Issuu

December 2019

Mid-winter getaways:

Property news

Will you shun the shivers or hit the slopes for your mid-winter break? Page 12

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Protect your home this Christmas

Last minute gift ideas for everyone

Page 4

Cats adaptation set to prowl cinema screens

Page 6

Page 10

Editor’s Letter Welcome to the December issue! ‘Tis the season to be jolly! The countdown to the festivities has well and truly started but fear not; we have got lots inside to help you get prepared for Santa’s visit, as well as preparing you and your home for moving! Moving can be stressful at any time of the year but more so over Christmas and New Year celebrations as there are often lots of things to juggle, all at once: making your home festive and bright, preparing to welcome family and friends, and cooking dinner. Add packing up your home to the list and the to-do list can seem daunting. But fear not: inside this issue we give top tips on moving during one of the busiest times in your social calendar, as well as advice on how to keep your property safe and secure. And if you’re looking for a last minute gift idea or planning a new year escape, then we’ve got those covered too! Wishing you all a magical December. Until next time. Linda McKeown Editor

Deck the halls…

with moving boxes and wine Making the move out of an old house and into a new one in December can be a taxing time. But never fear: we are here to spread festive cheer with some excellent tips to help keep the magic alive during this hectic time

The Tree Buy an artificial tree. We all love the smell of a real Christmas tree, but do you want pine needles in all your moving boxes and around your new home? Artificial trees are easy to pack away and store for the next year and are available in a range of sizes too. They are also cost-effective and if you want a real tree when you’re settled, an artificial tree is great for a kid’s bedroom. Really Elf–ul Tip: Don’t buy an artificial tree with snow-effect spines, buy some snow spray and do it yourself!

Christmas Shopping If you are moving over the festive period, try to get your Christmas shopping done early to avoid rushing around at the last minute. This will give you time to settle into your new home, comfortable knowing that you have finished the Christmas shopping. You will also be able to store any presents in a safe place where they won’t get confused with moving boxes. Love a large Christmas dinner? Avoid busy supermarkets and order your food online early for delivery. When you get your food delivered, you can put it straight away without it overtaking your house. You can stock up for the whole month, saving you the trek to the shops over the busy festive period. Really Elf–ul Tip: Before doing an online food shop, search for any offers available, as most supermarkets do discounts on your first online food shop.

at the same time. Sort through old decorations before your move; if you have any sentimental decorations, keep them. Otherwise, why not buy new decorations for your new home? This way you may free up some boxes for moving while not having to search for the old decorations! Really Elf–ul Tip: Why not wrap used moving boxes in Christmas wrapping paper, ready to put under the tree to make your new home feel even more festive?

Practical Matters Get the heating system checked before you move. If your boiler needs servicing, arrange for a professional to do these jobs before you move. The last thing you need over the holidays is for your heating to break. If you have a log burner or oil heating, ensure you order your logs or oil before you move in. Winter is the busiest season for logs and oil, and you don’t want to be miserable without heat over the festive period.

If your boiler needs servicing, arrange for a professional to do these jobs before you move

No Scrooges Allowed! To keep Christmas spirit flowing, get your kids involved from day one. Keep advent calendars and get your children to write letters to Santa explaining they have moved. Find fun ways to keep the children festive; if you are moving to a new area, find out the best place to visit Santa and any other festive events taking place.

Mark your moving boxes to keep them separate from Christmas decorations. If you mark each box according to which room they are going into, this will make unpacking a lot easier. You could also mark boxes in matter of importance, so you know what needs to be unpacked straight away and what can wait until after the festive period.

If you plan on doing some work to your new home, leave it til after Christmas. You don’t want to be serving Christmas dinner in a half-finished dining room with a cold breeze blowing through. Also, because of the weather, any professionals you may get in will break up for the festive season themselves.

If you have children, you will already understand how many presents they receive over Christmas. Adding these new toys and games onto their already huge existing stash can seem impossible when packing to move. So, why not sit with your children, picking out their favourite toys, and any they no longer play with could be donated to charity. This way, you will have more space at your new home, plus you will have helped to make someone else’s Christmas.

When you are unpacking, this is a great time to bring out the festive cheer by putting up the decorations

Really Elf–ul Tip: Shop around for log and oil prices online. Just like broadband and insurance, there are some fantastic deals to be found.

Really Elf–ul Tip: Christmas movies and Christmas songs are a great way to keep everyone’s spirits up during this busy period.

