The Ferndown and West Parley Directory - December 2022

Dear Residents,

December 2022! Here at Modern Magazines we have had a good year and are determined that 2023 will go well. We moved location this last year and are settled in new offices. Plus, we bought a new business too. It has been busy and pretty exciting really. There are always challenges and we have faced them head on. We have two new staff who are doing great. Beth, who has been our graphic designer for the past twelve months is going off to have her first baby! We can’t wait to meet him. Pippa has created a whole new magazine in Weymouth with us, and we are very glad she joined the team.

Mel has worked with us for over 13 years now! Julie is into her 10th year of working with us, and Steph is into her 2nd year. We are a fantastic team. Chris the distribution Manager stays chirpy cheerful and is a real asset too!

All of our loyal advertisers are doing well and really want to thank you for your calls, bookings and purchases.

to any party to loss or damaged caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. The Ferndown & West Parley Directory does not officially endorse any advertising material included within the publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval systems or transmitted in any form, without prior permission of the publisher. Issue No. 198 December 2022

2023 edition: 5th December 2022

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Wimborne & Ferndown

Lions Club: 300,000 pairs of specs!

As we grow older, many things can happen to our bodies. There is one thing that changes for nearly everyone though and that is their eyesight. If that happens to you, unless you go in for contact lenses, it means a new pair of specs. So what happens to the old ones? They are expensive so you keep them as a spare. The next change and you have two spares and so on. Moreover the first spare is now way off the prescription you need and is never used.

Don’t throw them away! The Lions organisation has developed a recycling scheme to reuse the old glasses and ship them to third world countries where eye care is often unavailable and lens manufacture non existent.

The scheme involves collection, sorting, checking for scratches and cracks, washing and grading and finally distribution.

In our case the spectacles go to Chichester Lions club for initial processing and then on to Medico France for final grading before being sent to eye camps in poorer communities in places such as

Africa, India and Eastern Europe. There are many such eye camps run by organisations such as Sightsavers where local people are tested and given the recycled glasses as appropriate. Your Lions Club is part of the global Lions Federation and similar recycling happens worldwide. For example, glasses collected by New Zealand Lions go to those with poor eyesight in the Pacific Islands. There are about 100 clubs in the UK and between us about 300,000 pairs of glasses a year are sent via Chichester. Unwanted glasses can be deposited in bins at high street opticians or doctors surgeries. There are about 20 bin locations in Wimborne and Ferndown. A full list can be found on our website , wimborneandferndownlions.org.uk.

Lions accept prescription and reading glasses, sunglasses and plastic or metal frames. Children’s glasses are especially needed.

The photo above shows collected glasses in boxes of 100 ready to be sent for processing.

Sing When You’re Winning

Make no mistake, Gareth Malone is the national face (and bow tie) of choir singing. Through his television show, and its spin-offs, Malone has made the noble art of breaking into song cool again for everybody from shy school children to moody teenage boys, with emotionally charged and heart-warming explorations of how giving the vocal chords a workout can change lives for the better.

Returning recently in The Great Celebrity Bake Off and Celebrity MasterChef has given the choirmaster and presenter, 47 in November, an appetite for an alternative existence, even though his true passion is to exhale rather than inhale!

“I’ve never thought of it like that,” he laughs. “I’ve definitely enjoyed getting back into the reality TV side of things. I find it totally inspiring to see normal people do things that are

fantastically big and grand.

“And I count myself in that – in cooking terms I am very normal, so to challenge myself and try to do something impressive, which is exactly what we ask of people with music, has been a nice shift.”

Malone is of course best renowned for his work with The Choir, and the associated biproduct, The Military Wives, whereby he recorded with widows of British soldiers who had served in Afghanistan. The idea became such a touchstone that it spawned a number one single, Wherever You Are.

“As a choirmaster you are only ever a guide,” he says. “You have the energy and the persuasion and the techniques to pull the very best out of people, but none of those things are actually what makes a project work – it is all about the people who stand up and sing.”

What’s fair to say is Malone’s success has been hard fought. There have been no booming PR campaigns, no ‘kiss and tells’, and he certainly never felt the need to stand up in front of Simon Cowell for approval.

Malone was anointed with an OBE from the late

Queen Elizabeth II in 2013, a remarkable recognition for his work. “I truly appreciate my work being referenced in this way, and it was a great honour.

“I view the Military Wives project as the peak of that, because the national impact was so great. Sometimes, you can affect the life of one person in a seemingly small way and that can be powerful, but there is something so universal about that too. And there was a whole generation of widows who no-one was really thinking about.

“And that’s the great power of music - it goes beyond words. People who hadn’t even seen the series found out about it. It was life-changing for them and for me.”

Gareth Malone, the choirmaster who championed the voices of everyday people.

Ferndown Probus Club

Covering Ferndown, West Moors, Ashley Heath, St Leonards, Parley & District

Now is an excellent time to meet new people and make new friends. Why not join our members for lunch each month at the Dudsbury Golf Club, Hotel & Spa? Good food, good company and interesting speakers, just what you have been waiting for!

Ferndown PROBUS is a members’ club for retired or semi-retired professional men and our aim is to create a positive ambience of fellowship, friendship and fun.

We meet on the first Wednesday

of each month at the Brabant Function Room, Dudsbury Golf Club, Hotel & Spa, Ferndown commencing at 12 noon. Meetings are centred around a two-course lunch, followed by a talk given by invited Speakers covering a diverse range of subjects. Many of our ladies meet for a more informal gathering in the Spikes Bar at the same venue at the same time or arrange to meet at an alternative location.

A coffee morning is also held at the Brabant Function Room on the second Wednesday of each month for our members and their partners to enjoy a relaxed and sociable get together.

Other social gatherings and events are arranged throughout the year in accordance with member interest.

New members will be made most welcome. For further details please ring the Secretary, Alan Stevens, on 01202 876826, or email: alan_ stevens@talk21.com

More detailed information about the club can be found on our website: www.ferndownprobusclub.org

President: Brian Quist

Magni cent Motors

Join us to celebrate some of the most iconic cars of the last five decades.

While motor manufacturing in the UK will perhaps never again rival the colossal quantities of cars being rolled out by the Germans, the Americans or the Japanese, our appreciation of the four-wheeled vehicle is one that few other nations can better.

That dedication to cars has led us to champion and cherish some iconic vehicles over the years.

With that in mind, here’s a car from each of the past five decades that deserves to be celebrated all over again.

THE SEVENTIES

Ford Escort Mk II

The Escort was essentially an off-road rally car in disguise, with over two million of the Mk I sold.

In 1974 came its sister and successor. Despite a tight budget meaning they’d have to use the same core structure from before, designers managed to configure a newer, more modern body shape.

The result was a manufacturing masterstroke, with another two million sold, before production ceased in 1980.

THE EIGHTIES

Volkswagen Golf GTi Mk2

The Volkswagen Golf GTi Mk2 was a classy and well-rounded vehicle – if expensive.

