MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS
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DECEMBER 2014
Welcome
CONTENTS 4-5
Christmas present ideas
6
Choose your tree
8
Turkey casserole recipe
10
Events
12-13
Life saving defibrillator
14
Twyford pantomime update
16
Micro-chip your pets for free
18
Home-made Christmas presents
21
Voice Fusion
22-23
Christmas party dresses
This first issue is all about Christmas! Look out for our exciting Christmas competition on page 35 where we want you to post you favourite Christmas photo
26-27
Billion Dollar Looks
28
Try and be good this Christmas
to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hash tag #CCXmasphoto. We also have an exciting game for kids (and adults!) – you need to try and find 10 hidden Christmas decorations throughout this magazine!
29
Christmas Jumpers
32-33
How to Create a Christmas door swag
34
Games
We really want to involve the local community and bring the villages together so if you have any information you would like to share do please get in touch and we can make sure that it happens.
35
Win a family ticket to watch MK Dons!
36
Book review
37
Win a signed copy of Kevin Pietersen’s autobiography
We hope you enjoy the first issue!
38-39
Kid’s corner
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
40
Car Care – Be prepared this winter
46
Community notice board
48
How to advertise
51
Useful Contacts
Welcome to the first edition of Community Contact magazine! Community Contact is the first local magazine for Twyford, and soon the surrounding villages, to bring together the community both through this magazine and online via the Community Contact website. In this magazine you will find an abundance of interesting articles focusing on what is happening in your village each month. Each month you can expect to find exciting competitions, local entertainment and parish council news, news on sport and education and regular features including fashion, homes, gardening, cooking, book reviews and even an area for your little ones.
Neil and Laura
To advertise call 07769 676573 or visit www.communitycontact.co.uk
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MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS
What presents will you buy this year ?? To me, there is nothing better than Christmas. It is such a special time for family and friends to get together and totally over indulge! Have you sorted your Christmas present ideas yet? If you haven’t fear not! I will endeavor to help you with our top gifts for men, women, girls and boys this Christmas!
Slay 12 Year Old Malt Whisley - Single Bottle £29 from M&S
Fat Face Wash Bag £20 from Boots
Call of Duty Advanced Warfare £40 from Tesco Map Hip Flask £24.95 from Not On The High Street
Beats by DRE Headphones £99 from Currys
Yankee Candle - Red Apple Wreath £16.49 from Yan kee.co.uk
Burberry Brit Rhythm £43.50 from Boots
Great British Bake Off Recipe Book £9 from Amazon
Kath Kidson Sm all Leather Cinema Bag £80 from Kath Kid son
ant
Joules Blooming Brilli Weekend Bag £45 from Joules Daisy Dream by Marc Jacobs £39 from Debenhams
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Nails Inc - Saville Row £11 from House of Fraser
Please mention Community Contact when responding to adverts
DECEMBER 2014 Smart Phone Pro jector £15 from Not On The High Street
Jack Wills Wash Bag £18 from Boots Half Bad by Sally Green £3.85 from Amazon
Snowflake Hot Water Bottle £10 from Topshop
Ted Baker Cosmetic Purse Set £12 from Boots
Ice Skating Elsa from Frozen £25.49 from Am azon
Barbie Colour Changing Handbag £16.99 from Argos V-Tech Watch £29.99 from Arg os
Play Doh - Doh Vinci £12.99 from Arg os
My Friend Cayla £43.79 from Toys R Us
Transformers 4 Power Attackers - Scorn £12.99 from Toys R Us LEAP TV £119.59 from Tesco
Boom Co Rapid Madness Blaster £39.99 from Argos
aur Teksta Dinos Smyths Toys £49.99 from
Xeno Monster £64.00 from Tesco
To advertise call 07769 676573 or visit www.communitycontact.co.uk
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MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS
Pick the Perfect Tree This Christmas... Choosing the right Christmas tree is a magical and memorable experience for the whole family. When you visit Claydon Christmas Tree Farm you can spend as long as you like choosing which tree is perfect for you. Claydon Christmas Tree Farm is based in Steeple Claydon, and is managed by husband and wife team, Joseph and Ingrid Hodges. “Being a family business that is run from our home, we take a real pride in the service that we give our customers. We have a small team of dedicated staff who are always on hand to help you with absolutely anything that you may need! We have a beautiful team of Father Christmas’ real reindeer, Dasher, Dancer, Comet, Cupid and Vixen for you to meet when you buy a Christmas tree. Our Scandinavian log cabin Christmas shop is full of beautiful decorations and ornaments, including a large range by designer, ‘Gisela Graham’. We have a wide range of products