Moving Boxes

Keep advent calendars and get your children to write letters to Santa explaining they have moved

‘Tis the season

to be careful

Follow these handy tips to make sure Santa isn’t the only one getting into your home during the festive season Christmas is a time for giving, receiving … and, unfortunately, taking. Recent crime figures show that incidents have spiked alarmingly over the two-week festive period and, astonishingly, most of those robberies and burglaries go unsolved. So, what can we do to stop any light-fingered characters casting a black cloud over what should be the brightest and happiest time of the year? Police and leading security experts believe there are many obvious signs registering with thieves that someone has been splashing the cash before Christmas or where Santa has been particularly generous. These include a large build-up of cardboard left alongside bins in the build-up and an abundance of boxes and gift-wrapping left waiting for kerbside collection afterwards. The advice is to break boxes down as small as possible to squeeze into the recycling bins then take them out as late as possible or, better still, take them to your local recycling centre as soon as you can. Aside from advertising your absence with posts on social media about spending the festivities at great aunt Hilda’s in Hartlepool or changing your home answerphone message to say: ‘’Hi, we’re not home right now, we’re off for a week in Val d’Isere and will be back on…’’, experts advise homeowners to take note of the following: Power points: Don’t power your external decorations by trailing an extension cable through a window. It can be an open invitation to burglars, and police say 30 per cent of burglaries occur through open windows.

Opt for solar or batteryoperated lights. Even better, install outdoor electrical outlets. Out of sight: Don’t put your wrapped presents around the Christmas tree if you are going out or away for a few days. If you do, make sure your curtains and blinds are drawn or give the impression someone is at home by keeping a light on, thanks to a programmed timer. The same goes for cars – keep your shopping out of sight in the boot. And lock it. Key to being safe: Don’t hide your house keys ‘in a safe place’ under the third flowerpot from the left on the patio or under the doormat ‘just in case’. Thieves will often look in obvious ‘safe’ places first to make entry easier. Also make sure any ladders are stowed away, and that sheds and garages are securely locked – you wouldn’t want that Christmas bike to get wheeled away or your new set of chisels helping an unwanted guest gain entry. Or, even worse, wind up at a car-boot sale. Paper trail: At any time of year, it’s good practice never to dispose of unwanted receipts and personal paperwork without shredding it. Obviously keep hold of warranty details – and the receipt for that jumper because you seriously under-estimated extra-large – but keep them safe. Take note: Don’t leave any notes for couriers telling them to leave parcels next door. It’s a sure sign the house is unoccupied, so always make sure you’ve given alternative arrangements to delivery companies.

Let a friend park on your drive to give the impression the house is still occupied

Plan ahead: If you are going away, remember to cancel milk or paper deliveries and let a friend park on your drive to give the impression the house is still occupied. If they are trusted neighbours, you could always let them have a key to clear post away from the front doormat. And don’t forget timers for key lights. Very illuminating: Deterrent is still the best form of protection. Safety first: It’s free Invest in a motionto register your sensor floodlight property on At any time of year, or even some Immobilise, which outdoor lights is a national it’s good practice never to highlight property to dispose of unwanted the exterior database of your home; police receipts and personal because even a can access paperwork without determined burglar and search if shredding it won’t fancy being lit suspected stolen up as he goes about property is recovered. his nocturnal activities. A police spokesman said: “Officers regularly Highlighting with decals search the houses of the fact your possessions are suspected criminals and also check security marked, registered on car boot sales and second-hand Immobilise (www.immobilise.com) dealers and we have a device that and, therefore, traceable gives any can identify stolen property if the potential intruder something else bar code is registered.” to think about. Light work: Make sure your outside decorations aren’t lit up during daylight hours. You could probably get away with it on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, but not on the Monday after. Timers again can help, as can a neighbour with a key. Keep a watch on the neighbourhood: Even if you can’t afford the latest surveillance equipment, it costs nothing to keep an eye out for any suspicious-looking strangers on the street. They could be innocent, but they could also be scouting for victims.

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Christmas is fast approaching; and if you’re struggling to find the perfect gift for your loved ones, here we feature some of our favourite finds to help you along your way

For

her

The Everything Chocolate Collection This fab little selection of chocolate is perfect for any chocaholic. Featuring 40% Milk Puddles, Billionaire’s Shortbread, Chocolate Brownies, Salted Caramel Puddles, Patisserie Collection and selection of Nano Slabs. Yum! £27.50 www.hotelchocolat.co.uk

Ghd Platinum+ & Air Limited Edition Rose Gold Deluxe Set Surprise someone special with ghd’s most deluxe styling gift set yet. Includes award-winning Platinum+ styler, Air hair dryer and smart vanity case. Ergonomic design ideal for left and right handed users. £298

The Yankee Candle and Pink Rose Bouquet Mix Containing a selection of official Yankee Candle votives, silk roses and chocolate, all presented in a bouquet, this unique gift is ideal for any candle and chocolate lover. Featuring 5 votive candles, silk roses and a choice of chocolate. £31.95 www.celebrategifts.co.uk

www.ghdhair.com

Space NK x Selfish Mother Set Working with Molly Gunn, founder of the Selfish Mother blog and the FMLY Store, Space NK have created a kit of musthave beauty treats for skin and hair. £5+VAT from every sale goes to national domestic abuse charity Refuge. £30

www.spacenk.com

For

Him

Bomb Cosmetics Superheroes Saviour Gift Pack

English Pewter Company Tumbler

Give your very own superhero a treat that they can indulge in! Containing Shower Gel, Soap, Bath Mallow, Bath Blaster, it’s sure to help lift their mood.

