I C E N I N O R F O L K
ISSUE 80
Focus On: Christmas
Iceni Regular
Launches Children's Book!
When You're Alone
At Special Times Of The Year
Christmas Gift Ideas For The Whole Family
Let's Try For A Zero-Waste (Or A Less Waste) Christmas!
Welcome To Iceni Magazine, “December's wintery breath is already clouding the pond, frosting the pane, obscuring summer's memory...” - John Geddes, A Familiar Rain
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Welcome to December's issue of Iceni Magazine. This month's focus is on Christmas, which will undoubtedly come as little surprise to our regular readers. Check out our gift guide on Pages 43 to 59 if you are in need of inspiration for family members and friends - there are some fantastic finds in there.
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Are any of our readers Christmas babies? Mr Iceni is and constantly gets told that he is disadvantaged because of it. Is it really all that bad? Jordan Domin, another December baby, shares her own thoughts on this on Pages 38/39. Concerned about the impact your Christmas will have on the environment? Shona offers some simple ideas to help you (Pages 34/35). If you'd like to learn a bit more about how we celebrate, check out our perfect Christmas dinner on Pages 28 and 29. It's hard to believe that Issue 80 is the last of 2019. So, until the New Year (also a new decade!), sit back and enjoy a glass (or two!) of mulled wine. Don't forget to make some happy memories too!
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CONTRIBUTORS Becca Hamling, Cheryl Cade, Jordan Domin, Keri Beevis, Matt Porter, Mark King, Missy Hitchcock, Patrick Arundell, Serena Fordham, Shona, Susan Leigh, Thomas Hamling, Tim Barnes-Clay, Vicki.
Page 3 Image Benjamen Terry - www.definedetail.com
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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 68
pages
Full of absolute dynamic
creative content!
“You Reap What You Sow”
43
25
FOCUS ON:
CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS
Christmas
For The Whole Family
14
16 22
MOTORING REVIEW Volvo XC60 B4 (Diesel)
06 09 10 12 13 14 16 18 20 21 23
The Benjamin Foundation Monthly Update Iceni News New Test For Expectant Mothers Iceni News The Nook Opens Iceni Columnist Mark King Iceni Columnist Keri Beevis When You're Alone At Special Times Of The Year Motoring Review Volvo XC60 B4 (DIESEL) The Gadgetman Review NextBase 422GW Dash Cam Nibbles & Tipples December Valuable Volunteers Christmas Volunteers Iceni Regular Launches Children’s Book!
24 25 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42
Nova Silver December Focus On... Christmas Want To Avoid A Digital... Disaster This Christmas? Iceni Ingredients For The... Perfect Christmas Dinner See What Mummy Says Have Your Traditions Changed? New Columnist Home-Schooling At Christmas Let’s Try For A Zero-Waste (Or A Less-Waste Christmas! 10 Ways To Balance... Your Personal Life And Business Think Being A Christmas... Baby Is Rubbish? Think Again! Christmas On A Budget Hints & Tips Iceni Asks Christmas Traditions
WHEN YOU'RE ALONE At Special Times Of The Year
43 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 61 66
Christmas Gift Ideas For The Whole Family Lowlander Launches Two Gift Packs Leap In Christmas With Leapfrog Vtech’s Top Toys 5 Years And Under Vtech’s Top Toys 5 Years And Over Rock On! Music Wallpapers Orchard Toys Christmas Picks Samsung Gift Ideas Tech For Christmas Vtech’s Brand New Frozen Collection What's On... Across Norfolk This Month Iceni Horoscopes What Do Your Stars Hold?
THE BENJAMIN FOUNDATION Issue 80 2019
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The Benjamin Foundation 2019 marks the 25th anniversary of The Benjamin Foundation. Our charity helps people across Norfolk and Suffolk to deal with some of the challenges that life throws at them and our work brings hope, opportunity, stability and independence to the people we support.
A Record Breaking 2020 Sleep Out In Norwich
On Thursday 14th November, a record 220 individuals braved the elements and spent one night sleeping outside to help tackle local youth homelessness, so far raising over £70,000 for our charity, smashing the record from previous years. Each November, the Norwich Sleep Out event supports our work in Norfolk to prevent youth homelessness by inviting people to spend one night outside so others don’t have to. Money raised through sponsorship helps our work to tackle the problem locally by providing a home and support to vulnerable young people aged 16 to 25. We also provide them with the skills they need so they can go on and forge an independent life.
This was the fifth annual Norwich Sleep Out. This year’s event took place in the car park of Norwich City Football Club and we have been overwhelmed by the support from individuals and local businesses, which ensured the event was fully booked and the biggest Sleep Out fundraising event in our history. A huge thank you to everybody who supported us. “What you’re doing is so moving and kind-hearted. Without people like you doing what you’re doing, we wouldn’t get to where we are. Thank you!” From Charlotte, a young person supported by The Benjamin Foundation.
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THE BENJAMIN FOUNDATION
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Issue 80 2019
Supporting Young Carers In Norfolk We provide positive activities to young people who have limited opportunities. We are committed to supporting young carers to help them meet some of the unique challenges they face and we want to give them the chance to escape their day to day pressures in a fun and friendly environment and offer them the opportunity to meet new friends and learn new skills. Having the chance to talk to an understanding and listening ear about their lives is an important part of our support for Young Carers. Our BOOM! Young Carers service currently delivers the following groups: Watton Young Carers Tuesdays 6.30pm to 8pm Every fortnight throughout the year 8-12yr olds and 12-18yr olds
Stalham Young Carers Thursdays 3.15pm to 5.45pm Every fortnight during school term time 7-16yr olds
From December 2019, we will also be offering 1-2-1 support in Norwich, Broadland and parts of North Norfolk. To enquire about our support for young carers, please contact Alice Stevenson, Young Carers Manager on 07880 242374 or alice.stevenson@benjaminfoundation.co.uk Our sincere thanks to Carers Matter Norfolk, Norfolk Superhero Challenge, Reepham Rotary and Stalham Academy for their support, enabling us to deliver the BOOM! Young Carers programme.
Caterpillar Networking - Supporting Each Other To Grow And Flourish. Wednesday 5th February 2020
Enjoy the first Caterpillar Networking event of 2020! This quarterly networking event is organised by our charity. Nurture your business by connecting with others, strengthen relationships and share ideas to support each other to grow and flourish. This time, we’ll be holding the event at popular Norwich pub, The Eagle. The ticket price includes light food and a drink.
The event will include lots of time to network and mingle with other attendees and will include a short talk by Sharon Matthews, The Benjamin Foundation’s Director of Operations for Children, Young People and Families. £12.50pp. Book here: https://benjaminfoundation.co.uk/event/caterpillar-networking-feb-20/
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ICENI - NEWS
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Issue 80 2019
New Test For Expectant Mothers Will Rule Out Serious Complication A new test introduced at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) will help in the management of pre-eclampsia. The NNUH is only the fourth unit in the country to take on this test which is recommended in recent National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance. Pre-eclampsia is a condition that only occurs in pregnancy - typically after 20 weeks - and affects around 3 in 100 women. It is diagnosed through a combination of raised blood pressure and protein in a woman’s urine. Establishing which women can be safely managed as outpatients is a common clinical dilemma. This test, along with other routine blood and urine tests, defines a group of women who are highly unlikely to develop pre-eclampsia in the following fortnight and therefore can be reassured. The state-of-the-art test, which is described as a point of care (POC) test, allows midwifery staff to use a dedicated specialised machine by the woman’s bedside. Results do not need to be returned from a laboratory and so there is no delay in evaluating the woman’s condition. The test will be suitable for women who are between 22- and 37-weeks pregnant presenting at the hospital with blood pressure concerns where a diagnosis of pre-eclampsia cannot otherwise be determined.
L-R: Miss Fran Harlow, Lisa Mastrullo, NNUH POCT Coordinator Teresa Hornsby and Dawn Hannah, Trainer from Quidel Lisa Mastrullo, NNUH Midwife and MacLeod Maternity Assessment Unit (MMAU) Lead, explains: “From a woman’s perspective, the test that we’ll be doing is very simple. Where we would be taking blood as part of our standard monitoring procedure, we will be taking one extra sample in order to measure what’s called Placental Growth Factor (PlGF), which we use as an indicator of pre-eclampsia.” Miss Fran Harlow, Maternal Medicine Lead and NNUH Consultant Obstetrician, said: “We’re delighted to be the first hospital in the region to be introducing this new test for pregnant women. Although rare, complications like preeclampsia can be very worrying for families and by ensuring that we are utilising the very latest technology, we can give even better care for our patients by reassuring those who are unlikely to develop pre-eclampsia.” PAGE
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ICENI - NEWS
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Issue 80 2019
Credit: Karen Self
HRH The Duchess Of Cambridge Opens The Nook Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge, Royal Patron of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH), last month attended the charity’s celebration of its new Norfolk hospice, The Nook.
She also made a short speech to some 300 invited guests before being joined by some of the children to unveil a plaque and formally open the purpose-built hospice in Framingham Earl, around five miles south of Norwich.
The royal visit came after a five-year public appeal to raise £10 million, exactly two years since the first ‘turf cutting’ at the site and just over a month since EACH welcomed the first child through the doors to receive care.
The Duchess attended the launch of EACH’s fundraising appeal at the Norfolk Showground in November 2014. She also visited the charity’s previous Norfolk hospice in Quidenham, in January 2017, to receive an update on the appeal and hear more about plans for the new building.
The Duchess toured the facilities, including a hydrotherapy pool and state-of-the-art sensory room, meeting children and their families along the way.
Tracy Rennie, EACH Acting Chief Executive, said: “It’s always a pleasure when Her Royal Highness visits, but today felt like a particularly
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momentous celebration given how long in the making this building has been and the Duchess’s previous support for the fundraising appeal. “The Nook has been a superb achievement by everyone here as well as all our volunteers and supporters across Norfolk, and even further afield, and this was reflected in the kind words shared by the Duchess with invited guests. “We’re now in no doubt the way we deliver care in future will take great steps forward and give us an opportunity to try out doing things differently, and it’s obviously amazing knowing we have the backing of the Duchess.” The Duchess became EACH Royal Patron in January 2012, officially opening its hospice in Ipswich, The Treehouse, shortly after. She has since done a great deal to help raise awareness and understanding of EACH, and children’s hospices across the world. EACH Norfolk has previously been based on the site of the Carmelite Monastery in Quidenham. It was a home-from-home for over 25 years, but EACH outgrew it. The Nook is a 21st century building to provide 21st century care, spread across a single floor, with more areas for clinical care, larger and better equipped en-suite bedrooms, dedicated therapy rooms and much more.
