Discovering Bourne issue 004, December 2011 by Discovering Magazines

Bourne g n i r e v o c is

Issue 4 / December 2011

In this

Issue

•Seasonal events in and around Bourne •WIN! Tickets for NYE at the Corn Exchange and

A Luxury Facial!

•Local history - the Abbey Church •Tasty Christmas food ideas!

Discovering all that is local to you - news, events and services

Discovering Bourne December 2011 | 01778 343020

01778 343020 | December 2011

Discovering Bourne

Discovering Bourne December 2011 | 01778 343020

Welcome...

Discovering Bourne team ◌ Editor Sally Hunt ◌ Website www.discoveringbourne.co.uk ◌ Operations Director Andrew Armstrong ◌ Sales Director Dawn King ◌ Accounts Wendy Chapman ◌ Page Design Natasha Shiels Sian Rogers ◌ Contributors Brenda Johnson PC Nick Smith Rex Needle Ray Pawlett Jo Sunner Paul Ross Lee Morley Pixel King Waterside Garden Centre Exeter Veterinary Centre Gordon Lack Thank you to our contributors and advertisers, without whom this publication could not be possible.

How to contact us... Operations: Andrew Armstrong 01778 343020 | 07780 922214 andy@discoveringbourne.co.uk Sales: Dawn King 07982 422135 dawn@discoveringbourne.co.uk Editorial: Sally Hunt 07933 580279 sally@discoveringbourne.co.uK c/o Bourne Leisure Centre, Queens Road, PE10 9DX

ow lovely to walk through Bourne’s town centre and see the shop windows beautifully decorated – thanks to the town’s traders who have made an extra effort this year. The Christmas lights have been switched on and the town has a great festive feel. This month we have included a new food and drink section to help you make your Christmas day cuisine extra special. There’s some excellent advice on Christmas turkeys (and alternative meat) from local company Sandalls butchers, a tasty recipe for mince pies from the Pea Pod Pantry and you can stock up on your free-range eggs, vegetables and sausages to complete the day’s fayre from Groovy Foods.

There’s lots on around Bourne this month. More and more people are getting in touch with us about their events so keep them coming! We have included Santa’s route so make a note when he will be visiting a street near you. We need some more distributors for Bourne and surrounding villages so please get in touch with any of us on the email addresses/phone numbers below. Last but not least our website has gone live and will be expanded over the next few months. Our facebook page is up and running so please ‘like’ it to keep up to date with Discovering Bourne news between issues. So now just to wish a very

Merry Christmas and

Happy New Year to all our readers from the team at Discovering Bourne.

Sally Hunt, Editor

Laura Thrower, Harry Warcup, Olivia Piper, Harry Gutsell, Jack Lee and Abbie Burton from Morton Church of England Primary School. Picture by Gordon Lack

Discovering Bourne is published by a local team and is not associated with any other business. Care is taken to ensure that the content and information is correct, however we cannot take any responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by any errors. Permission must be granted to reproduce, copy or scan anything from this publication.

01778 343020 | December 2011

Discovering Bourne

www.personalchristmasletters.co.uk

Personal letters from Father Christmas This Christmas, imagine the look of delight on your children's faces when they receive their very own personalised letter from Father Christmas.

For just £4.99 per child, each one will receive a personalised letter and certificate, a Christmas card plus a festive colouring picture. All sent in a beautiful envelope. HOW TO ORDER: Simply complete the form below and send it with your payment to: The Smart Consultancy, PO Box 135, Bourne PE10 1DG Remember to enclose your payment of just £4.99 per child that you are ordering for. Payments can be made by cheque, postal order or via PayPal on our website www.personalchristmasletters.co.uk. (Please input DB11 in the box “where did you hear about us”)

Closing date for orders: 14 December 2011 All packs will be sent out from 6 December.

Letters From Father Christmas Order Form Please make your cheque payable to The Smart Consultancy and send your order to: The Smart Consultancy, PO Box 135, Bourne PE10 1DG Child’s name: Address: Postcode:

Additional Child’s name: Address: Postcode:

Sender’s name: Telephone: Email:

REF: DB11 Please continue order on a separate sheet if required. The Smart Consultancy and Discovering Bourne may use your details to contact you about other promotions. If you do not wish to receive further information from The Smart Consultancy please tick here and Discovering Bourne please tick here

Discovering Bourne December 2011 | 01778 343020

A Your word from Mayor T

here will be two celebrations in Bourne this year. By the time this magazine is with you the light switch-on will have happened at the back of the Town Hall. However there is also going to be a family day on 3rd of December which has been organised by the shop keepers in the town. It is with regret that the two events could not be brought together this year as the Town Council had already committed itself to the switch-on event as early as January this year.

Brenda Johnson

The Town Council is hoping that next year we will be able to work with the shopkeepers to join the two events together and have one big event. Please support your local shops in this as a lot of work has gone into organising it.

It is really good to see some new shops coming into our town centre and I would like to wish them well. I was delighted to be part of the opening of the Bourne Academy and also the Croft which I hope will be welcomed by all. The developers will restore the Main house to come alive again as the community centre for the bungalows and chalets that are being built around it. These will be for over 55 year olds and I believe they will be welcomed by that generation as they are close to town and right next to the doctors surgery. I am now able to return to work which is a blessing and am also taking part in the 4k Santa Run/Walk at Burghley Park on 11th December which is to raise money for Dementia Support in our area. This is another service that has had a lot of its funding cut and the Co-Op in Market

Unique Gifts.... If you are looking for a truly unique gift this year there is a new DVD available on the heritage of Bourne and some of its famous sons. It can be brought from Bourne Civic Society, Bourne Preservation Society, and Bourne Arts and Community Trust. The profits from the sale of the DVD will go to these societies. Deeping is raising money for this cause. If you would like to donate to this event please send your donations to Dementia Support South Lincs. C/o Evergreen Care Trust, Rhyall Road, Stamford, PE9 1YA. They hold meetings in Bourne Corn Exchange 3rd Wednesday of the month from 10am-12 noon. â&#x20AC;˘ For more information about the group contact Kate Marshall Memory Health care worker on 01778 440153/ 07867635611.

01778 343020 | December 2011

Discovering Bourne

Bourne & District Lions Club – Sleigh Route 2011 Nov 28

Mon Morton West, including High St. (Start at Church) Dyke (Furthest from A15), Top end of North Rd, Beaufort Drive,

Tue Rochester Ct, Foxley Ct, Stretham Way

Wed Morton East, from Haconby Lane etc. (Start at Church)

Dec 1

Thu Way, Sharpes Close, Cedar Drive, Ash Drove, Bramley Close, Orchard

Beech Ave., Fir Ave, Woodlands Ave., Poplar Cres., Oak Cres., Rowan Close, Stanley Street, Carholme Close Start at Bus Station, St. Gilberts Rd., Tarragon Way Exeter St., Est., Woodview, Burghley Street, Marquis Court, Maple Gdns., Elm Terrace, Gladstone St., Galletly Close & all North Rd

Fri

Sat Supermarket – Rainbow Co-Op.