This 11oz tumbler measures 9cm in height and has an elegant pewter base to both add style and to give the tumbler a satisfying weight when being used. Main 100% pewter. Outer 100% glass.

£13.80 www.justmylook.com

£29 www.next.co.uk

Leather Belt Gift Set Cut from leather with a subtle grained texture, this belt from Ted Baker showcases a sleek metal buckle with branded loop, while its reverse is accented in a contrasting finish. Presented in a stylish box. £55 www.tedbaker.com

Personalised Bedside Watch and Phone Stand

Stylish, contemporary and made by Mijmoj Design, this handcrafted solid walnut or oak personalised bedside watch stand is perfect for that hard-to-buy-for man in your life. Featuring luxury grey or brown leather detail. Can be personalised with front and back engravings. £39.95

www.notonthehighstreet.com

ALL PRICES CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT

For

Monopoly Toy Story

kids

With the recent release of Toy Story 4, now you can get in on the action with this special edition Monopoly. Choose to play as Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Bo Peep, Jessie, Alien, or Rex while you journey around the gameboard visiting some of the favourite places featured in the Toy Story films such as Andy’s Room and Al’s Toy Barn. For two to six players. £24

www.next.co.uk

David Walliams Box Set This funky and colourful set of books includes David Walliams’ The Boy in the Dress, Ratburger, Mr Stink, Billionaire Boy and Gangsta Granny. Perfect for any avid bookworm. £34.99 www.very.co.uk

Emoji Game The perfect card game for the kids! Will you be the first player to collect a suite of emojis before your rivals? And who will be crowned emoji king or queen in this fun and frantic family game? £8

www.boots.com

15-Piece Toy China Tea Set Inspire imaginative play with this fine china set that’s been designed for little hands. Includes teacups and saucers, milk, sugar jugs and a teapot. £10 www.johnlewis.com

For

pets

Christmas Tails Santa Belt Dog Socks Red

2019 top ten Christmas toys

Get your pet into the holiday spirit with these Santa belt socks, featuring a Santa belt pattern in a pull-on style with elastic at top. £5 www.petsathome.co.uk

If you’re wondering what the must-have toys are this year, according to toy retailer, Smyths, these are the top ten!

Fur Real Friends Cubby The Curious Bear, £69.99

PAW Patrol Super PAWs Mighty Jet Command Centre, £49.99

LEGO 75957 Harry Potter The Knight Bus, £27.99

Pets Alive Boppi the Booty Shakin’ Llama, £19.99

L.O.L Surprise! 2-in-1 Glamper Playset, £99.99

Ryan’s World Giant Mystery Egg Gold, £49.99

Barbie Travel DreamPlane, £59.99

NERF Fortnite AR-E Motorised Blaster, £7.99

Push ‘N Talk Forky 22cm Action Figure Toy Story 4, £24.99

Disney Frozen 2 Arendelle castle, £159.99

Cardboard Cat DJ Scratching Deck This Cat Scratching Pad enables your furry pet to scratch away – in style – without fear of ruining the furniture! Comes as a flat pack cardboard kit: no glue is required. £24.99 www.fun.co.uk

ALL PRICES CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT

Cats

fi adaptation

to hit cinema screens

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s successful West End and Broadway musical, Cats, is recognised as being one of the most successful musicals of all time and has now been adapted for the big screen Since 1981, the musical Cats has been a massive stage hit around the world and now this holiday season, the live action remake is hitting cinemas up and down the UK. Cats is based on ‘Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats’; a book dating back to 1939. It was written by T.S Eliot and contains many different but linked poems telling the story of a tribe of cats called the Jellicles and the one night every year when they make the “Jellicle choice” which decides which cat will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and come back to a new life. The film, which is based on the stage musical, is directed by Tom Hooper who is most noted for his previous box office hit Les Misérables which he directed in 2012. The production also involves other Hollywood heavyweights such as Steven Spielberg and choreographer Andy Blankenbuerhler, with screenplay by Lee Hall (Billy Elliott). The stage show has millions of adoring fans across the globe, many of whom have seen the show on multiple occasions, so the film has, in their eyes, a lot to live up to. Since the film’s trailer was released in July of this year, it has received mixed reviews. Many described the animated felines as “horrifying” or “cursed”; however, fans of the poems have praised this as being closer to T.S Eliot’s original concept.