Credit: Karen Self
Issue 80 2019
It will allow EACH to fully cater for an increased demand for its service and the everchanging and more complex needs of those it cares for. Set on a five-acre woodland site, closer to the centre of the county, hospitals and road networks, it also means the majority of families and staff will travel shorter distances to receive and deliver care. EACH offers its vital service to hundreds more across the rest of the region. This momentous year for the good cause, its hospice in Milton, Cambridgeshire, opened by Diana, Princess of Wales, has celebrated its 30th anniversary whilst it has also marked 20 years since it started delivering care and support in Suffolk and East Essex. For more information about The Nook and how to get involved in fundraising visit www.each.org.uk/thenook. The Nook opening event was kindly sponsored by Kelling Designs, an established international interior design company based in Chelsea, London, and Norfolk. Emma Deterding, Founder and Director, and also an EACH Patron, said: “We’ve supported EACH for many years and are thrilled to be sponsoring the official opening of The Nook. It’s incredible to see The Nook become a reality. It will truly transform the care EACH is able to give to children and families in Norfolk, and we’re delighted to support the appeal.” The event was also generously sponsored by the Hotel Folk, a group that owns six distinctive hotels and event venues across Suffolk, including Swan at Lavenham Hotel and Spa, Brudenell and White Lion in Aldeburgh, Crown at Woodbridge, Crown and Castle in Orford, Thorpeness Golf Club & Hotel and Thorpeness Country Club. PAGE
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11
ICENI - COLUMNISTS
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Issue 80 2019
The Diary of a Norfolk Family By Mark King December is here. Christmas can be a stressful time for families, especially financially, but without it and the New Year celebrations that follow, it would be very dull indeed during the long, dark and cold days of winter. Above: Mark King for 1st December.
Just like previous years, the children had their Christmas wish lists ready
They may now be of the age to know that St Nick doesn’t magically bring all those the presents that appear under the Christmas tree, but they’re more than happy to keep to the tradition. Although this year, for the first time, the list came in two parts; one was the items they hoped to get, and the other half of the list was things they didn’t want to get. So, it looks as if anything Nike is a no no, but Adidas is definitely in. Gift vouchers are also out of fashion,
but one thing that is always welcome are presents of cash. Chocolates don’t seem to be as popular, but no child is going to say no to any packets of Haribo sweets. The new school coat for the year ahead is definitely on the no list. It made us chuckle as we read through them and also showed how fast the children are growing up. My teenage daughter now wants make up things with names I’ve never heard of or even any idea what they are for. My Christmas wish list is rather shorter than the children’s. Good health for my family, a little bit more wealth, and Norwich to win enough games to stay out of the relegation zone, just about covers it, although a new pair of Adidas trainers for me wouldn’t go amiss! So whatever's on your list for this festive period, I wish you all the best for now and the New Year that follows to you all. www.always-hanging-around.blogspot.com Follow on twitter: @author_king
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Issue 80 2019
We Recently Lost Our Parking Facilities At The Day Job 'Oh bugger,' was my first thought, as I wondered where I was going to leave my car. The bus service where I live isn’t great and everywhere near my office is either permitted or costs a fortune. Above: Keri Beevis
Now, I try to be a glass half full girl, so I quickly turned the situation into a positive. Let's face it, I am a lazy sod. I would start parking my car midway and walk the last few miles into work. It was all good. I would use this opportunity to lose weight, fit back into my pretty dresses, maybe shrink a little boobage, and get legs of steel. I would be able to stuff pizza and glug wine without feeling guilty. I was so enthused by my plan I went to sleep, setting my alarm early, and woke up the next day feeling all bright and breezy... okay, well maybe more blurry eyed and grouchy (I look a little bit like a startled mole when I first wake up), but we’ll go with bright and breezy for the sake of my story. After feeding meowing mouths and getting ready, I departed the house and drove to where I planned to leave my car. So far, so good, and I set off merrily on my way, smiling maniacally at every stranger I passed, determined I was going to enjoy the experience. And it was a gorgeous autumnal day. I can't fault the weather. Eventually, I came to the series of uphill slopes I knew would take me to my destination. I approached them with trepidation, already a little out of puff by this point (it doesn't take much). My hair, which I had straightened before leaving the house, was beginning to frizz and stick to my neck, and I was basically a
sweaty mess. I took the slopes gently, knackered, but proud, when I reached the top. And that is when I saw it. The monster hill I had forgotten I still had to climb. Forget legs of steel. By this point mine, were like jelly and I huffed and puffed my way forward, sounding (and probably looking) like a dying walrus. Then to make things worse, I realised there were a bunch of schoolkids coming up the hill behind me. 'Bugger!' I thought. 'If they catch the state of me they'll think I need to go to hospital.' I pulled my phone from my bag and pretended to look at it, thinking, 'Just stop here and play it cool until they've passed!' which they did, but then more of them appeared. I eventually made it to the top of the hill and crawled into work ten minutes later with a beetroot face. After regaling my co-workers with the epic tale of my trek across Norwich's version of the Himalayas, I spent the day psyching myself up for the return journey. 'You're an athlete, you've got this,' was my mantra. Going home was less fun. It was dark and cold, I had a couple of Bambi style stumbles due to my wobbly legs, but I eventually made it back to the car and practically fell inside. So am I still enthusiastic? Truth is, less so. My legs hurt, I was knackered, one of my toe nails felt like it was about to drop off and for two days I struggled to walk down the stairs. Yes, my walk nearly killed me. Am I going to do it again? I will get back to you on that. My new Norfolk based thriller, Dying to Tell is now available to buy in paperback and Kindle. Follow me on Facebook or Twitter for more information. PAGE
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WHEN YOU'RE ALONE...
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When You’re Alone At Special Times Of The Year There are certain times of the year when being alone, perhaps without your children, can feel especially raw. Christmas Day, long Bank Holiday weekends, holidays and key social events can be a real struggle if you’re on your own, especially for the first year. Being separated from your children, when you’re used to spending lots of time with them, can be really tough. Tips for being alone at special times of the year: ● Remind yourself that it's just one day. If you miss out on a Christmas or birthday together, it can be easy to get caught up in a cycle of gloom and despondency. Try to detach from those feelings, arrange an alternative day to celebrate and really focus on making your times together special. ● Acknowledge that some time alone can be a great opportunity to catch up on chores and essentials, but also dedicate some time so
you enjoy a few treats. Have a leisurely bath, light those lovely scented candles you've been saving, watch the match, read a book, listen to some good music, prepare your favourite food. Relish having the place to yourself. Relax, de-stress and treat yourself well over Christmas or the holidays. ● Avoid guilt-tripping your children or regaling them with details of your distress. Children are not stupid, they're good at sensing how you're feeling and will usually be very aware of what's going on. Yes, they'll allow the other parent to bribe them with holidays and expensive gifts - why wouldn't they? But they'll also appreciate your daily efforts to feed and care for them, the things you suspect go largely unnoticed. ● Maintain an involvement in other areas of life so that you’re prepared for Christmas and significant times of the year. Keep your identity and establish interests away from the home. Keep up to date with the news, popular TV, what's happening in your neighbourhood,
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so you're confident enough to participate in conversations, build new social connections and be interested and interesting, so attracting new friends. ● Is it time to accept an offer from friends or colleagues to be introduced to someone they know? Might it be fun to meet someone new and take a chance on something different? Mixing and talking to new people, particularly potential dates, is a great way to improve your confidence and self-esteem, motivate you to dress up, look after yourself and remind yourself that you're more than 'just' a parent! Plus, conversing socially with new people is an important skill, quickly lost if we're out of practice and haven't socialised independently in a while. ● Are you ready to consider dipping a tentative toe into the official dating scene again? Online dating sites are a popular way of meeting new people and also offer great practical safety advice. For example, be careful how much personal information you divulge, limit a first meeting to an hour and in a public place, and trust your gut instincts if you start to feel uneasy. ● Make invitations. Take charge of the parts of your life you have some control over, like your social life. Be proactive and join mailing lists for details of what’s on over the holidays. Source free exhibitions, two for the price of one offers and early doors specials on meals. Become the go-to guy for fun and also accept when others
Issue 80 2019
reciprocate and invite you along. Keep in touch with what's happening around you. ● Provide reasonable options. Your friends and inner circle may wish to socialise but may need to be careful about their expenditure, especially over Christmas. You could suggest a pamper evening at home, or a supper party where everyone contributes a dish and/or bottle. Or retrieve your board games and have competition evenings; I know several people who started games evenings over the winter months and enjoyed them so much that they became a regular part of their calendar. ● Also, try to make time for some of the things that interest you. Volunteer, join a class, walking group or activity you enjoy. Many voluntary organisations are desperate for help, especially over Christmas. Maybe alternate childcare with other parents and dedicate some free time to mixing and meeting people with similar interests to you. Enjoy sharing conversations, becoming friends and, who knows, maybe meeting a potential new love interest too. Remind yourself that each situation has pros and cons. Being single isn't the end of the world! Alone doesn't have to mean lonely. In fact, many people in unhappy relationships will envy you your freedom and the fact that you're now starting out afresh. Relax and enjoy your Christmas!
Article By Susan Leigh Susan Leigh, Altrincham Counsellor and Hypnotherapist, has published her third book, 101 Days of Inspiration #tipoftheday (ISBN 9781910275160) based on her social media series. A glossy, pocket-sized book, it's full of inspirational quotes & pictures, a treat to give or simply keep for yourself. For more information visit: www.lifestyletherapy.net PAGE
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MOTORING REVIEW
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Volvo XC60 B4 (DIESEL) AWD R-DESIGN PRO AUTOMATIC Review By Tim Barnes-Clay, Motoring Journalist. Follow on Instagram @tbarnesclay I like Volvos. So does my dad. He’s owned lots of these Swedish cars over the years.
wheel drive ability of these high riding vehicles has given the product a different perspective. The models blend luxury and off-road talent in one package.
When I was younger, I loved their plush, comfy interiors, but I wasn’t so keen on the brick-like exterior. Volvos, especially the estate models, weren’t called “wardrobes on wheels” for no reason back in the day.
The XC60 is a medium-size SUV, sat between Volvo's baby XC40 and large XC90. It's the perfect compromise - not too small - and not so massive that urban driving becomes stressful. I mean, have you ever tried taking a really big setof-wheels up a multi-story carpark? It’s a sweat on the forehead inducing experience.
The automaker is still making estates, but they are now beautiful on the outside as well as the inside. The V90, but particularly the V60, are very handsome cars. Yet, SUVs have become the mainstay of Volvo in recent years. The all-
The XC60 B4 Diesel, as tested here in sporty R-Design guise, is a cinch to munch miles in. It seems to glide over the tarmac, with its
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Issue 80 2019
automatic gearbox changing so fluidly, you almost forget it’s there. You get a good view out, with lots of adjustment in the seat and steering wheel to achieve the perfect driving position. This not only makes motoring pleasant, but it also makes it safe - especially when it comes to manoeuvres, like parking.
as protected as possible. And, depending on your driving needs, the car will switch from handling bustling urban life to twisty dirt roads with ease. Because, let’s face it; if you have an active lifestyle, you’ll want an active vehicle, and this SUV is built to ensure you get the best of both worlds.
