Iceni Magazine Norfolk Issue 104 by Iceni Magazine

I C E N I N O R F O L K

ISSUE 104

Focus On: Christmas

Bee Bald

Skincare For Men

Make A Difference This Christmas

Why Are You So Tired All the Time?

All-New Ineos Grenadier Review

Welcome To Iceni Magazine, “Remember this December, that love weighs more than gold.” Josephine Daskam Bacon

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Welcome to Issue 104 of Iceni Magazine! Predictably, the focus this month is on Christmas... Norfolk’s favourite homeeducator, Missy, returns this month with a timely piece about the pressures of Christmas (Pages 40 & 41). Struggling to afford everything you want to this festive season? Check out budgeting tips on Pages 36 and 37. Christmas can be a time where you make a difference to the lives of others, and Socker Share’s Nade explains how on Pages 34 and 35. Elsewhere, Becca from See What Mummy Says shares hopeful news for those who have experienced the heartache of miscarriage (Page 19). If you feel tired all the time, Pages 12 and 13 see Susan Leigh sharing suggestions as to why this might be the case and what you can do about it. Although, with it being Christmas, tiredness might be a given, especially for us parents! So, from all of us here at Iceni Magazine, we would like to wish you all a very wonderful Christmas. We hope that it is less eventful than last year’s and that you are able to spend time with your loved ones. Enjoy Issue 104, and we will see you in 2022!

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CONTRIBUTORS Becca Hamling, Cheryl Cade, Jill Roberson, Keri Beevis, Missy Hitchcox, Nade Ward, Patrick Arundell, Serena Fordham, Susan Leigh, Thomas Hamling, Tim Barnes-Clay, Vicki Lowes, Yellow Mysteries Entertainment.

Front Cover Image Jonathan Borba from Pexels

Page 3 Image Benjamen Terry - www.definedetail.com

Disclaimer

Copyright © Iceni Magazine Limited. All rights reserved. No articles, adverts, content or design in this magazine may be used or reproduced either in whole or part, online or in print. The views and advice from contributors are not necessarily those of Iceni Magazine Limited. Every effort is made to ensure the contents are accurate, however Iceni Magazine Limited can not assume responsibility for errors, omissions or incorrect information. Iceni Magazine Limited accepts no liability for loss, damage or difficulties resulting from contracts between The Client and their customer. Inclusion within the magazine does not imply a recommendation.

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Contents 48

pages

Full of absolute dynamic

creative content!

“You Reap What You Sow”

WHY ARE YOU SO...

CHRISTMAS ON A BUDGET

Tired All The Time?

Four Ways To Reduce Your Outgoings But Still Enjoy Yourself

16 32

MOTORING REVIEW All-New Ineos Grenadier

BEE BALD

Skincare For Men

The Benjamin Foundation Monthly Update

Bee Bald Skincare For Men

Christmas On A Budget Reduce Your Outgoings

Iceni News Safety Warning

Introduce Little Ones To... The World Of Tech

It’s Ok To... Not Like Christmas

Iceni Columnist Keri Beevis

Nova Silver Ancient Stones

Christmas Pressure The Majority Of Parents...

Why Are You So Tired... All the Time?

Best Of Norfolk Readers Images

Comfort & Joy As You Read This...

Nibbles & Tipples December

Focus On: Christmas

Iceni Asks... What’s Your Favourite...

Motoring Review All-New Ineos Grenadier

Who Doesn’t... Love Christmas?!?!

Just For Fun 'Death Of A Scrooge'

See What Mummy Says Hopeful New Treatment...

Make A Difference... This Christmas

Iceni Horoscopes What Do Your Stars Hold?

THE BENJAMIN FOUNDATION Issue 104 2021

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The Benjamin Foundation For over 25 years’, children, young people and families across Norfolk and Suffolk have been supported by The Benjamin Foundation to overcome big challenges in their lives. Each night, we accommodate up to 180 vulnerable young people, equating to over 50,000 safe nights’ sleep a year. They can finally feel safe from youth homelessness. Each week, 150 young people access our emotional wellbeing support improving their mental health, increasing their self-esteem to finally feel understood.

Each year, over 250 young people attended our youth work in the community to gain new life skills, expand their horizons and finally feel confident. Overall, in the region of 2,000 local children and young people every year finally feel hopeful of a better future because of the work of The Benjamin Foundation.

Supporting Harry #endyouthhomelessness

Harry*, aged 19, was originally referred to us by his caseworker at the Department of Work and Pensions, who spoke very highly of him. Harry had recently found himself homeless following a heated argument at home and had spent some time at his girlfriend’s parents’, but this was only temporary, and at the time of referral to The Benjamin Foundation, he was sofa surfing.

Harry was fortunate enough to secure employment shortly after becoming homeless, but hadn’t been working long enough to save money for a deposit. This was the reason he had been referred to us; we offer financial support with rent deposits through the Rent Deposit Scheme with funding from End Youth Homelessness. Our Tenancy Support Worker began working with Harry to help find him accommodation. She also provided him with relevant information and support about housing benefit and offered budgeting advice, helping Harry to manage his money. Support such as this helps local young people to take their next steps, enabling them to forge successful independent lives.

Harry has always been really grateful for any help he has received and is a pleasure to work with. We have no doubt that he will do well and we’re proud to have been able to support him in his first steps to independence.

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THE BENJAMIN FOUNDATION

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Issue 104 2021

“I finally feel… supported.”

A donation from you can create stronger, empowered children and young people in Norfolk and Suffolk who finally feel supported to cope with their unique challenges.

Visit our website to give a gift to support more local young people like Harry this Christmas: https://benjaminfoundation.co.uk/donate/christmasappeal/ *Name has been changed.

Season’s Greetings

From everybody at The Benjamin Foundation, we wish Iceni Magazine readers a peaceful and happy Christmas. Thank you for your support during 2021!

If you are interested in supporting our charity in 2022, we would love to hear from you. Drop us a line on: events@benjaminfoundation.co.uk to hear all the ways you can get involved to help local children and young people to finally feel hopeful of a better future. PAGE

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ICENI - NEWS

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Issue 104 2021

Christmas Lights Safety Warning

UK Power Networks is reminding people to stay safe when putting up their Christmas lights at home

The UK’s biggest electricity distributor is reminding Norfolk people adding Christmas lights to the outside of their homes this festive season to put safety first.

electricity lines are sometimes mistaken for phone lines. Anything that gets close to a live overhead electricity power line can conduct electricity which can injure or kill, even at a domestic voltage.

While you still need to take care not to overload indoor electricity sockets when adding fairy lights, the growing trend for increasingly grand displays outside can also bring risks.