Cats is based on ‘Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats’; a book dating back to 1939

Due to the success of the stage musical, the film was always going to need a stellar cast and with big names such as; James Corden, Sir Ian McKellan, Idris Elba, Jason Derulo, Taylor Swift, Rebel Wilson and Dame Judi Dench, the film adaptation is most definitely in good hands. The most important question for Cats’ fans however is who would take on the role of Grizabella, whose song ‘Memories’ is possibly the most iconic song from the musical. This was originally sung by Elaine Paige and in the film, this role is taken by Hollywood star Jennifer Hudson. The film is due for release on 20th December 2019 and although there is little information regarding the film, it appears that it will make use of cutting-edge motion capture technology and CGI techniques to transform the actors into their cat personalities. This has caused much division amongst die-hard fans, with the first trailer being negatively received. However, Andrew Lloyd Webber is on board with the new direction of his musical: so much so, that he has written a new song to be included in the film.

p u k o o C a feast! Image used for illustration purposes

Put a twist on your Christmas dinner this year by offering your guests this moist Christmas turkey roll created by chef Tom Kerridge. It features a crunchy topping and a bacon stuffing

Roast turkey roll

Preparation time: less than 30 mins Cooking time: 1 to 2 hours Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

For the crumble topping

• •

• • • •

100g/31/2oz pork scratchings 1 00g/31/2oz sourdough bread, broken into pieces and baked until crisp 100g/31/2oz shelled pistachios, roughly chopped 50g/13/4oz dried cranberries, roughly chopped 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves 1 orange, zest only

For the stuffing mix

• • • • • • • • • • •

00g/1lb 12oz sausage meat 8 400g/14oz onion, finely chopped and fried until translucent 100g/31/2oz cooked and peeled chestnuts, finely chopped 160g/51/2oz fresh breadcrumbs 1 bunch fresh sage, chopped 2 tsp salt 3 tsp cracked black pepper 100g/31/2oz dried cranberries 1 tbsp juniper berries, crushed 20 rashers smoked streaky bacon (approximately 250-300g/9-101/2oz)

For the turkey • • •

-2.2kg/4lb 8oz-5lb boneless and skinless turkey breast 2 140g/5oz brown sauce bread sauce, to serve

Method 1. For the crumble topping, crush the pork scratchings and the sourdough pieces in a bowl. Add the pistachios, cranberries and thyme. Mix with your hands and set aside in a covered container. 2. For the stuffing, mix all ingredients together apart from the bacon. 3. Trim any bits of fat or membrane from the turkey. With a sharp knife, open out the turkey breast as if you are butterflying it. Place the turkey between two sheets of cling film and flatten it out a little with a rolling pin. 4. Cut two large pieces of aluminium foil and lay the turkey breast on top. Season with salt and pepper. Spread a generous dollop of the stuffing mix in a 5mm/1/4in layer onto the turkey breast and then use the foil to help you roll it up like a Swiss roll. Completely encase the turkey in the two layers of foil and secure with cook's string at regular intervals along the length of the roll. Place in the fridge until needed. 5. Preheat the oven to 120C/250F/Gas1/2. 6. Add 400ml/14floz boiling water to a deep roasting tin. Place a wire rack in the tin and place the rolled turkey breast on top.

Cover the roasting tin with aluminium foil. 7. Roast in the oven for 11/2-2 hours, then check the core temperature with a meat thermometer. You are looking for a temperature of 70C/160F. If it is not ready, place back into the oven and continue to cook. Once cooked, remove from the oven, cover with aluminium foil and set aside to rest for 40 minutes. When cool, remove the string and foil. 8. For the stuffing, preheat the oven to 170C/325F/Gas 3 and line a terrine mould or flameproof bowl with the streaky bacon, leaving some excess hanging over the sides. Pack the mould with the remaining stuffing mix and wrap the bacon over the top. 9. Bake in the oven for 45 minutes, or until the middle has reached 70C/160F on a meat thermometer. When cooked, remove from the oven and set aside to rest for 20 minutes. 10. After 20 minutes, turn out the stuffing and pat dry. Heat the grill to hot, then grill the stuffing until the bacon is crisp. 11. When rested, remove the turkey from the roasting tin and brush a thick layer of brown sauce over the top. Cover with the Christmas crumble mix, top with a little orange

zest and serve straight away with the stuffing. This recipe, and more, can be found at www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/toms_turkey_roll_with_44115

It’s one of the great modern-day dilemmas for holidays at this time of year: shun the shivers for sunnier climes or embrace the cold and hit the slopes. It’s time to choose…

Daylight hours are short, invariably grey, damp, dismal. Christmas always passes in a blur of twinkling lights and belt-straining over-indulgence. Equally, the New Year sails past in a symphony of popping corks and already-broken resolutions. Of course, the antidote to January and days when you can’t feel your toes is to slide those same toes into

a warm, azure sea or thick socks and snug snow boots en-route to a day on the slopes. If the bank balance can take the strain, there’s nothing quite like the boost of a midwinter break for recharging batteries run down by excess and extravagance. But do you blow the Christmas bonus and annual pay-rise or do it on a budget?

