Cotswolds

Welcome to December

As we head into the final month of 2022, we have lots of festive inspiration for you. From a tasty treat for friends and family, and ideas for sprinkling some festive flair on your interiors, to a roundup of beauty advent calendars, and loads of ideas for activities to keep the kids happy in the lead-up to the big day.

Our What’s On section is also full of Christmas events to help you get into the festive spirit. There are enchanted trails, crafty Christmas workshops, concerts, markets and lots of family entertainment!

Will Mbanga highlights one of the most important messages of this season in his Looking Good, Feeling Great feature, as he encourages us to help and support others through what can be a tough time of year.

All of us at The Local Answer wish you a safe and happy Christmas.

Delicious Dish

with Helen Kingscott

Deliciously chewy apple and date bites

Keep things simple this Christmas with a tasty traybake that is sure to be a hit with both children and adults alike. Makes 8 bites.

Ingredients:

150g cooking apples

150g stoned dates

280g light soft brown sugar

175g plain flour

225g butter

1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

100g porridge oats

Method:

1 Preheat the oven to 190°C (170°C fan/gas mark 5). Grease and line an 18cm square tin.

2 Peel, core and chop the apples and put into a saucepan with about two tablespoons of water. Bring to the boil then simmer until cooked.

3 Add the dates and 50g of the sugar and continue to simmer for five minutes. Take off the heat then mash together with a fork until well mixed.

4 Melt the butter in a medium sized saucepan then add the flour, bicarbonate of soda, oats and the remaining sugar and stir until well coated.

5 Press half of this mixture into the tin, spread the apple and date mixture on top, then cover with the remaining oat mixture. Press down gently

with the back of a spoon.

6 Bake for approximately 30 minutes until lovely and golden. Cool in the tin, then cut into squares.

Tip: Make twice as many, as they’re very tasty and will disappear in no time, especially if you’re hosting family and friends over Christmas!

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Looking Good, Feeling Great

with Will Mbanga

The greatest gift

Several years ago I received an email from best-selling author and international speaker Tony Robbins – not a ‘personal’ email I hasten to add!

He talked about how he had doubled his input in an initiative to help feed two million Americans that year, and something he said in his promotional material really resonated with me. It read: “My success in life will be based on my ability to give, not my ability to take.”

It was quite eye-opening for me, having grown up in Africa, to hear Tony Robbins, an American, speaking about how very real the issues of hunger, deprivation and poverty in America were, given how little media attention and discussion this generates.

It was also ironic that this initiative was being advertised at the same time as the North American tradition of Thanksgiving was taking place. As with Christmas and other festive events around the world, these times of the year are well known for over-consumption and waste, while many struggle.

A time when families and communities come together

The one thing I do know, is that this is one time when North American (and increasingly more British) families and communities come together and celebrate so many good things. I wish that all of us could live ‘Thanksgiving’ 365 days a year, rather than just one day.

Our overall wellbeing is so much more than what we achieve in the gym. I like to

think of it as ‘the four Fs’. Many of you are likely on a path to improving your life through some of these elements:

• Finances: job/business

• Fr’amily: relationships with family and friends

• Fitness: taking care of your body through exercise, sleep and good nutrition

• Faith: taking care of your spiritual wellbeing and mental health

It’s true that if your physical body is taken care of, it will perform, endure and enable you to navigate your journey through life. But I think this special time of year reminds us that there is more to life than exercise.

As humans, we feel a sense of fulfilment when helping and giving to others. As Christmas draws nearer, friends and family gather, some enjoying precious moments together, others saying their goodbyes.

I hope we all use this time to give of ourselves those things which are really important – our time, attention, courtesy, respect

and love. Giving gifts, anonymous or expected, is a generous thing to do, but during this tricky period we’re all navigating when perhaps we can’t splash the cash, maybe offering our presence instead of presents will mean so much more.

Help yourself by helping others

Whether volunteering with a charity or supporting a friend, studies show that offering help makes us feel good. So why not be a bit selfish this Christmas and help yourself by helping others? It’s a win-win!