“Extra care should be taken to avoid power lines that are a bit less obvious, for example if they come from another property to serve several homes, and are clipped along the front of your property.”

As the festive season gets underway, UK Power Networks wants everyone entering the Christmas spirit to celebrate safely.

Ten top tips for a safe Christmas lights switch on are:

Debbie Chachulski, an education and engagement advisor at UK Power Networks, has a number of tips to help people put up their decorations stay safe and ensure their Christmas is not ruined. She said: “This year many people are getting into the festive spirit and putting up their Christmas lights earlier than usual, and we encourage them to follow our simple advice to stay safe. “If you are installing lights, be sure to take care and keep well away from any cables you may see coming into your property, as our

▪ Look up and keep your ladder clear of power lines ▪ Position the ladder on a stable surface ▪ Discard any old festive lights with frayed wires ▪ Replace old lights with new low voltage lights ▪ Check lighting used outdoors is designed for outdoor use ▪ Use a residual current device (RCD) which will interrupt the power if it detects a problem ▪ Keep water away from wiring when watering a real Christmas tree ▪ Avoid trailing wires, by positioning your tree near a power socket ▪ Avoid overloading plug sockets ▪ Switch fairy lights off when going out or to bed PAGE

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ICENI - COLUMNISTS

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Issue 104 2021

I’m Moving House In a couple of weeks, I am moving house and I will finally be getting a place with a garden.

Above: Keri Beevis

I am so looking forward to having my own outdoor space and can’t wait for the spring when I am able to make it my own.

I have been saying I might get another dog when I move and now writing is my primary job, this is more of a possibility. I wouldn’t get one while Ellie and Lola are still with me, as it wouldn’t be fair to them, but my gorgeous pusses aren’t getting any younger, so a canine companion may be on the cards in the next few years. Growing up, we had a family dog called Cody. He was a black Labrador cross and the softest soppiest boy ever, and I have such fond memories of him. As a puppy, he was scared to walk past certain houses and we had to pick him up and carry him, and he was always so pleased to see us return if we had been out anywhere, rolling on his back and weeing all over his belly as he barked in delight. He was a clever boy too and knew all of his toys. There was Mr Banana and Mr Burger, Mr Strawberry and Mr Lemon, and he could bring them all to you by name. Oh, and he loved Christmas. Along with the rest of the family, Cody would have a gift wrapped up under the tree and he used to get so excited when we sat down to open presents. He was the biggest kid of us all.

it out of the shopping bag before it was hidden in the cupboard, then attempted to steal it while it was being wrapped up. Fast forward to Christmas Eve and all of the presents were under the tree. I was down the pub with Brother and Sister for a festive drink with friends, and Mum and Dad were home and entertaining in the dining room. It was probably about nine-thirty when Mum realised Cody was being incredibly quiet. Usually he would be in the room with them, wanting all the fuss he could get, but when she called him, there was no response. She went to investigate and found him in the living room, where he proudly sat, surrounded by torn wrapping paper, with his new moneybox between his front paws, and absolutely no shame whatsoever. None of the other presents were damaged, all still beautifully wrapped, and our clever boy had hunted through the stash, sniffing out his prized toy. Of course, he was sent out of the living room and the gift was swiftly rewrapped, the door then shut until morning, and bless our Cody, when Sister delightedly opened her moneybox, he sat and gave her the evil eye, even turning his nose up at his new squeaky toy - well, for about five minutes. Though things were never quite the same between Cody and my sister ever again. Wishing each and every one of you a very merry Christmas and the happiest of New Years.

One year, we bought my sister a South Park money box and from the moment it arrived in the house, Cody was convinced it was for him. He tried to get

My new book ‘The People Next Door’ is available in Kindle and paperback and also audio from January 2022. Follow me on Facebook or Twitter for more information.

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WHY ARE YOU SO...

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Issue 104 2021

Why Are You So Tired All the Time? Many people complain of feeling tired all the time, with as many as 90% adults saying that they don’t get enough sleep. But feeling tired isn’t just about the hours spent asleep. Quality of sleep is also a significant factor is how well rested and healthy a person feels. Let’s consider some reasons as to why you could be so tired all the time. ● It’s important to check if there’s an underlying health condition. Feeling continually tired, with low energy levels may be indicative of a health-related issue, so it’s worth booking a check-up with your family doctor. ● Boredom and low mood can result in reduced energy levels, as well as feelings of apathy, inertia and ongoing tiredness. Notice if this continues, as an inability to be interested, motivated and inspired by what’s happening around you can be symptomatic of depression and other health-related concerns. ● Stress may be an important factor in how tired you feel. Living with constant stress

puts your mental and physical wellbeing at risk and, if left unchecked, can become a cause for serious concern. Being stressed can impact on a good night’s sleep, with those worries playing on your mind and disturbing your ability to relax and rest. Notice if your dreams have become troublesome or disturbing. They can be an indicator that you have problems playing on your mind. ● Supporting healthy habits can improve your wellbeing and quality of sleep. Good dietary habits, with fresh fruit and vegetables, less junk and processed foods, plenty of good hydration, more water and less caffeine and pop drinks are important. As is fresh air and regular exercise, often an important way to take a break and manage your stress levels. ● Becoming more organised can help you feel less tired and overwhelmed. Some people are reactive, which may well result in them working on several tasks at once, starting a new one as soon as they’re asked, rather than complete the task already in hand. A chaotic and often unproductive use of their time! It can be more beneficial to list all that needs to be done and then plan accordingly.

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WHY ARE YOU SO...

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● Delegating is often a useful step, which at home may include giving children responsibility for some chores. This can help clear your mind and encourage others to become more appreciative of what they have. Being proactive at work may involve becoming less obliging and handing over work to others, perhaps resulting in them learning new skills. Sometimes hiring help at home, maybe with tasks like cleaning, ironing and gardening, or at work, with admin, book-keeping, PR, can free up some time and be money well spent. ● Certain areas benefit from being kept free of clutter, even if there’s a backlog of impending work that needs your attention. When you’re in need of a good night’s sleep it’s especially important to be disciplined about having a clear bedroom, ensuring you have a calm refuge that’s tidy and peaceful. Turn off your tech, leave your phone charging elsewhere, enjoy a relaxing bath or shower and unwind in the peace and calm of your own, special place. ● Also check on how comfortable is your bedroom? The quality of your mattress, pillows and linen can make all the difference. Clean sheets are top of many people’s wish list, perhaps with a little lavender in the final rinse. Also, the temperature of your bedroom. We sleep better in a slightly cooler bedroom. ● The change in seasons can impact on how well we sleep, with the dark, cold nights of autumn and winter often introducing a hibernating mentality. Invest time and effort into making your home cosy, bright and