There were millions who craved it for the way the model tapped into the sporty suave market, with a brutish engine and instantly recognisable look.

Backed by an immaculate marketing campaign, this yuppie wagon epitomised an era where efficiency could also equal fun.

THE NINETIES

Ford Mondeo

Ford have always loved producing hatchbacks, estates and big family saloon cars; and in 1993 they trumped everything done previously, with the Mondeo.

This gamechanger’s combination of practicality and style meant it was labelled the ultimate saloon. It was smart, sensible and affordable, complementing luxury interiors with Ford reliability, and set the mark for the raft of copycat family cars that were to follow.

THE NOUGHTIES

Nissan Qashqai

The turn of the new Millennium saw the dawn of the SUVs, or Sports Utility Vehicle.

The Nissan Qashqai compact crossover vehicle made its first

appearance towards the end of the decade in 2007, and its impact was huge.

Nissan had previously dipped their toe into the SUV market with the X-Trail, but the Qashqai – seen as its baby brother – turned into a rather hefty sibling, setting the tone for the mid-sized family 4x4. Over three million have now been sold, with that milestone being hit at the Japanese firm’s Sunderland plant.

THE TENS

Tesla Model S

The five-door sedan remains the flagship model for Elon Musk. Introduced tentatively to the general public in June 2012, Tesla now have the capability of producing a million cars per year.

Only their own rate of production seems to stand between them and the aim of becoming the world’s most successful car manufacturer.

Understanding Investments: Reflecting

on a Challenging Year

As we come to the end of 2022, it’s certainly fair to say it’s been a challenge. Economically we have endured inflation levels not felt for 30 years and geo-politically the Russia-Ukraine war continues to create humanitarian hardships which would have been unimaginable in 2021. Good news has been in short supply!

Investments have fallen due to rising interest rates and the expectation of a global recession. Interest rates have risen, initially to cool consumer demand early in 2022, and subsequently for the central banks to bring inflation down. The challenge for the central banks is that demand has cooled due to higher food prices and higher energy prices leaving the consumer with less disposable income and yet these have nothing to do with interest rates and all to do with Russia’s war. By raising interest rates the central banks make it more expensive for those with mortgages and for indebted businesses, further cooling demand. If taken too far this creates or deepens a recession.

This year both share prices and bond prices have fallen, which is a rare occurrence (usually bonds are seen as a safe haven and perform well when share prices fall). It is highly likely property prices will fall or at the very least “cool” (property tends to react more slowly due to its relative illiquidity).

So what should an investor do, and are there any glimmers of good news on the horizon? Yes and no!

Share and bond prices are forward looking, ie they tend to move 6 to 9 months in advance of events. So by the time we hear good news on the economy, they are likely to have already risen in anticipation. If interest rates don’t need to go up as high as is currently predicted, and as soon as inflation is seen to be falling, sentiment will change. In our experience that can happen quickly, just as sentiment soured quickly. So things will get better and high quality investments will recover (they always do), but what no-one knows is exactly when. Three months, six monthly, another year? This is why we, and other experienced investors, avoid trying to “time the market” (selling wholesale

and then buying back wholesale). The chances of getting the timing right in one direction is hard, let alone twice. This doesn’t mean your investment managers should be sitting idle. They should have already been making changes to the balance of your portfolio as events have unfolded, to help mitigate the falls and control the ongoing portfolio risk.

Howard Goodship

So our advice to our clients is patience. High quality investments will go back up in value and likely reach new highs in the future. Adding new investment money during times of distress has historically been a profitable thing to do and offers the opportunity for better than average returns going forward, albeit there are no guarantees. For clients who require security and liquidity, cash is now paying between 2% and 4.5% depending on how long you are prepared to fix the rate (and limit access). That’s the best rates for 14 years.

In closing, may we take the opportunity to wish you all an enjoyable Christmas. In these difficult times it’s important to remember what is most important and offer help and support to our families and loved ones. Just as the COVID pandemic brought out an incredible sense of community spirit, we suspect the cost of living crisis may do the same with more support for local charities such as food banks and those supporting the lonely elderly in our communities.

Best wishes for 2023.

Howard, Stewart, Maggie and Harry. Howard Goodship is an Independent Financial Adviser with Lonsdale Wealth Management, 5 Fridays Court, Ringwood. Tel: 01425 208490 www.lonsdaleservices.co.uk

The value of an investment and the income from it could go down as well as up. The return at the end of the investment period is not guaranteed and you may get back less than you originally invested. The contents of this article are for information purposes only and do not constitute individual advice.

Go wild with online gift adoptions this Christmas

This Christmas, Dorset Wildlife Trust are offering the perfect gift for both people and wildlife with their red squirrel, seahorse, and barn owl adoptions. With so many of us looking for gifts that don’t include excessive packaging or plastic, these are a perfect choice for an environmentally friendly Christmas. These exclusive adoptions include a digital adoption certificate and a selection of fascinating facts about your chosen animal. What’s more, 100% of the adoption fee goes into vital work protecting these species and their habitats in Dorset.

There are only around 200 red squirrels living on Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour. Funds from these adoptions will contribute towards maintaining their habitat on the island, while proceeds from barn owl adoptions will contribute to conservation work on nature reserves including Lorton Meadows, where a popular barn owl webcam has kept track of barn owls nesting, breeding, and fledging for several years. In Dorset, we are privileged to have two species of seahorse. Proceeds from seahorse adoptions will support the

incredible work of the Dorset Marine Conservation Fund to help safeguard our beautiful coastlines and the marine wildlife that lives there.

Imogen Davenport, Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Conservation Director, said: “I can’t think of a better gift than protecting Dorset’s wildlife this Christmas. Proceeds from email adoption sales go directly into the Trust’s hard work across the county, maintaining and protecting habitats for these iconic species in Dorset.

This work is especially important as the UK has become one of the most naturedepleted countries in the world. To tackle the ecological and climate crises we face, we must come together, and adoptions provide a great way to do this by sharing a love of wildlife with family and friends.”

It’s more important than ever to protect endangered species in Dorset, and everyone can do their bit this Christmas. Find out more about how these adoptions help wildlife, and choose your perfect eco-friendly gift, at: dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/adoptions

Photo: Barn owls by Russell Savory

Photo: Matheus Ferrero - UnSplash

Money on my mind... the Martin Lewis column

He’s the UK’s leading money saving expert - a journalist and presenter who has kept millions of pounds in people’s pockets as well as lifting the lid on the threats and dangers we need to be aware of as consumers.

In this month’s column, Martin Lewis looks at taking back control when creditors come calling.

I’ll come straight to the point this month - there is nothing more precious or valuable than our mental wellbeing, and there is no bill or invoice that should come before it.

I have worked with mental health charities and the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute to ensure people who find themselves in difficult situations are able to access not just financial assistance, but practical and emotional support too.