Performance-wise, you can expect this five-door, five-seater SUV to get from 0-62mph in 8.3 seconds, and the maximum speed is 127mph. Perhaps more importantly, you’ll see around 50mpg out of this Volvo, too.
Pros ‘n’ Cons • Looks ✔ • Cabin quality ✔ • Technology ✔ • Performance ✔ • Pricey to buy ✖
The XC60’s challengers are the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Audi Q5 - and prices are similar. These are all vehicles with “prestige” badges, but the comfort of the Volvo’s seats takes some beating. The Scandinavians seem to be able to create the right level of support and cushioning in their products, no matter which model or trim level you opt for. Furthermore, the XC60’s kit is generous, with many safety features to keep all occupants
Fast Facts: Volvo XC60 B4 (DIESEL) AWD R-DESIGN PRO AUTOMATIC - as tested) • Max speed: 127 mph • 0-62 mph: 8.3 sec • Combined mpg: 50.4 • Engine layout: 1969cc, 4-cylinder turbo diesel • Max. power (PS): 197 • CO2: 151 g/km • Price: £48,010 PAGE
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THE GADGET MAN
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Issue 80 2019
NextBase 422GW Dash Cam With Emergency Service Notification And Alexa Dash Cams have become a hugely both accidents and other investigations where
individuals have gone missing and have been
popular and important piece of picked up on dashcam. in-car technology. In the UK, the law states that a Dash Cam must They act as an independent witness in court by recording everything that happens both in front of your car as well as behind (if you have a rear-view camera). In fact, Tesla has recently updated their vehicles to support 'Sentry' mode to monitor all around the car using their multiple cameras. The increase in Dash Cam use has been recognised by insurance companies and police as an extremely helpful accessory in the event of
NOT distract the driver or obscure the view of the road. If you decide to share the footage, faces and number plates should be blurred and unrecognisable. So, bear this in mind if you decide to upload some footage to Facebook or YouTube. NextBase 422GW camera module.
with
the
rear
I have spent the last couple of weeks reviewing the NextBase 422GW a dashcam bursting with
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THE GADGET MAN
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Issue 80 2019
so many features, it would be impossible to list everything here! Out of the boxes, the main dashcam and the additional rear camera module are both solidly built devices with a comforting amount of weight about them that feels durable. I also had a NextBase MicroSD card to store my footage.
The quality of the video is excellent even in low light and darkness, I was seriously impressed
You also receive a very long power cable with 12v connector and the option of using either suction or sticky mount to affix the camera to your windscreen. The 422GW's features rely heavily on the use of an iOS or Android App which connects over both Bluetooth for general communication and WiFi for downloading videos to your device. It also supports Alexa and Handsfree calling which was quite useful as it allows voice instructions to download the recorded video to your mobile device (if that's your thing!). You can also enter emergency information into the app which allows the device to automatically contact the emergency services if it detects an accident. Don't worry, it won't do this immediately, you do get to intervene before Police or Ambulances are summoned. The most obvious feature of a dashcam is the quality of the video that it takes. The 422GW packs a F1.3 sensor recording at 1440p at 30 FPS or 1080p at 60 FPS. The quality of the video
is excellent even in low light and darkness, I was seriously impressed. If you (like I did) installed the additional rear camera, the unit records both videos at the same time and you can set the rear camera to either record inside the cockpit or the rear window. I was unsure how this would turn out, but again I was really impressed with the results. If you are looking for a dashcam with Crash Protection, Emergency Service Alert, AutoSync, Intelligent Parking Monitoring, Alexa and the tool for installing the cable in your vehicle, you won't go far wrong with this device! At ÂŁ129, it's great value too. Review By Matt Porter www.thegadgetman.org.uk PAGE
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NIBBLES & TIPPLES
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Nibbles &Tipples December Article By Cheryl Cade, Beer Educator Having recently become a member of the Cheese Academy and with the festive season approaching, my thoughts are heading to what the ultimate cheese and drinks board would be.
of a body or can be equal in flavour intensity. For me, I would look to a Wild or Barrel-aged beer from Suffolk brewery Little Earth Project. The yeast gives the beer a slight apple background that partners the cheese well. Another pairing would be something like a Saxby’s Rhubarb cider.
Tradition would suggest that we match a wine with our cheeses. This can work, but one wine cannot match with everything on a good cheese board and nor can one beer.
Keeping it local, Mrs Temple’s Binham Blue has a balanced saltiness that matches with a Lacons’ classic, sweet and strong Audit Ale. In the bottle, the high carbonation also helps to bring out the intense creamy nature of the blue.
My cheese board starts with some prize-winning locals. Baron Bigod is a soft cheese that deserves the gold medals it has won. A delicate pale beige with a slight earthy aroma, it should be served (as most cheeses should) at room temperature. This is a cheese that can benefit from a little bit of aging. Pair this with a drink that has a little bit
Moving further afield, a vintage cheddar is another must on my cheese board. Again, Little Earth Project has a range that would suit, yet even more local, Woodfordes’ Nelson’s Revenge has a malty sweetness and just a little bitterness to cut the fat, which will lift both to a pairing that shows why our ancestors would
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NIBBLES & TIPPLES
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have cheddar and ale/cider. Just available for the season Fullers’ Vintage Ale is another option. As well as a Cheddar, this beer would also accompany a cheese rarely seen on a board, yet was once more expensive than gold; parmesan has a crumbly hard texture and salty, nuttiness taste, a waste only grated on a pasta dish. I am now heading to France for my next 2 cheeses. Camembert De Normandie or a Brie give the cheese board a soft delicate aroma and taste. Pairing this with a sparkling wine or a well-priced Crémant from Aldi will give everything a lightness. If you want a little more of the earth notes of the cheese, then pair with a grassy Jever Pils. The floral notes of the cheese can be supported by a Belgian Wit Bier like Hoegaarden.
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and you truly discover what a great cheese can be. Pair this with the Crémant, a fruit beer or a Saison, and it’s a marriage made in heaven. My final cheese, nutty, firm and seen in most cartoons, is Emmental. For this, you need something that has a touch of nuts yet also a toasted note. For me, Prasto’s Porter from Boudicca brewing is the partner of choice. Now that I have both you and me thinking cheese, my final piece of advice is to have a range of tastes, textures and flavour for your buffet and next to it a range of drinks to explore, enjoy and share. Hopefully, you will find a match that will become your own family tradition.
For a cheese that packs a bit more punch, Monte Enebro is a Spanish goat’s cheese. Available from Jarrolds, do not be afraid of the black case. Inside, there is a delicate white cheese that hints only at its origins. This cheese just melts
Cheers Cheryl Visit: https://cherylcade.com
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VALUABLE VOLUNTEERS Issue 80 2019
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Valuable Volunteers “The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.” Oscar Wilde
This month, we hear about an amazing collective of volunteers including our very own columnist, Shona, and the work they do at Christmas. Norwich Open Christmas is aimed at those within our community who are alone or homeless. It is a completely free event for anyone attending and held between 11am and 5pm on Christmas Day in the Halls on St Andrew’s Plain. This allows people to share Christmas Lunch or Tea with others as well as partaking in Christmas bingo and a quiz. Attendees can join in with as little or as much as they like. Free guest transport is also available for those within the Norwich area who otherwise would be unable to attend. Norwich Open Christmas relies on generous donations from individuals and businesses within our community. Shona, this month’s valuable volunteer, has been supporting this event for five years now, but is now responsible for coordinating the donations. We chatted to Shona about her involvement and she said, “It keeps me pretty busy from October, responding to generous and thoughtful people who decide to donate to the day, either financially or with food and clothes. There are volunteers who step forward, offering to pick up collections that people have organised, companies that act as collection points for us throughout the city, whilst the Samaritans lend us their van and a driver to do more collections! It is full on and multiple spreadsheets are necessary!” Shona is one of around 200 volunteers who help to make this event happen, so we would like to dedicate this month’s Valuable Volunteers to each and every one of these amazingly selfless people. Shona explains that, “Christmas for me is no longer just about the ones I know and love. It is also about the ones I don’t yet know exist and creating a space for them in our community too.” To find out more about Norwich Open Christmas, head over to: http://www.norwichopenchristmas.org.uk/ Alternatively, we are acting as a collection point in Great Ellingham, so feel free to send an email to: vicki@icenimagazine.co.uk if you would like to offer anything (see the website for suggested items). PAGE
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ICENI REGULAR
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Issue 80 2019
Iceni Regular Launches Children’s Book!
Our regular columnist Tom Hamling from parenting blog, See What Mummy Says, has just released his first rhyming picture book! “It’s Gold We Love Most!” is a pirate adventure starring siblings Bella and Jack. Join the pair as they face fierce pirates in their search for treasure. This is to be the first of a series of adventures for Bella and Jack, with the next, due in April next year, already being worked on by illustrator Rachel Edwards. The short stories are a “Celebration of the fantastic imagination you have as a child,” Tom tells us. Tom lives with his wife and two children in Norwich. “My children have definitely influenced the stories. I overhear them going on adventures, and hope they never lose their wonderful imaginations. To us, we see a wooden climbing frame, but to them it’s a sea ready pirate ship!” The book, aimed at 2-6 years olds, is available in Paperback and eBook from Amazon. The paperback is also available from children’s book shop Bookbugs & DragonTails, located on Timberhill in Norwich.
You can find more about Tom and his new book by searching “Tom Hamling” on Amazon or visiting his website www.seewhatmummysays.com PAGE
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NOVA SILVER
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Issue 80 2019
December At Nova Silver
Within the blink of an eye, Christmas is upon us and we’re fully immersed in the Christmas spirit! There’s such a drive for people to shop more mindfully this year, and we’re in total agreement. We hope to be able to offer gifts that will stand the test of time, and at affordable prices. As our customers know, we like to keep a wide selection of price points available, from simple silver earrings and necklaces to more heirloom pieces. Our Christmas range has been fully launched in store and online, with highlights including snowflakes, Christmas trees and shining stars. As ever, stock is limited on all of these lines, but even if you are unlucky enough that they’ve run out our staff are always ready to help you choose an alternative that’s just as striking. We love helping our customers to find the perfect gift, and this time of year it makes us really happy to see how much effort people go to in order to see their loved ones smile on Christmas morning. If you’re looking for stocking filler presents or secret Santa presents, we’ve got you covered too. We’ve got a great selection of earrings, starting at just £5 and all in sterling silver. Our necklaces start at around £10, so there really is something for everyone. We even offer gift wrapping for just a small donation to our chosen charity, so you really can get everything tied up! Don’t forget, we’re also here to help you find those special pieces for yourself too! It’s the time of year for Christmas parties galore and if you’re looking for a little bit of sparkle, we hope we’re your first port of call. We’d like to take the opportunity to wish all of our customers a very merry Christmas and a happy new year!