Issue 104 2021

cheerful, paying particular attention to lighting. Lamps, wall lights and candles are often more soothing than severe, overhead lighting. Create a cosy atmosphere that supports a relaxing mood. ● Throughout the colder months, wrap up warm and get outside to top up your vitamin D and daylight levels. Autumn and winter can be a time to enjoy cosy evenings shared with family and friends. A brisk walk kicking through fallen leaves and then home to a warming soup or casserole, followed by board games or a good book can be a positive way to unwind and enjoy the darker seasons. ● And during the lighter days and nights take opportunities for walks, outdoor sports, activities and entertaining. Plant your garden, maybe even growing your own fruit and vegetables. All ways to support an active lifestyle, whilst also being an investment in your health and wellbeing. ● Finding balance in life is not always easy. Sometimes we may be too busy, other times worryingly quiet, with both situations being equally stressful, so affecting our ability to sleep well. Being over-tired or under-occupied can be helped by finding ways to utilise your time well, schedule breaks, invest in fun, exercise and reinforce your sense of feeling valued and valuable. Adopting good self-care and quality ‘me time’ can be a satisfying approach to good health, wellbeing and hence be a refreshing way to ensure a good night’s sleep.

Article By Susan Leigh Susan Leigh, South Manchester counsellor, hypnotherapist, relationship counsellor, writer & media contributor offers help with relationship issues, stress management, assertiveness and confidence. She works with individual clients, couples and provides corporate workshops and support. For more articles, information or to make contact please visit: http://www.lifestyletherapy.net PAGE

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NIBBLES & TIPPLES

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Issue 104 2021

Nibbles &Tipples December Article By Cheryl Cade, Beer Educator December is always a month of building excitement, for me the Beer Festival has been and very successfully gone. This year it welcomed fewer people but it was lovely to see some normality return to the city, with happy faces chatting over their favourite tipple. Although I took my regular yearly break from the magazine, I did not stop seeking out new adventures for you. My cheese addiction has led me to note a new ‘Cheese & Wine’ venue, Fizz and Fromage, is based in Hoveton and in the diary as a must visit.

I have though recently discovered a new delight in Norwich’s growing food scene. Cheese Kottu, on Catton Grove Road has only been open for a month and has already received raving reviews, not only that I’ve visited it twice!! The food is based on Sri Lankan Street food, with dishes that are very different yet also familiar. It is a bit like India/Pacific melting pot of all the best elements. Hoppers are bundles of rice noodles, which can be chopped & stir fried with vegetables, meats etc. Other, dishes have rice or chopped bread with cheese & eggs. Heat is balanced with coconut or mango. The venue now has a drinks licence so on offer is Lion Stout/ Lager or my new found favourite, Arrack, a fermented Coconut based spirit aged

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NIBBLES & TIPPLES

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like a whiskey. The mango Lassi is a creamy heaven and worth giving the booze a miss for. Do not expect your food to be quick, each dish is cooked to order. The region has had a number of new pubs enter the Good Beer Guide this year, these include, the Lord Rosebery (Norwich) and The Blackfriars Tavern in Great Yarmouth, this under new management pub is well worth a visit, even just for the range of board games, but the beer and cider is good too. I attended the local Flavours show in October, catching up with lots of our amazing producers and feel their excitement for the coming year, with new products and collaboration in the pipeline, it makes a foodie like me feel very lucky and happy to live in such a wonderful region.

Issue 104 2021

while places like St Giles Pantry, Old Hall Farm, Norfolk Deli (to name just a few) become a hive of activity building bespoke gift packs. If you are a cheese giver, then you should note that, The Cheese Man, Lemon Tree Deli, The Norfolk Cheese Company and Fen Farm dairy are encouraging people to get their cheese orders in early. I am looking forward to bringing you more Lovely & Local articles in the new year, from producers like Tipples, Chet Valley (delicious sparkling wines), Thatched House Farm and What-a-Hoot gin to name but a few. Cheers, until next month. Cheryl Visit: https://cherylcade.com

With the gearing up for the festive season and gifts on people’s minds, lots of the local business have been developing either gift vouchers or packs so that you can continue to ‘Buy Local’. With delis around the region putting together hampers of our favourite, nibbles and tipples. Jarrolds have introduced their new range, PAGE

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MOTORING REVIEW

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Issue 104 2021

Credit: INEOS Grenadier

All-New Ineos Grenadier Review

By Tim Barnes-Clay. Follow on Instagram: @tbarnesclay and Twitter: @carwriteups. If you’ve never heard of Ineos, well, you’re not alone. It isn’t a brand-new company, but it is new to making cars. So, is this a fad, or should we take the Grenadier seriously? Imagine a Mercedes G-Class and a (preredesign) Land Rover Defender had a baby. Voilà! The Grenadier is born.

who has a net worth of around £20 billion. So funding isn’t an issue, then. So why cars? Well, if you’re a Formula One fan, you may recognise Ineos as the sponsor that provides that dash of red on the otherwise allblack World Championship-winning Mercedes F1 cars. What you may not know is that Ineos owns one-third of the team, too.

That is about as complicated as it gets to understand where this fledgling car manufacturer is coming from.

Whether that gives Ineos the pedigree needed to produce its own vehicles remains to be seen but, credit where credit’s due, it’s gone ahead and done it.

People might be fearful of buying from a new automaker and, often, with good reason. After all, Ineos is a British-based international chemicals firm owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe,

Oddly, given the firm’s relationship with Mercedes, it is BMW that it’s teamed up with, along with Magna Steyr in Austria - who build some Mercs, BMWs and Jaguars - to create the

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MOTORING REVIEW

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Issue 104 2021

Grenadier. Ineos has also bought Mercedes’ former Smart car factory in France, so it’s clear the business is deadly serious about this. So far, so good. However, while you may think the name Grenadier was chosen for its military connotations, as if reminiscing about the Land Rover Defender’s heydays in the British army, it was named after Sir Jim’s favourite London pub. So just as well it isn’t called the ‘Pig In The Poke’. Or the ‘Bag o’Nails’! BMW provides the Grenadier’s engines, which is never a bad start. There are two 3.0-litre sixcylinders offered - a petrol producing 285PS and a diesel producing 249PS. Both come with eight-speed automatic gearboxes. There are no performance figures available yet, but they’re unlikely to suggest tardiness when they are revealed. The Grenadier has permanent four-wheel drive. As a large 4x4, it naturally has some body roll in the corners. But, overall, an excellent job has been done with tweaking the chassis to offer maximum stability on the road. In reality, though, Ineos wants you to drive the Grenadier off-road - and you get a sense that it’s staking its reputation on the vehicle’s ability to do so.