to suit every style and budget. Children and adults alike enjoy hunting for the complimentary chocolate which is hidden amongst the decorations in the shop. Children will love having fun in the pedal tractor area and may get a surprise when they hear the ‘gobble, gobble’ of the turkey’s. Santa’s Grotto is open on the 6th, 7th & 14th Dec 2014 from 12pm – 3pm. Only £4 per child and includes a present and a unique experience with real reindeer! We sell a variety of beautiful fresh cut and pot grown British Christmas trees, to include Nordman fir, Norway spruce and Fraser Fir Christmas trees, ranging in height from 3ft to 14ft. Larger trees or a quantity of trees can be ordered on request. We aim to supply beautiful, freshly cut trees at sensible prices. We are only open for four weeks of the year, opening on Saturday 29th November 2014 until midday on Christmas Eve. We planted our own trees in April 2010 and continue to plant Christmas trees every year. Our first crop of trees will be ready to sell in 2015. The trees that we currently sell have been carefully selected from a farm in the Welsh Mountains. This year, for charity, each weekend we are providing free fun activities for the whole family. Please see our website for more details www.claydonchristmastreefarm.co.uk.
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DECEMBER 2014
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MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS
Leftover Turkey Casserole This one pot stew uses up all your roast dinner leftovers in one go and has a great honey mustard tang.
Ingredients 2 onions, finely chopped 1 eating apple, cored and chopped 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp dried sage, or 5 sage leaves, chopped 2 tbsp plain flour 300ml vegetable or chicken stock 2 tbsp wholegrain mustard 2 tbsp runny honey 400g-500g leftover turkey, shredded 350g leftover roasted vegetables like roast potatoes, parsnips, celeriacs and carrots, chunkily diced.
Method 1. Fry the onion and apple in the oil until softened in a casserole or deep pan. Stir in the sage for 1 min, then stir in the flour. Gradually stir in the stock followed by the mustard and honey. 2. Bring up to a simmer and stir in the turkey and roast veg. Cover and gently simmer for 15 mins until turkey is piping hot. Season and eat with mash or jacket potatoes.
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What do you do with your Christmas leftovers ?? Share your ideas with the community by sending them to: info@communitycontact.co.uk
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DECEMBER 2014
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MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS
EVENTS 6th December - Saturday
Father Christmas comes to Buckingham Town Centre, Old Gaol. 11am – 2.30pm Voice Fusion concert, St Mary’s Church, Twyford
6th & 7th December
Day out with Thomas at Buckinghamshire Railway Centre. Booking is essential. 01296 655720 (weekdays 9.30 - 4.30) or book online. Oxford Arts Market on Broad Street. This Street Market features local artists, designers and craft makers supporting small scale creative industries from Oxfordshire. www. boffyartsandevents.com
7th December - Sunday
Twilight Tour ‘Christmas in the country Manor’ Stowe School 7.30pm. The Annual Christmas Fayre, Twyford Village hall, 2pm. Mulled Wine and mince pies will be served.
Christmas. www.oxfordchristmasmarket.co.uk
13th December - Saturday
Buckingham Christmas Parade at 10.45am Community fair at Buckingham Community Centre 11.30am 2.00pm Father Christmas comes to Buckingham Town Centre, Old Gaol. 11am - 2.30pm
18th December - Thursday
Coca Cola Trucks at ASDA, Milton Keynes between 12 - 8pm
20th and 22nd December
Father Christmas comes to Buckingham Town Centre, Old Gaol. 11am – 2.30pm
New Years Eve
The Crown, Twyford: Movies and cartoon themed fancy dress NYE Party.
11th - 21st December from 10am to 7pm Oxford Christmas Market on Broad Street, will have nearly 50 vendors selling Christmas gifts, seasonal treats, and entertainment, giving the city centre an atmosphere of
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DECEMBER 2014
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MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS
Life Saving Changes in Twyford Twyford Village now has a life saving defibrillator installed and its thanks to each and everyone of you that donated money that the village has access to this life saving equipment. It may seem scary, but after a cardiac arrest every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces someone’s chances of survival by 10 percent – so a defibrillator is imperative to any remote village. They are simple and safe. The machine gives clear spoken instructions. You don’t need training to use one. Once in position, the defibrillator detects the heart’s rhythm. It won’t deliver a shock unless one is needed. I recently interviewed, Loo Blackburn, who helped to get the defibrillator installed in the village...
