them. The UK boarding school system is

split into three levels: Primary education is for children aged four or five up to 11 or 13. This may be referred to as primary school, infant school, junior school, pre-preparatory school or preparatory school.

Secondary education is for pupils aged 11 or 13 to 16. This may be referred to as secondary school, high school or senior school.

In the last two years of secondary school (age 14 to 16), most pupils study for GCSE qualifications.

Sixth form is for students aged 16 to 18. The two years are often called Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth. At sixth form level, most pupils take A-levels.

Boarding schools offer a wide range of subjects including maths, sciences, history, geography, drama, IT, literature, foreign languages and sport. All of these qualifications are highly regarded by universities, colleges and employers.

A boarding school is a residential school where pupils live and study during the academic year. Currently there are approximately 500 such schools across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland

Applications to independent boarding schools are made directly to the school. Look on the school’s website or contact them to ask about the application process. Applications for state schools are usually handled by the local government authority.

Tuition at state schools is free of charge, but you will need to pay for boarding. For independent schools, you will need to pay for tuition and boarding. Boarding fees generally cover items such as accommodation, food and drink and laundry. You may be able to fund your studies with a scholarship or bursary. Ask the schools that you are interested in what they can offer.

Pupils may need to take an entrance exam, so you should check with the relevant school to find out about their specific requirements.

Greshams School

DISCOVER FLEXI BOARDING OPTIONS AT MOUNT ST MARY’S COLLEGE

Flexi boarding packages have the perfect blend of home and school life for the working family. We know every family’s needs are different, so at Mount St Mary’s, we tailor boarding solutions to suit your unique circumstances. Our customised approach means that students can board for anything between one and five nights a week, or even the occasional night before a big exam or sports fixture. Flexi boarders are fully integrated into our boarding houses, allowing them to enjoy every opportunity boarding has to offer.

Boarding at the Mount in any capacity means a home away from home. Our en-suite rooms are warm and cosy, providing every home comfort and aspect of modern-day living. Our common room spaces are ideal for group study, relaxation and socialising, and are often the central space for our themed evenings, quiz nights and board game tournaments.

Flexi boarders can make the most of our activity programme, featuring everything from chess to fencing, and runs every weekday after lessons. Boarders can also make use of our fully equipped on-site fitness suite, Olympic sized athletics track and swimming pool

before guided study sessions to help with any homework in the evenings. For students that opt to board with us full time, weekends are never dull. We have weekly excursions and activities including cinema outings, visits to Country Parks and sporting events to name but a few.

Our stunning college, campus and boarding houses are just a five-minute drive from J30 of the M1; putting us within easy reach of Nottingham. Set in acres of beautiful countryside, we offer scenery and security, as well as outstanding sporting facilities and a wealth of extra-curricular activities.

Our cosmopolitan boarding community is at the heart of College life. It is a place where memories and friendships are made that last a lifetime, where opportunity is around every corner, and possibilities are endless. Our boarding students say that the Mount is their family, and this is certainly how our boarding parents feel. They provide a welcoming and nurturing environment for each student who walks through our door and there is constant contact between your child, you and us.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

As fantastic as our school years are, sometimes young people can find education a problem for a variety of reasons – fitting in, getting the right help or worrying about how other people see them. All too often their struggle can become too much for them to handle by themselves, impeding their academic progress, this is where First Class Tailored Solutions can help.

First Class offer a professional alternative education service to young people facing challenging circumstances across Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and surrounding counties. Whether dealing with medical, behavioural or anxiety problems, the dedicated team work to deliver a more individual approach to teaching in the classroom, to offer support and tutoring on a personal level.

Established in April 2012, First Class Tailored Solutions still stand by their core aim today – to deliver an individually designed and tailored education programme to those who struggle with mainstream schooling, to ‘make a difference’ to the lives of these children and young people.

First Class have teachers specialising in all areas of the curriculum across Key Stages 1-5, to successfully deliver re-engagement, academic support and mentoring for those who are challenged by being in a mainstream classroom, providing strategies,

in co-ordination with schools/referrers to help

Working 1:1 with a struggling child might be the confidence boost they need to excel at learning. The expert team will identify areas curriculum with the correct teachers to see

the best possible outcome and reduce the stress of school. The team are always looking for more teachers and teaching assistants who are passionate about their subject and have a real desire to improve the outcomes for young people– to join the growing organisation or to find out more information about First Class visit www.first-class.org.uk.