Life's a beach SCRIMP: TENERIFE

Brits have a bit of a love/hate relationship with Tenerife, largely because in summer it’s hot, tacky and rammed with tourists. In January, it’s almost the opposite: average temperatures have recently been 20 degrees C, there are four wet days during the month, and it’s easier to get out and see the real Canaries’ culture. Car hire is reasonable, making the Teide National Park and Siam Park waterpark accessible. Plus you can get flights from £54 (Ryanair.com) and plan your own break while TUI’s seven-day holidays start at £330 per person (tui.co.uk). SPLASH: BARBADOS

££

Just as Britain is shivering in January, one of our outposts, Barbados, is similarly suffering one of its coldest months – at a mere 28 degrees C. If island culture is your thing, slurping a rum cocktail while lounging on a white sandy beach takes some beating.

Imagine colonial splendour against a cloudless sky and you’re halfway there. It’s not as eye-wateringly expensive as you might think with seven-night breaks from £891 (britishairways. com) – you may even catch some cricket where rain, possibly on ten days a month, stops play. SPLURGE: DUBAI

£££

The sky’s the limit here. Dubai is home to the world’s tallest building, the staggering 828m Burj Khalifa, some of the world’s most opulent hotels, amazing shopping, both traditional and modern… and skiing. In the desert, or to be precise, at the Mall of the Emirates. With penguins. So, you get the best of both worlds. As well as average temperatures of 24 degrees C, the Dubai Shopping Festival runs throughout January to test your retail resilience. As for hotels, tropicalsky.co.uk offer five nights at the Doubletree by Hilton on Marjan Island for £759. Alternatively, if there’s someone in your life you really need to impress – or grovel to – Tropical Sky can get you five nights in the seven-star rated Burj al Arab for a princely £3,249 per person.

If island culture is your thing, slurping a rum cocktail while lounging on a white sandy beach takes some beating

The slippery slopes SCRIMP: SÖLL, AUSTRIA

Most armchair skiers will be familiar with Kitzbühel but only the enthusiasts will know Söll, which shares some of its famous neighbour’s ski area. The Kitzbüheler Alpen AllStarCard covers 10 Austrian ski areas including Kitzbühel, St Johann in Tirol and the new area of Alpbachtal and Wildschönau – more than 1,000km of piste – for £188 for six days. Right in the centre lies Söll, which has a lively après-ski atmosphere and where seven nights B&B in mid-January will cost from £485 (crystalski. co.uk). The slight disadvantage is the slopes are about 1km from town. SPLASH: ZERMAT, SWITZERLAND

££

With the magnificent Matterhorn as a backdrop, Zermatt is a wintersport enthusiast’s dream with 350km of trails and slopes. Here you can ski over a mountain pass in Switzerland and down into a trail in another country – the Matterhorn’s southern face is in Italy, and skiing over the Theodul Pass leads into the immense trail system of Breuil-Cervinia in the Val d’Aosta. Transfer time from Geneva is more than two hours but the skiing is well worth it. Igluski.com have some good offers with seven nights in mid-January setting you back £969 for a mid-range hotel.

SPLURGE: ASPEN, USA

£££

The resort to be seen in, whether you intend to tackle the slopes or not. The sport in the iconic Colorado town matches the resort’s celebrity status with four separate areas – known as the Aspen Snowmass – to challenge skiers of all standards. The adventurous head for Aspen Mountain, the beginners tackle Buttermilk, and the hung-over stick to the centre of the Victorian town with its posh boutiques and replenish their calorie intake in the wide-ranging restaurants. There is, of course, an area the locals frequent where prices are a little more reasonable. Hotels are equally far-ranging, with americanskiclassics.com offering January holidays from £2,113 to £3,231, which includes ski rentals and lift passes.

If the bank balance can take the strain, there’s nothing quite like the boost of a midwinter break for recharging batteries

English sport

review 2019

It’s been a spectacular year for English sport; here we look through some of the highs

Motor Racing Lewis Hamilton won his sixth world title in November with a second-place finish at the United States Grand Prix. The title moves him up to second in the all-time list, leaving him just one behind Michael Schumacher. In what he has called, “his toughest season ever”, Hamilton only won two races out of seven before the United States race. The 35-year-old has now set his sights on a seventh world title and more with the suggestion that his skills have yet to peak. This was his third title in a row, and it is hard to see anyone stopping him next year.

Football The Premier League is still the ultimate football championship in the world, shrugging off Ligue 1, the Bundesliga and La Liga. Yes, players still clamber to play for Real Madrid and Barcelona, but with worldclass managers like Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp in the Premier League it is, without doubt, the most competitive league around. This was shown by English teams winning not one European competition, but two, this year in Liverpool in the Champions League, and Chelsea in the Europa League.

Cricket

Lewis Hamilton won his sixth world title in November with a second-place finish at the United States Grand Prix

England may have lost the Ashes, but they were unstoppable in the ICC World Cup. After a sluggish start, losing to Australia, Sri Lanka and Pakistan they then produced some of the most exciting cricket of the year to beat New Zealand on boundary count after the game was tied at 241 runs. It was England’s first time winning the competition and hopes were high going into the Ashes against Australia, and despite some edge of your seat cricket and tournament stealing performances from Ben Stokes, Australia ended up victorious.