Contact Details:
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Email: info@novasilver.co.uk
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Telephone Trade Enquiries: 01603 305799
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Focus On: Christmas
WANT TO AVOID...
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Issue 80 2019
Want To Avoid A Digital Disaster This Christmas? Article By Dave Coplin It’s approaching that time of year again when parents’ minds turn to the seasonal dilemma of what to put under the Christmas tree to entertain the bright young minds of their children. Gone are the jigsaw puzzles and Lego kits of years gone by. These days, presents are much more likely to be of the digital variety. However, there is some work to be done to make sure these presents are ready to be played or watched as soon as they’re unwrapped, so here are some tips to avoid a digital disaster this Christmas:
New console? Patch them, then wrap them If you’re getting a new console for the kids this year, do yourself a favour and connect it to your home broadband and download and install the latest patches before you wrap it up. Do the same for any new game you may have bought too. Make sure you allow plenty of time for this - depending on your broadband and the quantity of patches, this could take several hours to complete. Still, better to get it done now than to have to try and explain to an impatient 10-year-old why they can’t play their new games until Boxing Day…
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WANT TO AVOID...
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Issue 80 2019
Batteries, cables and chargers In the good old days, all we needed to know was that “batteries weren’t included” although even that took a few years to finally sink in and ended up on one too many trips to the nearest 24hr petrol station. These days, having the right batteries is the least of our worries. If you’ve bought a new gadget, make sure that it’s fully charged and that you have access to the right kind of cables before you wrap it up and put it under the tree. USB cables can be particularly tricky since they now come in so many shapes and sizes. Make sure you know what you need and have one to hand in case you need it on the big day. Connecting to your network Most new devices will need to be connected to the internet, either for them to work in the way that they’re supposed to, or sometimes even just to get the latest software. Re-familiarise yourself with how you connect devices to your home wifi and make sure you know (or can remember) the password. Whilst you’re there, make sure your router is running on the latest software from your internet provider too! Have a “plan B” Like everything else in life, technology isn’t without its problems. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the technology simply won’t work. Rather than this ending your Christmas
These days, having the right batteries is the least of our worries. prematurely, have an “analogue” plan B, something that doesn’t need connecting to the internet or even plugging in, that you use to divert their attention while you figure out how to get the technology up and running. Also, now’s the time to buy a coffee and a mince pie for one of the IT guys at work, you may just need their help. (But make sure you’ve switched it off and back on before you call though, you know, just in case…) Dave Coplin is former Chief Envisioning Officer for Microsoft UK. He has written two books and worked all over the world with organisations, individuals and governments - all with the goal of demystifying technology and championing it as a positive transformation in our society.
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ICENI INGREDIENTS
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Issue 80 2019
Iceni Ingredients For The Perfect Christmas Dinner We all have things in our mind that appeal to every family member like turkey make Christmas dinner perfect tends to. Turkey gravy using the juices from the oven tray is unbeatable too! for us. All families are different, but we thought we would share some of our favourites.
Turkey Christmas dinner just wouldn’t be complete without a turkey from Tony Perkins Butchers in Attleborough. We tend to choose a boneless joint to make more room in the oven as well as it being easier to cook. From being little, we have both been brought up expecting turkey at Christmas. A replacement meat just wouldn’t be the same. I tried goose one year, but it was a bit of a letdown and tastes so fatty, so didn’t
Potatoes No Christmas dinner would be complete without the addition of potatoes. We love having both mash and roast ones - greedy? Perhaps! But it’s a once a year treat. For the roast potatoes, I tend to parboil them, drain the water and then shake them in the pan with the lid on. They become slightly mushy around the edges and this helps to get them crispy. Be sure to preheat an oven tray with oil. I like to add some salt and paprika to the oil. If the oil is hot enough, you will see and hear the sizzle when you add the potatoes. For mash, we love to add the finest sea salt butter that you can get along with a little single
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ICENI INGREDIENTS
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Issue 80 2019
Yorkshire Puddings Ok, so traditionally, Yorkshire puddings should only be served with beef, but we are far from being a traditional family! Therefore, they are always on the dinner table at Christmas (and any other opportunity for a roast we can think of!). I follow James Martin’s recipe for cooking my Yorkshire puds, whether it’s a giant one or twelve single ones. Top tip: make sure the oil is smoking before you add the batter mixture. It can be tricky to ensure that you add it quickly enough. Put the hob on and keep the tins hot that way.
Desserts
cream and a small sprinkle of ground white pepper. Yummy!
Sprouts Many people curl their noses up at the thought of sprouts as they can be rather bitter. However, I have a recipe which sees even the most militant member of the anti-sprout brigade scoff them down. Dice up some celeriac and carrot, fry in some butter in a pan, until slightly softened, along with some lardons. Add some shredded sprouts and stir for a few minutes. Then add a little chicken stock (make around 500ml in total). Once that has almost evaporated, add some more and continue until the sprouts are cooked through and the liquid has almost gone. Finally, add a little single cream and a good twist of black pepper and salt. Absolutely delicious and I could honestly just devour a plateful of that on its own... Mr Iceni would not thank me for that later on though!
It doesn’t matter how many times you filled up your plate with meat, vegetables, stuffing and all the other trimmings, everyone here will still want dessert. I always choose to offer a hot pudding (not Christmas pud as no one really likes it!) and something cold. My go to hot pudding is a maple and pecan sponge pudding with custard (I buy it though as can’t be bothered with the hassle of having to make my own... in fact, the shop-bought one tends to be better than mine anyway!). For the cold dessert, the girls tend to nag me for chocolate meringues with vanilla ice cream. Sometimes, I make the meringue mixture into a large pavlova wreath and serve with seasonal berries.
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SEEWHATMUMMYSAYS
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Issue 80 2019
Have Your Traditions Changed? Ours have... and will continue to evolve I’m sure! Up until ten years ago, I woke up each Christmas morning, and called through to my parents to see if we could get up yet. I should add, I did this less frequently when I was a grown up! However, the same process followed, and we were eventually allowed downstairs. My childhood wait on Christmas morning was very similar to a queue at Disney world. You enter the next room expecting to see the ride, only to discover it’s simply another chamber to wait in. Once downstairs, we would all sit in the kitchen... almost all of us anyway. Dad would be the last to surface, and then get ready at a snail’s pace to, I assume, build the suspense?
After what seemed like an eternity, we would go into the lounge, where there would be a stack of presents for each of us. Santa was particularly organised when delivering our gifts! Once the gifts were open, breakfast would follow. A full English breakfast. Many people query how we would eat that, and then a large traditional turkey dinner later in the day... I can only answer for myself obviously but my metabolism was much more efficient then! Fast forward a few years and Becca and I were about to share our first Christmas together. I was joining Becca and her family for breakfast, when I noticed a significant change... no smell of bacon drifting through the house, no sausages sizzling in a pan...
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SEEWHATMUMMYSAYS
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...Becca’s family Christmas breakfast was homemade stollen. I should add that a few years in and I’m quite fond of stollen, but if we host Christmas breakfast, I do usually enjoy something of the fried variety! (My mother-inlaw makes the best home made stollen, please make me one still!) Present opening is something else the families approach differently. Santa puts all the presents under the tree and they are divided up and then opened slowly and attention is paid to the person opening the gift, not simply a free for all. This naturally makes the process take longer and is a traditional I’m happy to adopt with our own family. The kids love helping to sort the presents and we try not to rush. If they want to open something and take a closer look, then they can. If it takes all day, it takes all day! Has having children changed our traditions? Of course! I felt there was a lull between perhaps 16 and 25 when it wasn’t as magical and I didn’t have children. The process became transactional and one year I remember putting the gifts out with my mum, leaving no surprise for the next morning because I knew the shapes and sizes of gifts waiting for me. ...but when you have children, Christmas suddenly becomes Amazing! December is packed full of things to do, in and out of the house! We have two elves that visit us each year. Hopefully Eugene and Twinkle will be back again this year. They’re very mischievous but our children adore them! We try and fit in a particularly special treat, such as the Polar Express train ride or a trip to Thursford if time and budget allows!
Issue 80 2019
and nice to catch up with those we don’t see nearly often enough. However, when we had children, we wanted to introduce our own traditions before bed on Christmas Eve... and so did our friends as their families grew. So, we still meet at the pub, but we go early afternoon, spend some time chatting and wishing everyone well for the holidays and then we break away and go home to do our own thing. For us, that means cosying up in Christmas pyjamas, a Christmas family film (usually The Polar Express!), leaving some food and drink for Santa and the reindeers and the kiddies having a relatively early night, because tomorrow is going to be a loooong day! Planning all these activities and festive cheer makes it all the easier to forget that some will struggle more than usual this time of year. Another tradition we like to do as a family is donate to the food bank. Not just at Christmas but I think if we can take a worry like “What are we going to eat today?” away than their Christmas might be just a little easier. This year, as Becca has recently been diagnosed as a coeliac, we have gone through all the cupboards and are donating everything that Becca can no longer eat, as well as our usual visit to the supermarket. We heard the other day, that luxuries like chocolate, sweets, cake etc are often forgotten and people tend to donate the very basics like pasta and rice, so we have added the extras to the very top of our list!
We’ve always been very keen on continuing other traditions even though we have children and simply adapt them to fit. Since I was about 18, my group of friends would meet at the local pub on Christmas Eve. It’s a great atmosphere
What are your Christmas traditions? We’d love to hear from you! Have a fantastic Christmas! Thank you for reading! Tom & Becca See What Mummy Says www.seewhatmummysays.com @whatmummysaysuk PAGE
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HOME-SCHOOLING
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Issue 80 2019
Home-Schooling At Christmas Article By Missy Hitchcock
I find that this season accentuates As with anyone's standard holiday period, we all sorts of contrasts in our every will be relaxing our weekly routine, pencilling in some fun days out, and simply enjoying our day lives. time together.
From crisp mornings to cosy evenings, bright dawn light to early darkness, cool evergreen foliage to fiery autumn leaves... Even human emotions and energy levels are slightly askew. And with the impending departure of another year, and accompanying feelings of everything drawing to an end, entwines a contrasting sense of excitement and anticipation, which can only mean the arrival of my long-awaited favourite time of year... Yes, it's Christmas! I have always been a fan, however I'm sure that anyone with small children in their life will agree that it becomes a particularly magical time. As a home-schooling mum of a proudly precocious six-year-old, and amateur behavioural therapist of a cute, albeit angry toddler, I grant myself and the children the same break from formal education that any school-enrolled child would receive.
