Kidscene Magazine Issue 32 by KidsceneMagazineOnline

Nov/Dec

2017

Your handbag sized guide

www.kidscenemagazine.co.uk

ISSUE 32

· VISITS WITH SANTA · FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA · · CHRISTMAS LUNCH · ACCOMMODATION PACKAGES · S E E O U R W E B S I T E F O R M O R E D E TA I L S

NOV/DEC This edition each year is always one of the most exciting to work on. There is so much going on and so much to look forward to!

PA G E

5/8 9

W H AT ’ S O N COMPETITIONS

BUTTERY SHORTBREAD

MEET THE CAST

MUMPRENEUR

BOOK REVIEWS

RESILIENT KIDS

20,000 copies of Kidscene Magazine are delivered directly into primary schools from SA1 to SA15 areas bi-monthly.

There are literally Pantomimes galore around the City, so pick your favourite story and off you go! (Check out the competitions page and make sure you enter, to be in with a chance of winning one of many fabulous Panto family tickets!). There are also so many lovely places to visit Santa each year and this year is certainly no exception. Party with Santa, eat dinner with him or just say hello the choice is yours! I hope you all have a fantastic and peaceful Christmas. See you in the New a Year!

Next edition | Jan/feb 2018 Copy deadline | December 19th 2017 Call | 07388 054097 sales@kidscenemagazine.co.uk www.kidscenemagazine.co.uk

Gorseinon Sketty

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01792 89 11 44 Address 01792 Web Address 29 99 96

CENTRE • 0000 0000

Local News... Princess Pirate Pants

Shelley`s Childminding

Shelley`s Full andChildminding Part Time spaces Before and after school care/ Full and Part Time spaces Weekends Before and after school care and weekends Drop ups Dropoff offand and pick pick ups Covering Clydach, Trebanos, Covering Clydach, Trebanos and Pontardawe/Glais, Pontardawe/and GlaisYnystawe! , Birchgrove Birchgrove and Ynystawe Tel: 07476645602 07476645602 Shelley_laura@outlook.com Shelley_laura@outlook.com

The perfect Christmas present for you little princess and written by local Primary School teacher Rhian Howells. Princess Pirate Pants is not your conventional princess. She doesn't like pink sparkly dresses or spending hours combing her hair. Instead, she enjoys outdoor adventures with her Pirate Crew- the muddier the adventure, the better! About Rhian: I have been a primary school teacher for the past 10 years, and one of my favourite things to teach is story writing. I've always been a lover of books and an avid reader from a young age. One of my favourite childhood memories was my mother reading me a bedtime story and now that I am a mother a story is an essential part of the bedtime routine. The funnier the story, the better! This was the inspiration behind Princess Pirate Pants. Princess Pirate Pants is a rhyming picture book with beautiful illustrations by Blue Wasp Creative aimed at young children and published by Rowanvale books.

Development Classes ‘No better start to a child’s life’ – ITV News

0-3 years. INfaNts, toddlers & JuNIors

Contact: Emma emmaj@babycollege.co.uk or 07951 496688

Classes across:

> Swansea > Neath > Port Talbot

www.babycollege.co.uk

New Baby College classes... Hello to all you marvellous mums, beautiful babies and terrific toddlers and delightful juniors! I’m Emma and I just wanted to spread the word about Baby College; a fun, enriching, creative and peaceful class as much for parents as it is for babies, toddlers and juniors. If you are interested in your baby's development, Keen to have an influence on this as much as possible, a lover of fun, peaceful, relaxed opportunities to meet other parents Looking for ways of enhancing the bond between you? … Then Baby College is for you! (I know this from personal experience- I did these classes as a parent with both my daughters and loved it so much I decided to run it!!) Our fun, insightful, nurturing classes are a complete developmental workout for your little one. Each session is a carefully designed mixture of physical, multi-sensory and cognitive games, exercises and activities. Sessions encompass: music, singing, dancing, signing

and much more - all intended to cover many aspects of your baby's developing body and personality. For toddlers and juniors we expand on this to incorporate learning themes, independence, socialisation and body awareness. At the same time Baby College also offers you a useful weekly insight into child development so you can learn all about your growing baby. Classes are: Infants 0 - 9months | Toddlers 9 18months | Junior 18 - 36 months Classes held: Wednesday St Paul's Parish Centre, Sketty, Swansea | Toddler - 10am | Infant11am Gorseinon Institute, Gorseinon, Swansea | Infants - 1:30 | Toddlers - 2:30 Thursday Cadoxton Community Centre, Cadoxton, Neath Infants- 11am, toddlers- 10am (if enough demand) Looking forward to meeting you all there!

November 11

11th-12th - Viking weekend at the Gower Heritage Centre. 10-5pm.