Mon Harrington St(west), Meadowgate, Manning Rd, Recreation Rd, George

Tue Close

Wed Watlin, Viking, Torfrida, Mercia Gdns., Edwin Gdns., Leofric Ave., Godiva

Thu Swallow Hill (Start at top), Northorpe

Fri

Kingsway, Queens Rd, Edinburgh Crescent, Harrington St(east), St., Ancaster Rd Hazelwood Drive, Hawthorne Rd Est., Lodge Rd, BRdlands Ave., BRdway St.Gilberts from Ermine Close, Akeman Close, Dere, Stone, Saxon Way, Cres., Kingsley Ave., Westbourne Park, Pinewood Close

10 12 13

Abbey Rd, Wendover Mews, Spalding Rd, Delaine Close, Wakes Close, Cherryholt Rd, Drummond Rd., Heathcote Rd

Sat Supermarket – Sainsbury's. Mon All Elsea Park Estate

Tue Stamford Homes-Old Hospital Site - Opposite Elsea Park Wed St. Pauls Gardens., Austerby, Willoughby Rd., Eastgate, Grosvenor Ave

Thu Thurlby (From Green)

Fri

West Rd (From Boots), Churchill Ave., Manor Lane, Harvey Close, Ostler Drive, Westwood Drive

Sat Supermarket – Tesco.

Mon way, Holloway Avenue

Coggles Causeway, Southfields, South Rd, The Beeches Estate, Tennyson Stevenson Way (Start at Mill Drove Entrance), Northfields, Mill Drove,

Tue Mountbatten Ave., Arnhem Way

Wed SPARE: In case of bad weather

PLEASE NOTE: Route subject to Weather conditions etc. Bourne Lions will endeavour to visit each street as designated, It would help us if you live in an area with restricted access to meet us in a SAFE PLACE close by. ~~ WHY NOT HAVE A CAMERA READY AND HAVE YOUR PICTURE TAKEN ~~

Discovering Bourne December 2011 | 01778 343020

Food&Drink

What will you have for Christmas Dinner this year?

or many centuries it was traditional in the UK for families to eat goose or boar at Christmas. However this changed in the sixteenth century when the turkey was introduced to England. The turkey’s appeal quickly increased because of its new unique taste and succulent flavour. More were imported and bred. As the years passed turkey soon became so popular that it became the traditional English Christmas dish, served with stuffing, cranberry sauce and bread sauce along with roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, Brussel sprouts, peas and parsnips. The turkeys generally available today are White, Bronze or Black. These names refer to the birds’ plumage. White turkeys are the the most commonly available and tend to be cheaper because some consider them less flavoursome than Bronze

Recipe for Christmas

By Sandalls Butchers

or Black ones. Having served Bourne for the last 11 years at Christmas, I can confirm that a whole White turkey is still the most popular choice for the Christmas dinner table, although demand is rapidly increasing for just the turkey breast meat in the form of a Turkey Crown (two breasts on the bone) or Turkey Butterfly (boneless breast). Cockerel is next in the popularity stakes, having a stronger flavour than an ordinary chicken and not as dry as turkey. Another favourite with some customers is goose, which is very rich and flavourful but also very expensive. For those who choose not to cook poultry or game birds, the favourite seems to be Rib of Beef on the Bone—a most impressive and delicious joint, which is relatively easy to cook but difficult to carve!

Mince Pies

by Peapod Pantry

y last apprentice in London bought this in for me to try as I always thought Christmas mincemeat was too fatty. Her Dad had made it and after tasting it I had to ask for the recipe. I have made small mincemeat roulade with it for the shop. They are less fatty as they contain no suet but plenty of cider, apples and brandy. The better quality brandy and cider the better the final flavour. Ingredients 400 ml dry cider 450 g soft dark brown sugar 1.8 kg cooking apples 2 tsp mixed spice 1 tsp cinnamon 450 g currants 450 g sultanas 125 g glace cherries 125g flaked almonds Juice and zest of 2 lemons 150ml brandy

To make the mincemeat: In a large heavy pan, heat the cider and sugar until the sugar isdissolved. Peel and grate the apples and add to the cider. Chop the cherries and flaked almonds, zest and juice lemons and add to pan with dried fruits. Half cover with lid and simmer until apples in mixture has become a soft pulp. Cool over night. Add the brandy stir well. Spoon into clean screw-top jars. Melt 100 ml butter Paint single sheets of filo pastry with butter fold in half. On short edge of the filo sheet spoon mincemeat the thickness of garden peas. Roll up cut in half put on greased baking tray Paint with butter

Bake 190 c for 15 to 20 minutes

Get into the Groove at Christmas!

hy not try something different with your Christmas dinner this year – ‘Groovy pigs in blankets’ are delicious Lincolnshire chipolatas wrapped in beer and black treacle bacon.

Groovy Foods, at Toft Lodge Cottage, Stamford Road, Bourne was established in 2007 and make their own sausages from free-range Gloucester Old Spot pigs. They use fresh, natural and locally sourced ingredients and have over 30 varieties – not all pork – some include beef and venison. The farm shop also includes local, seasonal vegetables as well as honey, chutneys and free-range eggs. • Groovy Foods is open Thursdays and Fridays 11am-4pm and Saturdays 9am-5pm. Orders are now being taken for Christmas. 01778 343020 | December 2011

Discovering Bourne

Competition Corner WIN! Tickets for New Year’s Eve at the Corn Exchange Four lucky readers can enjoy a night of great music and nostalgia on New Year’s Eve with the Kast Off Kinks. The Kast off Kinks, including three original members of The Kinks, are playing at Bourne Corn Exchange on December 31st at 8pm. Tickets are available from the box office: 07828 032241. To be in with a chance of winning four tickets answer the question below and write your answer on the back of an envelope. Send it, along with your name, address and telephone number to: Discovering Bourne, c/o Bourne Leisure Centre, Queens Road, Bourne PE10 9DX. Or email info@discoveringbourne.co.uk The closing date is December 16th, 2011.

WIN!