We are Loughborough Schools Foundation.

A progressive foundation of independent education, join us at our Sixth Form Open Evenings in November to take the next step on your journey of academic excellence.

Our balance of academic excellence alongside an incredible choice of co-curricular opportunities and unrivalled pastoral support, is what really sets us apart.

Pupils benefit from exceptional cross-foundation facilities, including our acclaimed 'AllSteinway’ Music department, outstanding educators, diverse co-curricular programmes, exceptional sports facilities, professional coaching, nutritious catering, and a comprehensive transport service.

A co-educational Catholic day school, Loughborough Amherst School provides a caring, vibrant, and inspiring community, where pupils' enthusiasms and creativity shine through every aspect of

school life. With small class sizes and an excellent pupil-teacher ratio, its close-knit environment supports academic, spiritual and moral development.

Established in 1495, Loughborough Grammar School is one of the top 10 independent schools in the area for academic excellence, a place where ambitious boys belong. The School is serious about learning but ensures there is enjoyment in the pursuit of knowledge, with a vast array of co-curricular activities on offer. The boys are championed to become world-ready young men, well-equipped to navigate the future.

Explore our diverse A Level curriculum and limitless opportunities at our Sixth Form Open Evenings to take the first step towards a brighter future.

5 top tips to make your car winter-ready

As the UK suffers from more stormy and cold weather, insurance experts at A-plan Insurance have compiled a list of the top five tips to keep cars going through the winter.

Know how to read a dashboard

All cars come with lights and symbols to indicate an issue; however, these are not the same across all makes and models. Around 52% of drivers can correctly identify what the warning lights mean but it’s essential that drivers recognise the 12 most common symbols using the manual that came with the car.

If any of the red lights appear, that is an immediate warning to take your car to a garage so it can be fixed. If a yellow light appears, it can still be serious but not as urgent so take the vehicle to be checked as soon as possible.

Check tyre pressure and tread depthOften, drivers don’t think about their tyres. By law, the minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, but it’s recommended that tyres should be changed at 3mm. Tread depth refers to the grooves in tyres and it helps to grip the road surface. In wet conditions, a shallow tread depth increases the chance of aquaplaning and losing control of the vehicle.

Check the battery - The number one cause of vehicle breakdowns, in cold or wet weather, is the battery going flat. Batteries are at a greater risk of failure due to the cold temperatures slowing down the processes within the battery, which reduces its ability to hold a charge.

Cold weather can also cause condensation to form as the freezing air meets the hot air surrounding the battery and engine. This condensation can then cause corrosion which damages the components. If the car sputters when the ignition is started or the red warning light flickers, the battery needs to be changed.

This is even more important in electric vehicles as the charging speed and effectiveness of the battery can be impacted, leading to a less efficient vehicle.

Don’t let the car sit for a long time - Older, pre-1980's cars, needed to be left idling to warm up but for modern vehicles, this does more harm than good, damaging spark plugs and producing almost double the emissions of a moving car.

To keep the engine in top shape, a short drive of around 15-20 minutes is needed. This doesn’t need to be every day, but regularly running a vehicle for this period keeps the battery and engine healthy and ensures that the oil is at a workable consistency to start the vehicle. A

slow, gentle pace will allow the engine to warm up safely and ensure that all parts are working correctly.

Check the lights work and fluid levels are correct - As the nights and early mornings get darker, commuters should check their headlights, brake lights, and indicators are all working properly. Ask a friend to stand outside and check the lights to identify any bulbs that might need changing.

While performing these checks, inspecting the fluid levels in your car can also help to reduce the risk of damage. Checking the anti-freeze and oil levels can help to keep the engine running, and these are simple to top up without visiting a garage.