The truth is when people have existing mental health problems, the administration anxiety that comes with

bills, debt demands and ongoing financial commitments, can be very difficult to handle, to the point that they’re simply unable to deal with what’s in front of them. Even when in a good place mentally and financially, so many of us find processing everyday matters exhausting, so imagine the added difficulty when starting from a place of weakness.

Remember, we have the right to determine how we are approached and contacted by those we do business with. For some people receiving a text message informing them of something may represent a nightmare. For others, a text is the only way they wish to communicate; while some prefer to converse over the phone, or even face to face.

It’s essential we stand up and state our preferences, and organisations have to adhere

to these. That won’t necessarily mean the problem will go away… if you are behind on a bill, for instance; but it will bring back control to you and, from the outset, allow you to determine how you want to go about tackling a problem.

It was reported that 44% of people with mental health problems who fell behind on payments during the pandemic considered or attempted suicide; and if you macro that up to the UK population that would be two-and-a-half million people.

I’ll be honest and say that when I heard that figure, I didn’t find it surprising; but it does surprise and disappoint me that people still don’t feel they have the tools to fight back and retake control.

From recovery space to payment holidays, to freezes on interest or repayment plans, speak to your creditors in a way that is firm and fair, and you will likely get the result you want.

STAR GAZING

WRITTEN BY KATE EARL kateearlastro@gmail.com

Welcome to the December Stargazing Page, and wishing you all clear skies and a safe holiday season. Highlights this month include an opportunity to see all five naked eye planets in our evening skies.

International Space Station

The ISS can be spotted in the evening until the 8th. Viewing then switches to morning skies from the 17th, and anyone wishing to catch Santa returning home will need to look up around 5am or 6.30am on Christmas morning. To establish exact timings please refer to www.heavens-above.com or a similar webpage for up-to-date information, remembering to set the location to your observing area.

Events

The annual Geminid meteor shower peaks on the night of 13/14th December, although a bright gibbous Moon rising around 9pm will spoil the show. Unusually, the Geminid meteor shower occurs when the Earth passes through the trail of debris left behind by an asteroid, 3200 Phaethon, and not by a comet. The Winter Solstice takes place on Wednesday 21st December; marking the shortest day and longest night.

Mercury

The Solar System’s smallest planet is just visible during the latter half of December, looping around the much-brighter Venus. An unobstructed view to the southwest is necessary as Mercury will be low on the horizon and hard to spot (see figure).

Venus

Venus reappears in our evening skies, starting off low in the southwest, and although bright may be difficult to spot in the evening twilight.

Mars

Mars has risen by 5pm, and is the bright, orange-tinted object further to the east (left) of Jupiter. It is visible in the sky all night.

Jupiter & Saturn

Both gas giants are visible towards the south when darkness falls; Jupiter is the incredibly bright object much higher in the sky than dimmer, blue-white Saturn. Saturn sets by 8.30pm but Jupiter is visible until midnight.

Moon

December’s full moon occurs on the 8th. The moon is close to Jupiter on the 1st and 2nd, and lies between Saturn and Jupiter between the 26th – 29th (see figure).

Things to look out for...

Both Mars and Uranus will briefly disappear behind the Moon this month (known as an occultation). Uranus disappears behind a gibbous moon on the 5th around 4.45pm, and Mars behind the full moon just before 5am on the 8th. Uranus is a very faint night sky object and must be viewed with a small telescope or binoculars. Mars will be so bright that you should be able to see it with the naked eye.

A Design for Life… e Kevin McCloud Column

Designer, writer and television presenter, Kevin McCloud leapt into our consciousness with his vastly successful Grand Designs show on Channel 4. This month, the affable architectural business owner returns to the subject of sustainability, both in terms of what we make our homes with, and what we place inside them.

To me, the relationship between making things and sustainability is essential, and I fear, as Western society, we’ve lost touch with the value of made things… with the value of raw materials, of the energy required. I don’t just mean fossil fuel energy, but also the human energy that goes into the process.

I’m very struck by seeing people producing lighting out of bits of recycled industrial stuff, or those who can put together and sell furniture they’ve handcrafted in small workshops all over the country.

A fabulous trend in the past couple of decades has been the

encouraging of home production creation –

everything from picture frames to jewellery – and how the internet has given these people a platform that is truly global.

When you meet someone who has made something in their workshop, you get the opportunity to sample their passion, influences, their own inspiration for doing what they do.

People talk a lot about sustainability using words like carbon and energy consumption – all that technical stuff – yet sustainability also comes in the form of the value of the objects we place inside our homes too.

After all, we are five times less likely to

throw away something we have made compared to something we have bought.

It’s also true that the longer we have something the less likely we are to bin itthere are records from the Seventies that I’ve still got; there’s a belt I’ve had all my life. We’ve all got stuff we love that we don’t want to let go of!

Sure enough, when we see our friends we talk about these things, we share the stories. I can bore people into infinity talking about my belt, or my old leather chair, and that’s the exciting thing: stuff as it gets older, gets better; it attracts more stories.

What I’m saying is we need to continue to keep creating homes that are rich in their fabric, but that are filed with things of value as well, so that we can share those stories with people, make friends, and embed ourselves into a community. That to me is actually a big part of what sustainability is about.

Jamie Oliver’s Vegetarian Christmas Curry

Introduction

What better way to beat the winter chill than with this hearty, delicious – and rather healthy – Christmas curry. Ideal for Christmas Eve, or in fact, any day during the festive period when you’ve had too many heavy, meat-based meals and instead want something more on the nourishing side. The festiveness of this curry comes out in the spices used, and the fact the whole family can share a special, if unconventional, meal in what is a season for getting together and celebrating what we have.

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200ºC/400ºF/gas 6. Using a pestle and mortar, grind the fennel and coriander seeds, and chilli flakes until fine. Place the cauliflower on a sheet of tin foil, rub in half of the ground spices and 1 tablespoon of oil, and season with sea salt and black pepper.

Wrap the cauliflower in the foil, place in roasting tray and bake for 30 minutes, removing the foil for the last 15 minutes to brown it. Remove and set aside.

2. Peel and finely grate the ginger and 6 cloves of garlic. In a bowl, combine two-thirds of the ginger, the grated garlic and the remaining spice mixture. Make an incision in each aubergine with a sharp knife, then rub the ginger mixture into each one, along with a drizzle of oil. Place the aubergines in a small roasting tray and cook in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until softened and starting to split. Set aside.

3. Make your spice blend. Split the cardamom pods, add the seeds to a mortar with all the other ingredients, then grind well. Finely chop the onions, then deseed and chop the chillies and tomatoes, keeping them separate. Peel and finely slice the remaining 3 cloves of garlic. Place a large pan over a medium heat and toast the ground spices for 1 minute, or until aromatic. Stir in 1 tablespoon of oil, followed by the onions, green chillies, garlic, and the remaining ginger. Cook for 10 minutes, or until the onion and garlic are softened. Add the tomatoes, cinnamon stick and 200ml of water and let it simmer over a low heat for 30 minutes.