A luxury facial

Here’s your chance to win a bespoke OXYenergy facial from Diamond Touch Clinic situated within Crown Affair Hair in Spalding. Completely painless and totally natural it does not alter facial expressiveness. It uses pure oxygen pressure to cosmetic formulations and penetrates to the deepest layer of the skin, reducing lines and wrinkles giving a smoother, younger complexion. To win this luxurious facial send your name, address and phone number on a postcard or the back of an envelope to: Discovering Bourne magazine, c/o Bourne Leisure Centre, Queens Road, Bourne PE10 9DX. Or email info@discoveringbourne.co.uk The winner will be the first name drawn after the closing date of December 31st 2011.

Question: How many original members of The Kinks are in The Kast off Kinks?

Chandlers oil and gas launch a “winter fuel payment scheme” to help local oil users bridge the government gap

hilst this year’s winter fuel payment will be a maximum of £300 the majority of our elderly will only receive £200 with many as little as £150 and even £100. Trading standards unfortunately state the minimum delivery must be 500 litres. This means that with current crude oil prices still at an all- time high, the cost to the consumer, of even the minimum delivery, is likely to exceed the maximum fuel payment of £300. Following last winter’s severe weather conditions combined with high oil prices, which caused particular misery and hardship to our older community, Chandler’s Oil & Gas have launched a Winter Fuel Scheme specifically to assist those that qualify for the winter fuel payment. “We are offering those that need it the most the opportunity to spread the cost this winter. As a family owned and run business for 76 years we

have seen the adverse effects of spiralling fuel costs and ever more severe winters on our customers. This is our way of giving something back to our community” says Simon Caunt, Director of Chandlers Oil & Gas. For more information how Chandlers Oil & Gas can help you bridge the gap this winter, telephone 08456 202010 quoting “Winter Fuel Payment Offer”. Quoting Winter Fuel Payment Offer Discovering Bourne.

How to claim If you have received the winter fuel payment in previous years, or receive the State Pension, you should receive payments automatically in November or December 2011. Claims can be made until 30th March 2012 for all those born on or before 5 January 1951. Call the winter fuel helpline on 08459 915 1515 or get a claim form online www.direct.gov.uk

Discovering Bourne December 2011 | 01778 343020

Policing your Area Beware seasonal crime By PC Nick Smith

Doorstep deception

t has come to the time of year when the nights draw in and the heating goes on. Also unfortunately, it is the time of year that unsavoury people prey on the elderly and vulnerable by breaking into their properties by means of stating they are with some organisation and have to inspect the water, gas or electricity. These are in my personal opinion the lowest of the low, as they prey on the people less able to defend themselves. This is why I will be asking any groups out there linked to the elderly and vulnerable to contact me so that my team and I can come round and give a talk on preventative measures to deter these horrible people from coming to Bourne and Billingborough.

Things to consider:• • • •

Always keep the door locked. If possible have a chain on the door. Use the chain when a person calls and don’t open door until you are absolutely positive about the person at the address. Have a nominated neighbour or someone who can verify the person that has attended your address.

If you carry out these checks then genuine people will understand and people there to deceive will go away.

protect our property in the unlikely event we are burgled. Allow me to offer the advice ensuring that your property is locked when you are out, or you have retired for the day to bed. Don’t leave the items in full view and when possible keep curtains closed, especially as some of us like to have the presents displayed around the tree.

Taking care over Christmas:As you are all aware Christmas is getting closer and closer and many of you will be starting to get the presents and storing them ready to send to Santa. There is always the worry about making sure that we hide the presents so that our children don’t find them. The worry could also come in the guise of how we ensure that we can

Have a safe and a

Happy Christmas PC Nick Smith Bourne and Billingborough Beat Manager

Bourne Police Station 01778 393744 or 101 (non-emergency number)

01778 343020 | December 2011

Discovering Bourne

A fabulous purpose-built nursery in Bourne providing quality childcare for children aged 6 weeks to 11 years old. For More Information Call: 01778 422221 or visit: www.bbkbourne.co.uk

Come and join us for a cup of tea, cake and a relaxing chat in a friendly atmosphere. • Baby Massage • Mummy’s Retreat • Baby Yoga • Baby Pitstop

www.bambinosbabycentre.co.uk Monday 10am - 2pm Baby Pitstop & Mummy’s Retreat Thursday 10am - 11am Baby Massage Friday 10am - 11am Baby Yoga (Term Time Only)

Building Blocks Kindergarten Exeter Street • Bourne Lincs • PE10 9NS

‘2 cool 4 school’ before and after school club

11am - 2pm Baby Pitstop & Mummy’s Retreat

Bambino’s Baby Centre Exeter Street • Bourne • Lincs • PE10 9NS

2 Cool 4 School is the coolest before and after School Club for school aged children up to the age of 12 years old.

Before School : 8.00am - 9.00am | After School : 3.00pm - 6.00pm Contact Us: 01778 422221

Exeter Street • Bourne Lincs • PE10 9NS

Christmas celebrations at Morton School Children at Morton Church of England Primary School began their seasonal festivities with activities, games, competitions and a visit from Santa at their Christmas Fayre. And the KS2 Enterprise Club showed off their entrepreneurial skills by selling pretend reindeer food, organising a treasure hunt, a ‘guess the name of the teddy’ competition and having a human fruit machine! Headteacher George Trafford said: “I gave each of them a small amount of money which they could use to make more money. “They came up with some great ideas and made lots of money with their stall at the Christmas Fayre.” The school, which prides itself on its community links, has also produced tea towels with a selfportrait of every child in the school which were sold at the Christmas Fayre. Mr Trafford said: “As a small school celebrating Christmas we like to keep a family feel to it. Because we work closely with the community our children feel like they are part of a big family.” On Sunday December 4th the whole school will meet at St John the Baptist Church, Morton for the Christingle Family Service at 3pm. Children 12

from the school will read lessons and parents are welcome to stay with the children for the service. Each child will be able to hold an orange (representing the world) with a lighted candle in it as they take part in the Christingle celebration.

Reese Miller and Jack Heald with Morton School’s fundraising tea-towel. From L-R, young entrepreneurs Ellie Harrison (9), Luke Dudley (11) and Joshua Dilley (9) are the ‘human fruit machine’.

Discovering Bourne December 2011 | 01778 343020

Schools

Youngsters impress with their speaking skills

he Rotary Club of Bourne held its annual round of the Rotary Youth Speaks competition at the Methodist Church, Abbey road Bourne on Monday November 7th at 6.30pm.