Currently, we are looking forward to several events, including: ● A Christmas Cupcake Decorating Workshop at the Surrey Street Cafe in Norwich. ● A trip to Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland (a first for us). ● A personal favourite - a Norfolk based Santa Train excursion. ● And two days and nights at a Thornham cottage with a fellow home-schooling family, who have become just that. Family. I think, of course, that despite this break from formal education, there are learning opportunities for all children at this time of year. For example, Christmas themed arts and
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HOME-SCHOOLING
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crafts, writing Christmas cards and letters to Santa, festive baking. And not forgetting that discussions about the background and history of this Christian holiday can open worlds of curiosity into culture and religion. And why stop at the intrigue of Christmas? Delve into what people of differing faiths might be celebrating or anticipating at this time of year. Perhaps though, the most worthwhile lessons to be learned by anyone at this time of year are those of giving, compassion, kindness, and love. Teaching our children to be thankful for all they have can be vastly more rewarding than providing them with more. Of course, I will relish in seeing my little cherubs' faces light up on 25th December. But on any given day when my daughter wraps her arms around me sighing "thank you", and when asked what for, replies "everything..." I know what's under this roof is far more valuable than what's under the Christmas tree. Having said that, I won't be encouraging her to wholly refine her perception skills just yet,
Issue 80 2019
as I am so fond of the magical tale of 'Father Christmas', and the inevitable excitement of Christmas Eve & Day. For every truth I happily bestow upon my children, I stand firm in my decision to abide by this one little fib while it lasts. And on that note, for anyone curious about what educational toys 'Santa' might be delivering to my house this year, the following are my favourite finds: ● PlusPlus Suitcase - This themed suitcase contains a base plate, hundreds of pieces to build, and an instruction booklet. It's like onthe-go Lego, but not quite so migraine inducing or easy to misplace. ● SmartGlobe Adventure - This interactive globe offers hours of educational content, games and challenges. And combined with an app it provides information and images of landscapes, wildlife, and even history of each country. ● Aquadoodle Super Rainbow Deluxe - For my mucky little pup who loves to paint but ultimately just paints himself, this could encourage some branching out into shape making and creativity. And as an added bonus, my furniture won't get a makeover. ● John Deere Build A Johnny Tractor - Again, a toy for the smaller ones, this is a great gift for mechanically minded children. With a specially designed and supposedly easy to use tool, this tractor can be assembled and dissembled by little builders. I'm also hoping this might deflect attention from the constant emptying and replenishing of my jewellery box. And on that note, whatever your plans, beliefs, background or faith, I wish you a very happy December and I look forward to documenting our January ♥
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THE GREEN COLUMN
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Issue 80 2019
Let’s Try For A Zero-Waste (Or A Less-Waste) Christmas! With all the discussions around Climate Change, it seems everywhere I turn, people are talking about what we could do to do our bit for the planet… a great topic of conversation to be having as our planet reaches crisis.
brown post office paper, or using a beautiful piece of material to wrap that special gift. Get creative and thoughtful.
It can get a bit heavy and depressing and sometimes, it is easier to zone out of these conversations and just get on with our lives.
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However, there are some very small adaptations we can make this Christmas time to ‘do our bit’ for the planet… and they can be fun too!
✯ Swap out the plastic covered shiny foil wrapping paper. This can’t be recycled and will go to landfill. Try wrapping in newspaper,
✯ Ditch the sellotape and use ribbons or string.
They look much prettier and personalised and they can be reused. During present unwrapping time have two rubbish bags handy to do the recycling and non-recycling separation straight away. Christmas is so busy and no one wants to go back and sort through the bags later. Instead of buying new, buy second hand. Charity shops or Gumtree are full of amazing gifts, some that have never been used. This is a direct action to reducing our consumption of the new and mass produced.
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THE GREEN COLUMN
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Issue 80 2019
Shop locally and say NO to Amazon and other online shops. By supporting local makers and sellers, we support our community's people and economy.
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Swap out a meat meal for a vegetarian or vegan option. Mix it up a bit this year and try something new and reduce your impact while you eat.
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Send e-cards instead of buying and sending physical cards, or make your own using recycled materials. Most card cellophanes are not recyclable and an e-card has zero transport miles.
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✯ Plan ahead with a food planner. Last year, the
equivalent of 4 million Christmas dinners were wasted in the UK alone. Stick to your list when you are out shopping and don’t be tempted by all the Christmas ‘offers’. When have you ever been short of food at Christmas really?
✯If you are doing gifts with friends and family,
tell them what you would like. That way, everyone wins! You get a gift you love, they have spent their money wisely and nothing will §get wasted! OR, say NO to gifts this year and just enjoy being with the ones you love and make memories by pooling the money to do something nice together instead.
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✯ Make your tree decorations by using natural
resources or recycled things from your home. Pinterest and Google has lots of ideas on how to glam up the tree and your home without buying new plastic that will last on this planet forever. Taking food to share at a party? Make your own and reduce the plastic packaging that your food offering has.
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Recycle your drinks cans and bottles correctly after celebrating with friends and family.
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Christmas really doesn’t have to impact our planet as much as we allow it to. All it requires is some planning ahead, thoughtfulness and attention to detail. Have fun, be merry… and most importantly, see which swaps you can do this year to do your bit and see how amazing you feel when you do! Happy Christmas and best wishes, Article By Shona PAGE
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10 WAYS TO BALANCE...
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Issue 80 2019
10 Ways To Balance Your Personal Life And Business During The Festive Season Let’s be clear, it’s extremely important that you make plenty of time available for enjoying the Christmas festivities with your family and friends, leaving the needs of your business to one side if only for a few days - you know you deserve it! But it’s not an easy thing to do, achieving the right balance between your personal time for enjoying the festivities and the demands of business can be difficult to manage. That’s why the following 10 tips will help to smooth the way and ensure the balance is just right…. Preplan and prioritise - before you do anything, sit down and plan out your time, setting down your personal and business priorities for the festive season; what’s a must do, what can wait etc.
Don't worry about the little things - business stuff will still be there in January! Focus on the here and now; enjoy your Christmas. Outsource in your business where you can - if you’ve identified priority tasks that must be completed, why not outsource to a Virtual Assistant? Glow Virtual Assistants offer a number of services such as administration, bookkeeping, event planning any much more, all delivered by an experienced team. Get extra help with domestic and personal stuff, like cleaning, cooking, childcare, shopping or errands, either from family/friends or professionally, to ease the strain. That sounds good, doesn’t it?
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10 WAYS TO BALANCE...
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Issue 80 2019
Get support to give you clarity, balance and direction in your business and life - get yourself a business coach by joining HBR Superwomen Membership Club; let them help to guide you. Enjoy some down time - make ‘making memories’ with family and friends over the festive season a priority over making money from business. Have some fun and rest to recharge those batteries - you might not even realise you’ve become a little jaded and tired! Taking time out will ensure that you’re ready to start 2020 with lots of energy to run your business and even take it to new levels. Be sure to SET BOUNDARIES - if you do have to work all through the Christmas period (which is likely if you run a seasonal business) then be clear about when you will work and when you will play, and make sure your staff and family know this too! Don't sacrifice your wellbeing - as a business owner, you will be managing your business (plus all the extra responsibilities, e.g. parenthood) throughout the year so remember to use the festive season as a way to replenish yourself and not just to stop work in favour of family
responsibilities and festive duties. Whilst trips to see Santa with the family are all well and good, a spa break or afternoon tea can do wonders for the soul. That sounds good! Get some headspace from your business - taking a step back will allow you to strategically reflect on your business and make better plans for its future success (so taking personal time away from it will actually strengthen it!) There’s no one solution, no one size fits all when it comes to successfully achieving your work / life balance over the festive period, but hopefully you’ve now got some pointers that will help you to make time to enjoy yourself in the knowledge that you’re not neglecting your business - in fact, you’re probably going to make it stronger when you return refreshed in 2020.
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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CHRISTMAS BABY
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Issue 80 2019
Think Being A Christmas Baby Is Rubbish? Think Again! The first thing most people say when you tell them your birthday is a week before Christmas is “Oh that’s a shame” usually followed up with a question about whether you still get two sets of presents. But you couldn’t be more wrong, having a birthday around Christmas is the best! For a start, it's the one time of year when absolutely everybody is up for a party, be it your work Christmas bash (who doesn’t love food and drink paid for by the boss?) to having a cheeky glass of wine while out Christmas shopping.
It’s the one time of year when any excuse goes and having a birthday one week before the big day is no exception. Any time you suggest NOT celebrating a Christmas birthday, it’s met with outrage, disgust, and cries of “Oh, but we have to go out and celebrate!”. Yes, you do usually have to work around people’s work dos and trips to see the family, but that doesn’t stop the fun. Joining festive drinks thinly disguised as networking and the work Christmas party where paper hats and secret Santa gifts are compulsory is like having your birthday on repeat! Parties every week anyone?
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CHRISTMAS BABY
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The second reason being a festive baby is awesome is the ability to go to any city, town, or village and be greeted by beautiful lights and some form of festive market. It’s like the world is celebrating the anniversary of your birth, well, you and Jesus. Christmas lights have the ability to make any street look appealing, increasing friendliness levels in strangers by a considerable amount. Mulled wine is everywhere, mince pies are being thrust at you left, right and centre, and Christmas songs can be heard in every shop - if you can avoid the Christmas shopping rush then that’s a bonus, but even that can’t take away from the overall sense of loveliness. The best part is that all the beautiful artisans, who have been working away in the manner of elves all year, bring out their best pieces to showcase at Christmas Markets and Festive Fayres. Festive markets are just a fantastic reason to wrap up in your snuggliest scarf and make your way out into the twinkly-lighted streets. Thirdly, you are absolutely inundated with exceptional outfit choices. The weekly food shop is brightened up by snuggly jumpers, cute boots, and fluffy coats with Christmas (and your birthday) being a great excuse to treat yourself. A lunchtime wander brings your attention to sparkling numbers suitable for both that upcoming work party and your birthday night out. Not only do you look fabulous, but so do all your friends who have used the excuse of Christmas to treat themselves.