In December 2013, the world lost an icon who gave the best of himself so that all people would know the dignity of being truly free. All around us we see, hear or read examples of men and women from every nation who have chosen to give, rather than to take.

Let’s keep that in mind this festive season and see if our actions can not only improve our own wellbeing, but that of friends, family and strangers. Happy Christmas!

Medical Health

The most common male cancer

Earlier this year, much-loved journalist and BBC television presenter Bill Turnbull passed away due to prostate cancer. He spent the last few years of his life raising awareness of the disease, which sees one in eight men diagnosed in their lifetime. This makes it the most common male cancer in the UK. According to Prostate Cancer UK, the disease kills more than 11,500 men in the UK every year, with another 47,500 diagnosed. Worryingly, most men don’t know anything about the illness, according to male cancer charity Orchid.

The risk of prostate cancer increases as you get older, with most cases developing in men aged 50 or older, the NHS says. Black men are more likely to be affected, while it is less common among Asian men. The risk is also higher for those with a family history of the disease.

Men who have these risk factors may be offered a test by their GP, but there is no national screening programme for the disease. As with all cancers, the earlier it is found, the easier it is to treat.

What is the prostate?

The prostate is a small gland in the pelvis and is part of the male reproductive system. About the size of a walnut, it is located between the penis and

the bladder, and surrounds the urethra. Its main function is to produce a thick white fluid that creates semen when mixed with the sperm produced by the testicles.

Symptoms

Symptoms of prostate cancer will usually not appear until the cancer is large enough to press against the urethra. If you find yourself needing to urinate more often, having to wait longer before you can pass urine, or urinating involuntarily after going to the toilet, it is a good idea to get checked by a doctor.

However, Prostate Cancer UK says it is more likely to be a sign of a very common noncancerous problem in men –an enlarged prostate. Other warning signs include erectile dysfunction, blood in urine, weight loss or any new and unexplained lower back pain.

Testing

There is no single test for prostate cancer. All the tests used to help diagnose the condition

have benefits and risks that your doctor should discuss with you. The most commonly used tests for prostate cancer are:

• Blood tests

• A physical examination of the prostate known as a digital rectal examination (DRE)

• An MRI scan

• A biopsy

Treatment

If you do have prostate cancer, you may not need treatment. If the cancer is at an early stage and not causing symptoms, your doctor may suggest either ‘watchful waiting’ or ‘active surveillance’.

The best option depends on your age and overall health. Both options involve carefully monitoring your condition. Some cases of prostate cancer can be cured if treated in the early stages. Early detection is always the key.

If you are concerned, talk to your GP, or for further information visit www.nhs.uk/ conditions/prostate-cancer or www.prostatecanceruk.org

with Kirsty Lilley

Mirror Mirror on the Wall

with Val Starr

Beauty advent calendars

Advent calendar season is back and it would be remiss of me not to share the fantastic beauty advent calendars on offer. This annual treat has become very popular and a major must-have for serious beauty fans.

Every year they seem to get bigger and better as the competition heats up to be crowned the ‘top calendar’ The great thing is that you, the consumer, are always the winner!

Advent calendars are a great way to sample products that might usually be out of your budget range to see if you like them, and may result in you purchasing the full products at a later date. This is what beauty companies hope to achieve.

The savings are often quite extraordinary. More and more calendars now offer several full-size products along with the small trial sizes, all set to entice you in. They often sell out fast, so be quick if you want to get your hands on one. Here are a few that I liked the look of this year.

Liberty

The iconic London shop started the calendar craze back in 2014. Their offering comes at a hefty price, but you get a lot for your money. The women’s option costs £245, but is worth £1,065. It contains 30 products, 20 of which are full-size, with brands such as Dr Sebagh.

For the man in your life, the calendar will cost £235, with a value of £803. It has an assortment of 27 items – 16 of which are full-size – including grooming essentials, fragrances and even a signature Liberty tipple.