A total of 11 teams from Bourne Academy and Bourne Grammar school competed in the Intermediate and Senior sections. The audience and adjudicators were treated to authoritative speeches on a range of subjects as varied as ‘Breakfast – the most important meal of the day’ to ‘An Apolitical Generation.’ The adjudicators, Janet Dowse, David Fensom and Pastor David Hughes had a mammoth task to select winners from such an overall high standard of teams. A decision had to be made and those going forward to the next round are:

Intermediate: Armin Ziadlou, Rachel Smithers and Lucy Parker The Scape Goat Generation and Seniors: Stephanie Wilkinson, Robert Cameron and Katy Sandalls A Loss of Innocence: Tom Harris, Mark Insley and Alex Roffe – Free for all? (media) and Matthew Hassal, Chloe Smithers and Charlie Legge – Nostalgia: the death of the book. The Rotary Club is indebted to the young people, the teachers and parents and the adjudicators for making the competition a success.

• The Bourne round of the Rotary Young Musician will be on Sunday 11th December. ng

Colyer with the teams goi Rotary Club President Gerry through to the semi-finals.

01778 343020 | December 2011

Discovering Bourne

Bourne’s history on film new DVD entitled The Heritage of Bourne and some of its World Famous Sons has been released to raise money for the three local organisations that act to preserve Bourne’s rich heritage for future generations to enjoy.

Couture), Raymond Mays CBE (world class racing car designer), Robert Arthur Gardner (leading Victorian artist), Robert Manning (English language) and Robert Mason Mills (world distributor of Bourne’s bottled water).

The DVD gives an insight into Bourne’s rich heritage through the lives of six famous sons Hereward the Wake (local medieval warrior), Charles Frederick Worth (father of Haute

The DVD costs £10, made payable to Bourne Preservation Society. Send the cheque, along with your name and address to Bourne Preservation Society, 109 Beech Avenue, Bourne, Lincolnshire PE0 9RZ.

News from SKDC

• A scheme to create a focal point for council services including Bourne Library and SKDC’s customer service has been unveiled. Plans for the new facility, which if approved will be based at Bourne Corn Exchange, are available to view on SKDC’s website www. southkesteven.gov.uk/bournecap SKDC’s head of finance, Richard Wyles, said: “The new facility should provide an environment to access a wide range of services from the

town, district and county councils, all from a single point within the heart of the town.” • Green bins will be collected once a month from now through to March. The move has come after local people told the district council they would be happy to see the usual fortnightly service reduced in the winter to allow staff to be re-directed to do more street cleaning. To check when your green bin will be collected visit www.southkesteven.gov.uk/ bincollectionday or telephone 01476 406080.

Help the Heroes Race Night

y getting in the spirit for Help the Heroes, The Angel Hotel threw a race night which attracted all ages.

The atmosphere was warm and friendly with high spirits from the red and blue balloons around the room, the bucks fizz flowing and nibbles to tickle your taste buds. To add to the night the races and witty presenter made the evening very humorous! The races varied from horses, dogs, pigs and a very amusing heads and tails game which got everyone involved with either touching their heads or tails. Prizes for the races were very generous with support from the whole town. Some of the gifts were a £50 voucher for Renu, a two night stay at The Angel Hotel itself with a £100 meal voucher and Discovering Bourne got involved and offered advert space to a lucky winner. Overall, the night was a success making over £270 for Help the Heroes. Discovering Bourne would like to thank everyone who participated and donated their money to Help the Heroes and a huge thanks to The Angel Hotel for making it happen.

Sian Rogers

Discovering Bourne December 2011 | 01778 343020

New Street Names Three new streets are to be named with a motor racing theme to commemorate Bourne’s connection with the racing career of Raymond Mays and the achievements of the ERA and BRM racing cars. Silverstone Road, Folkingham Square and Brooklands Way have been approved by Bourne town council and have now gone to South Kesteven District Council for final approval. The roads are on the site of the old Rainbow and former Raymond Mays site. Richard Bostock from Bourne Motor Racing Club said: “I am delighted that the council have chosen to recognise Bourne’s motoring heritage and links when naming the new roads on Bourne’s new development. “ERA, BRM and motor racing in general are an important part of the town’s history, and anything that keeps this in people’s minds is a good thing.”

Be Social With

witter is an internet revolution apparently based on Facebook’s Status Update feature. When first registering and using Twitter it can seem to provide little in the way of useful features and this article explains why you should give it a chance to work for you. Leaving updates about your day and the things that are happening may seem to have no advantage whatsoever but the advantages are there and especially for businesses large and small. The easiest thing to remember about Twitter is @ symbols and # tags. By using the @ and # symbols you will quickly find yourself in circles of people with similar interests, similar industries and indeed people who are simply bantering about similar topics. You may have noticed that several TV programs are now providing a single word prefixed with a # tag. These would include X-Factor, Celebrity Juice and Never Mind The Buzzcocks to mention just a few. By adding the # tag immediately before any key words in your message you can ensure that you are commenting in the same community circle as other fans of those TV shows although that is just the start. You can use the hash symbol immediately before any important words. Let us imagine that you are leaving a Tweet along the lines birthday celebrations. It might read... “Today is my birthday and I am going to the cinema”. A very reasonable update! Using the # tag in that particular sentence would go something like...

Technology

“Today is my #birthday and I am going to the #cinema”. Two # tags have been included before the words birthday and cinema. Your update will now appear to circles of people that have also used those tags and those who use the Twitter search box to find particular topics. The birthday update may work very well for individuals but what about business? Well, consider this brief Twitter update and how it may create free marketing and advertising opportunities... “#Christmas #Offer. #Prices #Slashed until 1st Jan 2012”. Four # tags and four important words that your customers will like. Anybody searching for discounted Christmas gifts or good value places to shop could easily see your message and this becomes more interesting when you wonder how many people will share your message again once they have seen it. Using the right terminology and phrasing Twitter can provide very effective viral advertising completely free of charge to the entire world. You can also use the @ symbol in order to direct your message at certain people and this will make your message appear on their profile as well as your own. Doing this is as simple as entering the @ symbol and then entering the username of the addressee immediately after it. Try using the methods above for a while and see how quickly your list of followers can grow. It’s nice to be social.

01778 343020 | December 2011

Discovering Bourne

Discovering Bourne December 2011 | 01778 343020

Body&Beauty

Tennis Elbow

Osteopath Jo Sunner explains the meaning of Tennis Elbow and what we can do to relieve the symptoms octors first identified Tennis Elbow (or lateral epicondylitis) more than 100 years ago. Today nearly half of all tennis players will suffer from this disorder at some point. Interestingly though, tennis players actually account for less than 5 percent of all reported cases making the term for this condition something of a misnomer.