4. In a blender, blitz the cashews with 4 tablespoons of water until you have a smooth paste, then stir this into your curry. Cook for 5 minutes, or until thick and fragrant. Chop

Ingredients

(serves 6-8)

• 1½ teaspoons fennel seeds

• 1½ teaspoons coriander seeds

• 1 teaspoon chilli flakes

• 1 medium cauliflower

• groundnut oil

• 15cm piece of ginger

• 9 cloves of garlic

• 20 finger aubergines

• 3 medium onions

• 2-3 fresh green chillies

• 1 kg ripe tomatoes

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 150 g cashews

• 100 g coconut shavings

• 1 pomegranate

SPICE BLEND

• 1 teaspoon cardamom pods

• 2 teaspoons turmeric powder

• 3 dried Kashmiri red chillies

• 7 cloves

• 1 tablespoon fennel seeds

• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

the roasted cauliflower into florets and stir into the curry along with the aubergines.

Scatter pomegranate seeds and the coconut on the curry to serve.

Green ngers… the Alan Titchmarsh column

He’s a brilliant presenter, accomplished gardener, talented novelist, and allround horticultural inspiration. This month, Alan Titchmarsh discusses how our gardens can become carbon sinks.

We know how effective plants are at drawing CO2 out of the atmosphere. That means that while our gardens are wonderful spaces for our sensual pleasure, they brilliantly counteract global warming and our fight against climate change. In other words, they become ‘carbon sinks’.

I was recently asked how our green spaces might change if the planet continues to hot up. Certainly, I am not a climate change denier, but I think for our own peace of mind we need to keep things realistic, and it’s not as if within 50 years we’re going to be growing bananas in Northumberland or anything like that!

What we can of course do in the short-term is style and

shape garden space to ensure we help the planet as much as we can. After all, the most basic way to

prevent greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere (and warming up the climate) is by growing plants. And as gardeners, that’s what we do!

The best way to achieve this is by growing native plants. Non-native varieties can really take hold of a space, requiring harmful chemicals to control them, and leading to them being pulled up, exposing soil and releasing carbon.

We can also compost – it’s a great way of stopping carbon getting out in the first place.

It’s for this same reason that turning over soil is actually bad for your garden. Not only does it interrupt nature’s ability to let your earth matter settle into an organised pattern that benefits both plants and the creatures living in the soil, but turning over, or tilling, releases more carbon.

Beyond this, we can be more environmentally friendly by using organic fertilisers; and never be afraid to let your outdoor space ‘go wild’. Rustic gardens are the ultimate lowcarbon spaces, and that makes sense, because wild areas such as forests, wetlands and mangroves are the very best at protecting against the risks posed by climate change.

carbon

The same applies to mulching, too. When you consider that over 80% of the carbon in your garden is released from the soil, by adding a layer of wood bark chippings, for instance, you are holding the carbon in the soil.

As ever, our gardens hold within them the power not just to transform our own lives, but the welfare of the planet too, and that is why we love them so much.

Garolla garage doors are expertly made to measure in our own UK factories, they’re strong and solidly built. The electric Garolla door rolls up vertically, taking up only 8 inches inside your garage, maximising valuable space. Our expert local installers will fit your new door and they’ll take away the old one too, so there’s no mess.

Winter Warmers

Looking for a different place to escape to this New Year? Why not explore these unique winter getaways?

REYKJAVIK

Despite the fact we can all picture Reykjavik – its architecture, its traditions, its people – visitor numbers are surprisingly low, with 1.3 million people venturing to the Iceland capital in 2021 – that’s 20 times lower than London or Paris.

Most would have taken in the beach at Vesturbær that offers spectacular sunsets, as well as views of the mountains; some may have timed their trip to catch the New Year fireworks from a three-tier ship; while others of a mind for fine dining would have taken in the city’s range of impeccable restaurants.

In addition, Perlan (The Pearl) hosts a huge gala dinner at which you will be invited to dress to impress.

What’s more, party animals can be safe in the knowledge that Icelanders know how to celebrate, and bars in the centre are all located close to each other.

VIENNA

The Viennese love New Year and their celebrations are

unrivalled, so timing a visit to coincide with the start of 2023 could be just the ticket.

Once the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, the Pummerin bell of St Stephen’s Cathedral chimes.

Shortly afterwards, the city’s favourite song commences, and as Blue Danube echoes through the streets, thousands in attendance start to waltz along walkways and pavement.

Resplendence and celebration echoes in a swarm of fireworks, as Vienna immerses itself in romance, in a way that few other cities can.

And if you’ve still got enough energy the following day, the city’s State Opera House hosts its annual New Year’s concert.

Otherwise, relax with a piece of famous Sacher cake in one of Vienna’s many striking coffeehouses.

LUXEMBOURG CITY

Luxembourg City offers the ability to slink away into quiet alleyways where, amongst cool bars and cosy restaurants, you can revel in the architecture and style of a city whose fortified medieval old town tells a thousand stories.

The city is surrounded by breath-taking scenery, from farms to woodland to valleys to slopes. It means you can sample the buzz of city nightlife before switching to the rural calm of the countryside.

Perhaps combine the two by setting off on a journey of mindfulness in taking in Chemin de la Corniche. This is an illuminated walkway on the side of the Bock fortress, offering incredible views over the Alzette Valley, plus the Grund district, so renowned for its cultural and architectural heritage.

In addition, there is a Winter Lights Festival between November and the first week of January, with ice skating available at the Place Guillaume II town square.

The Festive Garden

Having a creative Christmas at home is about more than just a tree and a few bits of tinsel.

When surrounded by the aromas of food, or the warmth of family and friends, there is something incredibly satisfying when it comes to looking out onto a festive garden.

Here are a few suggestions to make your outside space joyful and merry this Christmas.

Light it up Lights are the number one addition to any Christmas scene, and with darkness descending ever earlier, their effect is longer-lasting.

As ever, subtlety is key – placed in jars, through vines or in woven baskets, lights inside will illuminate through the tiny gaps to spray decorative shapes and lines across your outside space. Also consider experimenting with green and red bulbs to create a new ambiance.

Light projectors are a great way of creating additional lighting and brilliant effects, as well. There are a wide variety of creative designs that echo the festive season, and these can be beamed onto walls or into dark garden recesses in order to bring a unique two-dimensional effect to spaces.

It’s also possible to buy in or even make Christmas orbs, and these can look absolutely enchanting when dotted around the garden or placed on the front steps of your house. They are particularly stunning when laid on freshly fallen snow (if we’re lucky enough to see some!).

Lights pulled across in a consistent line guide the eye and looks great, although it’s a good idea to make sure lights are set on a timer. Not only will you get maximum value out of the hours your garden is lit up, it will also ensure neighbours aren’t perplexed at your 3am lightshow!