Credit: INEOS Grenadier

This could go badly. Given the links to BMW, the German marque might be famed for its excellent X5, but it has had some shockers in the past with so-called 4x4s that didn’t work on the rough stuff (the original X3 being a good example). So, can the Grenadier go off-road? The answer: emphatically, yes. What I’ve reviewed is not the finished article, so some tweaks are likely. I don’t know pricing yet, but £50,000+ is expected, although you’ll probably want some optional extras to make the most of its off-roading capability. It is rare that a new automotive manufacturer comes along. When it does, it’s usually four blokes on an industrial estate who don’t last long. Or it’s a new brand that’s an off-shoot of an existing established manufacturer. Ineos isn’t either of these, so this is an even rarer occurrence. The Grenadier goes on sale in 2022.

Credit: INEOS Grenadier

Fast Facts - Ineos Grenadier 3.0 D as tested • Max speed: N/A • 0-62 mph: N/A • Combined mpg: N/A • Engine layout: 2,998cc six-cylinder turbo diesel • Max. power (PS): 249 • CO2: N/A • Price: £50,000 (est.) PAGE

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SEE WHAT MUMMY SAYS

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Issue 104 2021

Hopeful New Treatment To Reduce Miscarriages Each year, as our middle child’s birthday comes and goes, and we begin to think of Christmas, we can’t help but feel a pain in our hearts. As we add the angel decorations to our tree, Tom and I silently come together to think about the babies we weren’t able to meet. Whilst we are grateful to be fortunate enough to have 3 wonderful children (two of whom we wouldn’t have met if we hadn’t miscarried), we can’t help but reflect on who the missing children could have been. This month, we discovered some news which is very close to our hearts; as our regular readers will know we have previously suffered a missed miscarriage and after falling pregnant again soon after with twins unfortunately went on to lose one of the twins too for an unexplained reason (as is the case with many miscarriages) Last month, it was announced that progesterone pessaries being administered twice a day can reduce the chance of miscarriages and has been recommended by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) This treatment is available on the NHS now and is available to those who have bleeding in pregnancy and have had one of more miscarriages.

a reliable treatment and there is more research currently being conducted to find out when progesterone can help to prevent miscarriage and when it can’t. Hopefully now it is being recommended by NICE more doctors will be happy to prescribe this treatment resulting in less people experiencing the heartbreak of miscarriage. According to multiple articles from sources such as The Guardian and the BBC, it is thought this one treatment may result in approximately 8450 more births EACH YEAR. This could be lifechanging for so many families and yet I only happened to stumble across it and that is why we thought this month we would share it with you all. Currently 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage; wouldn’t it be wonderful this time next year to report much more favourable odds? If anyone would like the links to the articles/ guidance, please feel free to get in touch As always thankyou for reading, we hope you all have a wonderful Christmas .

Whilst research has been done in this area for a few years, it hasn’t always been recognised as

Tom and Becca x www.seewhatmummysays.com @whatmummysaysuk PAGE

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BEE BALD

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Issue 104 2021

Skincare For Men When people hear the term ‘skincare’, the immediate assumption is that the conversation will revolve around women. However, it plays an important role in men’s lives, too. Why is skincare important? There is a number of reasons why skincare is important for me. Here are just a few of them: • Dirt, bacteria and pollutants in the air can impact a man’s skin, just the same as anyone else, causing sensitivities.

• Skin conditions do not apply to any gender more than another. Men can have issues with acne, dry skin or excess oil, too. • Many people assume that it is only females who are concerned about the aging process. However, some men do have worries surrounding this issue as well. • Shaving can irritate the skin, so spending time on skincare minimises the effects. • The sun’s rays can be damaging, both in the short- and long-term. Sunburn is painful and can lead to the texture of the skin to deteriorate. Skin cancer is also more likely for those who have not protected themselves.

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BEE BALD

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Issue 104 2021

How do I find the right skincare regime for me? Time is often a factor when it comes to finding the right skincare regime for people. As a bare minimum, you should wash your face and apply moisturiser twice a day. If you work outside a lot, regardless of the time of year, using a moisturiser with a decent SPF is recommended in order to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Be sure to pay particular attention to protecting your skin whilst shaving, as neglecting that can leave you with sore and unsightly cuts. What is Bee Bald? Bee Bald is a complete line of men’s premium quality grooming, shave and skin care products. What kinds of products? Gentle face wash, deep cleansing/exfoliating pre-shave scrub, premium quality shave cream, soothing post-shave

healing balm and smoothing moisturisers, with SPF and without. Got hair? Great - because Bee Bald is for you too. If you’re buying skin care products at high end boutiques and department stores, then you’re paying way too much for mediocre performance. BEE BALD SHAVE - Bee Bald Shave goes on slick for a shave that’s incredibly quick. Stop kidding yourself... it’s not your razor’s fault! BEE BALD SMOOTH - Bee Bald Smooth tones and hydrates the entire head and face while working to reduce and prevent unwanted shine. Fine lines, wrinkles and dry patches are moisturised and smoothed. BEE BALD SMOOTH PLUS - BEE BALD SMOOTH PLUS DAILY MOISTURISER WITH BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 30 SUN PROTECTION is SMOOTH, but better than ever with SPF 30 sunscreen! Tones and hydrates the head and face. For more information or to buy from their shop visit: https://beebald.co.uk PAGE

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VTECH GENIO

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Issue 104 2021

Introduce Little Ones To The World Of Tech With Vtech’s Genio My 1st Laptop Leading electronic toy brand, VTech, is thrilled to unveil the Genio My 1st Laptop, a safe, educational laptop suitable for children from 5 years.

create their own documents, while the new innovation also includes templates to create greetings cards, letters and more, with the option to export and save documents to a microSD card for printing.

Little ones can safely be introduced to the world of tech and imitate mum and dad with their very own, Genio My First Laptop, which boasts a sleek, sharp design, full QWERTY keyboard, optical mouse and more than 80 activities and games to play.

Ideal for encouraging children to learn, this smart laptop features 20 printable Revision Sheets to help children with their studies, along with over 40 interactive games and e-books, and access to more than 90 to download from the VTech Learning Lodge.