Symptoms Of Tennis Elbow

• Recurring pain on the outside of the upper forearm just below the bend of the elbow; occasionally, pain radiates down the arm toward the wrist. • Pain caused by lifting or bending the arm or grasping even light objects such as a coffee cup. • Difficulty extending the forearm fully (because of inflamed muscles, tendons and ligaments). • Pain that typically lasts for 6 to 12 weeks; the discomfort can continue for as little as 3 weeks or as long as several years.

anything that irritates your arm — a simple step for the weekend tennis player, but not as easy for the manual laborer, office worker, or professional athlete. Even after you feel you have overcome a case of tennis elbow, be sure to continue babying your arm. Always warm up your arm for 5 to 10 minutes before starting any activity involving your elbow. And if you develop severe pain after use anyway, pack your arm in ice for 15 to 20 minutes and visit your doctor.

Prevention To prevent tennis elbow: • Lift objects with your palm facing your body. • Try strengthening exercises with hand weights. With your elbow cocked and your palm down, repeatedly bend your wrist. Stop if you feel any pain. • Stretch relevant muscles before beginning a possibly stressful activity by grasping the top part of your fingers and gently but firmly pulling them back toward your body. Keep your arm fully extended and your palm facing outward.

Caution!

The damage that tennis elbow incurs consists of tiny tears in a part of the tendon and in muscle coverings. After the initial injury heals, these areas often tear again, which leads to hemorrhaging and the formation of rough, granulated tissue and calcium deposits within the surrounding tissues. Collagen, a protein, leaks out from around the injured areas, causing inflammation. The resulting pressure can cut off the blood flow and pinch the radial nerve, one of the major nerves controlling muscles in the arm and hand. Tendons, which attach muscles to bones, do not receive the same amount of oxygen and blood that muscles do, so they heal more slowly. In fact, some cases of tennis elbow can last for years, though the inflammation usually subsides in 6 to 12 weeks.

Relief Of Tennis Elbow The best way to relieve tennis elbow is to stop doing

To prevent a relapse: • Discontinue or modify the action that is causing the strain on your elbow joint. If you must continue, be sure to warm up for 10 minutes or more before any activity involving your arm, and apply ice to it afterward. Take more frequent breaks. • Try strapping a band around your forearm just below your elbow. If the support seems to help you lift objects such as heavy books, then continue with it. Be aware that such bands can cut off circulation and impede healing, so they are best used once tennis elbow has disappeared.

Seek treatment if....

• The pain persists for more than a few days; chronic inflammation of the tendons can lead to permanent disability. • The elbow joint begins to swell; tennis elbow rarely causes swelling, so you may have another condition such as arthritis, gout or infection .

Mr J. Sunner. DO.BSc(ost). Registered Osteopath Telephone: 01778 391714. Mobile: 07943 336 336 www.osteopathclinic.com email: josunner@gmail.com

01778 343020 | December 2011

Discovering Bourne

Discovering Bourne December 2011 | 01778 343020

Body&Beauty

Christmas Smiles

Christmas is close! How does it make you feel?

deally, we would all feel as excited as children. The reality may be different though. Christmas can be a very challenging time for many people. A Buddhist approach is to think about choice. If for example, you have just been made redundant then you probably feel angry, disappointed and frightened to name just a few of the emotions. We cannot choose our emotions but we can have choice about the effect of our emotions. If you are feeling frightened and angry after being made redundant then it is easy to imagine getting into arguments or other negative actions. This is a choice that YOU have made. Awareness of the fact that you have made a choice empowers you to do something about it. First, you need to acknowledge the fact that you feel angry, frightened or whatever it is that you are feeling. Now you can make the choice. You can say OK, I feel angry but taking it out on others will not make me feel less angry. Why not get a bit of fresh air to calm down a bit and then think about what I actually want to do with my life? This mindful approach is excellent when you are trying to get through a difficult time. Sometimes though, we get caught

• Sit down somewhere quiet and close your eyes and relax. • Think of something that makes you very happy. • Smile! This alone actually reduces tension. • Imagine your heart in the middle of your chest. • Imagine that you are smiling at your heart. • Imagine that your heart is smiling back at you. • Enjoy the sensation of the smile and let it radiate throughout your body. • Finish whenever you are ready. • Keep smiling! up in a spiral of sadness, anger or any other negative emotion. A useful technique to break that cycle is what’s called the “the inner smile”. Think for a moment about when you meet somebody. If they smile at you then it is difficult to not smile back at them. Look at the picture of the Dali Lama. His happy smile will probably cause a flicker of happiness in your own heart. Try the above meditation to lift your spirits. The mindful approach and the inner smile will not make your difficulties go away. What they can do is reduce the negative impact of life’s difficulties and help you to become at peace with the changes in your life.

Happy Christmas

01778 343020 | December 2011

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Discovering Bourne December 2011 | 01778 343020

Finance

Baby Boomers…

Calling Your time is coming, so spend it wisely! by Paul Ross etirement looming and the financial world seemingly in complete turmoil…hardly exemplary timing but how do you make sure that you do the best for yourself?

Retiring is usually one of life’s most significant events and my first suggestion is that you take time to think about what you intend doing for the rest of your life and make sure you put a budget together. Did you know that as 70% of people simply take the retirement option offered by the company with whom they have saved their pension pot? They do not “shop around” and look for alternatives and the result is that they may have made a terrible financial mistake, one which could cost many thousands of pounds of lost income through retirement. Twenty or so years ago a pension fund of £100,000 might have secured an income of £15,600 a year for life for someone aged 65. Today, those retiring with that size fund would receive a pension of only £5,900. This deterioration in annuity rates has made retirement planning more difficult and pension providers have had to develop innovative solutions to try to help retirees.

For instance, if you have any health issues, smoke or are overweight, you will probably be entitled to an enhanced lifetime annuity. This will pay more than a regular annuity because, on average, your life expectancy is deemed to be lower and the insurer is therefore anticipating paying out for a shorter time. Once you select a lifetime annuity, there is no going back. It gives a predictable income stream but it is inflexible. If you were seeking the potential to vary your income through your “third age”, there are other alternatives, such as income drawdown and fixed term annuities Therefore, it’s important to know that there are alternatives and options available to you, not all will be suitable, but all should be considered. Average life expectancy is increasing year-onyear with a 65-year old man looking to live to 84 (87 for a woman), you can anticipate many years of retirement so please ensure you give time and thought to your financial planning. Personally speaking, this is one of my favourite items of financial planning to advise on and as mentioned at the beginning of the article, this is probably one of the most important decisions you will make, so if in doubt, seek advice.