Rugby Union For one match the England Rugby team, led by Owen Farrell, made us

believe this was our year at the Rugby World Cup. After sailing through the group stages and into the knockout rounds, England impressed with a 40-16 win over Australia in the quarterfinal and an even more impressive defeat of New Zealand 19-7 in the semi-final; giving us all flashbacks of Jonny Wilkinson, Martin Johnson, Lawrence Dallaglio et al. Unfortunately, the final was where it all fell apart (or picked apart) by a South Africa team who had steamrollered every team in their path, remaining undefeated throughout the tournament.

Sports Personality of the Year With such a blistering array of talent, here are our picks of some of the standout performers in their sports this year.

Raheem Sterling, football: The standout English player in the Premier League over the past year. Once misunderstood, it’s not only his football prowess that stands him out from the rest but his work for local communities and his stance on racism in the game.

Ben Stokes, cricket: Cricket all-rounder Stokes won the ‘Professional Cricketers’ Association player of the year award’ after helping England to their historic World Cup win, followed by his incredible unbeaten 135 in the Ashes.

Dina Asher- -Smith, athletics: Sprinter Asher-Smith won 200m gold and 100m silver at the IAAF world championships and helped the 4x1000m team to a silver place finish. Asher-Smith and fellow athlete Johnson-Thompson are the stars needed to pique interest in athletics in the build-up to the Olympics next year.

T ‘ theis

Season... Ornaments

Ornaments are a great and easy way to make your house festive with no Blu-tac or Sellotape. You could go classical with wooden nutcrackers or more modern with light-up LED Santa’s and reindeers. There are plenty of options for external ornaments as well such as wicker reindeers with LED lighting and snowmen. A favourite will always be an automotive train on a track around the bottom of the Christmas tree!

Christmas Tree

A Christmas tree is always the centrepiece of any living room during the festive season. Whether you are planning on a real tree or a fake tree, pick out a colour scheme early on so you can colour match your baubles and tinsel. One of our favourites is a classical colour scheme incorporating simple reds, silvers and whites. Alternatively, you could go more natural with real wood decorations for your tree such as pinecones you’ve picked up over autumn.

to get creative with your decorations! With Christmas fast approaching, you’ll be thinking about decorating your home. Here are some easy ways to get your property festive – and fast

cheer this year. Why not create your own with pinecones and snow spray or tinsel, or go even bolder and make use of last years’ Christmas baubles?

Lights

Don’t pull a Clark Griswold this year with your Christmas lights! Subtle colours such as warm white or ice blue are very ontrend this year. You can create a lovely icicle effect with blue lights hanging from staircases or around your windows. Multicolour lights are still popular, especially if you have children. These look best when hanging from a Christmas tree.

Faux Presents

Leftover wrapping paper from last Christmas? Why not make use of it by wrapping up empty boxes and placing them under your tree early to create a lovely festive mood in your home – with the added insurance that your partner or little ones won’t ruin their surprise when they try to sneak a peek?

holiday season and are available in festive scents such as Winter Spice, Berry and Pine Cone, Gingerbread and Mulled Wine.

Models & Scenes

Another lovely way to set the scene this Christmas are musical and light-up Christmas scenes such as Musical Villages scenes, Christmas Carousels and singing father Christmases. These wonderful ornaments are perfect for completing your home this Christmas and look fab when above a feature fireplace or in the window.

Final Tip

Christmas is a time of joy and a time for family; so, remember not to stress out when untangling the Christmas lights or when the tinsel breaks!

& Christmas Wreaths Candles other scents Christmas wreaths are a classic way to add some classy festive spirit to your property before you even step inside. With fake or real options available, wreaths are an inexpensive way to add some Christmas

Nothing says Christmas like the smell of the Christmas tree and freshly baked cookies and cakes. Candles and wax melts are a great way to keep your home smelling festive throughout the

LD SOSTC

LD SO Harlington £445,000

Dunstable Road, Toddington £230,000

No Upper Chain! This modern extended family home is located in ‘Old Flitwick’ and is situated in the quiet cul de sac, Sycamore Close. Flitwick Moor is a short walk away as is the train station. The accommodation includes a hallway, cloakroom, 27ft long kitchen & dining room and living room. On the first floor are four bedrooms, a shower ensuite to the master and a family bathroom. There is a private garden, integral garage and parking for 2/3 vehicles.

Stepped back from the road with a small garden and a porch, there is a wood burner in the living room, over the past 2 years the kitchen has been refitted as has the bathroom. Underfloor heating to the ground floor and the energy efficient boiler is less than 2 years old. Upstairs are the TWO DOUBLE BEDROOMS. The courtyard garden to the rear is private and enjoys a southerly aspect with a really useful brick built barn.

