Financial Matters

With David Frederick FCCA | Marcus Bishop Associates | marcus-bishop.com

Christmas In An Unprecedented Time

I guess if Stanley Adams was still alive in 2020 he would have rewritten his classic song “What a difference a day makes” and given us “What a difference a year makes”. Perhaps the first verse would read, 365 days later has brought us a pandemic with irreversible change. For as we look forward to Christmas and waving goodbye to 2020, we are all in a transformational different place from 365 days ago, yet we have to face the arrival of Christmas and all the things that we all assign to it. In many or some quarters the religious significance has long since been lost or forgotten. The economic landscape for everyone is different from what was perceived, planned or imaginable at the start of the year. Households across our region and nationwide has felt the effects of Covid-19. Whether it is furlough, loss of employment, business shut down or any combination plus more, households are experiencing the ongoing effects. All these transformation and unplanned effects have a direct impact on our Christmas plans. Therefore how will households cope with the festive season of 2020, whether in lockdown (stay-at-home safe) or tier 1, 2 or 3? This will be the real test of financial acumen and challenge. To understand how households were facing up to the challenge, some of our readers shared their opinions. “Control the controllables is the mantra for families this Christmas. Can you purchase less expensive smaller items for gifts? Are brands important or is there a similar less expensive alternative available that can also help the local economy. Shop local to save the high street. Make your own rather than buying in can help save pounds. From crackers to Christmas cards for family- recycle and reuse.” said Lawrence Wilson a small business owner with a young family. Local accountant and financial trainer, Jackie Stewart with teenage children, added “parents should not be going broke buying presents. If parents talk to their children, they’ll learn that children are more resilient than they are give them credit. Sometimes buying lavish gifts for children is a reflection how parents feel and not whether it’s what the child needs.” Jackie also added, “children want your time and for children love is spelt T I M E. The lesson is children value the time spent with them greater than being showered with lavish boxes of gifts.” Petra Boucher a local VA provided an alternative strategy that will see her through Christmas 2020. “Experience has taught me that December and January can be expensive months. So for several years I have arranged my finances so I my recurring debts are paid via direct debit. However, they are paid over 10 months or less which means I have no direct debits in December and January. This reduces any financial pressure on me for Christmas.”

Seven Tips for Christmas 2020

Consequently, for Christmas 2020, more than ever consider the following seven tips: 1) Set a budget for any planned expenditure; 2) Spend within your budget. The lesson of 2020 is tomorrow events will not occur as planned; 3) Avoid any form of borrowing; 4) Keep it simple, remember just like how children spell love, happiness can also be spelt TIME! 5) Be creative, ask what can we make rather than buy; 6) Past behaviour may not serve us well today. Don’t be afraid to substitute items in your shopping basket, eg will replacing turkey with chicken harm you? 7) Build on that community spirit of sharing, rekindled and witnessed across our communities since March 2020. As we approach a memorable Christmas season 2020, households may wish to remember the words from Stanley Adams’ original hit, “What a difference a day makes, twenty-four little hours”

Buying New Window & Door Replacements

Ten things to consider when buying new window & door replacements

There are many reasons you might want to replace windows and doors in your home from reducing drafts, improving heat insulation to home improvement and renovations. With thoughtful consideration and the help of an expert, such enhancements can increase the value of your property and ensure a long-lasting investment. For this reason, we introduce you to Ayrton Bespoke, experts in period replacement timber doors and windows. Ayrton specialise in accurately replicated sash or casement windows and individually made front and back doors that will enhance the character of your period home. They have an impressive reputation with more 5* Google Reviews than any other timber window and door company in London. The windows are built by the finest craftsmanship, whilst using only high quality slowgrown redwood from Latvian forests for durability and strength. This enables Ayrton to guarantee the finest quality there is to offer at affordable prices. To ensure you are 100% happy with your decision to fit these bespoke pieces, Ayrton will even send a surveyor round to run a satisfactory site survey to confirm the pricing. Before you invest in new window or door replacements, have a look at Ayrton’s 10 important decisions for window and door replacements: 1) Buy from a local window specialist (not a builder – they don’t make windows and doors) 2) See the products up close before you buy 3) Property is valuable – use timber – and accurately replicate the original features 4) Don’t buy on price – buy cheaply and you will pay twice 5) Look for comprehensive guarantees 6) See examples of local work – even talk to an existing customer 7) Good windows and doors take time to make – allow 12 weeks 8) Expect answers on the detail – where is the wood from? What type of paint? Security? 9) Make sure the company also fits the windows and doors and does NOT sub-contract 10) Check out their reviews Ayrton Bespoke is London’s leading period timber window and door replacement company. Visit their showrooms in Wandsworth, Crouch End or Dulwich

www.ayrtonbespoke.com.