17th - Christmas arrives in Swansea! Waterfront Winterland is back along with Swansea's Christmas Market until Dec 21st featuring over 40 traders. 9.30-5.30pm. In a number of chalets there’ll also be new traders each week, so you’ll be sure to find something different on each visit and get your shopping list ticked off in no time. There’s also a great selection of festive food to fuel you up and a Christmas Bar where you can relax with a mulled wine. The children will love a visit to Santa’s Grotto on Portland Street and will ensure the whole family have a great day out! 17th-19th - Festival of the Senses, Llandeilo is an annual free pre Christmas festival. Located across the West Wales town, the festival encompasses the towns shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants as well as offering Craft and fashion stalls, food stalls, buskers, entertainment and more.

18th-24th - Santa's grotto and the Elves Workshop, Mumble Pier. Why not visit Father Christmas at our Grotto and even pick your very own present from our Elves Workshop. Each child will get to vista Santa in his Grotto following which they will go in the Elves Workshop where they can pick any present they desire from the array of beautiful toys we have on offer. If you want whilst your there why not grab your own Reindeer Sprinkles or Christmas Eve Cookies ready for the big day!

| www.kidscenemagazine.co.uk

Ticket: £7.95 (per child accompanying adults do not need to purchase tickets for this event) 18th - 21st Dec - Swansea City Centre Grotto - Located on Portland Street near Castle Square,Santa will be taking up residence in his Grotto on Portland Street from 18 November to 21 December to grant Christmas wishes and spread festive cheer! The little ones will be greeted by Santa’s Elves before meeting Santa himself. All visitors to the grotto will receive a Christmas gift. There will also be an opportunity to have a photo taken with Santa. £4.75 (PTL £4.25) per child to see Santa. £5.75 (PTL £5.25) per child to see Santa and have a photograph. 12-5pm Mon-Fri and 11-5pm Sat-Sun. 18th - 19th - Green Fayre at the Waterfront Museum. Ideas, advice and gifts for a truly Green Christmas. The fair will be packed full with environmentally friendly, organic, fair trade, recycled and locally produced goodies. 105pm. 18th - Bay of Plenty: Stories of the City, Campus & Culture at the Waterfront Museum. As Swansea University approaches its centenary in 2020, bring the whole

family along to export 100 years of Swansea's human stories. 1.303.30pm. 18th - Autumn Christmas Craft Fayre at Nicholaston House, Gower. 10-4pm. Pick up some pressies with arts, crafts, local produce and bespoke stone carvings on sale. 18th - Cheeki Monkeys Christmas Fayre, Arts Wing Swansea Grand Theatre. 10-4pm. Find presents for family and friends whilst keeping the kids entertained with face painting, activities and a chance to meet Santa. 18th-19th - Winter Fair at NT Colby Woodland Gardens. 10-4pm. A range of stalls offering local art, craft and homemade produce.

19th - Swansea Christmas Parade from 5pm. - Get your bobble hats and winter warmers on and head into the city centre once again - this time to line the streets and watch as all your favourite characters join in a colourful and exciting Parade to celebrate the countdown to Christmas. Listen out for the jingling of bells as Santa Claus himself comes to light up our city!

23rd - 7th Jan - It’s a dream winter wonderland for Christmas 2017 at the Celtic Manor Resort with a lots of festive family fun. You can see Santa in a variety of ways from traditional grotto visits to an afternoon tea. There is also ice skating with night discos and family skate night. Plus festive food and drink from The Bratwurst Hut.

25th - Code your own Computer Game! Waterfront Museum. A fun and interactive workshop to develop and code your very own computer game. Age 8+. 10.30am & 1.30pm. 25th - 1st Dec - Christmas Around the World Trail - at the Waterfront Museum. Search our galleries to uncover different customs and unusual traditions. 25th-24th Dec - Santa Visits the Mill at the Gower Heritage Centre. 11-5pm weekends, no need to book. 25th-26th - Christmas Market at the Gower Heritage Centre. 105pm. 25th-7th Jan - 12 Days of Christmas at NT Dyffryn Gardens. Discover Dyffryn's popular '12 Days of Christmas' trail reinvented with a new magical display for the family. 25th - Create ‘A Child’s Christmas in Wales’ themed snow globe at the Dylan Thomas Centre in time for Christmas in this fun family workshop. Drop-in, free. 1-4pm.

Travel through time this Christmas as we explore traditions past and present. 10.30-4pm. 25th-26th, 2-3rd Dec, 9th-10th Dec, 16th -17th Dec - Meet Father Christmas at NT Tredegar House. 10-45-4pm. Father Christmas will be in his stables as he makes his preparations for his busiest night of the year. 25th - 23rd Dec - Brecon Mountain Railway. Travel from Pant Station in Merthyr Tydfil to Santa's Grotto in Pontsticill where you will meet the big man. Both children and adults receive a present from Santa and the grown ups get the added extra of mulled wine and mince pies. The Santa Specials launch on November 25 and continue until December 23. It's £14.75 for adults and £12.75 for children. It's free for those under three.

December 1

1st - 6th - Jack & the Beanstalk Panto at the Princess Royal Theatre. Jermin Productions are back with the PANTOMIME you've all BEAN waiting for! Expect HUGE helpings of fun, magic and audience participation! 1st - Pontardawe Christmas Parade. Join Pontardawes own Dame as she invites her friends on stage to 'do a turn' and entertain us as we wait to welcome Santa to Town. 5.30pm Procession from The Cross down Herbert St. 5pm-8pm - Craft and Produce Fayre. 6-8pm - Santa's Grotto, as she invites her friends on stage to ‘do a turn’ and entertain us as we wait to welcome Santa to town.