Boots

Martin Lewis gave his seal of approval to the Boots No7 calendar! At only £49.50 and with a value of £211, this year there is an extra surprise as ten golden tickets have been placed inside the calendars, entitling the lucky recipients to £1,000 worth of No7 products.

Boots also offer other brands’ calendars at their cosmetic counters. At £65, the Liz Earle calendar contains 12 iconic products, including their Cleanse & Polish™ Hot Cloth Cleanser. Benefit’s costs £59.50 and contains 12 of their most popular make-up items.

Head to the Clarins counter for his and hers. His has 12 products for £65, including SPF moisturiser and an eye gel, while hers costs £75 and includes a double serum and lip comfort oil.

Charlotte Tilbury

Famed make-up artist to the stars, Charlotte Tilbury offers her Diamond Chest of Beauty Stars with five full-size and seven mini products worth £245 for only £150. The jeweladorned box can then be used

all year to store your beauty items.

John Lewis

With a value of £770, the John Lewis calendar (pictured) is a great option. It costs £179 and includes full-size products from brands such as Olaplex and Sunday Riley. Ten lucky customers will also reveal a £500 John Lewis gift voucher inside door 25 – that would be a nice bonus Christmas gift!

Marks and Spencer

M&S are back with a fabulous offer on their beauty calendar. With an overall value of £300, you can get your hands on one for only £40 when you spend £30 on clothing, beauty or homeware.

Molton Brown

A bathtime favourite, this calendar costs £195 and gets you mini candles, bath and shower gels, plus various lotions valued at £329.

Whichever one you choose, I hope you thoroughly enjoy opening each window and discovering the great products on offer this year! Happy holidays!

Parenting & Guardianship

with Roberta Smart

Make an event out of advent

December is dominated by the ‘big day’ near the end, but why wait until the 25th to celebrate when you can create magic all through the month?

Make an event out of advent rather than simply focusing all your energies on one day – this spreads the load and takes away a lot of the stress of expectation.

By doing small activities every day, your family can make the magic of Christmas a fun and relaxing affair. So, here are my suggestions for fun festive activities you can enjoy in the buildup to the big day.

Treasured

decorations to use in years to come

Start by getting your tree and decorating with the basics, then add one ornament each day for advent. Choose from traditional saved decorations, new treats or, indeed, you could make your own ornaments using salt dough, paper, paint and glitter. These are sure to become treasured decorations to keep and use in the years to come.

Think of the birds in the cold weather by creating a nature

Christmas tree, featuring fat balls, nuts, seeds and berries strung along the branches.

Then get wrapped up warm and go on a hunt for Christmas lights at dusk. There is nothing more exciting than seeing the amazing sparkles and colours decorating houses and shop windows this month.

Try not to get overwhelmed shopping for gifts. Why not add a budget challenge just for fun? Seeing what you can find or create for a limited budget is such a fun challenge and feels so rewarding, especially for older kids who may not want to spend all their pocket money!

If you get fed up indoors, go on a Christmas nature hunt. Search for holly, ivy and other winter wonders, and collect some to decorate your home.

For the little artists, use ceramic paints to decorate a plate for Santa, ready to hold the mince pie and carrots for Rudolph on Christmas Eve. While you’ve got the arts and crafts out, why not make an angel to place on top of the tree?

Create a range of handmade gifts, from coloured pictures and baby hand prints, to thread paper chains that you can hang around the house.

Enjoy the true flavours of Christmas

For your own hungry bellies bake mince pies, gingerbread stars or even decorate a gingerbread house to enjoy those true flavours of Christmas. Don’t forget a Yule Log with melted chocolate and icing sugar snow!

What about activities with friends? Christmas is a time to come together so whether you create a Christmas sing-along, go on a day trip to visit Santa at a local grotto, arrange a sleepover to watch Christmas movies, or simply spend time with grandparents reading stories and snuggling, you can be sure that this Christmas you make more memories and share more joy than ever before.

Yule blessings to you for Christmas 2022 and I shall see you in the New Year!