Care

IT'S IN NOTTINGHAM EXPANDS

LIFE SAVING DEFIBRILLATOR NETWORK ACROSS CITY CENTRE

In a vital expansion of Nottingham’s public safety measures, It’s in Nottingham, the city’s business improvement district, has announced the installation of four additional defibrillators across Nottingham’s city centre. The new units, located at the National Ice Arena (Bolero Square), Mercure Hotel (Carlton Street), Marks & Spencer (Low Pavement), and Binks Yard (Island Quarter), bring It’s in Nottingham’s total supply of life-saving defibrillators to ten, reinforcing Nottingham’s commitment to being a Heart Safe city.

These strategically positioned defibrillators are accessible for public use, offering swift, critical assistance in the event of sudden cardiac arrest and helping to safeguard Nottingham’s residents and visitors alike. The expanded defibrillator network enables timely emergency responses, especially in high-footfall areas.

Alex Flint, CEO of It’s in Nottingham, emphasised the importance of the initiative: "We’re proud to expand Nottingham’s defibrillator network and increase our city’s ability to respond to

cardiac emergencies. Adding more defibrillators to key locations ensures a safer environment for everyone who lives, works, studies and visits here. The community’s response to this project has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re committed to continuing our efforts to help protect Nottingham.”

Nottingham’s defibrillator initiative not only supports public access to essential medical equipment but also raises awareness about the importance of timely intervention in emergencies. This expansion reflects the city’s dedication to public health, safety, and well-being.

Chris Butler, General Manager of Mercure Hotel commented: “With friends and family working as paramedics across the UK, I understand firsthand how lifechanging it can be to have a defibrillator

For further information about Nottingham’s defibrillator network, visit our website www.itsinnottingham.com

readily accessible. Mercure Nottingham City Centre Hotel is incredibly proud to have been chosen as a host location for one of these essential devices. Situated in the vibrant Hockley area of Nottingham city centre, our unit will be accessible to hundreds of neighbouring businesses and thousands of people who frequent this area each week. While we all hope it will never need to be used, it’s reassuring to know that our hotel, along with surrounding businesses, is now in a stronger position to offer potentially life-saving support should the need arise."

Beaumond House Hospice Care supporters can make or update a Will for free as part of its Legacy Campaign.

Newark-based palliative care charity, Beaumond House Hospice Care, has partnered with five local solicitors to offer its supporters the opportunity to make or update a Will for free.

The offer is part of the charity’s year-long Legacy Campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the importance of gifts in Wills to the survival of Beaumond House.

Supporters are able to make face-toface appointments with solicitors from Ringrose Law, Clare Newton Solicitor, APT Legal, Tallents Solicitors and Bird & Co Solicitors. Here, they will be supported to either make a new Will or amend an existing one.

The campaign has also seen the charity host several roadshows throughout October, giving people the chance to learn about the positive impact of leaving a gift in a Will and how it

Make

update a Will for free

allows the charity to continue its work supporting the local community.

Andrea Ward, Individual Giving Fundraising Manager at Beaumond House Hospice Care, said:

“Leaving a gift in a Will is a powerful way to make your wishes known, giving you the peace of mind that the people and causes that matter to you will be looked after in the way you choose.

“We understand that when making a Will, the needs of your family and loved ones will always come first. However, once you’ve looked after those closest to you, leaving a gift to Beaumond House will help us to be here for future generations.

“It costs around £2.2 million for us to deliver our services every year and around £1.6 million of this must be raised through things like donations, shops

and local businesses. Gifts in Wills are extremely valuable to us and last year, one in four of our patients were cared for thanks to these kinds of donations.

“We’re so grateful to Ringrose Law, Clare Newton Solicitor, APT Legal, Tallents Solicitors and Bird & Co Solicitors for their support, and have loved meeting lots of people on our roadshows this month.”

To find out more about Beaumond House’s Legacy campaign, visit www.beaumondhouse.co.uk/ support-us/legacy-2024.

The Oddfellows is the trading name of The Independent Order of Oddfellows Manchester Unity Friendly Society Limited, incorporated and registered in England and Wales No. 223F. Registered Office Oddfellows House, 184-186 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3WB

TOP TIPS FOR DONATING

Sherwood Forest Hospitals

Charity is providing tips to make it easier for anyone who wants to donate in the run-up to the festive season.