A desk-top like home screen features a preloaded word processor enabling children to

What’s more, children can learn to navigate the web in a safe and controlled way with web

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VTECH GENIO Issue 104 2021

browsing available through VTech’s ‘white list’, a pre-approved list of child friendly websites. Like all VTech tablets, laptops and handheld devices, the Genio My 1St Laptop includes time limit controls which can be used to set the amount of time your child is allowed to play on the device or to mark certain areas of the day as off limits. This feature can be found in the ‘Parent Settings’ menu. For more information and some easy to follow tips on screen time for both parents and children, visit the Vtech’s website to learn more. RRP: £99.99 | Available from: Smyths Toys Superstores / Amazon / ToyStreet. PAGE

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NOVA SILVER

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Issue 104 2021

Nova Silver Ancient Stones Long before our time, the stones and crystals we wear and admire today were revered for their both their metaphysical properties and as a symbol of high status. From Ancient Egyptian pharaohs to the Kings and Queens of the past, many have adorned themselves with the stones we commonly recognise today. Lapis Lazuli is a truly enigmatic stone, which has long been revered for its religious and societal significance. Myths surrounding this stone date back as far as 4000BCE; Inanna, the Sumerian goddess is said to have made her descent and return from the underworld bearing an insignia crafted from Lapis Lazuli. Moreover, throughout Ancient Egypt, Pharaohs have been found adorned with amulets crafted from this rich, blue stone which they believed would aid the deceased in their transition into the afterlife. In modern times, this stone is still used in high regards for its sense of wisdom and empowerment. The black Onyx stone possesses a long and complex history; throughout ancient times, Onyx has been both admired and outright avoided. During the 19th Century, the stone was considered to herald bad luck and nightmares across China. Furthermore, when Queen Victoria I’s husband met his untimely death in 1861, the Queen wore Onyx as a symbol of her grief and loss. In contrast, the Ancient Greek’s utilised the deep black hues of Onyx in carvings of their most beloved Gods and heroes. In fact, legend has it that when Aphrodite’s nails where clipped and dropped into the Indus River the Onyx stone first appeared. In modern times, attitudes towards Onyx have certainly shifted; most consider it to be a powerful protective stone which provides its wearer strength in times of grief.

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BEST OF NORFOLK Issue 104 2021

Best Of Norfolk - Through The Lens Of Our Readers Thanks to the wonderful photographs shared by our followers on Facebook, have a look at these marvellous November images of our stunning region.

Sheila Denny - Jarrolds

Ray Sturman - Northern Lights Seen Over Attleborough PAGE

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BEST OF NORFOLK Issue 104 2021

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Becca Gibbons - Remembrance Sunday In Norwich

Becca Gibbons - City Hall On Remembrance Sunday

Dawn Mountain - Deer In Gunton Park PAGE

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BEST OF NORFOLK Issue 104 2021

Mark Affleck - Roydon / Pott Row Crossroads

Sheila Denny - Norwich Market PAGE

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Rachel Lambert - Dickleburgh, Norfolk

Laura Baxter - Autumn Colours, Poringland

Vanessa Amy - Cromer PAGE

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BEST OF NORFOLK

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Vicki Lowes - Thetford Forest

Isla Butcher - Fireworks In Attleborough

Sheila Denny - Norwich City Hall

To be in with a chance of having your own photographs featured in the future, look out for our regular Facebook posts where you can add your images. Alternatively, send an email with your image and caption to: submissions@icenimagazine.co.uk PAGE

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Focus On: Christmas

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WHO DOESN'T LOVE ...

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Who Doesn’t Love Christmas?!?! First thing to say… I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!! It’s not just Christmas Day and Boxing Day, but the whole build-up during December through to New Years Day. Everybody seems to have that special buzz which only this time of the year brings. And if you have young children, as I do, it is a truly magical time. To see the excitement and joy in my children’s faces. Who cares if it’s a very early start to Christmas Day? That just makes it more special (even though I'm not a lover of waking up super early!). I know we always follow our family traditions over Christmas, presents, the traditional lunch, pulling Christmas crackers, games and festive jumpers. But there are so many Christmas traditions in Great Britain that go back centuries, many we aren’t aware of.

Here’s just a few of those traditions, maybe we can try them this year. The sending of cards dates all the way back to 1843. Sir Henry Cole didn’t have time to send personal messages, so he asked an artist to design him a card which he could send to his friends and acquaintances, and that’s how Christmas cards were born. Today, over a billion cards are sent every year in Great Britain alone - can you believe that? The ‘yule log’ makes you think of a chocolatey sponge cake - yummy. However, it’s come from a tradition in Scandinavia where families would choose a ‘yule’ log to burn around Christmas time, and when they burned the log, nobody in the household was allowed to do any work! In Devon and Somerset, they used to have a Christmas tradition that was similar to the yule log - the Ashen Faggot. The faggot (a bundle

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of sticks) wrapped with nine green lengths of ash bands burnt on Christmas Eve. While it burned, they would sing songs, dance and drink in celebration. The game of Shoe the Mare was a tradition that Elizabethans used to enjoy on Christmas Day. It was simple to play; a barefooted family member would run around acting like an unruly horse, and other players would try to catch them. OK! During the 16th Century, people would prepare a hot, cider-based drink in large bowls and then walk from door-to-door in their neighbourhood offering the drink. The drink was known as wassail - a cider which was to scare away bad spirits and to wake apple trees in time for harvest. For good luck, British tradition recommends that everyone should eat a mince pie on each of the twelve days of Christmas. Tradition states that anyone who refuses one of their twelve pies will suffer a year of misfortune, so watch out. Fancy a Christmas Day or Boxing Day swim? This tradition dates back to 1864 with a 100-yard swim in London’s Hyde Park, but you can find the event (usually on Boxing Day) all around the UK these days. And to finish with, hide the Christmas pickle. It’s not clear of the origin of this

tradition (possibly from Germany, but there are several theories) but basically, it’s hiding a pickle shaped ornament on your Christmas tree. The tree’s pine needles camouflage the green pickle, making it especially hard for the children to find. Some of these sound slightly strange, but I'm willing to give them a try for the fun of it!! You never know, they might even become a regular tradition for me and my family. What traditions do you and your family have for the festive season? Whatever they are, I hope you have a very merry time and a happy new year!

Article by Serena Fordham, Founder and MD of HER Business Revolution, Glow Virtual Assistants and Mums Empowerment Movement CIC. www.herbusinessrevolution.biz www.glowva.co.uk www.mumsempowermentmovement.co.uk

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MAKE A DIFFERENCE

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Make A Difference This Christmas

Christmas is a time for giving and an opportunity to do good. There is no doubt that you will read plenty of ‘perfect gift guides’, and ‘things to do’ articles this month, but I wanted to write one that is centred around making a difference in people’s lives or having a positive impact on the planet. Here are a range of gift ideas and things you can do this Christmas, that help to change the world and make it a better place. The gift of Climate Action or TreePlanting with Ecologi. Ecologi are making it easier than ever before to give the gift of being ‘climate positive’ to a friend or family member this Christmas, through their very own gift packages! This means that a special person in your life can have trees planted on their behalf in countries such as Madagascar and Mozambique, whilst

being able to visibly see the impact that they are having through their own virtual forest, and being provided with updates and newsletters that include easy-to-action tips on how to live a more sustainable life. COP26 and Climate Action Week recently brought to our full attention the need to take better care of our planet, as well as reduce our individual carbon footprint, and this is a great way to do that. Buy One Give One Socks with Socker Share. Is it really Christmas if there isn’t a pair of socks wrapped up under the tree? Through Socker Share you can buy socks as a gift for someone you care about, and donate a pair of socks to an underprivileged child overseas, through one single purchase. The aim of the brand is to ensure that charities receive sock donations, as well as boot donations, so that kids aren’t left playing football either in bare feet or without socks on - minimising the risk of injuries and infections.