Star quality

Using Christmas shapes hung around the garden will really move the indoors outdoors. Consider Moravian stars in Christmas trees, plus bows, reindeer silhouettes,

candy sticks, snowflakes and gingerbread men.

And of course, a selection of bright red Christmas baubles will make any tree, bush or shrub feel festive.

Just be sure that nothing you are hanging outside can endanger wildlife or curious critters.

Window to wonderland Finally, an easy cheat when looking to create a winter wonderland garden is to use Christmas elements in a window box. Done smartly, when looking out into your garden, your vision will catch these planted additions and shape the festive view.

In the same way, using fake snow around the edge of windows works as a brilliant border effect to the world outside.

The Festival of Christmas at Hillier Garden Centres

With Christmas nearly upon us, Hillier Garden Centre has announced its line-up of events to kick start the festive season.

Proceedings begin on 10th November with the ‘Festive Celebration Evenings’, an in-store shopping event giving shoppers a first look at all things Christmas, including the decoration displays showcasing products from the four Hillier décor themes for the year, and exclusive previews of the new giftware range for 2023.

Hillier Gardening Centre will be hosting a party with a variety of festive entertainment and Gardening Club offers that will be sure to get you into the Christmas mood. Activities vary per centre, but some entertainment includes craft fayres, treasure hunts for the children, hog roasts and more.

Following this, from the 22nd November, thousands of high-quality Christmas trees will be arriving and on sale with promotions available instore, including £10 off any real, cut Christmas tree for Gardening Club members. Artificial Christmas trees will also be available to purchase instore and online at www.hillier.co.uk, along with a vast array of low-voltage LED indoor and outdoor lights.

A delicious festive menu of bakery and savoury items will launch on 8th November, including an orange cranberry scone that is served with clotted cream and Tiptree jam, Hillier

signature baked mince pies, and a mincemeat, apple and fresh cream doughnut. Bookable festive two-course lunches with a choice of main courses and desserts will be available from 5th December until 22nd December and will require booking directly with your chosen restaurant. This means your reserved table will be set in readiness for your arrival. A traditional roast turkey lunch will be featured every Sunday from 13th November and then every day from 15th December. There will be a festive afternoon tea available, consisting of an array of tasty sandwiches and a selection of cakes, along with other exciting festive nibbles and drinks to enjoy.

Award-winning Christmas workshops from Hillier begin at the start of December with wreath making and Christmas table decoration workshops. Both workshops are set to be incredibly popular, so booking in advance is recommended.

All materials required to create a beautiful, festive decoration to take home are provided, and light refreshments are also included for a cost of £40 per person.

For further information and to book a space, Visit www.hillier.co.uk or enquire in-store.

The Adventures of Daichi

The Modern Magazines Camper Van

Daichi drove us all the way to Anglesey, that wonderful island off the north coast of Wales, for a family break! How exciting, a week away after a very busy summer working in our new Ice-Cream parlour, Wafflicious in Weymouth. What is funny is that we could not get away… As soon as we opened the doors of the parlour that Friday, ready to show Chris how to use the till, so he could help Emma while we were away, we had wonderful customers wanting waffles, ice-creams, sundaes and milkshakes. Then to top it all we had a Birthday party unexpectedly arrive! A family of seven, as Harry the young boy of nine had enjoyed his waffle so much two days earlier, he could not wait to come back for his treat. Four hours late in setting off, but we were very happy and all smiles as we really do love what we do in the parlour. We arrived on Anglesey at 1am in the morning. We had stopped a couple of times en route of course as we gave up being ‘on time’ and decided to make the most of the journey together. Turning a situation around to one’s advantage can be a game in itself. We were meeting Stephen’s dad and sister and knew it would now be the following day before we would catch up with them. The first day was a little damp, but not wet enough to stop us going out for a walk. The old Menai, iconic bridge was closed just before we arrived. I love this bridge and remember fifty years ago, (oh my goodness – really!) my dad calling out

with delight that we were now on Anglesey! This bridge was opened in 1826 and was the first modern suspension bridge in the world apparently and initially made for cattle traffic as this was Anglesey’s main source of income. This one bridge reduced the time from Anglesey to London by nine hours! Did you know that this bridge is also mentioned by Lewis Carroll in “Through the Looking Glass”, chapter eight? The wind was quite strong that day and my legs did turn to jelly I have to say, when taking some photos looking out to sea across the Menai Straits. Fantastic views but not necessarily for the faint heated. In fact Rachel did wait patiently at the entrance with her lovely dog, Lottie.

Penmon Point in Llangoed, near Puffin Island was day number two. Again, I love this area and it brought back many memories of past days as a child climbing on the rocks and watching the puffins swirling around. This time of year there were none at all and in fact there are now only eight pairs of breeding puffins here. Unfortunately, rats, which swam from a shipwreck in 1816 reduced the size of the colony, from over 50,000 puffins to what they are today. By 1971 there were an estimated 500,000 rodents on the island. Incredible! In 1999 they were removed totally, and the sea birds are slowly coming back. Let’s hope they fully recover and we once again see swirls of ‘grunting’, mating puffins! It is such a great sound.

The Menai Suspension Bridge

Day three was a walk around Maelog Lake. What is fascinating here is that the sea is receding in this area and there are sand dunes inland. The sand dunes actually blocked off the water, which was once part of the sea. After years of fresh water entering, the lake became a freshwater lake and is no longer salty. Though we did not test it ourselves, the bevy of swans bobbing with their heads under the water pretending to be ostriches, seemed to be enjoying it. A meal at Oyster Catcher with fish and chips all round was highly enjoyed… even by Lottie the dog! For the afternoon I had a total trip down memory lane, and we drove to Trearddur Bay. I have spent many a holiday fishing on the rocks there and caught some good mackerel with Dad. The small bays further along were full of memories of rubber dinghies and swimming in cold water. Fun though! The following day we drove to Bodnant Gardens on the mainland. It may not be spring but the reds and yellows of the trees were just delightful. The house is still privately owned by the McLaren family. In 1948 Henry McLaren persuaded the National Trust to take over the running of the gardens which was only their second acquisition after Hidcote Gardens in Gloucestershire. It was a lovely day with afternoon tea in the grounds. After that a visit to Great Orme, the limestone headland on the other side of LLandudno and a trip on the tramway which opened in 1902! The weather

coming back up was hailstones, so a hot chocolate in the café at the top was well deserved. The views would have been magnificent… if it wasn’t raining… We enjoyed ourselves anyway, as we always do. The rest of the holiday was equally interesting with a trip to the Anglesey Transport Museum where there are over a hundred British vehicles from the 1920s! There is even a Hawker Hunter Jet to see… and, oh yes and the breakfast in the café was good too. Following that was a trip to Newborough Warren with the endearing Medieval church, St Eglwys Cwyfan, that gets cut off with the tide and is known as the “Little Church in the Sea”. The Rivals, a group of hills stand majestically opposite and were enshrouded with clouds, blowing around. Beaumaris Gaol created in 1829 was a place I remember well as a child. Visiting only of course. The story of the man hanged in 1862 who always professed his innocence and subsequently cursed the clock, which did not work until very recently. The treadwheel used as a punishment and in most gaols did not have a purpose but here it created running water for the sinks and toilets. It is a very atmospheric place. All in all we did a lot! We also ate, drank, had a swim in the pool as well as a game of air hockey, bar billiards and pool. We came home for a rest! Daichi drove us through the Llanberis Pass and Snowdonia on the way back. This is just awe inspiring. We stopped at the beautiful Swallow Falls where we had fun taking artistic photos of the rushing water. Holidays are definitely about having family fun and we certainly did that. Where will Daichi take us next I wonder…

By Debbie Corney

Autumnal colours at Bodnant Gardens

Daichi visits Beaumaris Gaol

We may feel a profound connection to our children, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy to communicate with them. Here are five tools which make the journey a little easier for both parties involved.