2nd - Festive Fun Day at the Waterfront Museum. Join us for an afternoon of festive cheer with Santa and real reindeers. 12-4pm. 25th-26th - Dinefwr National Trust Traditional Christmas Fayre. There'll be festive entertainment in the marquee, Father Christmas will be in his Grotto and there's a free glass of Mulled Wine (or fruit juice) and a mince pie for all. 10-6pm. 25th-26th, 29th-3rd Dec, 6th-10th Dec & 13th-17th Dec - Christmas Traditions at NT Tredegar House.

2nd -3rd - Christmas Fair at NT Llanerchaeron. 11-4pm. Craft and food stalls, Santa's grotto and more. 2nd - 24th - Santa's magical Steam Train at Gwili Railway. Every weekend in December including Friday 22nd December. Ride the steam train to Santa's Grotto at Llwyfan Cerrig Station where a heated marquee with a programme

of entertainment awaits you. Adults can enjoy a mince pie and a tot of sherry while the children can dive into their goodie bags (for children aged one to 15) while they wait to see Santa. There's even a bouncy castle. 2nd-3rd - Natural decorations workshop at the WWT Wetlands, Llanelli. What better way to prepare for Christmas than by making your own natural, Christmas decorations in this special drop-in workshop that will have you busy for the afternoon. Choose from a range of decorations to make, including wreaths, garlands, tree decorations and placeholders, using natural materials gathered in the wetlands. Don’t worry if you can’t decide, make more than one and have a whole collection of special, home-made decorations to take home with you. 1-4pm. £10 per person. 2nd - 17th - December Weekend Activities at the WWT Wetlands, Llanelli. 11am - 12pm Telescope in the tower, 1pm Guide in the Heron's wing hide, 2.45pm Feed the birds with Santa - Sundays in Dec, 2pm 4.30pm Christmas craft workshop

3rd - Christmas Craft Fair at the Sinclair Suite, Liberty Stadium. 10-3pm. Wales' biggest Christmas craft fair is back! There will be over 80 unique craft stalls for you to enjoy. Santa will also be there along with his helpers as well as a choir singing carols.

4th - Father Christmas Comes Up Trumps! at the Grand Theatre. As he tries to deliver the presents, his tummy rumbles, gurgles and groans, but Father Christmas knows he must keep it in – he doesn’t want to wake anyone up! TaleGate Theatre Productions hit the perfect combination of witty humour, fantastic music and the extra sparkle for which they have become known in this fabulously funny and brilliantly bouncy musical adaptation of Nicholas Allan’s sequel to ‘Father Christmas Needs a Wee.’ 11am & 6pm. Tickets: £12.50, Child £10.50, Schools £8.00, Family (4) £42.00

6th - Mari Lwyd Lantern Parade, Park rd playing fields, Pennard. Everyone is invited to join us in lighting up the streets of Pennard. You can join the parade or place your lanterns in your garden to light our way. Or you can just come and watch! There'll also be free lantern making workshops in the weeks leading up to the parade. Sat 26 Nov 09.00 -13.00 - Pennard Community Hall Wed 30 Nov 10.00 -12.00 - Pennard Library Wed 30 Nov 14.00 -16.00 - Community Café, Pennard Community Hall Wed 07 Dec 10.00 -12.00 - Pennard Library Wed 07 Dec 14.00 -16.00 - Community Café, Pennard Community Hall Sat 10 Dec 09.00 - 13.00 - Pennard Community Hall

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gower

6th-9th - Christmas Nights at St Fagans. This December sees the return of a St Fagans favourite, so if you’re looking for a traditional Welsh Christmas to remember, why not grab a torch, wrap up warm and follow the star to St Fagans this year! Celebrate in style with carols in the chapel, traditional Welsh Plygain singing in the church and a Brass Band on Gwalia Green. Make a start on your Christmas shopping at our Makers’ Market – a chance to pick up gifts and treats you won’t find on the High Street. For the little ones there’ll be a chance to meet Santa, with a tale or two from Mother Christmas to keep you entertained while you wait your turn. You can write your Christmas list at the Victorian Schoolhouse and post it at Wales’ smallest post office. Then make something special at our family friendly craft workshops 6th- 9th - Rumplestiltskin at Dylan Thomas Theatre SA1.

| www.kidscenemagazine.co.uk

7th-24th - The Principality Stadium is welcoming youngsters and their parents to take a tour around the corridors and changing rooms of the iconic venue, where you can then meet Santa in his grotto. There's also a free gift for the kids. Child (under 16) £12, adult £6.50, concession £6

8th - 17th - Aladdin at the Pontardawe Arts Centre.