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MAKE A DIFFERENCE

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Make donations when you buy through Amazon. Amazon is used by lots of people, especially when it comes to Christmas shopping, but what some people don’t know is that by simply adding the word ‘smile’ to the start of their website address, smile.amazon.co.uk, they will donate 0.5% of your purchase price to a charity of your choice at no extra cost to you. If you’re going to be using Amazon anyway, when it comes to buying gifts, then the ‘Smile’ initiative is an excellent way of taking advantage of a service that you’re already using, as well as being a simple and automatic way to make a difference. Help feed the hungry. Dropping food into your local food bank, or donating to charities such as FareShare, will ensure that homeless people and families facing financial poverty can enjoy a hot meal at Christmas time, and are not left hungry throughout the cold winter months. The work done by Marcus Rashford over the last 18 months has really pushed progress in this area, especially for children, and has inspired us all but there is still work to be done. We can all play our part in tackling hunger, and Christmas feels like the perfect time to do it. With more and more supermarkets having food donation baskets and trolleys by their exits, why not

drop in an item or two when you do the big Christmas shop? Donate the cost of a mince pie and coffee to your favourite charity. Charities rely on donations, and there are lots of fantastic charities out there doing so many brilliant things, that if I was to write about them all of them in this magazine, it would probably turn out with more pages than an old-school Argos catalogue! But if a specific charity does hold a special place in your heart, because maybe you have benefitted from their services in the past, then a fun and simple way to support them, around Christmas time, is to donate the cost of a mince pie and coffee. They will be extremely grateful, and it won’t cost you much at all - after all, they deserve it. Have a Merry Christmas and be the reason someone smiles this year! Article By Nade Ward, Co-founder of Socker Share www.sockershare.co.uk

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CHRISTMAS ON A BUDGET

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Christmas On A Budget Christmas memories for me are not about how much money was spent, rather who the festive time was spent with and how. Whether finances are tight or not, there are still considerable benefits to be had from focusing on a budget for Christmas. Here are four ways to reduce your outgoings but still enjoy yourself and make precious memories for you and your family. Simplify your food When it comes to Christmas dinner, our thoughts often drift to large feasts with several types of meat and countless side dishes. Do you really need potatoes done five ways? If you think back to last year, it will undoubtedly dawn on you that your guests had hardly touched some of the vegetables. Recently, we made a few swaps to

reduce our spending in this area. The first thing we did was to stop buying a turkey. No one was really that fussed, and we tend to prefer chicken, so we buy a couple of chickens for the freezer from a local farm. The quality of the meat is tremendous, and no one was disappointed last year, so we have repeated it for this year’s main meal. If funds are extremely tight, consider asking guests to bring a couple of side dishes each to spread the cost. Secret Santa If you have a large family, it can be costly to provide gifts for everyone and also a bit of a chore. Secret Santa is a great way to lower the amount you spend on your family members yet still gives you the exciting buzz that giving and receiving entails. You may wish to set a limit to stop certain people from going over the top, and some families like to have themes each year to make finding appropriate gifts even more fun. Some ideas include buying presents

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CHRISTMAS ON A BUDGET Issue 104 2021

that start with the same letter as the recipient’s first name, a specific colour or something to wear. Make a list Is it just me who discovers gifts that I had completely forgotten about until I start wrapping? Well, I used to do this regularly. However, when I started making a list, everything became much more organised, and I saved so much money. I jot down the names of all the people I need to buy gifts for, and then I add the gifts I have bought next to their name after each shopping trip or online purchase. I actually do this in the Notes app on my phone, as it means I have it with me at all times. Keeping it up to date is imperative; otherwise, you’ll find yourself with extra presents like I used to! Research local events With the rise in spectacular events, such as Polar Express train rides with Santa, it can be tempting to book several things to keep the children happy. However, there are so many lower cost and even free events on offer that all the family will enjoy. The warm feeling you get from singing Christmas carols can be achieved through a visit to your local church or by watching a choir perform in openair services. If you are lucky, there may be a household or neighbourhood nearby where yuletide decorations are remarkable. So, wrap up warm and take a walk there, inhaling the festive spirit. Be sure to take a little money, though, as often the displays are in aid of a charity. We hope that these four tips will help you to stick to your budget for this Christmas. It might feel a little odd to begin with, but these changes will soon become habits. PAGE

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IT’S OK TO NOT LIKE...

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It’s Ok To Not Like Christmas It’s December, and with it (and the past couple of months as well, to be honest) comes a constant bombardment of all things Christmas. Look - even this month’s focus for Iceni Magazine is Christmas. If you’re not a fan of this time of year, that is absolutely ok. However, it may be tricky to cope at times, so here are some suggestions for dealing with your emotions and other people’s actions.

situation, it may become a necessity rather than an option. People will question you about your reasons for not enjoying this time of year. If you want to explain your situation, go for it, but don’t feel you have to. You may not have a precise answer for them anyway. If you would rather not discuss this, practise the mantra “Christmas just isn’t a great time for me.” so you can tell people when they inevitably ask you why and leave it at that. If they prod further, repeat the mantra.

Don’t feel the need to explain

Make plans

Being assertive is something that doesn’t come naturally to many of us. However, in this

During December, it is almost impossible to escape Christmas when you are out and about.

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However, you don’t really want to become a complete recluse, so making plans is important. Speak to people who know about and respect that the festive season is not a great time for you and organise to meet them. Going to the cinema (to view a ‘normal’ film), the theatre (to watch a ‘normal’ production) or a gig (to see a ‘normal’ set) are all possibilities. Of course, you will undoubtedly encounter people donning Santa hats and tinsel, as well as having to navigate your way through venues adorned with decorations. Still, the experience ought to be non-festive on the whole. If in doubt, invite your friends over to yours, watch a film on the TV and have a takeaway. Create your own traditions Christmas falls in wintertime, so make this time of year about the season rather than Jesus’ birthday and the commercialisation of it all. Go for long walks, wrapped up warm, and soak in the beauty of the world around you. Winter can be pretty remarkable with frozen webs and iced-over ponds. Take yourself and your partner or a friend off to a local hill or trail and walk it. Alternatively, create an Indian feast. The whole idea of a turkey dinner and then watching the Queen’s speech on the TV is just one way of spending Christmas day; you can come up with your own fun and do whatever you want, ignoring the day entirely if you prefer. But making something a tradition could help. Jet off somewhere else As Christmas is a Christian festival, if you truly want to escape from the festivities, try booking a holiday and jetting off to a country where they don’t celebrate. You wouldn’t see trees adorned with countless lights and decorations; you wouldn’t hear the endless bombardment of carols and number ones; you wouldn’t be force-fed yuletide through endless adverts, on TV, the radio, in magazines and newspapers, everywhere, and you’d be free from Christmas.