Where did the idea to get the defibrillator come from?
Friends in village had mentioned the Defibrillator when they had completed a first aid course a while ago. We felt it was something that just needed doing!
Why is it so important to have a defibrillator in the village?
It is important because the only intervention that has any affect on the survival rates is early access to a defibrillator. Living in the village, medical assistance is always going to take longer to arrive and literally every minute counts.
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DECEMBER 2014
How was the money raised for the defibrillator?
The money was raised by an appeal to every household in Twyford and there was also a door-to-door collection. There was a donation pot in the village stores and the remaining shortfall was a very generous donation from the Rotary Via Gary. All in all, the entire village donated almost ÂŁ1,700!
Where is the defibrillator stored?
The defibrillator is now housed and working on the wall outside the village hall. Steve Elcock kindly sorted the electrical requirements and has placed a light above to ensure visibility at night.
How do you get access to the defibrillator?
The defibrillator is in a coded locked heated box. To access the defibrillator simply dial 999 and the ambulance control will give out the code in order to retrieve it. The most important action is dialing 999. Is there anything else people should know about using the defibrillator? The most important message to everyone is that the defibrillator does not require any medical knowledge, know how or interpretation whatsoever to use it. It will not harm or kill anyone, as it will not discharge a shock unless it is beneficial, but it could just save that persons life.
Just call 999, get the code, and ensure help is on its way. These devices can help save lives in the first few minutes of a cardiac arrest and before an ambulance or community first responder can arrive. They will then stay on the line to help you use the device and direct you how to conduct hands-only CPR while the ambulance and community first responders are still on the way. The machine, which can be operated by anyone, delivers an electric shock that can restart the heart of someone having a cardiac arrest. If you come across someone who is not breathing or breathing erratically, the most important thing is to call 999 and start CPR. If you’re on your own, don’t interrupt the CPR to go and fetch a defibrillator. When you can, send someone else to find one. Once the defibrillator is open, all you have to do is follow the spoken instructions.
To advertise call 07769 676573 or visit www.communitycontact.co.uk
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MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS
Twyford Pantomime is back! The Twyford Amateur Dramatics Society (TADS) are pleased to announce that this season’s pantomime is… drum roll please… Babes in the Wood! Directed by Royston Cyster, co-directed by Guy Horwood and produced by Tina Shortland, TADs are busy rehearsing for their parts in this season’s spectacular pantomime! Starring Robin Hood, Maid Marion, drop dead gorgeous dames, Silly Villans and a nasty Sheriff of Nottingham, this year’s pantomime is ram-packed full of laughter, dance, suspense, double crossings, evil plans and a rocking sound track! There will be something for everyone!! Tickets go on sale from the 13th of December and will be available from Denise Wade. Call 01296 738585 or email dizwade@yahoo. co.uk
Adults: £5| £6 last night Children and concessions £3| £4 last night Pay on collection of tickets from the village store within two weeks of ordering. Cheques are made payable to TADS.
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Friday13th February Opening night
Friday 20th February Evening
Saturday 14th February Matinee Evening
Saturday 21st February Matinee Evening
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DECEMBER 2014
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MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS
Free micro-chipping for all dogs, courtesy of the Dog’s Trust
Having your pet micro-chipped is one of the best ways to increase your pet’s chances of getting home. Unlike dog tags and collars, which can fall off or be removed, micro-chipping is a more permanent form of identifying your dog. But don’t forget the law says all dogs must wear a collar and tag, with their owner’s name, address and telephone number on it. Dogs Trust are currently offering FREE micro-chipping across the country. Contact Winslow Vets for more information. How does it work? A tiny microchip about the size of a grain of rice is inserted under your dog’s loose skin, on the back of the neck. This gives the dog their own unique code. If your dog becomes lost or stolen and is picked up by the dog warden or turns up at a shelter or vet’s office, the microchip can be scanned and matched to your contact details, which are kept on a database. Now remember - Register the chip and keep your details updated in the future. Source: Dogs Trust
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DECEMBER 2014
Country Equestrian Horse and Pet Food Store
Horse, Pet and Poultry Feed, Pet Accessories, Gifts, Cards and much more! Own brand Horse Feed, Spillers, Baileys, Dodson & Horrell, Allen & Page, Haygates and Chudleys. Woodshavings, Equibright, Quality Haylage, Hay and Straw, Stable Equipment, Rug Cleaning and Leather Repairs.