So what options are open to you? Until about 5 years ago, the traditional route was to use one’s pension pot to purchase a lifetime annuity. Effectively you swap the value of your pension savings for a defined level of regular income for the rest of your life (and, if chosen as an option, your partner’s too). However, there are other possibilities you might consider. 01778 343020 | December 2011

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HA Happy Christmas from KiWays, 07413 620344, 10% off your first treatment with this voucher

A big Thank you & A Happy MERRY XMAS Christmas r To all ou to all our Customers Cartunes VE DA DEB& customers, at from Nigel GREETINGS & Stuart from the Heart 01778 394552 01778 393660

CHR Wishing all our customers a Merry Christmas from all the team at Letz Talk

IST MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone from all the Discovering Bourne Team

01778 395722

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Y Festive Greetings to our customers at Wright Lights from Rolando & Mandy 01778 422734

MAS Artisand - A big thank you to all my customers over 2011 Merry Christmas & a Prosperous New Year 01778 394664

Home&Garden

December Hints & Tips By

* * * * *

Waterside Garden Centre

•

Now’s a great time to buy and plant bare-rooted plants including hedging, fruit, roses and other shrubs. If you’re planning for next year, include a new rose bed. Or you could opt for a fruit garden or plant a new hedge for privacy and as a windbreak.

•

Ensure your garden remains colourful throughout the winter by planting winter-flowering heathers, winter jasmine, Viburnum Bodnantense, Viburnum farreri, Viburnum tinus and Mahonias. And don’t forget plants grown for their berries or colourful stems, and the huge range of evergreens that are available including conifers.

•

Bring your garden to life and make more of it by installing outdoor lighting. Many types are available including safe, low-voltage kits that are quick and simple to install and you can easily do it yourself. Put a set on your Christmas present list.

•

To prevent problems with your garden watering equipment next year, turn off the water and drain irrigation pipes and hoses before really cold weather arrives. If hoses, hose reels and other watering equipment are past their best then ask for new ones as Christmas presents.

•

Poinsettias are the perfect way to bring festive colour to any home over Christmas. They’re available in a wide range of colours – such as red, salmon and cream and even bi-colours. Or what about planted bowls of beautifully scented hyacinths? Both make great presents.

01778 343020 | December 2011

Discovering Bourne

1st

December Bourne Wellbeing & Mental Health Support Group Christmas Fayre. 10am-1pm. Wake House, 41 North Street, Bourne PE10 9AE. Tel: 01778 393517.

The Old Coach House, 2nd Hooker, Market Deeping PE6 8AA. Tel: 01778 341460. Christmas Tree Festival, Bourne Methodist Church, Abbey Road, Bourne PE10 9EF. 5pm-8pm. PTFA Christmas Fayre, 5-7pm. Bourne Abbey C of E Primary Academy, Abbey Road, Bourne PE10 9EP.

Tree Festival, Bourne 3rd Christmas Methodist Church, Abbey Road,

4th

Christmas Tree Festival 12-4pm with Christmas Songs of Praise 4pm, Bourne Methodist Church, Abbey Road, Bourne PE10 9EF.

Town Council Amenities 6th Bourne Committee meeting, 7.30pm. Town Hall, North Street, Bourne PE10 9EA. Tel: 01778 426123.

Christmas Fayre. 10am - 12 8th Mencap noon. Wake House, 41 North Street,

10th

Bourne PE10 9EF. 10am-7pm. Porky Pig, The Old Coach House, Market Deeping PE6 8AA. Tel: 01778 341460.

RIBI Young Musician, Bourne Academy, Edinburgh Crescent, Bourne PE10 9DT. From 10.30am. Christmas Fayre at Wake House, 41 North Street, Bourne PE10 9AE. 10 am to 12 noon. Tel: 01778 422132.

Christmas Fayre. 10am - 12 15th Sense noon. Wake House, 41 North Street, Bourne PE10 9AE. Tel: 01778 422132

18th

Bourne Choral Society, Bourne Abbey Church, Church Lane, Bourne, Lincs, PE10 9UQ. Tel: 01778 424584.

Christmas Fayre, Bambino’s Baby Centre, 14a Burghley St, Bourne PE10 9NS. 11am – 3pm.

Church Lane, Bourne PE10 9UQ.

Christmas Fayre, 10am-1pm, Bourne Abbey Church, Church Lane, Bourne, Lincs PE10 9UQ.

The Hamsters play Jimi Hendrix & ZZ Top, Bourne Corn Exchange, 3 Abbey Road, Bourne PE10 9EF. Tel: 01778 423579

Bourne PE10 9AE. Tel: 01778 380830

and Carols Service 11th Christingle 3.30pm, Bourne Abbey Church,

Christmas Fayre, Bourne Town Centre – 1-9pm.

Cole’s Country, Bourne Academy, Edinburgh Crescent, Bourne PE10 9DT. Tel: 01778 421932. www.bournetolinedance.co.uk

Quiz Night, Smiths, 25 North Street, Bourne, Lincs PE10 9AE. Tel: 01778 426819.

Discovering Bourne December 2011 | 01778 343020

Quiz Night, Smiths, 25 North Street, Bourne, Lincs PE10 9AE. Tel: 01778 426819. Alan Gregory, Bourne Academy, Edinburgh Crescent, Bourne PE10 9DT. Tel: 01778 421932. www.bournetolinedance.co.uk

Events

Carols Service 6.30pm, Bourne Abbey Church, Church Lane, Bourne PE10 9UQ.

Swan & Jonny Dyer, The Barn, 22nd Vicki Baston. Tel: 01778 560314.

Eve Crib & Carols Service 24th Christmas 5.30pm, Midnight Mass 11.30pm, Bourne Abbey Church, Church Lane, Bourne PE10 9UQ. Eucharist 8am, Sung Eucharist 25th Said 10am. Bourne Abbey Church, Church Lane, Bourne PE10 9UQ. Dog, The Late Bar & Venue, 26th Hound Abbey Road, Bourne PE10 9EF. Tel:

31st

01778 393644. The Ultimate James Bond Party, The Angel Hotel, North Street, Bourne PE10 9AE. Tel: 01778 422346.

Party Night, The Late Bar & Venue, Abbey Road, Bourne PE10 9EF. Tel: 01778 393644. New Year’s Eve Party, The Old Coach House, Market Deeping PE6 8AA. Tel: 01778 341460. The Kast off Kinks, Corn Exchange, Abbey Road, Bourne PE10 9EF. Tel: 07828 032241.