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IN O A N CH R PE UP Luton Offers in Excess of £170,000

Leagrave £328,000

Situated in a quiet cul de sac is this well-proportioned two-bedroom first floor maisonette. The property has been redecorated and re floored throughout in preparation for sale and is in immaculate condition. There is a fitted kitchen, living room, two bedrooms and a refitted bathroom. Major benefit is the private rear garden. The lease has recently been renewed to 144 years and the EPC rating is C.

Tucked away in a quiet cul de sac on the edge of Leagrave within easy access to all the facilities including the mainline train station. Many improvements made to create a well presented & modern home. Hall, cloakroom, living room, dining room, kitchen three bedrooms and bathroom. The wrap around drive to the front and side gives off road parking and there is a detached garage. Behind is the landscaped rear garden that is a good feature of this home.

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Frenchmans Close, Toddington £232,000

Beautifully presented property that has been extended and re modelled. Porch, living room, gorgeous family space with sitting area and dining room which opens to the stylish refitted kitchen. Master bedroom with an ensuite shower room, two further bedrooms and a refitted luxury bathroom. Driveway to the front, the garage has been converted with a store to the front and the rear is a study. Nice rear garden.

Priced to attract attention and for an early sale is this lovely home ideal for a first purchase or investment buy. It is tucked away in a small cul de sac and enjoys a private garden and off road parking. The accommodation is well presented and feature an entrance hall, living room with double doors into the garden, a kitchen/ dining room, TWO DOUBLE BEDROOMS and a refitted bathroom.

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Meadow Road, Toddington £395,000

Toddington £489,500

Harlington £215,000

A lovely detached home having accommodation including an entrance hall, cloakroom, living room, dining room, refitted kitchen and separate utility. On the first floor is the master bedroom and shower ensuite, three further bedrooms and a family bathroom. The wide frontage gives off road parking with a paved driveway, there is an integral garage and private rear garden.

Charming extended two bedroom cottage in a private location with NO UPPER CHAIN. The village has plenty to offer, it is only a short walk away from local amenities, schools and mainline Train Station serving Bedford - St Pancras. The property has character features throughout.

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Toddington £199,950

Flitwick £610,000

This is quite a remarkable apartment - it offers so much more than you imagine. The spacious and well presented interior has an entrance hall, large living/dining room, there is a refitted kitchen and bathroom and two DOUBLE bedrooms. What makes it really special is the HUGE GARDEN.

This charming extended home is situated in the centre of Flitwick and has plenty of space to offer. The accommodation comprises of an entrance hallway, dining room, sitting room, kitchen/family room, four double bedrooms, a shower en-suite and a family bathroom. Major benefits include a utility room, cellar, double glazing and double garage! There is off road parking and a private rear garden.

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Toddington £248,995

Frenchmans Close, Toddington £499,500

A perfect first home or investment. It is tucked into a very small cul de sac and has 2 parking spaces immediately in front of the house. The accommodation includes an entrance porch, living room, refitted kitchen/dining room and upstairs are two double bedrooms and the bathroom. Being the end of the terrace the garden is wider than normal and running the full depth of the house are 2 bespoke sheds giving loads of storage facilities.

Featuring a living room with a log burner, a snug/home office and across the back of the property is a WOW kitchen opening to the dining/family space. Part of the garage has been converted to enable a large utility room off the kitchen. Upstairs is the master bedroom with an ensuite shower, three further bedrooms and the family bathroom. A wide frontage gives off road parking side by side for convenience and to the rear is an enclosed garden with the focus on easy maintenance.

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Flitwick £294,000

Toddington £415,000

This extended four-bedroom home is situated in the centre of Flitwick. The accommodation includes an entrance hall, living room, kitchen/breakfast room, dining room and cloakroom. On the first floor are four bedrooms and the family bathroom. The plot has an enclosed private rear garden and a single garage plus parking. The property also benefits from double glazing and gas central heating.

This deceptively spacious semi detached home with a deep frontage, has been improved considerably including refitting the kitchen, the living room has been adapted to give more space and they have refitted the ground floor shower room and the bathroom. There is off road parking and an enclosed rear garden.

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Meppershall £750,000

Toddington £425,000

A stunning detached bungalow set off the road and behind remote controlled entrance gates. It has been built to a high standard with excellent attention to detail to create a very special home. Garden to the rear and a large private driveway giving off road parking for several cars.

A quiet location for this four bedroom home. The accommodation includes an entrance porch, cloakroom, large living room and open plan kitchen/dining room. On the first floor are four bedrooms and a family bathroom. A major benefit to this property is the ANNEXE which offers extra space and has a shower en-suite. There is a private enclosed rear garden and a paved driveway to the front.

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Houghton Regis £245,000

Caldecotte £288,500

This is a really well presented two bedroom home that is sure to appeal to any buyer looking for something a bit special where they really don’t have to do much to it. The present owners have really enhanced the accommodation by refitting the kitchen and bathroom. There is double glazing and gas central heating. Garage, driveway and privately enclosed garden.