12th & 19th - Victorian Christmas at Aberdulais Tinworks and Waterfall. Wrap up warm and take a candlelit walk to the waterfall - it's truly an amazing sight at night all lit up. Enjoy story-telling with Mr/Mrs Claus, make a traditional Victorian decoration to take home or cozy-on up in the tea-room with a hot drink and mince pie. Bring a torch! £7.50 adult (£2 members), £3.75 child (£1 members).

12th - 31st - The Bear, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff. Based on Raymond Briggs much loved storybook The Bear is a heartwarming winter tale for children. To Book: 029 2063 6464

9th - A Child’s Christmas in Wales’: Stories for Christmas. In the lead up to Christmas come and listen to some magical stories to get you in the festive mood at the Dylan Thomas Centre. Followed by Christmas face painting and children’s play, poetry and arts activities on a Christmas theme. 11am – 12pm: Christmas stories, recommended for families with children 0-5. Drop-in, free. 12pm – 3pm: Christmas activities and face painting, great for families with children of all ages. Drop-in, free.

9th - Mr Zacoor's Magic Toy Shop at the Princess Royal Theatre. 11am & 2pm. A festive show for ages 3-7 with music & puppetry.

10 10th - The Great Christmas Festival at the Brangwyn Hall. Welcome the Christmas season in grand roof raising style with 300+ massed voices including the international broadcast and performance voices of the Hywel Girls’ Choir & Hywel Boy Singers, the heavenly voices of Angelicus Celtis as seen on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent, the mighty voices of Morriston RFC Male Voice Choir, Llanelli Choral Society, Welsh opera star Gary Griffiths and the 200 massed voices of the “Singcredible” school children. Accompanied by Huw Tregelles Williams OBE (organ), Jane Jewell (piano), Gareth Hamlin (percussion) and orchestral friends – all under the baton of legendary conductor John Hywel Williams MBE. Tickets: £20, £15, £9 reserved 07795 236807. 7pm.

14th - Santa's Christmas Wish at the Gwyn Hall, Neath. 1pm & 4pm. “Christmas is a season of joy, love and sharing, a time when Santa delivers presents all over the world… but what would Santa himself like for Christmas? Dasher the Reindeer has an idea…Pompom the Penguin thinks he knows…Or maybe Snowy the Snowman has the answer? Mrs Claus needs all of their help – and yours – to find out!

14th-21st - Tea Party with Father Christmas! Tea Party with Father Christmas. Mumbles Pier. With an elf disco and an array of delicious party food, the party will be full swing before the main man himself shows up! Each child will receive their own personalised letter to give to Father Christmas and get to visit Santa in his grotto before choosing a your very own gift from the elf workshop! £15.95pp per child (accompanying adults do not need to purchase a ticket). 4.30pm. Please visit mumblespier.co.uk or call 01792 365200.

For what’s on info

kidsceneswansea  @kidscene1

15th - 7th Jan - Cinderella Panto at the grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. Come and have a ball at the Grand Pavilion this festive season. With last year’s Jack and the Beanstalk hailed a smash hit, with the venue “leading the way again with another Christmas cracker of fun, thrills and spills for all the family” (Walesonline) the Grand Pavilion are planning another stunning show for this Christmas with magical tale of Cinderella. 15th - Fluellen Theatre Company perform their celebrated adaptation of Dylan Thomas’ magical A Child’s Christmas in Wales, with Delyth Jenkins on harp at the Dylan Thomas Centre. Running time: approximately 30 minutes. All tickets £4. 1pm.

16 16th-23rd - Breakfast with Father Christmas. Copperfish plays host to Father Christmas in the morning! You and the family can enjoy a delicious breakfast next to our log fires and Father Christmas may even turn up to enjoy a bacon buttie or two! After which your little one can enjoy a visit to Santa’s Grotto and a trip to the Elves Workshop to choose their own present to take home from an array of wonderful gifts! Tickets: Children £12.95 (Includes Breakfast and Grotto Visit) Adult £6.95 (Breakfast) To book your ticket please visit mumbles-pier.co.uk or call 01792 365200.

16th - Santa's Grotto Quiet Hour. At Mumbles Pier we want to ensure that all children can enjoy a trip to Santa’s Grotto. For many children diagnosed with Autism, a trip to Santa’s Grotto can be a frightening mix of large crowds and loud noises. Therefore, we have decided to launch our Santa’s Grotto Quiet Hour – this will be an hour set aside in the morning before the crowds come in where we will be turning down the music, and lights to make Santa’s Grotto more enjoyable and less distressing, so all children can enjoy the Christmas magic. We will be selling very limited numbers of tickets for these hours so prebooking is essential. Santa’s Grotto Quiet Hour is an hour set aside between 9am and 10am on the 16th and 23rd December where there will be reduced waiting times and quieter music. These sessions are open to any with a cognitive, sensory or physical disability. Please visit our website for further information please call 01792 365200.

19th - 20th - Wonderland at the Nidum Arts centre, NPT college. 1pm & 7pm. Tickets £7 ( £5 concessions).