SE Magazine readers will receive an exclusive 15% offer off all windows and doors.

Dulwich Hamlet FC

www.dulwichhamletfc.london @DulwichHamletFC | info@dhst.org.uk | 07951 640099 @dhstorg

As we clatter towards Christmas, it is true to say that the youthful and somewhat injury depleted Dulwich Hamlet men’s side is yet to burn as brightly as many fans had hoped. A few draws, a few more defeats, and a limp departure from the FA Cup in the last qualifying round have left SE22’s finest camped in the foothills of the league. If ever a club is driven by the roar and jangle of its home crowd it is the sons of Edgar Kail. And boy has Champion Hill ever missed its roar. Yet hope burns eternal in The Rabble’s breast. Surely, the fans cry, the time must come when the team pull up their pink and blue socks, find their football mojo, and start ascending the treacherous slopes of National League South like a latter day Norgay. Well Amen to that and watch this space sports fans. Better news elsewhere from the Dulwich Hamlet universe however where the ever spicy Dulwich Hamlet Women’s team have put in some stellar performances recently. Just prior to lockdown, DHWFC took on high-flying Dartford, coming from 0-2 behind to win a ripsnorter 3-2. All this in front of a rocking record crowd of 586. The Hamlet women now go top of their league. Unfortunately during lockdown all football below the National league has been put on ice. So while the “elite” Dulwich Hamlet men’s team continue to play behind closed doors, the women’s team must wait until 2 December to find out whether and when they can resume their allconquering season. In the meantime however, the club is very much alive and well. For one, all Dulwich Hamlet home games continue to be streamed absolutely free on the club’s Tube channel (www.youtube. com/c/DulwichHamletTV). So you can don your

pink and blue, bellow at the screen, and cheer on your Hamlet heroes from the comfort of your own home. The experience is so life like you can even apply to be a virtual mascot at a Dulwich Hamlet game. Check out https://dhst.org.uk/news/virtualmascots-wanted for how you can do just that. If you’re feeling generous while you’re at it, you can chip in a few virtual coins to sustain the brilliant media team at https://www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/dhfctv. Talking of generous, Dulwich Hamlet fans have raised over £1200 through the sale of Hamlet branded face masks. Thanks to all those who have helped. And finally, in the news we’ve all been waiting for, you can now buy the new replica Dulwich Hamlet kit. This season’s shirt is right smart and will render any wearer the envy of Lordship Lane. So with Christmas approaching, why not take a look at all the Hamlet merchandise available via the Supporters’ Trust website www.dhst.org.uk and buy yourself or a loved a special gift in pink and blue. Last order date for Christmas which guarantees delivery is Thursday 3. Any orders placed after this date will certainly be processed, but might not arrive in time for the big day. A merry Christmas to all from Champion Hill. And keep your eyes on the club website (www. dulwichhamletfc.co.uk) for news and updates on fixtures.

CwS | Smart Business Networking meets on the last Wednesday of every month.

During lockdown, we are holding our meetings virtually using Zoom.

Find out how to register for FREE at: www.cookingwithscissors.com | e-mail: sbn@ cookingwithscissors.com Next Meeting: Wednesday 27 January 2021 - 8.15pm prompt

Take a look at our fab website which covers the areas in and Around Dulwich including Forest Hill and Honor Oak Park. Up to date events, more stories and news.

Mondays 7, 14 & 21 December: Monday Evening Bad Drawing Group Tuesday 8 December: Dulwich & District u3a Festive Fun!

7pm – 8.30pm. The starting point for this group is that we are all rubbish at drawing, even if we’ve been doing it for ages. From there we proceed with freedom, enjoying the journey with no investment in the outcome. We use live streaming via Zoom, so artists will be able to communicate with each other and be part of an art group, even when not physically in the same location. This online class is open to everyone. Join us after 6.45pm so we can say hi!

Cost: £8 per session

£5 for students – email us with details of your student status: info@dulwichartgroup.co.uk – we’ll give you a discount code. The Dulwich Art Group & School, 4a Champion Hill SE5 8AH.

www.dulwichartgroup.co.uk.