25 NOVEMBER – 21 DECEMBER

ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS TRAIL AT WESTONBIRT

25 NOVEMBER – 30 DECEMBER

SPECTACLE OF LIGHT

Explore our magical after-dark experience and follow the new illuminated trail around our beautiful castle grounds. Enjoy the wonderful music as you discover each new secret of this romantic environment. Refreshments available. Various dates and times. For more details, please visit www.sudeleycastle.co.uk

25 NOVEMBER – 31 DECEMBER

The Estate Office, Miserden, near Stroud, GL6 7JA.

1 DECEMBER – 1 JANUARY ELF HUNT

Open on selected evenings from 4pm to 9.30pm. There’s magic around every corner on Westonbirt’s Enchanted Christmas trail! Father Christmas’ elves have made their way to the arboretum to decorate for Christmas. But they’re running slightly behind schedule… will the trail be ready on time? Witness the wonder, hilarity and general commotion that comes with playful elves creating Westonbirt’s spectacular illuminated trail. Advance booking essential. To book please visit forestryengland.uk/westonbirt/ enchanted-christmas

25 NOVEMBER – 24 DECEMBER

THE FLIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Experience the magic of Christmas on board a jumbo jet! Visit Cotswold Airport this winter and participate in the world’s first grotto experience on board the Boeing 747 “Negus”. Let the elves show you how Negus is helping to save Christmas Day in this immersive theatrical production. For more information, please visit www.theflightbeforechristmas.com

ENCHANTED LIGHT TRAIL

Our family-friendly illuminated light trail is a wondrous nighttime experience, showcasing marvellous creations, installations and illuminations. This year, discover that joy can be infectious – our Christmas light trail tells a beautiful story of encouraging inclusion and kindness, with clues and puzzles for young inquisitive brains to engage with. Tickets from £12-£25, babies go free. Various dates and times. For more details, please visit www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk

1 & 8 DECEMBER

CHRISTMAS WREATH MAKING

Join us in the Glasshouse Café at Miserden this Christmas with Jo Copsey from Aqua Flowers to create your own stunning Christmas Wreath. Jo will teach you the techniques and guiding principles of building a stylish door wreath that will be the envy of your neighbours! A great opportunity to get into the festive spirit with mulled wine and festive nibbles! 3-5pm. £75pp.

The naughty elves have gone missing in Batsford Arboretum, find them to win a prize! £3 per child. Admission fees apply to children and accompanying adults (all children must be accompanied by an adult). Batsford Arboretum, Moreton-inMarsh, GL56 9AT. For more details, please visit www.batsarb.co.uk

3 DECEMBER CHORISTER CHRISTMAS COFFEE CONCERT

Come and enjoy some special musical performances from the talented Gloucester Cathedral Choristers at their annual Christmas Coffee Concert. Admission £6 on the door. All proceeds go toward the music of Gloucester Cathedral. Chapter House, 12 College Green, Gloucester GL1 2LX. www.gloucestercathedral.org.uk

4 DECEMBER GLOUCESTER VEGAN CHRISTMAS MARKET

60 stalls of all vegan and cruelty-free shopping, food, drinks and gifts. Get your Christmas shopping done and also enjoy some yummy vegan food and drink. £3 entry on the door. Under 16s free with an adult. Dogs allowed on leads. 10am to 3pm. Blackfriars, Via Sacra, Ladybellegate Street, Gloucester GL1 2HN. For more information see the ‘Vegan Events Gloucestershire’ Facebook page.

CHRISTMAS LANTERN WORKSHOP

Join artist Sarah Davis in the stunning Great Hall to create your own stained glass lantern with a gorgeous red glass bow and decorative beads. A lovely way to start the festive season and try your hand at a traditional craft. All materials and equipment will be provided to create your lantern using the copper foiling technique. £60pp. 2pm-4.30pm or 7pm-9.30pm. Berkeley Castle, GL13 9BQ. For more details, please visit www.berkeley-castle.com

8-24 DECEMBER

CHELTENHAM CHRISTMAS MARKET

Find festive treats and unique gifts at the Cheltenham Christmas Market. Around 80 market stalls will run along the pedestrianised Promenade and Long Gardens in front of the Municipal Offices. Daily from 10am-6pm Monday to Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sundays. More details at www.visitcheltenham.com/whats-on

10 DECEMBER

POPTASTIC CHRISTMAS CONCERT!