Open 8.30 to 5.00 Monday to Saturday Ample customer parking
HOME FARM, POUNDON, BICESTER, OX27 9AY (Between Marsh Gibbon and Twyford)
Tel: 01869 277742
info@countryequestrianltd.co.uk www.countryequestrianltd.co.uk
Christmas gifts now in
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MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS
Home Made Christmas Gifts For those last minute home made Christmas Presents look no further! I have some yummy treats lined up that you can give your friends as delicious Christmas presents…
Nigella’s Salted Caramel Sauce
Ingredients 75 grams best-quality unsalted butter 50 grams soft light brown sugar 50 grams caster sugar 50 grams golden syrup 125 ml double cream 1 teaspoon fleur de sel salt
Salted caramel sauce can be rustled up in a matter of moments but making caramel requires patience, dexterity and a sugar-thermometer.
Mary Berry’s Christmas Chutney
Method Melt butter, sugars and syrup and butter in a small heavy based pan and let simmer for 3 minutes, swirling every now and again. Add cream and half a teaspoon of fleur de sel salt (not table salt!) and swirl again, give a stir with a wooden spoon and taste – go cautiously so that you don’t burn your tongue – to see if you want more salt before letting it cook for another minute on the stove, then pour into your jars.
Gingerbread
Nigella’s Mince Pies
Find these recipes on our website www.communitycontact.co.uk/recipes
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DECEMBER 2014
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MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS
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DECEMBER 2014
The VoiceFusion adults choir are busy preparing for this terms performance on 6th December at 7pm in Twyford church. This year we are joined by Brill Brass Quintet and VoiceFusion childrens choir to perform a varied programme from Mozart to The Carpenters and Christmas carols. All are welcome and entry is free on the evening with donations being encouraged to raise money for Sobel House. VoiceFusion offers you the chance to take part in a community style choir where you can have fun and enjoy the many benefits of singing in a group. The aim is to have fun singing together whilst learning a range of songs and enjoying music. Sessions are held on weekday evenings in term time and all are welcome. Previously choir members have particularly enjoyed learning a wide selection of music, ensuring something for everyone. We especially are keen that all are able to develop through the sessions, whether singing for the first time in a group and gaining confidence in singing with others, or perhaps for the more experienced the chance to shine with a solo spot! If you’ve not been before - come along and try a free taster session. No previous experience required, just join in and have fun.
VoiceFusion contact details Jane - 01296 730751 Email - voicefusion@live.co.uk Facebook- http://tinyurl.com/voicefusion Web – www.voicefusion.org.uk
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MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS
Look amazing at this years office party Christmas is full of sparkle and magic and it’s the best excuse to buy yourself a new, sparkly outfit for your Christmas party! Take a look at our top picks on the high street this Christmas season… Anais Dress | Monsoon | £169 This beautiful dress from Monsoon includes intricate hand-embellishment and clusters of silver beads over metallic lace to catch the light of any Christmas party this year.
Sequened dress | Topshop | £68 Dress to impress with this classic style party dress in flocked black sequins. Glittery Jumpsuit | H&M | £69.99 This gorgeous glittery jumpsuit is a real showstopper. Featuring bead and sequin embroidery, a v-neck at the back, sealed at the waist and concealed zip at the back.
Gold sequined tunic dress | M&S | £79 This gold tunic dress from M&S is perfect for any Christmas party. Pair with black heels and statement earrings for a beautiful Christmas look.
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DECEMBER 2014
Sequined body-con dress | Miss Selfridge | £69.30 This Miss Selfridge petit sequined paneled body-con dress is on-trend and perfect for an understated Christmassy look.
Gold Metallic skater dress | Next | £56 This classic skater dress is sure to turn heads, team with a glittery clutch and killer heels for an all over look.
Halterneck dress | Next | £95 This Floaty black halterneck dress from Next is so elegant and features mixed sequin, bead and diamante embellishments, a thigh high slit and intricate strap detailing falling to the lower back into a v-shape.