Issue 80 2019
If you’re still not convinced then maybe the final reason will be the one: the food. Yep, Christmas food cannot be beaten in the yumminess stakes. What other time of year would it be acceptable to have a permanent chocolate shrine in the lounge, which you can pick at all day with minimal judgement? Maybe Easter, but that’s all Easter has. By comparison, it’s a one trick pony. Christmas, on the other hand, brings not only the compulsory Quality Street, but also pigs in blankets (Pork wrapped in pork? Oh, go on then!), beautifully cooked Christmas ham, mince pies, mulled everything, enough cheese to run away and start a new life in France, and multiple dessert choices at every meal. The final reason to love being a Christmas baby? Nobody will judge you for polishing off a mulled wine; stuffing your face full of cheese; and spending more than you probably should on yourself because, hey, it’s Christmas! And yes, of course you hold out for two sets of presents, you’re a Christmas baby not an idiot! Article By Jordan Domin PAGE
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CHRISTMAS ON A BUDGET
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Issue 80 2019
Christmas On A Budget I’m sure it will come as no surprise to anyone that a household where five children are often resident needs to focus on ensuring finances are in order. Christmas on a budget, therefore, is something we really concentrate on making a reality!
Finances Try to avoid spending huge amounts this year. Knowing that you have enormous credit card bills and debts to clear in the new year can really be quite depressing. There is absolutely no need to spend beyond your means. If you need a bit extra this year, consider offering your services dog walking or babysitting. A temporary Christmas job is another option. The easiest one is perhaps selling unwanted and no-longer-
used items on Facebook marketplace or eBay. I prefer Facebook as there are zero fees and you don’t need to go to the post office. People can come and collect, then you get the money straight away.
Presents I know it’s December now and you probably think that most of the bargains have already been grabbed. Think again! There are plenty to be found if you look in the right places. First of all, check out Facebook marketplace. Many people sell things to try to make a bit of extra money for Christmas and there are often lots of unused, sometimes unopened, gifts that you could buy for a fraction of their worth. Sites like ‘Toys for a Pound’ are super for stocking fillers. Always compare prices before you buy items.
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Often, a gift might be advertised as 30% off, but still costs far greater than through another retailer. You don’t need to go overboard.
Food How many of us get to the end of Christmas Day and wonder why we bought so many items of food? I think we have all been guilty of it. Traditionally, shops would not reopen for a while, so being fully stocked was imperative. Nowadays, that isn’t the case and therefore, you can easily grab more milk or seven litres of double cream if you absolutely need to! Try to take it down a notch or two. It is still possible to enjoy Christmas without spending a fortune. If you are hosting Christmas dinner (we are!), ask your guests to bring certain dishes too. Although, having said that, I have certain obsessive tendencies when it comes to ensuring my food is cooked a certain way, so I am doing it all - my parents are contributing financially instead! If it’s just you and your immediate family, why not reduce the number of vegetable dishes you have? You could make it fun and have a vote to see which sides you make in the end.
CHRISTMAS ON A BUDGET Issue 80 2019
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Decorations Yes, real Christmas trees always have the edge over artificial ones. However, they do cost a fair bit. We always have an artificial one and I feel like it works better with the number of young children we have too. Plus, I really don’t like the pine smell or the feel of pine needles jabbing the soles of my feet! Do you really need to buy a giant inflatable snowman for the front garden? What about the snowflake projector? Christmas decorations do not need replacing each year. Use up what you have. Alternatively, take a woodland walk and grab some pine cones. Spray them gold or silver and add to a large vase for a beautiful addition to your festive theme.
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ICENI ASKS
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Issue 80 2019
What are your family's favourite Christmas traditions? “I have read ‘The Night Before Christmas’ every Christmas Eve since the boys were born. They’re now in their late teens!” Angie
“We attend the crib service on Christmas eve at church as a family, then return home to open the Christmas eve box (new PJs all round, family film to watch with nibbles and then bath treats). Anyone can come over before in the morning, but after 4.30pm it is strictly just us until Christmas morning” Helen “We always have roast beef on Christmas eve in bread rolls” Karen “I make gingerbread houses for the children to decorate. The children then eat bits off them leading up to Christmas” Bethany
“We always head to the local on Christmas morning while the dinner is being cooked and knock back a few pints. Our wives encourage us to do this and I’m not sure if it’s because they know we will eat less and fall asleep during the soaps or not, but we don’t mind obliging!” Andy
“Fancy dress every Christmas day - Lucas and the dogs!” Tracie “We always make sure we go to the pantomime at the theatre on a Christmas Eve” Sarah
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Christmas Gift Ideas Continue Reading
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LOWLANDER GIFT PACKS
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Issue 80 2019
Lowlander Launches Two Gift Packs on Not On The High Street We are excited to let you know that, for the first time, Lowlander’s Botanically Brewed Beers are available from Not On The High Street. The two gift packs available for Christmas are the #Xmas Lowlander Winter Beer Gift Pack and the Lowlander Botanical Beer Explorer Gift Pack.
The #Xmas Lowlander Gift Pack contains Lowlander’s Winter IPA, which is brewed
with recycled Christmas pine needles. In January this year, Lowlander asked customers in Amsterdam to donate their well-loved Christmas trees instead of throwing them out on the streets as rubbish after the festive period. Sprucing up this ‘waste’ into something delicious, Lowlander collected over six hundred kilos of spruce needles from unwanted trees and transformed them into bottles of refreshing Winter White IPA brew.
Going against the grain, Lowlander decided to craft a light White IPA rather than the typical dark beers, common in the winter months. The addition of juniper berries alongside unconventional spruce needles lends the beer a piny, resinous aroma, reminiscent of evergreen forests with a hoppy & light citrus kick perfect for cold Winter days. Available from: notonthehighstreet.com RRP: £25 ABV: 5% PAGE
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LOWLANDER GIFT PACKS
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Issue 80 2019
The Lowlander Explorer Gift Pack includes 5 botanically brewed beers: 1 x Lowlander 0.00% Beer 1 x Lowlander Yuzu & Grapefruit 1 x Lowlander Grapefruit Pale Ale 1 x Lowlander I.P.A 1 x Lowlander Islander Summer Ale
Available from: notonthehighstreet.com RRP: £24 ABV: Various Website: www.lowlander-beer.com | Instagram: @lowlanderbeer About Lowlander Beer Lowlander Beer is an award-winning brewery from the Netherlands - literally the Low Lands. Each of its botanically brewed beers has a unique story and a unique flavour. Lowlander’s ‘Chief Botanical Officer’, Frederik Kampman, worked for years in breweries and gin and genever distilleries in both the Netherlands and internationally. ‘As soon as I got into the world of distilling I was gripped by the number of herbs and spices used. As a beer lover, I started to wonder what these botanicals could add to beer.’ And so the idea for Lowlander Beer was born: unique beers brewed with botanicals. All prices are correct at the time of publication PAGE
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LEAPFROG
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Issue 80 2019
Leap Into Christmas With Leapfrog Ideal for little ones this Christmas, award-winning educational toy brand, LeapFrog, have a gift suitable for all children this festive season. From interactive toys through to learning, role play and bedtime, see some top picks below:
LeapStart 3D (2-7yrs) £49.99 | Argos, Very The LeapStart 3D is an all-in-one interactive learning system. Get children excited about learning by bringing books to life through touch-and-talk games and 3D-like animations. More than 30 activities in every book, and 25+ books to choose from!
BRAND NEW! Scrub and Play Smart Sink (2-5yrs) £34.99 | Smyths Toys Superstores Soak up fun and learning with the Scrub and Play Smart Sink! Little ones can count along with the soap pump, match the dishes by colours and size with the talking dish rack, and immerse themselves in imaginative, pretend play!
LeapStory (3-8yrs) £44.99 | Smyths Toys Superstore Turn any time into story time with LeapStory! This innovative storytelling cube tells classic stories, legends, myths and fables while projecting images and animations onto the wall/ceiling. LeapStory is loaded with 80+ stories, songs and poems. Parents can even personalise the LeapStory by recording their own voice reading a story too!
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LEAPFROG
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Issue 80 2019
RockIt Twist (4-10yrs) £49.99 | John Lewis /Argos LeapFrog® introduces a unique new twist on handheld gaming with RockIt Twist™. RockIt Twist offers four sides to turn and play, light-up controls, multiple games, digital pets and music to help kids’ game and learn with a twist! 12 preloaded games help kids learn a variety of skills including literacy, math, problem solving, science and creativity.
BRAND NEW! LeapStart® Go (4-9yrs) £49.99 |Argos Available now, the innovative LeapStart® Go interactive learning system! This sleek, easy-to-hold stylus triggers videos and audio responses using an adjustable 1.44” LCD screen and built-in speaker. With activity sets like The Human Body and School Success (sold separately), children will enjoy exploring with a variety of topics.
BRAND NEW! LeapFrog Magic Adventures Globe (5yrs+) £79.99 | Argos, Smyths Toys Superstores Young explorers can travel the world and see everything in it with the Magic Adventures Globe™. Using the stylus, children can tap on the 10" interactive learning globe and experience new places, languages, cultures, animals, geography, habitats and more through high-quality BBC videos. Featuring an integrated video screen, animations and live-action videos, fully immerse kids in the curriculum to provide a better understanding of the world. All prices are correct at the time of publication PAGE
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VTECH'S 5 AND UNDER
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Issue 80 2019
VTech’s Top Toys For Christmas 5 Years And Under From classic role play toys to the latest innovation in kids’ tech, Vtech’s new launches are set to be at the top of children’s wish lists.
Vtech Hop-A-Roo Kangaroo (1-4yrs) £39.99 | Argos This fun, interactive learning toy, hops across the floor and encourages your little one to move with them. The cute phrases and sing-along songs, as well as the buttons on the paws and pouch introduce children to fun facts, numbers, and sounds, while encouraging nurturing role play.
ZoomiZooz Treehouse and Characters (1-5yrs) £44.99 | Smyths Toys Superstore / Littlewoods Jump into the magical, wobbly world of ZoomiZooz this Christmas! Children will love collecting the ZoomiZooz animals and playing with their interactive Tree House home. The colourful animals tumble down the spiral track, roll down the rope bridge and even interact with each other when passing Magic Zoomi Zones. With 24 adorable animal characters to collect, each with their own personality, children will love collecting these animal pals!
Toot-Toot Drivers Train Station (1-5yrs) £49.99 | Smyths Toys Superstores All aboard! Spark your child’s imagination with the Toot-Toot Drivers Train Station. Watch the cute motorised train and its wagon chug along the tracks and go into the station, over the bridge, down the ramp and load up using the crane! The train and other Toot-Toot Drivers vehicles respond to the 4 SmartPoint locations that introduce early language skills.
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VTECH'S 5 AND UNDER
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Issue 80 2019
Vtech Rock & Ride Unicorn (18mths-3yrs) £44.99 | Smyths Toys Superstore Hop into the saddle of the Rock & Ride Unicorn with its magical light up horn and explore two exciting modes for hours of fun. The light up buttons introduce the unicorn itself and colours to your little one, while the motion sensor plays sounds to entertain baby when on the move. Includes three sing-along songs and 15 enchanting melodies.