20th - Mumbles Pier Annual Christmas Concert. Last years concert was such a huge success this year we are delighted to invite back the wonderfully talented Gwalia Singers to host our Annual Christmas Concert. Due to the high numbers of visitors we experienced last year this event is now ticketed with all ticket sales going towards our designated Christmas Charity. Ticket Price: £5pp. To purchase your tickets for this event please visit our website mumbles-pier.co.uk or call 01792 365200 for more information. 7-9.30pm.

24th - Members' Christmas Fayre Preview Evening at Dinefwr. Our traditional Christmas Fair is our biggest event of the year and we're offering our National Trust members and blue badge holders the chance of a sneak peak and the stalls before the weekend madness begins. 5pm8pm.

28th-31st - New Year Crafty Calendars at the Waterfront Museum. Make 3D calendars. 12.30-3.30pm.

CHRISTMAS COMPETITIONS

Extravaganza!

to enter our competitions go to WWW.KIDSCENEMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Win a Family Ticket to see one of Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Panto Time! these amazing shows over Christmas! at Gwyn Hall Neath

Aladdin on Friday 15th December at Swansea Grand Theatre

Cinderella, the most magical pantomime of all, comes to Gwyn Hall from 5th - 14th January. The classic rags to riches tale will be transformed into a breath-taking extravaganza with glittering sets, gorgeous costumes and the latest hits that the children will know and love.

5th - 14th January 2018

Jack And The Beanstalk on Saturday December 2nd at the Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot.

Box Office: 0300 365 6677

Cinderella on Wednesday 10th January at the Gwyn Hall, Neath. Cinderella on Saturday 16th December at 5pm at the Grand Pavillion, PorthCawl.

See Santa this Christmas and take a ride on Santa's Magical Steam Train at the Gwili Railway. www.kidscenemagazine.co.uk

www.gwynhall.com

Unsain, yn falch o gefnogiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;r Nadolig yn y ddinas. Unison, Proud to be supporting Christmas in the City.

YOU WILL NEED: 2 baking trays lined with baking paper Cookie cutter(s) 10 cellophane bags or a 3m roll of cellophane Some festive ribbon

INGREDIENTS; · 200g Salted Butter · 200g Plain flour · 100g Cornflour · 100g Caster Sugar

Baby its cold outside… and it’s about to get messy inside. Baking with the kids is a fantastic rainy day activity and now the winter has fully set in its time to embrace the mess and get the mixing bowl out for some screen-free fun with the little ones. There’s nothing better than a lovely piece of buttery shortbread with a hot drink at Christmas. This simple recipe is so easy a child could do it (with a bit of guidance of course) and the results are beautiful buttery biscuits that I guarantee are far better than any you can buy in shops. These make ideal presents that my kids always gift to close friends and family. They keep for up to 7 days in an airtight container or 5 days tied with some festive ribbon in cellophane. { Preheat the Oven to 180° { In a large bowl, mix the butter and sugar until combined. Then add the plain flour and cornflour. { Let the kids get their hands right in there to bring the mix together. This is the fun bit as it’s a little bit messy and a lot yummy- perfect fun for little ones. { Once you have your ball of slightly sticky doughscatter flour over the worktop and a rolling pin and roll out to ¼ inch thickness. { Cut as many shapes as you can with your cutters, then re-roll the dough and cut again until all the dough has been used up and your kids have eaten their body weight in butter and sugar.

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{ Bake in your preheated oven for 10 minutes or until the edges of the biscuits are golden. { Allow to cool completely before wrapping or serving. If you are using cellophane bags you can pop a few in and tie with your festive ribbon to secure- these are fantastic and readily available at this time of year. Alternatively cut sections of cellophane from a roll into 12cm square. Place your shortbread in the middle and gather up the edges to form a parcel. Secure with your festive ribbon.

If you enjoyed these we have plenty more seasonal recipes on our website bakingwithkidsblog.wordpress.com or you can follow our baking journey and recipes on Instagram @baking_with_kids

MEET THE CAST OF

Aladdin at The Grand! Meet Tony Maudsley and Matt Edwards some of the fabulous stars of Aladdin showing at Swansea Grand Theatre this December.

Meet Matt Edwards... What inspired you to be a magician? What inspired me to be a magician, everybody loves to tell a joke and make people smile, it's a great feeling to make somebody else happy. I'll never forget the first time I performed a magic trick to somebody older than me, I was 5 at the time and when you are that young and you have the ability to make a grown man smile, that's what encouraged me to be a magician. It's taken a lot of practice, a lot of ups and downs, but the pay off is well worth it.

What's your favourite magic trick? That's a difficult question to answer because there are thousands! From tiny close up illusions to big grand stage illusions, but when I think of my childhood I will always remember David Copperfield's vanishing the Orient Express. That was the first time I watched a magician and thought, wow, I want to be him! He made the impossible, possible.

What magic tricks can we expect to see in this year's panto? In this year's pantomime, expect to see a lot of magic that you've never seen before! Pantomime is a magic experience in itself, I just hope that the tricks I perform add to the adventure.

Did you enjoy Britains got talent? Yes very much so! I was completely overwhelmed by the love and support I received from people all over the world! It has quite literally flipped my life upside down since Britain's got talent. I have been lucky enough to perform in many different countries and written a TV show. I am very exited about the future and what's to come, so please keep those eyes peeled!