Blush midi skirt | Monsoon | £69 I just love the length of this skirt. It will look stunning paired with a cashmere sweater, statement necklace, and faux fur coat to keep you warm on those cold winter evenings. To advertise call 07769 676573 or visit www.communitycontact.co.uk
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MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS
£1000
SAVING Plus Free Tooth Whitening & Receive a
Voucher To Use In Our Wellness Spa
SMILE CONFIDENTLY WITH INVISALIGN • Beautiful Straight Teeth Comfortable, removable, nearly invisible.
01296 730 260
We are a leading practice for providing Invisalign 10 Chaloners Hill, Steeple Claydon, Buckingham, MK18 2PE
www.claydondental.co.uk
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Fi rst B
%
Off
ea ut yT re atm
en t
Beauty Osteopathy Chiropody Call now 01296 730260
info@claydonwellness.co.uk www.claydonwellness.co.uk 24
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DECEMBER 2014
Arthurs Radio first came into business in 1989. We are proud to be able to offer our clients a first class service in cutting, colouring and treatments. We build great client-stylist relationships as we want to get to know you, not just your hair! We always welcome new clients and very much appreciate our existing clientele.
We currently have a NEW ongoing offer valid every Tuesday!
TREAT ME TUESDAYS 50% OFF Any colour service on a Tuesday with Charlotte and Sofie* *When booked with a Cut & blow dry with Charlotte or Sofie. *Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
24 West Street Buckingham MK18 1HE Tel: 01280 817116 www.arthursradiosalon.co.uk
To advertise call 07769 676573 or visit www.communitycontact.co.uk
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MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS
BILLION DOLLAR LOOKS AT LAST! The importance of eyebrows is finally being recognised by
the nation. Long gone is the fashion of over-plucked, pencil thin brows. Instead, it is being acknowledged that eyebrows are essential in framing your face and shaping your features. Not to mention a fuller, thicker set of eyebrows are proven to create a more glamorous and youthful appearance. Although few of us naturally have ‘perfect eyebrows,’ a few adjustments can make a huge difference:
Shape: Ideally, your brow should start a little past the inner corner of your
eye. This should lead to a gentle arch, which should peak above the outer rim of your iris (the coloured part) and lie on the brow bone. The end of the brow should align with the edge of your nostril and the outer corner of the eye itself.
Regrowth: Leaving your brows to grow can make a huge difference.
Too much tweezing can lead to a permanent facial expression of surprise, anger, bewilderment – to name a few. It takes three to four months to notice a real change, and up to a year for brows to grow back entirely. Clever makeup can help hide the unruly brows that you may be conscious of – but persevere – those little random hairs will eventually form a full brow. If you need a little helping hand, there are lots of brow growth serums on the market. Billion Dollar Brow Boost Serum, is a deep conditioning treatment designed to strengthen and condition thin, overtweezed brows.
Makeup: Brows, like all hair, go through growth cycles. At times it may
leave you with patchy areas. Or if you are struggling to perfect your shape, then brow makeup is your saviour! Fill in sparse areas with a brow pencil and try to replicate hair strokes. Eyeliners are too creamy and heavily pigmented. Pencil can be softened gently with a brow powder
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DECEMBER 2014
and an angled brush in the direction of your hair growth. Billion Dollar Brow Universal Brow Pencil and Brow Powder are professional brow products designed to last all day and are best in helping to achieve your desired look. If you want all of this done for you, then take yourself to a brow expert. Professionals are trained to help design you the perfect brow for YOUR face shape and individual features. They can even help you with a regrowth programme. In addition, the treatments are a lesson in re-creating your perfect brow at home. For more information or to book in for perfect brows, contact Kate at Tweak Beauty Buckingham. Billion Dollar Brow Growth Serum £25 Billion Dollar Brow Universal Brow Pencil £17 Billion Dollar Brow Powders £18 All available from Tweak Beauty www.tweakbeauty.co.uk
expert eyebrow treatment
We offer regrowth and maintenance programmes to assist in creating perfect eyebrows that totally transform your face. We measure your face and features to expertly create the perfect brow for you.
luxury french waxes
Luxury French waxes are used in premium intimate waxing. We use world famous techniques that contribute to a more comfortable, closer and quicker wax. Together it will totally transform any waxing experience you've had in the past. Located in Buckingham.