Tuesday 8 & 15 December: Coping with Anxiety

6pm-7.30pm. This new drop-in series of online sessions are aimed at teenagers and young professionals from 18-25 years of age. You are not alone in feeling anxious. The group is a safe space to discuss any anxiety-related feelings, emotions, and everyday experiences of dealing with the burden of anxiety. Anxiety can really diminish the quality of everyday experiences, from school, work and relationships. Find out more at www.bellhouse.co.uk.

To get your listing here contact: angela@semagazines.co.uk

From 2pm on Zoom. A cheerful festive seasonal monthly meeting including a quiz, music and a talk on paintings of wintry scenes. Joining details will be sent on the 7th December. More details at dulwich-u3a.uk/events. Contact secretary@dulwich-u3a.uk for the link to the Zoom meeting.

Thursday 10 December: The Arts Society Dulwich Zoom lecture

7.50pm – 9pm. The Arts Society Dulwich Zoom lecture: The Christmas Story in Renaissance Art, 7.50 for 8pm (members only).

www.theartssocietydulwich.org.uk Saturday 12 December: Tech Together - Tips for choosing a mobile phone contract

11am. Join us for friendly and engaging sessions to help you make the most of the internet.

www.bellhouse.co.uk.

Guilded Walk in Dulwich Saturday 12th December, 2pm

Join a guided walk in Dulwich (Maximum 6 guests). To order your gift vouchers,or to book a walk, and for more information, email: info@walkinglondonhistory.com

Saturday 12 / 19 & Sunday 13 / 20 December: Pexmas 2020 Festive Market

Tuesday 15 December: Honor Oak WI Craft Club

Our Craft Club runs on the 3rd Tuesday of each month –currently via Zoom at 7:30pm @honoroakwi @honoroakwi @Honoroak_WI / honoroakwi@gmail.com

Wednesday 16, Thursday 17 & Friday 18 December: Pexmas Emporium

2-5pm or 6-9pm. A bookable shopping experience with 25+ traders, each hosting a bigger boutique style pop up for their brand. Less chance of queuing, more time to shop, with more space. A standard ticket grants individual access for a 3 hour shopping session. Book now for 2pm or 6pm shopping times. A Loyalty card ticket grants individual entry plus a 10% discount for all boutiques in your chosen Emporium slot, PLUS 10% off the Pexmas Online Store till the end of October 2021.

https://www.pexmas.com/pexmas-2020

11am-6pm. Two weekends of independent Festive Markets, with 50+ different traders each day. More focussed shopping at the weekday Pexmas Emporium. Workshops from traders to DIY your way to the holidays. Plus we host our first Pop Up Shop! Watch this space for more. Copeland Gallery, 133 Copeland Road, SE15 3SN

https://www.pexmas.com

COMING SOON! - Nimble Arts Holiday Clubs

Covid-secure 2021 Ofsted-registered creative holiday clubs for 4-11s 8am-6.30pm at Goodrich Primary SE22 0EP are now open for booking up till the end of the summer holidays! Book 1-5 days flexibly each week, pay by card, childcare voucher, tax-free childcare or spread the cost of all your 2021 holiday childcare with one of our instalment plans. Every day is a brand-new creative adventure launched every morning by our resident robot Switcher. Age-specific video and live workshops combining a huge variety of arts forms, creative play, teamwork, indoor and outdoor physical challenges and an emphasis on making friends in bubbles of 15 all come together at a Nimble Arts club, staffed by our highly experienced and qualified DBSchecked team. £52 for 8am - 5pm with flexible drop-off and pick-up and £6.50 for late pick-up 5 - 6.30pm with sibling discounts available. Children can attend from their 4th birthday, and we are able to open as a registered childcare company even in Tier 3/full lockdown. We can’t wait for you to join the fun - school holidays SORTED! To find out more visit www.nimblearts.co.uk • February Half-Term: 15th - 19th February 2021 • Easter Holidays: 6th - 16th April 2021 (Not Open Easter Monday 5th April) • Spring Half-Term: 1st - 4th June 2021 (Not Open Bank Holiday Monday 31st May) • Summer Holidays: 5 Weeks From 26th July - 27th August 2021 If you’d like to get in touch with any questions please email info@nimblearts.co.uk or call 0333 014 2576