The charity receives generous donations from individuals and businesses, which go towards improving care and enhancing experience for patients, their families and staff across Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust throughout the year.

To help ensure that donations are targeted at where they are most needed, a webpage has been created with information and advice on how to donate. For anyone wanting to donate money, it is quick and easy to do either online or by phoning 01623 676011 to pay by card. Supporters can choose to donate to a specific service or donate to the charity’s general fund, which will be used to support service improvements and enhancements where required across the Trust’s three hospitals.

The charity is providing ideas for gifts for patients, many of whom are elderly and don’t have many visitors. An item such as socks, toiletry gift set, jigsaw or blanket can really help to boost morale. These must be new and unwrapped so they can be checked to make sure they are safe and suitable before distribution.

THE DANGERS OF RSV IN BABIES

Although the thought is kind, not all patients can eat sweet treats because of dietary and medical issues. Instead of donating chocolates or sweets, supporters are instead encouraged to consider making a donation or buying an item from the charity’s Amazon Wishlist.

Jo Thornley, Community Involvement Manager, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who chooses to support the charity as your contributions really do make a huge difference to our patients.

“The best gift you can give this year is a donation. Please consider making a donation to our charity instead of giving sweet treats as your money will go towards funding improvements that will last far beyond the festive period.

“Even small amounts of money add up and can go towards providing innovative pieces of equipment that fall outside of NHS funding.”

So far this year, donations to the charity have funded initiatives such as recliner chairs to support overnight stays in the maternity department. The charity regularly supports projects to enhance waiting areas and relatives’ rooms and has also provided funding for state-of-the-art equipment such as ultrasound scanners, which enable a speedier diagnosis and shorter hospital stay.

To find out more, visit www.sfh-tr. azurewebsites.net/get-involved/our-charitysherwood-forest-hospitals/how-to-donate/

A Sherwood Forest Hospitals employee’s child almost died from the RSV virus at just one week old. Now, she wants to highlight the importance of having the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine in pregnancy. Harrison (Harry) Potts was born a healthy, full-term baby in December 2022. Just two weeks later, he had turned grey and was left fighting for his life in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after contracting RSV.

Recruitment Assistant Gemma Potts, 31, from Alfreton, who works for the Trust, recalls being told to prepare for the worst when he was first admitted to hospital and remembers the horror of seeing him hooked up to a ventilator, extremely poorly and struggling to fight the virus.

Thankfully, Harry managed to fight the infection after undergoing 10 days of tests and treatments in the ICU. He has since contracted the virus three more times, continued with bronchiolitis until he was a one and a half years old, and has been hospitalised on further occasions. Harry is still under ongoing investigation for issues with his chest and airway. The experience has impacted the family greatly, causing significant distress to Harry’s older brother Thomas who still worries when his younger brother becomes ill. Gemma said: “The experience has had such a devastating effect on our family.”

According to the UK Health Security Agency, RSV accounts for around 30,000 hospitalisations of children in the UK each year, and for between 20 and 30 infant deaths. This is because babies have small airways and haven’t yet built-up immunity to the virus, and this can lead to severe bronchiolitis which in some cases can be fatal. RSV is a common cause of coughs and colds and symptoms can include a runny

or blocked nose, a cough, sneezing, tiredness, and a high temperature. Babies may also be irritable and will feed less than usual.

Studies have shown that having the RSV vaccine during pregnancy is much safer than the risk of your baby contracting RSV, and from 1 September this year, a free vaccine has been made available to all pregnant people to protect their babies against the virus.

“It is so important that people understand how bad this virus can be. The symptoms of RSV are very similar to a cold, but they should not be underestimated - the severity of this virus is just not worth the risk. I hope that no child or family goes through what we went through, and I truly believe that this vaccine will be a lifesaver for many babies.”

Claire Allison, Maternity Matron for the Trust’s Outpatient Services team said, “I would urge everyone who is pregnant to take up the offer of a free vaccine to protect their baby against RSV, which they can have alongside their flu and whooping cough vaccines. Doing so will help to protect their baby in the first few months of life by boosting the mother’s antibodies, which are passed over to the unborn baby via the placenta. The effects of the vaccine will continue to work if the baby is breast/chest fed. Please discuss the vaccine with your midwife or GP who will answer any questions you may have.”