07921 504 296 Full treatment list available at:
www.tweakbeauty.co.uk or email kate@tweakbeauty.co.uk
To advertise call 07769 676573 or visit www.communitycontact.co.uk
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MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS
How to try and be good this Christmas.. Yep it’s Christmas!! The time of year where we all over indulge in all the delicious foods that the festive season has to offer, but whilst Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year, it can also be the hardest time to stick with a healthy routine. Snacking on leftover turkey and eating chocolate for breakfast, Guilty. Another glass of bubbly? Yes, please! We work so hard all year round to stick to a healthy routine that as soon as Christmas comes… boom… the diet goes straight out of the window!! I thought I would put together a list of tips to help us all stay on track as best we can this Christmas without piling on the pounds and making January perhaps, a tiny bit more bearable!
Fuel up before you head out to parties Being prepared is the best way to make it through this Christmas without sacrificing your figure. We’ve all been there: going to dinner or Christmas party with an empty stomach, and indulging in one too many helpings of something we normally don’t even eat because our hanger (hunger + anger) has set in. Our advice? Have a snack before you head out the door this Christmas!
Stick to your fitness routine This one might seem like a no-brainer, but during festive period it’s easy to become extremely busy and put your fitness routine on the backburner. However, if you can, try to keep up with your workouts. Not only will working out keep your metabolism fired up, but it will also help you make better decisions when it comes to Christmas food and drink. After a really hard run or an exhausting yoga class, you’ll think twice before overindulging in that second slice of Christmas pudding!
Up your water intake Not only does upping your water intake help you slim down, but it also makes your skin smoother, your eyes brighter, and can give you that overall healthy glow. During Christmas, when we tend to overindulge in those not-so-healthy foods, it’s important to drink even more water than you normally do. It will help flush out the party food and drinks. Plus it will also keep you full so that you don’t end up thinking you’re hungry when you’re really just thirsty.
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Christmas Jumpers.. An Essential Purchase Have yourself a merry little knitmas with our top picks of festive jumpers this Christmas.
For the girls Bell Jumper
Penguin Jumper
Topshop £42
Festive Bird Jumper
White Stuff| £55
Reindeer Spot Jumper
Joules £49.95
Robin Jumper
John Lewis £49
Warehouse £42
For the boys Red Fairisle Reindeer Jumper
Fairisle French Navy Jumper
Sainsburys £20
Cable Car Jumper Next £28
Joules £69.95
Grey Polar Bear Jumper River Island £28
Reindeer Jumper
John Lewis £45
To advertise call 07769 676573 or visit www.communitycontact.co.uk
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MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS
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DECEMBER 2014
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MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS
How to make a Christmas door swag by Jessica Rose Decorating our front doors is a great way to welcome guests at Christmas time. I love welcoming my friends and family with something I have created myself. Whether you prefer a wreath or swag or something sparkly, why not try to create something yourself this year. Make it reflect your style, neat and natural or wild and colourful. I’ll leave that bit up to you. Here is my little guide:
What you will need to make your Christmas door swag Secateurs Wire cutters/old scissors Thick stub wires (available from your local florist) Ball of string Big bunch of foliage. Blue spruce, holly and ivy are traditional but why not try to raid the hedgerows for any evergreen you can find. Laurel, eucalyptus, dried sedum and hydrangea, rosehips. Anything wild and wonderful. Decorations of your choice. Dried fruits, pinecones, baubles, sparky twigs or even fresh roses. Long piece of thick ribbon
Foliage
Start with a big piece of foliage in the centre. Lay your next stem to the left hand side with the stem over and the third piece on the right with the stem under. Repeat this with all of your foliage. One stem under and the next over with your foliage pieces getting smaller each time. It won’t be neat, as you add foliage you can place them where they need to go for your design.
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Hold foliage in place Once you have used your foliage and created the shape and size you require, tie your bunch securely with string. Bind it tightly to avoid pieces falling out when hung up.
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Decoration
3
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Take the pieces of stub wire and wire up your decorations. Wrap it around cones or through pieces of dried fruits or through baubles loops. There is no right or wrong way to do this. As long as you leave one long end and the other end is securely attached to the decoration.
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DECEMBER 2014 With your swag in front of you, feed the long wire up through your tie point. Place as many decorations as you like and as they are on wire you can fiddle with them to get correct positioning. Tie once more with wire or string to make sure all wires are secure.