Join the Cotswold Area Community Orchestra, Sounds of Music Choir and Vocalist Lucy Curtis for a Poptastic Christmas Concert! In aid of Cancer Research UK. 7.30pm. Entry £5 on the

door. Bring your own drinks and nibbles. Stonehouse Community Centre, GL10 2NS.

11 DECEMBER DECEMBER DOG DASH

1-4pm. Hatherley Manor Hotel, Down Hatherley Lane, Cheltenham GL2 9QA. In aid of James Hopkins Trust.

13 DECEMBER

THE ROTARY CLUB CHELTENHAM NORTH CAROL CONCERT

Join in the festive fun with a dog walk like no other! Dress your pooch in their festive best and enjoy a seasonal walk through our grounds. Entry is free, with a suggested donation on the day of £5. Tea, coffee, cake and a food van with prizes for the dress-up winners. Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, Church Road, Cheltenham GL53 0QJ. For more details, email leckhampton.events@sueryder.org

11 DECEMBER

JAMES HOPKINS TRUST ANNUAL CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA

With special guests, stalls galore, Santa’s Grotto and lots of games, this is an event with fun for all the family!

Come and sing with us at our Carol Concert. Compere Mark Cummings BBC Radio Gloucestershire, Organist Timothy Ingold, Leckhampton Junior School Choir, Cranham Handbell Ringers, Cheltenham Silver Band. 7.30pm. Tickets £12 (under 16s £8) from https://buytickets.at/rccn/780605 For information contact 01242 680532. Supporting local and Rotary charities. The Princess Hall, Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Bayshill Road, GL50 3EP.

17-23

DECEMBER

PAINSWICK NAUGHTY ELF TRAIL

Approximately 20 naughty Christmas elves will be up to all kinds of mischief in window displays around picturesque Painswick. Families can follow a map to spot the elves at any time over the seven days. Maps cost just £4 each and can be purchased from 1st December. Complete the trail and solve the anagram for a chance to win a £200 John Lewis voucher. For more information, see the Friends of The Croft School Facebook page.

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Motoring

with Toby Aiken

Sink or swim? The Yaris Cross

I was recently sent a press release with some statistics on driving licences and the costs of learning. The survey, conducted by bumper.co.uk (a car repair payment platform –who knew that was a thing?) suggested that 72% of adults that don’t hold a driving licence said that price was the biggest limiting factor.

I get that, because driving lessons are expensive. When I learnt, they were £12 an hour (ish) and are now in the range of £25-£30 per hour, which is close to a pure inflation price rise.

Cars have definitely not kept pace with inflation

But it got me thinking about the cost of motoring in general and, specifically, the recent Yaris Cross I reviewed. A Yaris in 1999 (its launch year) started at just under £7k. It now starts at £21k – inflation should mean the equivalent car is just under £12k, so cars have definitely not kept pace with inflation. This is the Yaris Cross, simply a small SUV crossover version of the Yaris. But so much more.

My first question to myself when writing notes on this car was ‘why’? I didn’t get why a crossover of a compact car was needed, but it actually made a lot of sense, very quickly.

The standard Yaris is (in my opinion) uninspiring. But the Yaris Cross adds something –and that something is style. It’s a much more stylish car that looks much more capable –which it is. A small, frugal nippy little car with a big boot and nice stylish touches all around.

What’s not to like? Well, the £25k price tag maybe…

A lot more car for your money

Aside from the fact that, as I’ve suggested, a Yaris should be sub £15k, the Cross version does actually give you a lot more car for your money. It is suitable for a small family, the boot is capable of holding more than a couple of bags of shopping and it actually looks so much more than a Yaris –perhaps this is another case of right car, wrong badge like the Mustang Mach E?