Do the minimum Many conflicted views related to Christmas occur when we feel as though not enjoying the time of year is unfair on our children, for example. If you feel this way, perhaps doing the minimum might be the way forward. For instance, you could allow your children a tree for their rooms and allow them to decorate it how they like. If you have relatives who throw open their doors and go the whole hog when it comes to Christmas dinner, you could see if you could wangle an invite there. Minimising the impact of the festivities on your mental health and wellbeing would allow you to come to some sort of equilibrium when it comes to feeling guilty for your family potentially missing out and knowing that you need to create boundaries. If Christmas really does fill you with dread, we hope that our suggestions help and that you are able to find the right balance for you and your family and friends. PAGE

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CHRISTMAS PRESSURE

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Christmas Pressure The majority of parents, although thrilled to experience the joy of Christmas with little ones, feel some sort of pressure surrounding Christmas.

Eve treats. And mostly, my children have seemed slightly underwhelmed by these endeavours. Not because they’re ungrateful, but more likely overstimulated by excess celebrations.

Due to social media, we are all made aware of the festive delights friends and acquaintances execute for their children. From events and gifts, to home-made treats and decorations, jovial efforts are proudly sprawled across instagram grids and facebook stories.

This year, I’ve made a pact with myself to take it easy. My daughter has expressly requested that we do not take a Santa train trip - she’s suffering from Santa train overkill.

I have admittedly booked Christmas-related excursions and activities that wouldn’t have occurred to me, if my everyday browsing hadn’t revealed The Joneses dragging their children along. I’ve purchased pricey personalised pyjamas. I’ve ordered cutesy Christmas cakes. I’ve built beautiful boxes filled with Christmas

I’m actually not taking them to any ‘Christmas events’. One child has mild agoraphobia and both have short attention spans. When we jump the hurdle of actually leaving the house, their appreciation of any place is limited before they become jaded. Our last visit to a grotto almost resulted in frostbite during the lengthy outdoor queue. The

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CHRISTMAS PRESSURE

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children spent 5 minutes talking with Santa, and we left with toys they already had at home. I won’t buy Christmas pyjamas this year. Neither child will actually agree to wear pyjamas for bedtime, and with the exception of Christmas morning the pyjamas don’t actually see much action before they’re outgrown and discarded. Christmas Eve boxes are a lovely idea in theory, but how many more felt-tips, story books and fluffy socks do they actually need? So much of Christmas has become commercialised, at times it feels wasteful. My children are lucky enough to already have everything they need. Which brings me along to the subject of gifts… This year I’ve managed to do something I’ve never achieved before… I have adhered to the Christmas lists. I haven’t strayed. I haven’t sidetracked. I haven’t seen something lovely and impulse purchased.

Each child made a list, and the lists have been my bible. Family members are also gifting from the lists, so the children will only have things they really want and need - no unnecessary or extravagant extras. We will do our usual Christmas crafts, such as card making and biscuit baking. My daughter and I will give ourselves Christmas manicures. Christmas Eve will be spent with hot chocolates and Christmas films. We have dates in the calendar to spend time with friends and family, and plenty of free time set aside to play, relax and unwind. It’s natural to slow the pace during this season, and I don’t intend to busy our schedule. The only thing I plan to bestow upon my children in complete abundance this Christmas is love and time. Toys are outgrown, but memories last a lifetime.

Article By Missy Hitchcox Missy Hitchcox is a Norfolk mother of two. She has a background of English Literature and Creative Writing studies. Her professional career has centred on the Beauty industry, and she now home educates her children. PAGE

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COMFORT & JOY

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Issue 104 2021

Comfort & Joy As you read this, you’ll probably traditions, many of them starting during the have your Christmas plans reign of Queen Victoria. mapped out (Covid permitting). No doubt you’ll have many of your own that I’m not a fan of putting up the decorations as soon as Halloween is over and used to really struggle when running my retail business, with putting them out halfway through October (quite late in comparison to other places). I start thinking about Christmas mid-way through November. Seeing the outdoor lights in Norwich, hearing the Salvation Band playing in Gentleman’s Walk always bring a lump to my throat and a tear to my eye, and gets me in the seasonal mood. Christmas, whether you practise the religious aspects of it or not, is a time of year full of

have developed over generations.

Our main one is that presents (other than sack one - yes the 24 and 27yr old still believe in order to still receive one) are opened one by one after the Queen’s Speech. During the ’70s as I was growing up, we rarely had time for the TV as the gifts were geared around keeping us occupied. Our eco-habits that have developed are that wherever possible, gifts and food are bought locally, recyclable wrapping paper is used (tags made from last years cards) and the tree is locally grown and either chipped or delivered

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COMFORT & JOY

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to somewhere for the animals to use or destroy after 12th night. Traditions are a strong indicators of our identity - they tie us to our tribes and the social framework we feel comfortable in. We are incredibly lucky in the UK that we are free to express ourselves via them and our way of life, and to me it is no great surprise that there is such demand from others for the chance to move to the UK. According to the Red Cross, at this time 1 in 97 people in the world has been forced to flee their home and 85% are now living in what is considered the developing world. These figures have doubled over the past 10 years, and 40% of these figures are children and the reasons for the huge increase will be many and various, but will include fleeing conflict, oppressive political regimes, hunger and are subject to economic and environmental disaster. I can’t imagine what it must be like to be living in my home country but be so desperate to want to leave it that I’d put myself and my family at risk, to try and move somewhere else with nothing but what I wear and can put in a backpack.