The location of this apartment is just wonderful when you walk into the apartment the first words are “just look at that view”. The accommodation briefly comprises; entrance hall, open plan lounge/kitchen with french doors to a balcony, en-suite to master bedroom, bedroom two and a bathroom. Outside there is secure underground parking space with gated access.

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Barton Le Clay £310,000

Leighton Buzzard £99,995

Superbly located in the popular Norman Road, is this extended 2/3 bedroom home. This fantastic location is within walking distance to the local amenities. The accommodation includes an entrance hall, kitchen/breakfast room, living/dining room, bathroom, two double bedrooms and an additional (study/dressing room or further bedroom) The plot extends to the front and rear with a private garden, single garage and parking.

This period building is conveniently located close to the ‘Market Square’ in Leighton Buzzard. There is a communal hall with a LIFT to the 1st floor and a communal garden and courtyard. The apartment we are selling has a private hall, light living/dining room, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. Very unusually it also has a large loft that is accessed from the 2nd floor. It is perfect as a craft or hobby room.

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Toddington £367,000

Luton OIEO £250,000

This home occupies a good sized plot with a lovely garden and off road parking to the front. The good sized accommodation features an entrance porch, lounge/ dining room, study/bedroom FOUR, large kitchen/breakfast room, three bedrooms and a shower room. Meadow Road has a mixture of house styles and is a sought after place to live, walking distance to the schools and village facilities.

This charming terraced home is located in the Farley Hill area with local amenities and easy access to both Luton Town Centre & Luton Mainline Railway Station. The properties accommodation includes an entrance hall, living room, dining room and fitted kitchen. On the first floor are three bedrooms and the family bathroom. west facing private rear garden, gas central heating and double glazing.

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Streatley £350,000

Toddington £375,000

This semi detached chalet bungalow has been beautifully refurbished and is immaculately presented throughout. There is new flooring throughout, new windows and doors, a refitted kitchen and luxury bathroom. The properties accommodation includes an entrance hall, spacious living room, kitchen/ dining room, bathroom, two ground floor bedrooms and a large first floor bedroom. There is a driveway to the front, set back garage and private rear garden.

This extended detached home offering no upper chain, a brand new boiler and well designed accommodation. There is an entrance hall, cloakroom, living room, dining room and conservatory. There is an extended kitchen/breakfast room, master bedroom, ensuite shower, two further bedrooms and the bathroom. Attached to the side is the garage, driveway and the enclosed rear garden.

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Toddington £340,000

Houghton Regis £175,000

This lovely Victorian cottage is located in the sought after village of Toddington. The accommodation includes an entrance porch, 25ft open plan living/dining room, kitchen, utility and cloakroom. On the first floor are three bedrooms and a bathroom. Major benefits of this property are gas central heating, double glazing and an off road parking space. There is also a good size private rear garden.

Fantastic opportunity to acquire a two bedroom property for full renovation and potential to extend subject to planning. The property is in a good location for transport links and close to local schools. There is an entrance hall, living/dining room, kitchen and lean to. Two double bedrooms and a bathroom. Off road parking and a single detached garage and there is also private rear garden.

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LD SOSTC Toddington £275,000

Luton OIEO £170,000

Rhees Cottage built in 1609 has been refurbished and lovingly restored over the last few years. It is unique, detached and just a stones throw from the village green. The property boasts a separate dining room and living room both with exposed beams and fireplaces. Kitchen, rear lobby and bathroom. Upstairs are two double bedrooms both with fitted wardrobes. Cottage styled garden which is easily maintainable.

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Lidlington £215,000

Heath & Reach £440,000

This well presented home is located in the quaint village of Lidlington which benefits from a train station. Centre Parcs is approx. 3 miles away and M1 junction 13 is approximately 4 miles away. This well proportioned property has an entrance hall, kitchen, living/dining room, two double bedrooms and a bathroom. There is an enclosed rear garden and a GARAGE in the block behind.

Superbly located in a quiet cul de sac, is this extended 3/4 bedroom detached home. The accommodation includes an entrance hall, cloakroom, open plan living/dining room, refitted kitchen and bedroom four/study. On the first floor are three double bedrooms, a bathroom and shower room. The plot extends to the side and has a private rear garden, cabin and integral garage.

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Toddington £530,000

Dunstable £330,000

On the odd occasion, a property comes onto the market that is unique and just a bit special. This superb cottage enjoys a lovely location with a deep frontage, right next to the village Pond and backing onto miles of open countryside with lovely views.The condition throughout is superb with attention to detail and it is very well presented. You really do need to step inside to appreciate the size and space on offer.

Situated in the ever popular Luton & Dunstable borders is this lovely extended family home. There is a porch and hall, a living room, the kitchen is open plan to the family room. Additionally there is a shower room, utility room and a partly converted garage, the new owner could easily change it back into a full size garage if preferred. Upstairs are three good sized bedrooms and a family bathroom.

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