If the Yaris starts at £21k, then the Cross version is most definitely worth the £4k uplift in costs. I would happily drive a Yaris Cross around. The standard Yaris? Unless it was the GR (which is an incredible amount of fun and more expensive) then no thank you.

I think my issue therefore is that the Yaris shouldn’t have a starting price of more than £20k, which in turn pushes the

Yaris Cross price point up. But what does the Yaris’ inflationmatched price of £12k get you in a new car nowadays? I checked, and it’s a Dacia Sandero (Stepway or otherwise) or a Kia Picanto.

The Dacia is quite possibly a good shout – based on its (relatively short) heritage, I would definitely consider this, but an entry-level Kia Picanto? It’s perfectly functional, but doesn’t have the same style, space and kudos as even the entry level Yaris.

A lot of competition at the £25k mark

So what is the Cross competing against at the £25k mark? The truth is there is a lot of competition at that point, but I think the Yaris Cross will prove itself in reliability over the years and I don’t think it will age as much as some of the competition. It’s different, and while different is always a case of sink or swim, my bet is that this is a swimmer.

Wildlife Matters

with Dorothy Glen

Mythical mistletoe

An iconic sight at this time of year, mistletoe is common throughout Gloucestershire. In fact, it thrives in this part of England and is sparse elsewhere.

Personally, having moved here from the east of England, it still feels unusual to me and I enjoy seeing trees laden with the distinctive leafy masses that I used to think of as rare.

It grows mainly on apple trees, poplars, limes and hawthorns, and is hemiparasitic, meaning it takes water and nutrients from its host, but still photosynthesises with its own leaves.

It has been spreading across the UK

With mistletoe comes mistle thrushes, which favour the berries, and excrete the seeds. Some seeds fall back onto the branches where they may grow into new plants. In recent years, though, mistletoe has been spreading more widely across the UK. This is thought to be due to black caps; migrant birds which are increasingly

found here over the winter, as well as the warmer months.

Black caps eat the berry flesh and wipe the seeds directly onto branches, efficiently transferring the plants to new locations. Mistletoe may be one of the species which benefits from our increasingly milder winters, as the black caps increase in number.

A long history of legend and folklore

But why do we kiss under it? Mistletoe has a long history of myth, legend and folklore. For the Druids, mistletoe represented vitality, as it grew green and lush in the winter on trees which had lost their own leaves.

The Romans hung mistletoe in their doorways for protection, believing it to represent peace and love. These, and the connection made in several cultures between the sticky white juice from the berries and male fertility, has led to the kissing-under-the-mistletoe tradition we know today.

In perhaps its most epic role,

mistletoe also features in Norse mythology. The god Baldr was the most beautiful and favourite son of Odin and Frigg. His mother made all things in existence swear never to hurt Baldr, and the gods passed the time enjoying throwing weapons at him and seeing them fail.

An epic role in Norse mythology

The mischief maker, Loki, discovered that mistletoe, being too young to be considered a threat, had not made the vow. Loki went next to Hod, Baldr’s blind brother, and suggested Hod must feel left out of the festivities as he was unable to aim and throw.

Loki passed him a spear made of mistletoe, and helped him throw it at Baldr, killing him. In some versions, Frigg’s tears became the berries, and the gods made mistletoe promise it would only commit acts of happiness or usefulness for evermore.

Whether you believe the folklore or not, kissing under the mistletoe is a tradition that will likely continue for many years. Merry Christmas!

In the Garden

with Julia Smith

The great Christmas tree debate

While gardening magazines love to show outdoor havens rimmed with frost in their Christmas editions, it is getting less and less likely that we will have weather like that at this time of year – mild and soggy would probably describe it better!

The upside to this is that if it is not too wet, we can continue to work in our gardens, moving plants and shrubs around, putting in hedges, and preparing for the spring.