How to say ‘no’: Turning down some of our youngsters’ requests is a key part of their development, but only if done in the right way.

For instance, an obstructive ‘no’ is rarely going to garner a positive response. As well as being blunt, it leaves a child with little explanation as to the decision reached. Instead, parents are reminded of the benefits of using positive and negative wording. So instead of saying “stop hitting”, use “keep your hands to yourself”; or replace “no, you can’t have that”, for “why don’t we look at these?”.

How to say: ‘yes’: Children will be more understanding of the things they don’t have if they know there are many others that they have received or will get over time.

Having said that, it is also important to foster gratitude in your little one, so take time to count blessings and always encourage a sincere ‘thank you’ on the receiving of a gift.

How to scold: Firstly, try to steer away from shaming your child as this can affect their self-esteem over time. For example, calling a child ‘clumsy’ or ‘hopeless’ because they knocked their drink over at dinner can make them feel faulty. Instead,

saying, “I know that was an accident, but in future just try

to be more careful,” will shift attention towards focus and carefulness, which will offer your child a path forward.

Also, accompanying chastising with a hug, or by holding a hand, will soften the action and reduce the sense of discomfort a child may feel.

How to listen:

Empathy is a vital tool in communicating, and it can really help to see the problem through the child’s eyes rather than your own, as some behaviour that could be seen as problematic may be connected to a developmental need. For example, if you’re leaving your child with a relative or babysitter while you have a much-needed evening out, they might act up and throw a tantrum.

Instead of becoming angry, you could instead recognise the fear of abandonment and need for reassurance, leading to a calmer more pleasant night for both of you.

How to promote positivity: When faced with a decision you and your child disagree on, it can be helpful to ask what your child would like to happen or change. This prompts proactive problem-solving over helplessness and frustration, and is a tool that will serve them well throughout their lives.

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Winter Warmers: Accessories

Six must-have winter warmer accessory trends for the current season.

1. Thighs the limit

One of this winter’s hottest trends, thigh high boots on the catwalk have been above-theknee and beyond. There was lots of leather from the likes of Louis Vuitton and Burberry, while the occasionally avantgarde Chanel presented thigh-skimming wellington boots. Though stylish and practical, the £2,000 makes them somewhat unsuitable for gardening.

Thankfully, there are more affordable versions on the high street so get out there and impress!

2.

Shine like a star

Beat the blues with a little shimmer and glitz this winter. It’s not the boldest look, but a flash of gold like Prada’s brushed leather pumps or Jill Sander’s leather mules – which almost resemble crinkled Christmas candy wrappers –will brighten up even the dullest outfit.

There have also been lots of silvery metallics in handbags – big and small – and even sequinned, chainmail-esque headwear at Erdem… ideal for a glam ‘knight’ out!

3. Take a hike

If you like to put comfort before style, then you will be thrilled to hear that hiking boots are officially on trend.

The rule is, the chunkier and sturdier the better, though preferably paired with a feminine skirt and, if you’re feeling really fancy, cashmere socks.

4. Sass up your socks

Talking of socks, things got really glam from the knee down at Christian Dior and Simone Rocha, who sent models out with socks sewn with beads and pearls, respectively.

Max Mara on the other hand (or foot), had sumptuously soft, long, red socks with ribbons sewn in; while Acne Studios went for the slightly more punk aesthetic, also known as: socks with holes in.

5. Cool for caps

high-end fashion, but this winter they play a starring role. No longer the reserve of sports brands, monogrammed head gear was all over the catwalks, with Givenchy going the extra mile in luxury with a black leather one – undoubtedly the peak of style.

6.

Go hobo or go home

Slouchy, sexy and compatible with almost any outfit, the hobo bag is back, and not only as lovely as we remember it, it has also had an upgrade.

caps

Baseball caps are not usually synonymous with

Monogrammed and suspending from a gold chain at Louis Vuitton, crushed and cutesy pink satin courtesy of Miu Miu; and boasting a sheepskin trim at Chanel… it’s a hobo, baby, but not as we know it.

Will it be Jingle Bells or Silent Night?

Hearing well allows you to enjoy and be involved in the special moments that Christmas brings. It’s not too late to improve your hearing before the carols start.

Simon and Heather Cowell are the owners of family run 2County Hearing based in Verwood, Dorset. “Between us we have over 20 years experience in the hearing care industry and being independent means we can offer hearing solutions from all the world’s leading manufacturers.

Our services include safe, gentle, ear wax removal which has seen a signi cant increase in demand now

that most GP surgeries are no longer able to provide the service.

Our hearing tests are FREE and, in many cases, we can offer a ‘try before you buy’ option on hearing aids. This allows you time to evaluate the bene ts in your own environment before deciding whether the time is right for you to take action on your hearing loss.

In addition to our comfortable consulting room we are happy to provide a home visit service for those who nd travel dif cult.

Whatever your hearing problems are, please get in touch, we will be very happy to help.”

I’m dreaming of a light Christmas

How to get through the festive period without piling on the pounds.

Here are five ways you can have a first-class festive season where health and fitness are at the forefront of your thinking… not tucked down the side of the sofa with the Cadbury’s Roses wrappers!

1. Drink plenty of water

Make sure that you keep hydrated throughout the festive period… with water!

Okay, so it’s no crime to treat yourself to the odd tipple or three, but taking on other regular fluids, and water in particular, will balance your body out, helping your liver at a time when it takes most punishment, whilst aiding digestion too.

And on that note, it’s worth remembering that drinking water can stop your hunger from getting the better of you. Research shows drinking a glass of water prior to eating will reduce appetite by a third.

2. Lessen your cheese overload

It’s a fair assumption – rather than investing in large portions of chocolate cake or the decorative delights of selection box sweets, switch instead to a dairy option, and the light delights of the cheese and cracker combination.

Unfortunately, while cheese obviously has less sugar, it also contains more calories.

The solution is to have a smaller quantity of a strong cheese (Roquefort or Stilton, for instance) – the strength has actually been proven to act as a tastebud deterrent after the first few mouthfuls.