Whats Simon Cowell really like? This is very easy to answer.... people are always asking me, how was Simon ? Is he Mr nasty? Or Mr nice? Well the truth is... He is an amazing human being with a heart of gold! He genuinely cares about every act on the show, plus, he gives a great hug.

| www.kidscenemagazine.co.uk

Meet Tony Maudsley... Is this your first Panto? Aladdin will be my second ever pantomime, I did my first for our producers Qdos Entertainment last year where I played the dame in Jack and the Beanstalk. I had such a great time and really got into panto, so I’m really happy to be back, and even happier this time to not be playing dame. I have some fabulous costume changes this year, just thankfully not nearly as many as last time.

Is this your first trip to sunny Swansea? I actually studied at the Royal Welsh College Of Music And Drama in Cardiff so I have been to Swansea a few times, but have never played the Grand before. I can’t wait, it’s a beautiful theatre and we’re going to have loads of fun this Christmas.

Panto seems like so much fun, is it really as much fun backstage? Panto is lots of fun, but it’s also very hard work and takes a team of very talented and hard-working people to make it happen twice a day whilst making it look effortless. That’s the trick. Luckily we’ve assembled a brilliant team of cast, crew and musicians and I’m sure we’ll find time to get up to mischief backstage. And maybe on stage too.

What do you prefer stage acting or screen? I think it depends, I’ve been very lucky to do a lot of both. With film and TV you don’t get the benefit of an audiences response that you get in theatre, but with theatre you’re not able to go back and do something again if there’s a mistake. Both have their challenges, but I’m thrilled to be back treading the boards this Christmas.

Will we see you in another series of Benidorm soon? You will, we’re just having a bit of a break at the moment, but there’ll be a one off documentary celebrating Benidorm’s ten year anniversary over Christmas and there’ll be some very exciting news to come about the show’s future, but I’m not telling you what it is…

Check out Aladdin at Swansea Gramd Theatre from 15th December!

Benefits of Dance...

Dance is a universal language and it is widely recognized that irrespective of culture or ethnicity, children love to move to music. If you are looking for a way to channel your child’s endless energy, you may like to consider the numerous benefits of dance classes.

Urban Zen Yoga & Movement studio Child Yoga | Baby ballet Family yoga | Mum & baby yoga

Purpose built studios in Central Swansea

www.urbanzenyogacafe.com

• Professional music tuition in Singing, Keyboard, Music Theory. Dance tuition Jazz/Modern, Ballet and specialists in Musical Theatre. • Suitable for all ages and abilities. • Learn for fun or exams. • Great way to build children's confidence, co-ordination and social interaction. Enquire today for further information. 72c Robert Street, Manselton, Swansea. SA5 8LE. Tel: 07974 106109 or 07795 463350

With The World Health Organisation (WHO) regarding childhood obesity as one of the most serious global health challenges of the 21st century, it is tremendously important to portray dance as an enjoyable alternative to traditional forms of exercise. Children and young adults attending regular dance classes should notice a considerable improvement in their overall physical health; from increased flexibility, range of motion and strength, to improved muscle tone, posture, balance and coordination as well as overall cardiovascular health. However, an effective dance programme is not one that focuses exclusively on the physical exercise element. Dance is an extremely social activity and classes can help develop personal, social and emotional skills. Participants learn how to work independently, with a partner and as part of a group, acquiring a greater sense of trust and co-operation. Dance classes should encourage children to adopt a more positive attitude and explore their own self-expression. This can be particularly advantageous to those with physical or mental impairments and those who are facing significant emotional problems. The educational aspect of Dance is worth highlighting too. Dance requires practice, discipline and focus, competencies that are extremely valuable in all areas of life. Communication, language and literacy development is a pivotal part of an early years dance experience. All dance classes should facilitate creativity and encourage an appreciation of the arts that continues throughout life. So, if you have never tried a dance class, give it a go…it may be just what you have been looking for! Shelley Isaac-Clarke Principal: Isaac-Clarke Academy of Dance (Royal Academy of Dance Registered Teacher)

Vocal Harmony Kids

No auditions,no need to read music! Singing Katy Perry, Justin Timberlake, Little Mix and songs from Frozen, Trolls and much more, logo, Monday Evening Rehearsals from 6-7pm at Bishop Gore School)

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas! Christmas most definitely arrives in Swansea on Friday 17 November, and kicks off with a bumper weekend of festive family celebrations, including ice skating, an authentic Christmas Market and a dazzling Christmas Parade and Lights Switch On! Waterfront Winterland is back on Friday 17 November! Hand deliver your letter to Santa in his grotto (complete with real life elves), before gliding confidently or teetering tentatively on the Admiral Ice Rinks. You can book your ice skating tickets now from swanseachristmas.com or (01792 637300

...in Swansea

The festive weekend also launches Swansea Christmas Market from Friday 17 November until Thursday 21 December featuring over 40 traders. On Sunday 19 November from 5pm, get your bobble hats and winter warmers on and head into the city centre once again - this time to line the streets and watch as all your favourite characters join in a colourful and exciting Parade to celebrate the countdown to Christmas. Listen out for the jingling of bells as Santa Claus himself comes to light up our city!