One of the most debated subjects at this time of the year is that of Christmas trees. I do like a real tree, although we have a fake one which we have used on various Christmases in the last 20 years. For example, if we have been going away and couldn’t justify the cost of a real tree when we’d only enjoy it for a few days.

As our fake tree has been used multiple times already and is there for future backup plans, I don’t feel bad about having bought it and the fact that I don’t think it will be recyclable.

If you would prefer a real tree, the best ones to get to make sure the needles don’t all end up on the carpet before Christmas Eve are Nordmann Fir trees, which actually almost look fake because they are so

perfect! A less common option, but one which also has a lovely balsam scent, is the Fraser Spruce.

Check to see how fresh your chosen tree is

When you’re choosing your tree, bump the stump on the ground to see how many needles fall off – if there are only a few, that means it’s nice and fresh. When you get it home, leave it outside until you are ready to decorate it. Put it in the corner of a room where it is less likely to be knocked, and use a Christmas tree stand with a water reservoir in it.

As with cut flowers, cut a couple of inches off the trunk, as this will help it take up the water better. Eventually the water doesn’t go down at all, as the tree has stopped absorbing it. With flowers you could recut the stems, but it wouldn’t be practical with a tree. It will inevitably start to dry, but a good tree will easily

last for a few weeks and see you through the festive period.

Don’t burn your tree when Christmas is over – instead get it shredded, either through the council schemes or your local garden centre. If you have a large garden, you could cut it into small chunks and leave it for wildlife to enjoy while it rots down into the ground. This is a good idea if you have a sheltered section in your garden – you wouldn’t want to just lay it on an open lawn.

Festive gardening gifts

If you’re on the hunt for a gift for the gardener in your life, vouchers from local nurseries or garden centres are always appreciated. Lovely plant labels, twine, indelible pens for marking, garden gloves and good-quality tools are useful presents. Of course, hand creams and bath soaks are always welcome gifts to help undo the toll on your loved one’s body from all their hours spent working outside!

Happy Christmas!

Interior Design

with Gill Greenwell

A sprinkle of festive flair

My family has always been big into Christmas, even though we can’t always be together nowadays. Our three daughters live in a mid-century ranch house in the American midwest, a contemporary Australian home and a modern apartment in Battersea.

As a family, we take decorating our homes at Christmas very seriously, so each year I suggest new festive decorating themes to suit our various styles of home. Here are a few ideas to inspire your Christmas interiors.

Eco-festive

If you like to embrace all things natural, use a palette of winter white paired with fresh greens and warm caramels. Create wreaths and garlands from nature – dried teasels paired with soft wispy sea lavender always look lovely.

Make the tree woodland themed and search out leafpatterned baubles. I love Graham and Green’s woodland-

inspired feather baubles. John Lewis has a range of sweet wildlife ornaments the children will adore, featuring owls, pheasants and hedgehogs.

The sustainable option

If sustainability is important to you, there are lots of ways you can reuse or make your own decorations. Anything made of paper is on trend –you can find honeycomb ball decorations everywhere. I particularly like Sass and Belle’s range of colours and shapes. Check out their coloured recycled glass baubles too.

Easy to make, paper chains are a fun Christmas activity for the kids. The Cambridge Imprint kit makes 10 metres of chain and comes in a beautiful reuseable box. Also check out the gorgeous reuseable crackers from The Oathouse.

Elegant vintage

For a touch of glamour, art deco themes are popular this year. Think lots of sparkle, beads and feathers. For a roaring twenties themed Christmas table search out beaded placemats, antique tableware and Capiz shell lotus tealight holders in soft dusty pinks and creams.

Create a boho idyll with shimmering crystal and Capiz shell garlands from Cox and Cox, and mix with wavy pampas grass dotted with fairy lights. Check out Rockett St George for more ideas.

Nostalgic retro

For that classic Christmas look you can’t go wrong with a red,

green and gold scheme. Add some touches of tartan, and traditional wooden nutcracker ornaments, which seem to be everywhere this year.