Where can I find Santa? Angel Hotel December 3rd Santa’s Grotto, Angel Hotel, North Street, Bourne PE10 9AE. Tel: 01778 422346. www.theangelhotelbourne.com

Baytree Garden Centre December 9th, 16th, 21st and 23rd Tea with Santa, Baytree Garden Centre, High Road, Weston, Spalding PE12 6JU. Tel: 01406 370242. www.baytree-gardencentre.com

Nene Valley Railway December 3rd,4th, 7th, 10th, 11th, 14th, 17th, 18th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd and 24th Santa Specials, Nene Valley Railway, Wansford Station, Stibbington, Peterborough PE8 6LR. Tel: 01780 782833. www.nvr.org.uk

Christmas tractor ‘sleigh’ ride and visit Father Christmas December 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th – 23rd, Sacrewell Farm and Country Centre, Thornhaugh, Peterborough PE8 6HJ. Tel: 01780 782254. www.sacrewell.org.uk

Santa’s Grotto Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday in December plus 21st, 22nd, 23rd Van Hage Garden Centre, Peterborough Garden Park PE1 4YZ. Tel: 01733 221400. www.vanhage.co.uk

Santa In The Woods December 11th 11am – 3pm. www.friendsofbournewoods.org.uk Bourne Woods, Bourne

01778 343020 | December 2011

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t: 01733 340270 | f: 01733 890967 Fengate, Peterborough, PE1 5SW 26

Discovering Bourne December 2011 | 01778 343020

Discovering

Local History

the Abbey Church by Rex Needle

he Saxons almost certainly had a church in Bourne but no trace of it remains and the Abbey Church that survives today was founded by the Lord of the Manor, Baldwin Fitzgilbert, around 1138, during the great revival of religious thought. He envisaged a grander building of cathedral like proportions with twin towers to demonstrate his Christian faith although the work was delayed through a combination of factors, financial and political problems and a shortage of masons caused by the Black Death, and so it remained unfinished until many years later. The west front, the upper part of the tower and the clerestory were not added until the 14th century and it would be another 200 years before the building that we see today was finally completed. The building was originally used as a monastery for a group of twelve French Augustinian monks but was never rich or important, and was extensively damaged during the dissolution of the monasteries ordered by Henry VIII between

1536 and 1540. Lead was taken off the roofs and all images removed but the walls were left standing and although some restoration was carried out in the years that followed, it was not until the late 19th century that major alterations were made. The work completed during this period was paid for by the people, a major benefactor being Robert Mason Mills, a Bourne businessman, and a brass plaque commemorates his generosity. There were many alterations to the interior and it soon began to take on the appearance that we see today. The wooden Jacobean pulpit was removed and the present stone pulpit installed in its place together with several commemorative stained glass windows. The twin aisles disappeared, the floor was lowered, the old style box pews were removed and the present ones installed, thus ending the system of private sittings, a practice whereby important and wealthy people from the parish could reserve their own seats at services for a small contribution to church funds. No trace remains of the original monastic buildings and what we have left is the parish church of St Peter and St Paul, the original extensively altered over the years and now the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only Grade I listed building which survives through the hard work and goodwill of its congregation but continues as the centre of Christian faith in Bourne as it has been for almost 900 years.

Archive photograph shows the Abbey Church in 1900. 01778 343020 | December 2011

Discovering Bourne

Youth Bourne Boys Brigade Bourne Methodist Church, Abbey Road, Bourne, PE10 9EF. Roger: 01778 425336

Bourne Girls Brigade Bourne Methodist Church, Abbey Road, Bourne, PE10 9EF. 01778 423729

Bourne Army Cadets Cadet Hut, Austerby Road, Bourne PE10 9JG. www.armycadets.com

Bourne Youth Centre Queens Rd, Bourne PE10 9DX 07796314843. cherry.sheppard@ lincolnshire.gov.uk

Bourne Junior Hockey Club Sue Oakley, smoakley@fsmail.net

Bourne Town Junior FC

Bourne Grammar School South Rd, Bourne PE10 9JE Tel: 01778 422288. enquiries@ bourne-grammar.lincs.sch.uk

Bourne Westfield Primary School Westbourne Park, Bourne PE10 9QS. Tel: 01778 424152. enquiries@bournewestfield.lincs. sch.uk

Bourne Academy Edinburgh Crescent, Bourne PE10 9DT. Tel: 01778 422365 office@robertmanning.org.uk

Morton C of E Primary School Station Road, Morton,

Bourne Town Girls FC

Lawrance Park, Crown Lane, Thurlby, Bourne PE10 0EZ. Tel: 01778 423311

Thurlby Community Primary School

Manning Rd, Bourne, 01778 421916 or 01778 393459

Churches Bourne Abbey Church

Margaret Scott: 01780 762405

Church Lane, Bourne PE10 9UQ. Tel: 01778 424584. info@bourneabbey.org.uk

Bourne Town Harriers

Bourne Baptist Church

Stamford and Bourne District Scouts

Junior Athletics Lisa Richardson: 01778 424529 www.bournetownharriers.org

Schools

West Street, Bourne PE10 9NE. Tel: 01778 424206

Bourne & Deeping RC Church

Bourne Abbey CofE School

3 St Gilberts Rd, Bourne PE10 9XB. Tel: 07988 682925

Abbey Road, Bourne PE10 9EP Tel: 01778 422163. enquiries@bourneabbey.lincs.sch.uk

Bourne Methodist Church

Manning Rd, Bourne PE10 9ET Tel: 01778 393459 / 421916 Richard.durrant@salvationarmy. org.uk

St Firminâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church 10 Church Street, Thurlby, Bourne PE10 0EH. Tel: 01778 422475

Clubs Toolbar Wake House, North Street, Bourne PE10 9AE. Tel: 01778 425313.

Rotary Club of Bourne St Peter Toft House Hotel, Toft, Bourne, PE10 0JT. Alan Kaye 01778 560458

Evergreen Care Trust 01780 765900 www.evergreencare.org.uk

Salvation Army Youth Club

Judith Fellows: 01778 422449 Judithfellows@hotmail.com

The Salvation Army

South Rd, Bourne PE10 9JD Tel: 01778 425203. enquiries@ willoughby.lincs.sch.uk

Bourne PE10 0NN. Tel: 01778 570389

Bourne Youth Theatre

Eastgate, Bourne PE10 9JY. Tel: 01775 722311

Willoughby School

Abbey Lawns, Bourne, Andy Stubley: 01778 422292 www.bournetownfc@googlemail. com

Julie: 01778 424341

Bourne United Reformed Church

Abbey Rd, Bourne. Tel: 01778 394380

Discovering Bourne December 2011 | 01778 343020

Bourne Arthritis Support Group 01778 426394

Bourne Scrabble Club Methodist Church, Abbey Rd, Bourne PE10 9EF. Betty Benton: 01778 425234