Swansea has definitely got Christmas all wrapped up!

swanseachristmas.com

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Y Nadolig! Bydd y Nadolig yn sicr yn cyrraedd Abertawe ddydd Gwener 17 Tachwedd gan ddechrau â phenwythnos llawn dathliadau’r w ˆ yl i’r teulu, gan gynnwys sglefrio iâ, Marchnadoedd Nadolig arbennig, Gorymdaith a Chynnau Goleuadau’r Nadolig! Mae Gwledd y Gaeaf ar y Glannau’n dychwelyd ddydd Gwener 17 Tachwedd! Rhowch eich llythyr i Siôn Corn yn bersonol yn ei groto (sy’n cynnwys coblynnod go iawn!), cyn llithro’n hyderus neu simsanu’n betrus ar Lynnoedd Iâ Admiral. Gallwch brynu tocynnau sglefrio iâ nawr ar y wefan yn nadoligabertawe.com neu drwy ( 01792 637300

...yn Abertawe

Bydd Marchnad Nadolig Abertawe hefyd yn cyrraedd y ddinas ddydd Gwener 17 Tachwedd fel rhan o’r penwythnos Nadoligaidd hwn. Bydd ar gael tan ddydd Iau 21 Rhagfyr a bydd yn cynnig dros 40 o fasnachwyr. Bydd angen gwisgo’ch hetiau gwlanog a’ch dillad gaeaf ddydd Sul 19 Tachwedd oherwydd o 5pm, gallwch fynd i ganol y ddinas unwaith eto - y tro hwn i ymgynnull ar hyd y stryd a gwylio wrth i’ch hoff gymeriadau ymuno mewn gorymdaith liwgar a chyffrous i ddathlu dechrau’r cyfnod cyn y Nadolig. Gwrandewch am y clychau’n canu wrth i Siôn Corn ei hun ddod i gynnau goleuadau’r ddinas!

Mae holl firi’r w ˆ yl yn ninas Abertawe!

nadoligabertawe.com

This Month We Meet Local Author and Primary School Teacher Rhian Howells. Tell us a little bit about yourself My name is Rhian Howells. I have been a Primary School teacher for just over 10 years. I have a fantastic 6 year old son, Iestyn. Family is the most important thing to me. I enjoy being outdoors and love spending time in my favourite place in the world- Tenby.

Tell us about your business I am a children's author. I published my first book in 2012 and have continued to write stories since. It wasn't until November 2016 when I wrote Princess Pirate pants that I decided to pursue writing as a business. Princess Pirate Pants will be released on November 30th this year, and I have plans to write more of her adventures.

Where did you begin and what motivated you to start your own business?

What has been your biggest challenge and how have you overcome it?

I have always loved story telling and have been writing stories for as long as I can remember. When Iestyn was born in 2011 I was inspired to write a story for my niece Ella, about the changes in relationships. I published 'I'm Still Your Auntie' in 2012 as a special gift to her.

Funding the publishing of this book, but Rowanvale have been supportive and put payment plans into place.

At the end of last year I had an idea for a bedtime story that would make bedtimes fun and make people giggle. Princess Pirate Pants was born! I have always loved rhyming books and enjoyed writing this story. I got in touch with Rowanvale Publishers and they were happy to go ahead with the story.

Remember you are never going to get everything done, prioritise and say yes to help. Make time for yourself as well as your family. You can't pour from an empty cup!

I am really passionate about children finding an enjoyment in reading and this is my motivation, I want to write stories that inspire children and make reading a happy experience that they seek out independently.

What do you do to relax? I love to read myself, to wind down after a busy day I enjoy nothing better than a bubble bath with a good book. My favourite authors are Cecila Ahearn, Carol Matthews and Milly Johnson.

Give us your top tips for a well-balanced home and work life?

What is the one piece of advice you would give to other mums wanting to start their own business? Don't keep dreaming about it, just go for it! Take time to think about what is it you really want and write it down. Then take small steps towards that goal, that way your big goal won't seem so daunting. Remember a dream will always be a dream until you write it down, then it becomes a goal.

To buy your very own copy of Princess Pirate Pants go to www.amazon.co.uk www.kidscenemagazine.co.uk |

Need a new Challenge?... Originally from Pembrokeshire and after working in the Civil Service for 20 years, David Clark wanted a new start to his life. He moved to Swansea and felt ready for a change in direction and a new challenge. Last year David enrolled on the BA Degree Preparation Programme with the Department of Adult Continuing Education (DACE), Swansea University and studied psychology and literature on a part-time basis. In September 2016 he progressed to the BA (Honours) Part-time Degree in Humanities, a six-year programme which offers students the opportunity to study on campus and/or at community venues across south west Wales. David’s main ambition is to gain employment within the field of psychology, but more importantly, as a family man, David is keen that his children are proud of him and his academic achievements. As a self-confessed “people person” David has a good

level of confidence and an evident enthusiasm to learn new concepts, meet new people and undertake study at university level. As a first year student, David thoroughly embraced student life and was a Class Representative. David has recently started the second year of his Part-time Degree and studies at the Singleton Park Campus and at The Phoenix Centre, Townhill. This year he aims to make closer links with the Student Union at Swansea University and ensure that adult community learners have a voice. David believes that “there is nothing negative about being a student and it is surprising how easy studying has slotted back into my life……I have established a routine for my studies and have really thrown myself into it.” For further information on courses offered by DACE, please contact 01792 602211 e-mail adult.education@swansea.ac.uk visit www.swansea.ac.uk/dace