Ribbon
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Cut all long stems and wire to create a neat end. Tie your ribbon into a long loop and then wrap the ends around the stems and tie a lovely big bow.
Hang
Hang you door swag on your front door for all to see and enjoy.
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If you are feeling more adventurous and fancy making a door wreath please contact me. I sell a kit with everything you need and instructions too. Alternatively I can make you one! Good luck and have fun. Happy Christmas! Love, Jessica Rose
To advertise call 07769 676573 or visit www.communitycontact.co.uk
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MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS
SUDOKU
Every row, column and 3x3 square must contain one of each digit 1 to 9.
1
6
2
3
5
4
5
1
3
6
6
5 2
5
7
3
I
A
R
2
T
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C
7 1
1
3 1
M
2
4
4
H
9
8 7
S
NONAGRAM
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How many words of four letters or more can you nake from this Nonagram ? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may only be used once per word. One word will use all 9 letters... Can you get that one ?
8
6 5
4
6
Guidelines 24 words - Good 29 words - Very Good 34 words - Excellent
Christmas Crossword 1
2
3
4
9
5
6
7
Across
8
10 11
12
15
13
14
20
21
16
17
18
19 22
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Down 1. ________ Dickens, writer of a Christmas Carol (7) 2. Items of archeological interest (9) 3. Miserly character in one down (7) 4. Set rights (9) 5. Large bin (8) 6. Jeans fabric (5) 7. Resolute (9) 8. Building (7)
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1. Santa _____ (5) 4. Colour of Rudolph’s nose (3) 6. Another reindeer employed by 1 Across (6) 9. Changed (7) 10. Christmas fair (5,3) 12. What you’ll be eating for days after Christmas dinner (9) 13. Crazy (3) 14. The frozen North Pole has plenty of this (3) 15. Good fortune, prosperity (7) 16. She has a royal Christmas message (9) 17. Mary rode one to the manger (3) 18. Wait, stay (4) 19. Improvised jazz singing (4) 21. Ruminant (3) 23. First Course (9) 25. Answer (7) 28. Lyric poem (3) 29. Traditionally burn in the fire at Christmas (3) 31. Ovenproof dish (9) 32. Equine marine creature? (8) 33. Powerful businessman (7) 34. Treads heavily (6) 35. Distress signal (3) 36. Lolly
11. Male relative (6) 17. Warrior woman 18. Town where Jesus was born (9) 20. and 24 down Yuletide gift (9, 7) 21. Kind of money you might find in your stocking (9) 22. They go off with a bang at Christmas dinner (8) 24. (see 20 down) 26. Santa and you can use them for riding (7) 27. Furthest down (7) 30. Micro-organisms (5)
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DECEMBER 2014
communitycontact
@commcontact
commcontact
IT’S COMPETITION TIME! WIN A FAMILY TICKET FOR 4 TO WATCH THE MK DONS! This competition is so easy! Simply upload your best Christmas photo using Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #CCxmasphoto but don’t forget to tag Community Contact into your post! Alternatively email your photos to competitions@communitycontact.co.uk and we will post on your behalf. The photo can be of anything festive, a decorated tree, a snowy scene, amazing house lights or even your pets dressed up in xmas outfits! The prize is a family four ticket for 2 adults and 2 children to attend the home game at Stadium MK on Sunday, December 28th versus Walsall. The winner will be announced on our website on December 20th - Good Luck!
www.communitycontact.co.uk
To advertise call 07769 676573 or visit www.communitycontact.co.uk
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MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS
BOOK REVIEW
What If? Each issue we will be publishing book reviews on behalf of Cole’s Book Store. This issue’s review is What If? By Randall Munroe Title: What If? Author: Randall Munroe Publisher: John Murray / Hachette ISBN: 9781848549579 Hardback: £14.99 From the creator of the wildly popular xkcd.com, hilarious and informative answers to important questions you probably never thought to ask. Millions visit xkcd.com each week to read Randall Munroe’s iconic web-comic. Fans ask him a lot of strange questions: How fast can you hit a speed bump, driving, and live? When (if ever) did the sun go down on the British Empire? When will Facebook contain more profiles of dead people than living? How many humans would a T Rex rampaging through New York need to eat a day? In pursuit of answers, Munroe runs computer simulations, pores over stacks of declassified military research memos, solves differential equations and consults nuclear reactor operators. His responses are masterpieces of clarity and hilarity, complemented by comics. If you’ve got teenagers who you’d love to get off a ‘screen’ and get them doing something else, then this could be the perfect book - just the thing for a Christmas gift.