Bourne and District Bridge Club Wake House, North St, Bourne PE10 9AE. Tel: 01778 423313 or 01778 420278

Bourne Dog Club Dyke Village Hall, Dyke Rd, PE10 0AF. Katie: 07817 910329

Bourne Motor Racing Club Corn Exchange, 3 Abbey Rd, Bourne PE10 9AF. David Dykes: 01733 253867

Bourne Borderers Edenham Village Hall, Church Ln, PE10 0LS. Elly: 01476 550741 or www.bourneborderers.co.uk

Rotary Club of Bourne David Staples: 01778 423121

Bourne Ladies Dinner Club

Conservatives Offices, North St, Bourne. Shirley Fairbairn: 01778 424613

Bourne Preservation Trust Wake House, North St, Bourne 07825 515394. info@bournepreservationsociety.co.uk

Bourne Business Chamber Kevin Hicks, 01778 394687

Hereward Probus Club The Wishing Well, Dyke, PE10 0AF Tel: 01778 393031

Handy Numbers

Charities Royal British Legion

Hereward Group Practice

Burghley St, Bourne PE10 9NS 01778 421110

Exeter St, Bourne PE10 9XR. 01778 391700 www.herewardgp.co.uk

Bourne and Thurlby First Responders 01778 420357 or 07875 308837

Bourne United Charities 01778 422387

New Springwells Practice The Surgery, Station Rd, Rippingale, Bourne PE10 0TA. 01778 440200 info@ruralmedical.co.uk

The Salvation Army Manning Rd, Bourne PE10 9ET. 01778 421916/ 393459. Richard.durrant@salvationarmy.org. uk

St Barnabas Lincs Hospice Hannah Thompson: 01476 591010

SSAFA Forces Help

Sports Bourne Abbots Pentanque Club Abbey Lawns, Bourne PE10 9EP. Tel: 01778 394083 bournepentanque@hotmail.co.uk

Nev Johnson: 01778 394483

Bourne Town Harriers Senior Athletes

Corn Ecvhange, PE10 9AF. Kate Marshall: 01778 440153

Biritish Red Cross 01778 426452

Rich Lomas-Brown: 01778 420394 www.bournetownharriers.org

Friends of Bourne Woods

Mencap Housing and Support

Bourne Rugby Union Football Club

Dementia Support Group

Sarah: 07760 468052

Bourne U3A

01778 423726

Val Palmer, 01778 394998 Val.U3A@talktalk.net

Bourne & District Lions Club

Parkinson’s Disease Society

PO Box 57, Bourne PE10 9HB help@bournelions.org.uk Tel: 0845 833 2810

01778 440695 / 345395

Bourne and South Lincs ME Support Group Wake House, North St, Bourne PE10 9AE. Jan Limback 01778 425422 janlimback@hotmail.com

Support Group of the Salvation Army Manning Rd, Bourne PE10 9ET

Bourne Civic Society Heritage Centre/Baldocks Mill, 21 South St, Bourne PE10 9LY. 01778 422775

Bourne Arthritis Support Group 1st Thursday of every month, Community Room, Meadow Court, Meadow Close, Bourne PE10 9EL

Doctors

Clubhouse, Milking Nook Drove, Bourne PE10 0AX 01778 393420

Bourne & District Lawn Tennis Club Abbey Lawns, Abbey Rd, Bourne PE10 9EP. Helen Whitfield: 01775 670252

Market Cross Surgery Market Place, Corby Glen, Grantham NG33 4NH. Tel: 01476 550056 www.marketcrosssurgery.co.uk

Glenside Country Practice 12b High Street, Castle Bytham, Grantham NG33 4RZ. Tel: 01780 410205. www.thebythams.org.uk St John’s Drive, Corby Glen, Grantham NG33 4LY. Tel: 01476 550251. www.thebythams.org.uk

Galletly Medical Practice 40 North Rd, Bourne, PE10 9BT 01778 562200

Bourne Police Station 01778 393744 or 101 (non-emergency number) To be included in this directory, send your details to: sally@discoveringbourne.co.uk (marking the subject DIRECTORY) or call

01778 343020 | December 2011

07933 580279

Discovering Bourne

Discovering Bourne December 2011 | 01778 343020

Pet Page

Holiday Hazards for W

Pets

e all know that Christmas can be an exciting time for everyone, including dogs and cats: but we must remember that there are hidden dangers at this time. Something we may not all be thinking about.

For example, there may be extra people in the house and dogs and cats should have somewhere quiet to retreat to. Don’t forget too hamsters, rabbits and other small furries who may find the noise and attention all too overbearing. There are other dangers too. That irresistible bauble and tinsel dangling on the tree just waiting to be the cat’s next toy resulting in them getting tangled up, cut or the tree crashing down. Dogs may eat that all too inviting decoration made of chocolate. Do not forget that chocolate contains theobromine, which is poisonous to dogs. Only just a few pieces of dark chocolate can be fatal!!

White chocolate Treatment not required as there is not enough theobromine in it Milk chocolate

Dark chocolate

Treatment needed if more than 9g per kg bodyweight is eaten Treatment needed if 1g per kg bodyweight is eaten

However, white chocolate and milk chocolate are not as toxic. Chocolate is also poisonous to other animals (rabbits, cats, hamsters, rats) so they should only be given proper pet treats. Signs to look for: Vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration as chocolate is a diuretic. Theobromine also affects the heart so the

By Sarah Walker RVN Head Nurse, Exeter Veterinary Centre animal may become hyperactive. Not to mention general over-eating. Turkey carcases can, if eaten, pierce the stomach or gut, resulting in leakage into the abdomen or cause a blockage. Raw and cooked bones are both dangerous. Alcohol and animals do not mix. They may already be excited or stressed: it is unkind and not funny to see a disorientated pet. They may react differently to normal as they may be scared or uninhibited and so may become aggressive.

Other dangerous foods include: • • • • • •

Grapes Raisins and sultanas Onions/Garlic/Leeks Shallots/Chives found in stuffing or onion gravy Mouldy food Xylitol - In artificial sweetner

Plants: Holly and ivy – although this may not be very toxic to dogs, causing only minor drooling, it is toxic to rabbits and can cause muscle twitching, paralysis, convulsions and death. Holly spines may cause mechanical damage.

Mistletoe – ingestion of this may result in retching, vomiting and salivation. All plants should be kept out of reach of animals, although with Christmas trees this is not possible. With a bit of forethought, everyone can have a happy and safe Christmas; but just in case the worst should happen, do not forget that all vets will provide emergency cover over the whole of the Christmas and New Year period.

Sarah Walker RVN Head Nurse 01778 343020 | December 2011 Discovering Bourne