Search out retro bottle brush mini Christmas trees to complete the look. Don’t forget to bring out your nostalgic heirloom decorations – our family have collected ours over the years – or trawl the charity shops and start your own collection.

Nordic with a twist

No Christmas decor feature is complete without a mention of Nordic hygge and Christmas markets. For a fun, quirky touch Aldi’s cute gonks rooted in Nordic mythology are in a chic new grey and white colour this season. Create a charming German Christmas marketplace on your mantlepiece with tiny laser-cut wooden houses from Etsy.

With these individual stylish touches, you too can create a joyful uplifting space for the festive season.

Image: Gisela Graham

Image: Cox & Cox

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Bourton Rovers’ key player...

What goes into making a successful, well-run football club?

Good players, obviously, that goes without saying; a good manager, too, as well as a hardworking, supportive chairman.

And while the players, manager and chairman are vital components in the make-up of any football club, they’d all be the first to say that there are many, many others who are needed to progress a football club, especially one the size of Bourton Rovers.

Step forward Kim Baldwin, Bourton’s club secretary, match secretary, programme editor and child welfare officer.

The just-turned 40-year-old also does many other jobs for a club that are a huge part of her life and also her partner Ian Close’s life.

It was through her partner that she first became involved with the club.

“He was a midfielder for Bourton,” she said. “When we first met he told me that he played football on a Saturday and in the summer he played cricket on a Saturday. He said that wasn’t going to change!”

And that’s certainly never been a problem for Kim, who in recent years has thrown herself into all things Bourton Rovers.

“I had a break after Ian stopped playing,” she explained. “When he played I was just a supporter but once we started going back about five or six years ago I’ve become far more involved.”

And that’s something of an understatement because she reckons she devotes some 15 to 20 hours a week to the football club and that doesn’t include watching games, which some weeks can be as many as three.

“I wash the kit, I lay out the kit

on matchdays, I do all the paperwork, I take the matchday photos,” she said with a laugh. “I do all the donkey work, all the stuff behind the scenes.”

She clearly loves doing it, too. And this season she’s loving it just that little bit more because the club have made a solid start in the 19-strong Division One of the Hellenic League.

Last season was a bit of a struggle – they managed only 11 points all season – but they’d matched that tally well before the end of October this time around.

“The aim is to finish top of the bottom half or bottom of the top half,” said Kim.

“If we can finish mid-table that would be a really good season considering where we were last season.

“This season we’ve completely rebuilt the squad, we signed 25 new players.”

Mike Connolly took over as manager a few weeks ago. He was previously assistant to CJ Price and was at Charlton Rovers last season, but since joining Bourton has brought a number of players with him to the club.

“We’ve still got a lot of last season’s players as well,” said Kim, a former Chipping Campden School pupil who has lived in Stow for the past 12 years.

“We run a reserve team who play in Division Two South of the Hellenic League and we’ve also got a veterans’ team.”

The veterans’ team don’t play in a league, although that may soon change, and there are also plans afoot to field a women’s team.

“That’s something we’re going to try to do for next season,” Kim said. “Even if we don’t join a league, we’ll train and play a few friendlies.”

So will Kim play?

“No,” she said with a laugh, before adding, “I’ll do all the paperwork, wash the kit, all the backroom stuff.”

That will only increase her workload, of course, a workload that includes looking after a thriving youth section that runs teams from under-6 through to under-16.

And the remarkable thing is that once the summer comes around, there is no let-up for Kim because she is just as much involved with Bourton Vale Cricket Club, a club that Ian still plays for, as she is Bourton Rovers during the winter months.

“I’m the club scorer,” she said with another laugh.

She’s also the club’s results secretary, but it’s fair to say that it’s as a scorer that she’s really come to prominence and it’s something she wants to pursue more and more.

“I want to score an international game,” she said. “It doesn’t have to be England and it can be any format, men or women, I just want to do one game.”

Full story online.

with Roger Jackson

Kim Baldwin

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