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DECEMBER 2014
WIN A SIGNED COPY OF KEVIN PIETERSEN’S AUTOBIOGRAPHY IN OUR COMMUNITY CONTACT FACEBACK COMPETITION. KINDLY DONATED BY COLE’S BOOKS
To advertise call 07769 676573 or visit www.communitycontact.co.uk
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MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS
KIDS CORNER FIND THE CHRISTMAS WORDS IN THIS PUZZLE C
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BELLS CANDYCANES CAROLS CHRISTMAS DECEMBER ELVES FAMILY LIGHTS PRESENTS REINDEER RUDOLF SANTACLAUS SILENTNIGHT SNOWMAN TREE
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DECEMBER 2014
JOIN THE DOTS ON THESE XMAS PICS CAN YOU FIND THE TEN SNOWFLAKE BAUBLES WE HAVE HIDDEN IN THE MAGAZINE ?
COLOUR ME IN COLOUR IN FATHER CHRISTMAS AND MAKE HIM COME TO LIFE :) To advertise call 07769 676573 or visit www.communitycontact.co.uk
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MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS
Be Prepared This Winter Take a look at our easy steps to ensure both you and your car are prepared for the winter conditions: • • • • • • • •
Antifreeze – check coolant level regularly and, if required, top-up with a mixture of the correct type of antifreeze. Your garage should check concentration to ensure adequate cold temperature protection. Battery – the most common cause of winter breakdowns. A battery more than five years old may struggle in the cold - get it checked and replaced if necessary to avoid the inconvenience of an unplanned failure. Fuel – keep at least a quarter of a tank in case of unexpected delay. Lights – check and clean all lights regularly to make sure you can see and be seen clearly. Carry spare bulbs. Tyres – should have at least 3mm of tread for winter motoring. Consider winter tyres for improved safety. Check pressures at least every fortnight. Windscreen – reduce dazzle from the low sun by keeping the screen clean inside and out. Now is a good time to renew worn wiper blades. Screen wash – use a 50% mix of a good quality screen wash to reduce the chance of freezing in frosty weather. Locks and door seals – stop doors freezing shut with a thin coat of polish or Vaseline on rubber door seals. A squirt of water dispersant (WD-40) in locks will help stop them freezing.
Prepare for the worst and hope for the best. As well as the things you should be carrying on every journey regardless of the weather, you should make up a winter emergency kit to keep in the boot – hopefully you won’t need it but you will be very glad it’s there if you do.
Winter Emergency Kit Blanket, rug or sleeping bag Shovel Bits of carpet or thick cardboard to place under driven wheels to help regain traction on ice or snow Salt, sand or cat litter – to help clear snow and ice Reflective jacket(s) Ice scraper and de-icer
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Torch and batteries Tow rope Snow chains (if you live in a remote or rural area) Battery jump leads Bottled water Snacks – chocolate or cereal bars Extra screen wash
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DECEMBER 2014
To advertise call 07769 676573 or visit www.communitycontact.co.uk
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MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS
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DECEMBER 2014
To advertise call 07769 676573 or visit www.communitycontact.co.uk
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MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS
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Please mention Community Contact when responding to adverts
DECEMBER 2014
To advertise call 07769 676573 or visit www.communitycontact.co.uk
45
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS
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DECEMBER 2014
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MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS
How to advertise To advertise is easy! Simply email advertise@communitycontact.co.uk. The copy deadline for our February issue will be 14th January 2015. The February issue will be delivered to the full area on or before the 1st of February 2015.
Contact us By phone: 07769 676573 or 07882 194830 By email: office@communitycontact.co.uk Visit our website: www.communitycontact.co.uk Look out for us on facebook, twitter and instagram. All of the rates and advertising options for our bi-monthly issue are published on our website. Please call us to discuss package deals and requirements.
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DECEMBER 2014
Hey, you know that great idea you had for an app? We can make it a reality.
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Since 2003, hundreds and hundreds of homes, businesses and communities have counted on Village Networks to keep them connected. You can, too! Find out more at info@villagenetworks.co.uk or by calling us, today. You could be connected sooner than you think!
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MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS
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DECEMBER 2014
To advertise call 07769 676573 or visit www.communitycontact.co.uk
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