Vtech Learn & Dance Dino (2-5yrs) £39.99 | Smyths Toys Superstore Meet the Learn & Dance Dino with special dino egg and lots of fun singalong songs and melodies! Featuring three light up buttons that teach colours, shapes and play music as well as nine colourful action plates that will customise Dino’s voice, emotions and dancing styles, Dino will be your little one’s new best friend in no time.
Touch & Learn Activity Desk (2-5yrs+) £59.99 | John Lewis / Amazon This four-in-one desk features a writing pad, desk, blackboard and art station. It includes an interactive desktop, stylus and four double-sided touch pages filled with engaging content including letters, numbers, music, colours and much more. It also transforms from a desk into an easel and blackboard! All prices are correct at the time of publication PAGE
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VTECH'S 5 AND OVER
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Issue 80 2019
VTech’s Top Toys For Christmas 5 Years And Over From classic role play toys to the latest innovation in kids’ tech, Vtech’s new launches are set to be at the top of children’s wish lists.
KidiCom™ Advance (3-11yrs) £119.99 | Smyths Toys Superstores The new KidiCom™ Advance is more than just a messaging device! It’s a sleek flat screen device just like mum and dad’s smartphones. Using Wi-Fi, children can message family and friends, take photos and videos, play games, safely browse the internet, enjoy music and watch their favourite shows. Featuring built-in games, Snapchat like filters and effects to create cool images and augmented reality monster catching game, the KidiCom™ Advance is set to be a Christmas must-have this year!
Turbo Force Racers (4-10yrs) Turbo Force Racers: £17.99 | Argos Turbo Force Racers Race Track £39.99 | Argos Perform cool stunts and tricks with these awesome remote controlled, portable Turbo Force Racer vehicles that you control from your wristband! Shake your wrist to charge the vehicle’s turbo fuel and then watch as the vehicle zooms off with a turbo boost at the press of a button. What’s more, create your own adrenaline- fuelled race with the Turbo Force Racers racetrack set that can be re-configured into 4 different combinations; two epic racer circuits or two cool stunt tracks!
KidiZoom Smartwatch DX2 (4yrs+) £49.99 | Smyths Toys Superstore Get your little one their very own Smartwatch this Christmas! They can take great photos and videos with the dual cameras and apply cool effects to them! Play Monster Detector, count their steps, record voice notes and more! Features a 1.4 colour touch screen and built-in rechargeable battery. PAGE
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VTECH'S 5 AND OVER
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Issue 80 2019
KidiGear Walkie Talkies (5yrs+) £34.99 | Smyths Toys Superstore
650-foot
range
Playing hide and seek has never been so fun! Little ones can keep in touch indoors and out within a 650-foot range! These child-safe two-way walkie talkies feature fun voice effects and a digital connection to keep children’s conversations secure.
aterproof w a g in a Featur ount and m g n ti a o l case, f le lens wide-ang
Action Cam HD (5yrs+) £52.99 | https://www.vtech.co.uk/
A gift for budding photographers this Christmas… the brand new Action Cam HD! Children 5yrs+ can create stop motion, slow motion, fast motion and even reverse videos with this new Action Cam. Featuring a waterproof case, floating mount and a wide-angle lens, it’s perfect for capturing everyday adventures!
Kidi Super Star (6+yrs) £49.99 | Smyths Toys Superstores
gic mode Music Ma
Sing your heart out this festive season with Kidi Super Star®! Using Music Magic mode, you can remove or reduce the main vocal track of your songs, so you can sing as the lead! Plug in any external music player (not included) using the audio cable, and set the mood using the motorised colour changing disco light, creating a true pop star atmosphere. Record and playback your performances for the whole family to enjoy! All prices are correct at the time of publication PAGE
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ROCK ON!
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Issue 80 2019
Rock On! Music Wallpapers You Cannot Miss
Forget framing your classic vinyl or posters, dedicate an entire wall to your favourite rock band with these made-to-measure rock music wallpapers available at Wallsauce. The line up is like nothing you’ve seen before. From the iconic Rolling Stones tongue logo and Queen’s crest designed by Freddie Mercury himself, to Guns N Roses’ Appetite for Destruction album artwork and a Sex Pistols' album cover montage, you’ll find the ultimate artwork from rock in this 17-piece collection.
Although ideal for every fan, these custom-made wallpapers will give the edge to teen bedrooms, man caves and even home offices. Struggling to find a Christmas gift for the person who has it all? No matter what music they’re in to, this collection is so iconic every music fan will be into these!
All wallpapers from Wallsauce are made to your dimensions and available on a choice of materials including paste the wall and a peel and stick material - great for rented homes! Discover the rock music wallpapers from Rock Roll at Wallsauce. PAGE
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ROCK ON!
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Issue 80 2019
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ORCHARD TOYS Issue 80 2019
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Orchard Toys Christmas Picks
Leading manufacturer of preschool games, Orchard Toys, has added two fantastic new games to its range: Rainbow Unicorns and Knights and Dragons. Both games make the perfect gift; they’re beautifully packaged and jampacked with fun that children will love! With the unicorn craze as popular as ever, Rainbow Unicorns will be a bestseller in no time! Featuring a colourful rainbow board and friendly characters, players match unicorns by colour to gallop along the rainbow towards the magical pot of gold. Rainbow Unicorns can begin as a matching activity before developing into a fun game, perfect for 3-5 year olds. This magical matching game is sure to be at the top of many Christmas lists this year! Budding knights will love Knights and Dragons, a fast-paced game where players battle it out to collect the most noble knights before the castle image is completed. The gamechanger dragon cards add another fun element to the game - turn over an awake dragon and a player’s knight will be scared away, but turn over a sleeping dragon and a player can win back all the lost knights! Girls and boys alike will love both of these games which champion Orchard Toys’ simple and engaging gameplay with popular themes and fantastic illustrations! Whether you’re buying them for now or saving them for Christmas, these games guarantee hours of fun time and time again!
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ORCHARD TOYS Issue 80 2019
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SAMSUNG GIFT IDEAS
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Issue 80 2019
Samsung Gift Ideas Samsung Galaxy S10 5G
RRP £1,099.00 Available from www.samsung.com/uk Unlock a new world of connection for that special someone with the future-ready Samsung Galaxy S10 5G. Releasing lightning quick data speeds, this impressive device allows owners to effortlessly download music, stream movies, games and much more.
Samsung The Serif TV From £1,199.00 Available in 43”, 49”, 55”
This Christmas, give the design enthusiast the gift of dreams with the statement Samsung Serif TV. Complete with an iconic ‘I’ shaped design, users can experience genuine cinematic pictures made from over a billion colours and shades. When it isn’t playing their desired film or TV shows, users can enjoy the Serif as a work of art via the Serif Ambient Mode.
Samsung A70
From £369.00 Available in Black, Blue, Coral and White Make a friend’s year by hooking them up with the epic Galaxy A70. Complete with a display that gives more room to play, the 6.7-inch screen will bring to life films and gaming sessions like no other. In addition, the user can snap their favourite memories effortlessly with the impressive triple camera set-up. Features include Flaw Detection to nail the ultimate shot and Ultra-Wide lens to fit in the world without any restrictions. PAGE
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SAMSUNG GIFT IDEAS
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Issue 80 2019
AKG Y500 Headphones
RRP £129.00 Available from www.samsung.com/uk Available in Pink, Ocean Green, Marine Blue and Black Discover a rich, uncompromised sound with detail that’s deep in bass and rich in the mid-range, allowing every layer of sound to be felt. Available in four refreshing colours, enjoy up to 33 hours of wireless playback time on a single charge, and get an extra hour of use from a 5 minute speed charge
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active RRP £229 Available in Black, Rose Gold, Silver
The Galaxy Watch Active is a one-stop shop for tracking fitness, health and sleep - perfect for those fitness fanatic family members. Designed with wellness in mind, this must-have accessory will help users to stay motivated for New Year’s resolutions by tracking fitness and advising on nutritional info via the Samsung Health app. What’s more, allows users can also monitor their sleep pattern, manage stress and measure their blood pressure and heart rate.
Samsung Galaxy Buds
RRP £139 Available in Yellow, Black, White Go wireless and enjoy music everywhere with the super slick Samsung Galaxy Buds. Built with adaptive dual microphone technology, users can fully immerse themselves in their playlist without a single background noise. Users can alternatively shift their focus to the surroundings without taking them off, to never miss what’s coming and going.
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VTECH FROZEN
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Issue 80 2019
VTech’s Brand New Frozen Collection For those Anna, Elsa and Olaf fans who are never ‘letting go’, VTech’s brand new Frozen collection won’t disappoint! Check out the full Frozen range, including a Magic Learning Tablet and Colour Changing Clock - tipped to be Christmas list heroes!
The VTech® Frozen II Magic Learning Tablet
Available from: Amazon, Argos and Debenhams £21.99 Join Anna, Elsa and Olaf as they go on new and exciting adventures! The tablet features 6 Frozen II themed activities that help to reinforce the learning of letters, phonics, vocabulary, objects, spelling, matching, logic, classification, typing and more! With fun animations and cool sound effects, little ones will love to go on this learning journey with their favourite Frozen II characters!
The VTech® Frozen II Magic Secret Diary
Available from: Argos, Smyths Toys and Very £34.99 Kids can keep all their secrets safe by using the diary's voice activated locking system, and by using the super-secret drawer! There's also a whole load of Frozen-themed games to choose from, with 5 word games, 4 fun number & maths games, 4 logic & memory games, and in My Creativity 5 music, dance & shape creativity activities. Little ones can also set their clock, alarm, and input dates in their diary! PAGE
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VTECH FROZEN
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Issue 80 2019
The VTech® Frozen II Magic Colour Clock Available from: Next and John Lewis £39.99 Kids can go to sleep with Anna and Elsa with the clock's soft-glowing, colour-changing mood light that projects their silhouettes and the time onto the ceiling! The clock also includes motion-sensing controls: just move your hand over the unit to interact with the games or change the colour of the light. There are 10 Frozen-themed clock faces to choose from, 7 colour-changing light effects, and built in melodies and FM Radio. Children can also play 4 mini games and 2 fun fortune-telling activities!
The VTech® Frozen II Magic Learning Watch Available from: Argos and Amazon £17.99
The Frozen II Magic Learning Watch is a great wearable gadget for little ones! Not only does it show the time, there's also an alarm, timer and stopwatch functions, 9 interchangeable digital clock faces and a glowing light. There's 4 built-in games with Frozen characters that introduce and reinforce the learning of counting, opposites, numbers and problem solving! All prices are correct at the time of publication PAGE
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Carry on reading to find out
What's On Across Norfolk this month.
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WHAT'S ON...