And if you just can’t resist chocolate, ensure it’s dark chocolate, which is proven to lessen the chance of heart disease due to the presence of antioxidants.

3. Go nuts and not crackers

Look at avoiding crisps and baked snacks as much as you possibly can and, instead, try satsumas and nuts. Both contain high quantities of vitamin C and healthy oils, and are much lower in fat.

Replace crackers with oatcakes - their slow-release sugars mean you feel fuller for much longer. Oatcakes also have soluble fibre that’s friendly on the heart, assisting in cholesterol-shifting from the bloodstream.

4.

Veg out

Of course most of us prefer the protein and carbohydrate elements when it comes to big meals over the Christmas period –potato-

based elements and meat can, for some of us, feel even more resistible than usual, particularly on a cold, dark day; yet the better your vegetable ratios, the healthier the meal.

5. Fish risk

Smoked salmon is always a festive favourite, in various forms, but try to avoid butter; and instead of hollandaise sauce, make it with freshly squeezed lemon and black pepper.

Similarly, for prawn cocktail, use Greek yoghurt instead of the typical high-fat mayonnaise option.

This branch of Rotary International was formed in Ferndown in 1976 by a small group of like-minded individuals who wished to put something back into the local and international communities and to enjoy fellowship while doing so. The Club was merged a few years ago with the Rotary Club of Parley and of course nowadays we are a mixed association and enjoy the company of several enthusiastic ladies. We meet twice a month on a Wednesday evening at Dudsbury Golf Club in Ferndown at 6:30 PM. We sample a single course meal followed invariably by Speakers on a range of subjects and occasionally worthy charities.

Rotary International is a global network of 1.4 million neighbours, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. For more than 110 years, Rotary’s people of action have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, we are always working to better our world, and we stay committed to the end.

Locally Ferndown and Parley Rotary has in its time supported dozens of

charities and worthwhile organisations.

In recent times we have been responsible for the Fete on the Field. 10k and 5K Fun Run, a number of Golf Days and an Annual Christmas collection at the local Garden Centre. We have supported over the years several worthwhile International Charities such as Water Aid, Shelter Box and Shoe Box as well as donating to various Disaster Funds.

Following the successful 2022 Fete on the Field we have made substantial donations to the Ferndown Food Larder, King George’s Field Charity (Ferndown) and High Mead Farm to name but three local charities.

Social gatherings and other events and outings are arranged throughout the year for members and a Members Newsletter is published monthly. Our membership at the moment is around 30 and new members of all ages and sexes are always welcome.

Why not visit our club to meet us and to see what we do ?

Initial contact to the Membership Chairman, John Walgrove on 01202 891875 or jwal34@hotmail.com, or Secretary, Paul Hunter on 01202 871614 Paulg.hunter@gmail.com www.ferndownandparleyrotary.org

Stocking Fillers and Murder Mystery rillers

This month, four cracking reads for the busiest book-buying time of the year.

Grannysaurus is a roar-some picture book about unpredictable grannies, dinosaur discos and staying up late.

A boisterously funny new festive release from the duo, this is perfect for young dinosaur fans! Published by Harper Collins on December 8th

Never Give In: The 12 Commando Rules for Life by Scotty Mills

Pinch of Nom by Kate and Kay Allinson

The healthy eating phenomenon that is Pinch of Nom returns with another hundred scrumptious recipes – from fakeaways to desserts – that are both tantalising to the taste buds and good for the waistline.

Enjoy more of the food you love. Never feel like you’re missing out, from all-day breakfasts to scrumptious desserts, with crowd-pleasing foody fests so satisfying and delicious you’d never guess they are also slimming-friendly.

Published by Pan Macmillan on December 8th

Grannysaurus

by David Walliams

Bursting with David Walliams’ anarchic sense of fun and blessed with Adam Stower’s vibrant illustrations,

A sudden downpour while Scotty Mills was walking down a street in South London sent him diving for cover into the nearest shop. It turned out to be a recruitment centre for the Royal Marines and, after a few minutes’ conversation while waiting for the rain to stop, Scotty was hooked and signed up to join the elite force. It changed his life and set him on a new direction that would end up with him leading the Marines on operations around the world, becoming an Olympic flag bearer in 2012 and dining at Buckingham Palace with the Queen and the royal family.

Scotty shares his lessons of performance and resilience with the reader, inviting them into the secrets of elite culture. His compelling story is one that combines tragedy with remarkable insight about the

Wild Women: A Collection of First-Hand Accounts from Female Explorers by Mariella Frostrup

A collection of the greatest women’s travel writing selected by journalist and presenter Mariella Frostrup.

From Constantinople to Crimea; from Antarctica to the Andesthroughout history, adventurous women have made epic, record-breaking journeys under perilous circumstances.

In curating this collection of first-hand accounts, broadcaster, writer and traveller Mariella Frostrup puts female explorers back on the map. Her selection includes explorers from the 1700s to the present day, from iconic heroines to lesser-known eccentrics, celebrating 300 years of wild women and their amazing adventures over land, sea and air. Published by Head of Zeus on December 8th

power of human inspiration. Published by Simon & Schuster on December 8th

Siblings in Poole supported by STARs

Dorset’s disability charity, Diverse Abilities, has expanded its service for siblings of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

STARs, standing for Supportive, Thoughtful, And Resilient, is a 12-week programme of support, advice, and activities for those aged eight to 16. It aims to reduce the pressure they are under by providing an environment where they can access support and advice, but also take part in activities, make friends, and just be themselves. The programme has been running in West Moors for 18-months and has now expanded to support siblings in the BCP area with regular weekly sessions held in Parkstone, Poole.

Clare Rochford, Children’s Team manager at Diverse Abilities, commented: “There’s a big gap in provision for siblings. Our STARs provision has been well received, and we are really proud of the support we’ve been able to give to siblings over the last 18-months. We are excited to be able to reach more siblings and to be able to support more families in the local area.”

The service has been expanded this autumn following funding from Children in Need.

The grant means that Diverse Abilities can reach more children than before. Clare has been leading the development of the service from her experience growing up with her sister who has a

rare genetic condition called Smith-Magenis Syndrome.

Clare added: “It’s important to give these children and young people a chance to build a support network, and realise they are not alone in the challenges they face. The chance to build this network means the benefit continues long after the 12 sessions have ended.”

One parent of the STARs service said: “I am really relieved that there was finally a special place for siblings, I have been looking for years. Life-changing for Matilda.

She had a lovely bond with some of the adults and the support she needed was there for her. School commented that Matilda would practically bounce into school the morning after her STARs session. For the first time, Matilda had something special to be part of, where her thoughts and feelings where recognised and supported.”

Visit diverseabilities.org.uk/stars to register and find out more about the service.

Have Yourself a Very Eco-Christmas

It may be the ultimate consumer holiday, but Christmas doesn’t have to cost the earth – in either sense of the phrase.

The festive season is expensive and wasteful, and most of us will reference calming things down in the following year.