The vaccine is recommended from 28 weeks of pregnancy as this will help to protect babies for the first few months after they are born, but it can still be administered later in pregnancy. It will be offered around the 28-week antenatal appointment, and pregnant people are encouraged to speak to their midwife or GP if this hasn’t been offered. Visit

vaccine

FIVE-POINT PLAN TO PREVENTING FALLS

Frail and older people are at particular risk of falling, which can lead to a dramatic decline in health and even death. Read our five-point plan to help frail and older people protect themselves against falls

The five-point guide to avoiding falls this winter encourages people to:

1. Check your home for potential hazards

• Loose carpets and rugs

• Trailing electrical cables

• Wet floors (kitchen and bathroom)

• Poor lighting

• Furniture in the wrong place

• Objects on the floor, such as books, papers, shoes

• Stairs – Loose carpets, broken hand rails

• If you wear glasses, avoid varifocal glasses as they can affect depth perception

• Storage – Frequently used items on high shelves, which can only be reached by standing on a chair or a stool

• Making sure your shoes, slippers fit well.

2. Look after yourself

Make sure you take regular exercisewalking and swimming are good – to maintain muscle and bone strength as well as improve balance. If you need walking aids make sure this is checked by a health care professional and it is a suitable one for you. It will also help maintain a good appetite so you get enough nutrients in your diet.

3. Eat well

It is common for older people to eat and drink less. This can lead to malnutrition and weakness. When your appetite is small, make sure you eat food containing all the nutrients needed for the body to maintain your health. You should always try to consume a balanced diet which contains the following ingredients:

• Fat: Giving you energy e.g. oily fish, cheese, avocado, vegetable oils and nuts

• Carbohydrate: gives us energy and fibre helps to prevent constipation, which affects the quality of life of many older people. We can get these from wholegrain cereal products like breakfast cereals, brown rice and pasta, wholemeal bread, fruits and vegetables, potatoes and pulses like beans, peas and lentils

• Protein: Helps to build and repair body tissues. Dairy products like milk, cheese and yoghurt, meat and poultry, eggs and pulses

• Vitamins: Essential for the body to function, you can get these from, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and dairy products

• Vitamin D and Calcium: Essential to keep your bones strong and healthy. Good sources are oily fish and dairy products

• Iron: For healthy blood. Good sources include red meat, offal such as liver, dark green leafy vegetables, pulses and some dried foods.

• Fluid: Drink plenty of fluids (avoiding alcohol and caffeine).

4. Be aware of medical problems

Some medical problems can make you prone to falling like:

• Arthritis

• Dizzy spells

• Confusion caused by medication, general illness or dementia

• Blood pressure problems, Mini Stroke or heart problems

• Problems with vision

If you suffer from medical problems, approach health care professionals like your GP to have regular checks to try to keep them under control. If you are a relative or carer, be aware of the heightened risks and encourage regular check-ups with health professionals.

5. Keep warm and stay well this winter

• Have your flu jab – book your appointment now if you haven’t already.

• Wear warm clothes in layers

• Have a hot drink regularly and if you find moving about difficult, have a flask handy.

• Don’t take any risks in snow or icy conditions. If you have to go out, make sure you wear shoes with a good grip and if possible take a relative or a friend to help you.

• Stock up on store cupboard basics such as soup, tinned fish and long life milk in case you can’t get out of your home for a couple of days

• Make sure you know how to contact your relatives or friends by phone – it’s easy to lose touch in the winter when people aren’t out and about as much

• Ask about any benefits, grants and discounts you might be entitled to such as pension credits, winter fuel payments and insulation.

PROVIDER DEDICATED TO SERVING THE PROVIDER DEDICATED TO SERVING THE RESIDENTS OF GEDLING BOROUGH & RESIDENTS OF GEDLING BOROUGH & VILLAGES. OUR MISSION IS TO OFFER VILLAGES. OUR MISSION IS TO OFFER COMPASSIONATE,