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Issue 80 2019
Thrills And Spills As Scrooge Is Transformed In A First For Norwich Playhouse
A CIRCUS CAROL December 11-21, 2019
One of the best-loved stories of the festive season, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, will be turned on its head as an innovative circus production brings Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future tumbling onto the stage in a riot of colour at Norwich Playhouse from December 11 to 21. A Circus Carol will be The Playhouse’s very first in-house Christmas production, and is co-produced by Norwich Theatre Royal, Norwich Playhouse and Norwich-based Lost in Translation Circus, one of the UK’s leading contemporary circus companies. The ground-breaking show will feature a festive feast of high level dynamic circus skills
combined with dance and character acting, as well as Lost in Translation Circus’s trademark warm humour which is guaranteed to tug at the heart-strings one minute and have audiences laughing out loud the next. Expect dramatic acrobatics, aerial arts, balance work, clowning, juggling, character acting inspired by the Commedia dell’arte and much more, all woven into the re-imagined story of Scrooge presented by a tight-knit group of performers from Italy, France, Ireland and Australia. This unique 70-minute-long show will immerse audiences in musical merriment with dramatic lighting, specially-composed music and
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WHAT'S ON...
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Issue 80 2019
sumptuous richly-coloured costumes for an uplifting Christmas experience which will truly be out of the ordinary. The show is ideal for everyone aged 10-plus.
castle alive with attractions and performances inspired by George Wombwell’s travelling menagerie which visited Windsor Castle in 1847.
Lost in Translation Circus was set up by codirectors Massimiliano Rossetti and Annabel Carberry not only to create and perform in their own special brand of innovative, contemporary circus, but also to teach it to people of all abilities.
Speaking about the excitement of producing a brand new show for Christmas, co-director Massimiliano Rossetti said: “Lost in Translation Circus is very excited to collaborate and create this production with Norwich Theatre Royal and Norwich Playhouse. It is a great privilege to work with two of the city’s most renowned arts venues. It is wonderful to create something different for Christmas which will combine all the traditions with circus to create a dazzling festive experience.”
Having made Norwich their home, they set up their Oak Circus Centre in Oak Street in the city, and from there are creating ground-breaking touring circus productions for both indoor and outdoor venues and arenas. Their ensemble shows include The Hogwallops, Hotel Paradiso, D’Emblée and La Balladee de Bergerac, with several new shows currently in development. Lost in Translation Circus also recently performed in Queen Victoria’s Circus, a family festival at Windsor Castle on September 14 which transported visitors back to the time of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert as part of celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of their births. The company helped bring the
Tickets for A Circus Carol cost from £12-£15 with discounts for concessions, schools and groups of ten-plus. For more information or to book online see www.norwichplayhouse.co.uk There will be a special relaxed performance of the show on Saturday December 14, at 2.30pm. This is suitable for anyone who would benefit from a supportive and more relaxed environment, including those with an autism spectrum condition or a wide range of disabilities. Patrons are free to move around and make noise during the performance. For more information call 01603 598598. SHOW INFORMATION: A Circus Carol Wednesday 11 to Saturday 21 December. Eves 7.30pm. Matinees 2.30pm on Wed 18 & Sats 14 and 21. Morning shows 11am on Thur & Fri 12 & 13. Tickets £12-£15. Discounts for Concessions and Groups of 10+, £9.50 preview night, £8.50 schools at 11am shows. Sat Dec 14 2.30pm show will be a Relaxed Performance. For more info or to BOOK ONLINE log on to www.norwichplayhouse.co.uk or call the box office on 01603 598598.
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WHAT'S ON...
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Issue 80 2019
The Mediaeval Baebes And A Timeless Treat Of Music, Dance And Theatre Most recognised for their title track to the renowned ITV series Victoria, the internationally acclaimed Mediaeval Baebes are performing in Norwich Cathedral, where they will escort their audience through a musical journey inspired by a time when poetry and music was created to invoke sensory pleasure. But who are the Mediaeval Baebes and what has made this septet’s haunting vocal harmonies become renowned across the globe?
The Mediaeval Baebes began over 20 years ago when a group of friends broke into a cemetery and sang together, clad in flowing white grounds and crowns of ivy. After 3 chart-topping classical albums, an Ivor Novello Award, numerous sellout tours of the UK, USA, Europe and Asia, and most recently, 2 Emmy - Award nominations for their soundtrack to ITV’s hit period drama Victoria; the Mediaeval Baebes are established as one the most successful, female-led early music and folk ensembles in Europe.
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WHAT'S ON...
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Issue 80 2019
Our music comes alive when
Performing in many stunning and historically significant venues across the world, ranging from castles and caves through to nightclubs and renaissance fayres, some of their favourites have included Hampton Court Palace, Berkley Castle, The Royal Albert Hall, Chateau de Fontainebleau in France and Carnglaze Caverns in Cornwall. In addition, the Mediaeval Baebes have also toured with Jules Holland, supported Michael Flatley in Hyde Park, performed at the The Game Of Thrones Festival in Canada and appeared as joint guests on a show with Meatloaf! But as their ethereal harmonies transport the listeners through a myriad of ancient and forgotten languages, whilst being accompanied by a dazzling array of exotic and period instruments, this unique group of vocalists and musicians weave their story-telling magic through the original settings of mediaeval texts, traditional folk songs, nursery rhymes and carols.
we sing in churches and cathedrals because it was designed to be sung there, so it really is mediaeval music coming home! to embark on. However, this album which is accompanied by a hardback book pull-out, with beautiful illustrations and an in-depth literary background on the featured nursery rhymes, celebrates the ancient teaching tools that run throughout our culture and folklore. Many of these you will be familiar with, but others have been lost in the mists of time and this edgy and mystic album has impressively created an important musical document of English folklore and history.
This is a show that I cannot wait to see, and Katheryn Blake their musical director, composer and produce explained “Our new winter show is set to be a vibrant performance that will be moving, amusing, rousing and spellbinding. Our music comes alive when we sing in churches and cathedrals because it was designed to be sung there, so it really is mediaeval music coming home!
So the Mediaeval Baebes creatively combine music, dance and theatre.
We will be celebrating this magical time of year by performing Christmas carol classics from our top ten album Of Kings & Angels, in addition to songs from our new album A Pocketful of Posies, the uplifting title theme for ITV’s Victoria and some other contemporary and traditional songs.”
The Mediaeval Baebes are really set to enchant and uplift their audiences at Norwich Cathedral on Thursday 19th December, so don’t miss this magical experience that will immerse your senses in a timeless treat of unique musical beauty.
And, with mediaeval choreography, some fascinating historical facts and the occasional saucy joke, their enjoyment of all things mediaeval and love of music cannot help but captivate all who are lucky enough to see them perform.
Their recently released A Pocketful of Posies album re-creates nursery rhymes as exquisitely arranged pieces for all ages to enjoy and may at first glance, appear to be a strange project
Tickets are now available from www.mediaevalbaebes.com at a cost of £25 each. PAGE
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ICENI - HOROSCOPES
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Issue 80 2019
Horoscopes For December Aries 21 March - 20 April This month brings positive
Libra 24 September - 23 October With feisty Mars in
energy to your goals and career plans, and can see the start of expansion in this area. At the same time with Saturn and Pluto gradually merging, it is time for some restructuring concerning key ambitions. From week three your social life sparkles with festive potential Aries. Ready to take positive steps? The December 26th Eclipse can help.
your money zone, this can be a resourceful month when you’ll have an eye for bargains. And if you have been dealing with weighty domestic issues, the festive season could see a shift in this regard. Romance figures strongly from week three, whatever your relationship status. A new development around the 26th could be good news for the family.
Taurus 21 April - 21 May As fortunate Jupiter aligns
Scorpio 24 October - 22 November Ready for the
harmoniously with your sign, you may note a surge of dynamic energy and perhaps a feeling that you are capable of more than you thought. Be especially alert around December 15th, as there is a possibility of a lucky break. Eager to embrace fresh opportunities? As your confidence grows, new and fruitful ideas can replace any you have outgrown Taurus.
holidays? With dynamic Mars in your sign, you’ll get through your to-do list in no time. And if you have been working towards new opportunities, rewards can soon be yours. Communication is enhanced this month, with the Solar Eclipse on the 26th the key to exciting opportunities. Networking and socializing can bring benefits that keep accruing Scorpio.
Gemini 22 May - 21 June Tired of battling money,
Sagittarius 23 November - 21 December The Sun in
business or relationship issues? Buoyancy can replace doubt and help may come from unlikely sources regarding a major issue. Ready to celebrate? The week two Full Moon can see you eager to enjoy a festive event that may have romantic overtones. The December 26th Solar Eclipse can pave the way for a new beginning, if you can let go of the past.
your sign until December 22nd, can see you busy with plans that are personal to you. Need to clear the air? Feelings can reach a peak around the week two Full Moon, and this may allow for honest discussion. Money matters could take a positive turn and give hope for the future, with the week four Eclipse bringing solid opportunities to increase your income Archer.
Cancer 22 June - 23 July It is understandable if you feel
Capricorn 22 December - 20 January As upbeat Jupiter
a tad cynical about certain relationships, particularly with Saturn and Pluto preparing to merge. From early this month, things can take a new term if you’re willing to see such issues from a fresh perspective. And a romance can move into deeper waters from December 20th, if you are ready. Whatever your relationship status, a fresh start is possible.
enters your sign from December 2nd for the long-term, you may feel that life now holds more potential. The coming weeks can be a time for tying up loose ends and gaining perspective on your life prior to the Sun entering your sign on the 22nd. Plus, the Eclipse in your sign on the 26th can inspire a new beginning, enabling you to expand your horizons Capricorn.
Leo 24 July - 23 August If it seems that you’ve been
Aquarius 21 January - 19 February
carrying the weight of responsibility on your shoulders, you could experience a positive shift Leo. And the easing of a burden can see you relishing a delightful celebration around the 12th. Ready for a golden opportunity? Week three can bring a pleasant surprise in this regard. Plus, romance and your social life can flourish from December 20th.
You may enjoy socializing this holiday season, but equally you could relish quieter times and a chance to consider what you really want out of life. Dreams and intuitive nudges could play a big part in goal setting for the coming year, so it is worth paying attention. And with lovely Venus entering your sign from December 20th, spending time with close ones can be a real pleasure.
Virgo 24 August - 23 September This looks to be an
Pisces 20 February - 20 March If your social life has
upbeat month, with family members enjoying the festivities. It is also excellent for creative and romantic activities, as Jupiter enters Capricorn for the long-term. Ready for the spotlight? You could be a star on December 12th, so showcase you best side Virgo. Beginning an enterprise? Aim for the 26th, and you could reap the rewards you so deserve.
been more hard work than pleasure, Jupiter’s move into this zone can bring sparkling opportunities for moving in new circles or resolving an awkward issue. This month has much to commend it, but there is no doubt that you’ll do better working as part of a team rather than going it alone Pisces. New developments from December 26th can open doors for you.
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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