Yet that may not be totally necessary – not least if all the joy of Christmas can be experienced in a way that is good for the soul, the wallet, and the environment.

Here are five ways to go about achieving that:

1.

Re-deck the halls

One of the best things about Christmas decorations is that they are reusable, though there are still ways to make them even more sustainable.

Choose wooden over plastic ones, purchase them from local craft fairs rather than supermarkets, and invest in baubles and ornaments that are of a decent quality so they can be reused for years afterwards. In time you will have a sizeable collection of

unique trinkets that tell your family’s own Christmas tale.

2. Tree-t yourself

If you’re planning on buying a new one for this Christmas perhaps consider either a pre-loved fake one, or a potted real tree that’s designed to last beyond the festive season. Even better, you can now rent trees that can be replanted in January, helping cut back on the seven million that are dumped each year.

3.

Invent an advent

What if you provided your loved ones with advent calendars that were not only personalised, but also more environmentally friendly?

Online marketplace Etsy sells wooden calendars that are personalised and can be refilled every year. Or you can make your own out of old fabric, leftover cardboard boxes or even just envelopes with craft activities in.

4.

Wrap resourcefully

In a world that is becoming wiser and more sustainable, it is easier than ever to buy

wrapping paper that is either recycled, or easier to recycle –which means no glossy finish or glitter, I’m afraid.

Another option is using old newspapers, magazines or comics; or investing in cotton wrapping cloths, which are fast becoming a trend and will look stunning under the tree.

5. Feast mindfully

It’s easy to go overboard when it comes to Christmas dinner, but why not save yourself the hassle and stick to the basics.

Firstly, only make enough food for the number of people you have coming (though Christmas leftovers can be sublime!). Secondly, buy produce as locally as possible to save on food air miles. And finally, avoid purchasing products that feel festive but are actually not very popular… cheese footballs, I’m looking at you.

Festive Tech

Six pieces of tech that could shape a whole new you in 2023.

FIZZICS DRAFTPOUR (around £100) There’s little argument as to what most of us prefer when it comes to the draft beer versus packaged option, yet now you can have both.

The Fizzics Draftpour enables a can or bottle to be inserted into the base of what is a slick and stylish looking contraption. You then use it like a beer tap, with the liquid streaming through the device’s MicroFoam technology, which enhances flavour, aroma and mouth feel.

The Fizzics DraftPour may just have revolutionised the home drinking draft experience, without the bulkiness or expense of a keg purchase.

BIOLITE FIREPIT+ (around £200)

If you know someone who likes to spend more time outdoors, even in the dirty depths of winter, the BioLite Firepit+ could be the perfect gift.

Useful for those who crave open-air, be in the garden or on a day out, this brilliant burner is powered by an efficient battery pack, offering a glowing, heatdriven experience that’s great for BBQs, or just for staying warm. It even has a USB port to charge other devices.

DJI MINI2 (around £400) No matter what angle or filter you might achieve with your top-of-therange camera or smartphone, you’ll never get the views a drone can… 400ft in the air!

The DJI Mini2 represents the latest breed of drone, and coming in under 250g it avoids many of the operator restrictions associated with heavier versions. Its folded dimensions are tiny (131x81x58mm) and it can easily withstand gusts of up to 25mph (level five wind resistance).

BLUEAIR PURE FAN AUTO (around £250) How clean is the air around you that you breathe? Thankfully, dust, smoke, pollen and more these can all be neutralised with an air purifier, with the Blueair rated as one of the best on the market.

Doubling as an air cooler, it can also help when the hot weather comes back round… however far away that may seem!

GARMIN DASH CAM MINI 2 (around £100) Garmin have evolved from a satellite navigation devices market leader into one of the best brands for dash cam technology, with their Mini 2 succeeding both in its 1080p footage capture, as well as

the fact it’s incredibly discreet, fitting, as it does, behind your rear-view mirror.

Insurance companies are rapidly talking up the usefulness of dash cam footage during motoring disputes, so this bit of kit could end up saving you thousands.

THERAGUN PRIME (around £250)

The Theragun Prime can target annoying knots, sore spots and general muscle discomfort, efficiently getting us back into good shape without the need, or expense, of visiting a physiotherapist!

Top Tip

Don’t expect perfection. Remember that trees are naturally wonky and flawed. Be sure not to over stir the cake mix; you want it light and airy.

Nigella Lawson’s Yule Log

Ingredients

(serves 12)

For the cake

• 6 large eggs (separated)

• 150 grams caster sugar

• 50 grams cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 5 teaspoons icing sugar (to decorate)

For the icing

• 175 grams dark chocolate (chopped)

• 250 grams icing sugar

• 225 grams soft butter

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

No one does Christmas like Nigella, which is why this glorious yule log is the ideal centrepiece for your festive lunch.

Introduction Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C Fan/gas mark 4/350ºF. In a large, clean bowl whisk the egg whites until thick and peaking, then, still whisking, sprinkle in 50g / ¼ cup of the caster sugar and continue whisking until the whites are holding their peaks but not dry. In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks and the remaining caster sugar until the mixture is moussy, pale and thick. Add the vanilla extract, sieve the cocoa powder over, then fold both in. Finally, gently fold in the egg whites.

2. Line a Swiss roll tin with baking parchment, leaving a generous overhang at the ends and sides, and folding the parchment into the corners to

help the paper stay anchored. Pour in the cake mixture and bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Let the cake cool a little before turning it out onto another piece of baking parchment. If you dust this piece of parchment with a little icing sugar it may help with preventing sticking, but don’t worry too much as any tears or dents will be covered by icing later. Cover loosely with a clean tea towel.

3. To make the icing, melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl suspended over a pan of simmering water, then let it cool. Put the icing sugar into a processor and blitz to remove lumps, add the butter and process until smooth. Add the cooled, melted chocolate and

the tablespoon of vanilla extract and pulse again to make a smooth icing.

4. Sit the flat chocolate cake on a large piece of baking parchment. Trim the edges of the Swiss roll. Spread some of the icing thinly over the sponge, going right out to the edges. Start rolling from the long side facing you, taking care to get a tight roll from the beginning, and roll up to the other side. Pressing against the parchment, rather than the tender cake, makes this easier.

5. Spread the yule log with the remaining icing, covering the cut-o ends. Create a wood-like texture by marking along the length of the log with a skewer or sharp knife and finish with a dusting of icing sugar.

2. Bug, 5. Malibu, 7. Indult, 9. Utile, 10. Blimp, 11. Mangle, 12. Nether, 14. Thrive, 18. Sarong, 21. Bliss, 22. Pilot, 23. Pommel, 24. Recant, 25. Ebb.

1. Lacuna, 2. Bugeye, 3. Gibbon,

Elapse, 6. Icing, 8. Daint, 11. Mot, 13. Rag,

Hobnob, 16. Idiom, 17. Ensile, 18. Superb, 19. Relic, 20. Nutant.

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