Social media provided me with a great quote from Warsan Shire, a British Somali poet: “You have to understand no one puts their children in a boat unless the water is safer than the land.” If any of you were listening to BBC Radio 4’s The Today programme on a recent Saturday morning, you may have heard Michael Morpugo read a piece inspired by the recent mass drowning in the English Channel. It is incredibly moving https://www.bbc.co.uk/ news/av/uk-59443569?at_medium=RSS&at_ campaign=KARANGA Written from the viewpoint of a young boy it’s an very interesting and moving piece. So maybe this Christmas spare a thought and offer some support in whatever way you can, to those who are so desperate to improve their lives that they are prepared to take their chances in an inflatable boat in the English Channel. Article By Jill Roberson @jillecoqueenliving on Facebook and Instagram PAGE

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ICENI ASKS

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Issue 104 2021

“What’s your favourite Christmas memory of all time?” “Taking my sons to a pantomime on Christmas Eve and just soaking up the festive atmosphere. It felt magical.” Clair

“I gave birth to my daughter on Christmas morning. Santa never brought me a present that could match up to this gift!” Rachael

“Getting together with the whole family and having to bring all the garden furniture inside to accommodate us all. It didn’t matter whether I was on a plastic chair or not because I was with my relatives.” Pamela

“My mother was diagnosed with dementia and had been going quickly downhill. This one Christmas, however, the carols on TV must have freed her temporarily and she went from not stringing a sentence together for months to suddenly singing along. It was beautiful.” Ben

“I loved getting in the car with my parents and siblings. We would drive around the local town looking for Christmas lights and trees.” Becs

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JUST FOR FUN Issue 104 2021

Think you know the answer? Let us know via our Facebook page and we will reveal the answer at the end of the month. PAGE

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ICENI - HOROSCOPES

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Horoscopes For December Aries 21 March - 20 April

Gemini 22 May - 21 June

Taurus 21 April - 21 May

Cancer 22 June - 23 July

Get ready for an exciting month ahead, Aries. You’ll be eager to explore new terrain, which includes travel and study. The Solar Eclipse on the 3rd, can be a call to leave your comfort zone and go in search of adventure. And Mars in Sagittarius from the 13th, boosts this trend. There are opportunities for a breakthrough in week four, while the Sun in Capricorn could help you adopt practical measures to facilitate change. From the 28th, make time for reflection and meditation. Change may be at the heart of this month’s offerings, with a focus on your sector of transformation. The Eclipse on the 3rd, can initiate a period of change that encourages you to let go of the old and embrace the new. This is easier said than done, but a vital step towards future progress. Venus your personal planet, will also rewind from the 19th, inspiring you to rethink plans and key relationships. Your social life sparkles from the 28th, with romance on the cards.

You’ll have a fresh perspective on relationships, and may be keen to take a bond to a new level. The Eclipse on the 3rd could bring decisions forward, meaning it’s time to stop procrastinating. Big opportunities show up by developing the right connections. But with Venus rewinding from the 19th, be careful around business and finance. Don’t take anything for granted. From the 21st, a more intense phase ushers in dynamic change. The 28th onwards can see career goals flourish. Time to update your routines and reset your lifestyle? Pressed for time with the festive season underway? You’ll be aware of activities that you can jettison. The Solar Eclipse could give you a push in a new direction, and a chance to explore other options. Relationships also take priority, with Venus turning retrograde from the 19th, so you’ll be aware of any flaws in key relationships. Don’t rush to make decisions. Bide your time, and come from a place of love, Cancer.

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ICENI - HOROSCOPES

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Issue 104 2021

Leo 24 July - 23 August

Sagittarius 23 November - 21 December

Virgo 24 August - 23 September

Capricorn 22 December - 20 January

Libra 24 September - 23 October

Aquarius 21 January - 19 February

Scorpio 24 October - 22 November

Pisces 20 February - 20 March

The Solar Eclipse in your creativity and romance zone, can kickstart a phase of exciting connections, creative opportunities and much more. You’ll be ready to follow the road less travelled, and what an adventure it will be! Be prepared for a breakthrough too, and one that you’ve been building towards all year. From the 21st, more practical concerns could inspire you to set positive goals for 2022. From the 28th, business and finances look especially promising.

This can be a sterling month for family get-togethers, and a chance to enjoy the festive season. The Solar Eclipse on the 3rd will encourage new initiatives, such as expanding your home or family, or perhaps relocating. Looking for new love? As Venus goes into reverse from the 19th, a budding romance could stall, or you may have doubts. Don’t act on impulse, bide your time. More positive influences might counteract this, and one meeting can leave you on cloud nine.

Conversations and communications take an exciting turn, as the Solar Eclipse on the 3rd could coincide with news, an offer, or information that sets you on a new path. Hang onto your hat, as the coming weeks look set to be wild and very promising. Venus your guide planet rewinds from the 19th, which might delay a house sale or purchase, or other family matters. Be prepared to be patient. Looking for a new job? Good fortune smiles on you from the 28th. Make the most of it.

The Solar Eclipse in week one can turbo-charge your finances, inspiring you to start a side-hustle or find other innovative ways to enhance your income. Or you may be offered an opportunity that could open new doors for you. Dealings with others need extra care from the 19th, as Venus reverses. There might be changes to agreements, and plans can be put on hold. But romantic and creative activities sizzle with promise, as Jupiter enters Pisces for some months from the 28th.

The Solar Eclipse in your sign on the 3rd, encourages you to take a leap of faith and dive into the unknown. Making a start can fill you with excitement, and activities you become involved with could revolutionize your life. Finances need care from the 19th, as Venus reverts in your money zone. Don’t take anything for granted, Archer. Big changes are afoot, as two heavyweight planets push you to restructure your lifestyle. Look out for good news on the home front from the 28th.

A strong desire to enhance your inner game could be triggered by the Solar Eclipse in your psychological sector. You may feel an urge to live to your full potential, and that there isn’t a moment to lose. This might result in you going on courses or working with a life coach or other mentor. You’re ready for new adventures, and it all starts on the inside. The Sun in your sign from the 21st, means you’ll be in your element. Wondering about a relationship? Patience is key.

A potent Solar Eclipse can coincide with an uplifting encounter that changes your life for the better. Whatever the nature of this relationship, much good could come from it. Your social life is perky all month, so expect plenty of good times ahead. As Saturn angles towards Uranus on the 23rd, you’ll realize how much life has changed for the better. Ready for further shifts? It’s possible, as restless feelings continue. Money matters might get a fabulous boost from the 28th.

The Solar Eclipse on the 3rd can be a seismic occasion, when big things happen for you around your ambitions, job or career. This shift could occur now, or a seed may be sown that brings results further down the line. Don’t stick with the tried and trusted, it’s time to be bold. From December 19th, there might be a disconnect between you and a group or certain contacts. It could be time to let them go. Jupiter’s move into your sign from the 28th, can signify good fortune.

Astrologer Patrick Arundell provides a unique take on Horoscopes and Astrology. Join him daily for your Daily Horoscope and his penetrating insight into this fascinating subject. Also FREE Horoscope Videos. PAGE

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