NPTC GROUP oF COLLEGES’ DANCE DEPARTMENT PRESENTS MAE ADRAN DAWNS GRWP COLEGAU NPTC YN CYFLWYNO v

WONDERLAND Antur Ddawns Nadolig i'r Teulu Cyfan A Christmas Dance Adventure for the whole family

Canolfan y Celfyddydau Nidum Arts Centre Rhagfyr 19 & 20 December 1pm & 7pm Tocynnau/Tickets: £7 (£5 Consesiynau/ Concessions) I fwcio tocynnau/to book tickets, tel: 01639 648327 E-bost/E-mail: craig.coombs@nptcgroup.ac.uk

www.nptcgroup.ac.uk

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Digwyddiadau am ddim yn Amgueddfa Genedlaethol y Glannau Free events at the National Waterfront Museum

Am ddim Free entry

Tachwedd a Rhagfyr 2017

November and December 2017

1-4 Tachwedd, 12.30pm-3.30pm Gwyddoniaeth Wych Dewch i wylio arddangosiadau od, cymryd rhan mewn arbrofion anhygoel a chreu llysna fedd afiach.

1-4 November, 12.30pm-3.30pm Weird Science Drop in to watch weird demos, take part in mystifying experiments and make some gross slime to take home.

ol Abertawe/

Llun/picture: Prifysg Swansea University

18 Tachwedd, 1.30pm-3.30pm Bae o Ddigonedd: Straeon o’r Ddinas, Campws a Diwylliant Wrth i Brifysgol Abertawe nesau at ei chanmlwyddiant yn 2020, dewch â’r teulu oll draw i archwilio 100 mlynedd o straeon am bobl Abertawe.

18 November, 1.30pm-3.30pm Bay of Plenty: Stories of the City, Campus and Culture As Swansea University approaches its centenary in 2020, bring the whole family along to explore 100 years of Swansea’s human stories.

25 Tachwedd, 10.30am a 1.30pm Codio Gêm Gyfrifiadur! Gweithdy hwyliog a rhyngweithiol i ddatblygu a chodio eich gêm gyfrifiadur eich hun! Oed 8+.

25 November, 10.30am & 1.30pm Code your own Computer Game! A fun and interactive workshop to develop and code your very own computer game. Age 8+.

25 Tachwedd - 31 Rhagfyr Llwybr Nadolig Pedwar Ban Byd Mae gan bob gwlad ei thraddodiadau unigryw dewch i chwilio amdanynt yn ein orielau.

25 November - 31 December Christmas Around the World Trail Search our galleries to uncover different customs and unusual traditions. 26 November, 2.30pm Victorian Christmas Join BBC historian Ruth Goodman for a special Christmas lecture.

26 Tachwedd, 2.30pm Nadolig Fictoriaidd Ymunwch â’r hanesydd BBC, Ruth Goodman am ddarlith Nadolig arbennig. 2 Rhagfyr, 12pm-4pm Diwrnod o Hwyl yr Ŵyl Ymunwch â ni am brynhawn o hwyl yr Ŵyl, a gweld Sion Côrn gyda’i geirw go iawn! 28-31 Rhagfyr, 12.30pm-3.30pm Calendr Crefftus Dewch draw at ein bwrdd gweithgareddau i greu calendr cŵl 3D.

of For details sit all events vi our website Manylion po b digwyddiad ar ein gwefan

@the_waterfront /waterfrontmuseum amgueddfa.cymru | museum.wales (029) 2057 3600

2 December, 12pm-4pm Festive Fun Day Join us for an afternoon of festive cheer with Santa and real reindeers. 28-31 December, 12.30pm3.30pm New Year Crafty Calendars Why not join our activity table to make a cool 3D calendar.

Mighty oaks from

little acorns

grow

Excellent Estyn Inspection 2017 Pupils work enthusiastically Extended writing is of an exceptionally high standard Outstanding Leadership and Management

With the right opportunities what could your child achieve?

Oakleigh House Independent Nursery and School

Contact Vikki Napier to arrange a visit on: 01792 298537 or visit: www.oakleighhouseschool.co.uk admissions@oakleighhouseschool.co.uk

FOUNDED 1919

Best for your child - best from your child

Oakleigh House School, 38 Penlan Crescent, Uplands, Swansea SA2 0RL Oakleigh House School is part of the Cognita Schools Group www.cognitaschools.com

Here are some new treats and old favourites to enjoy in the run up to Christmas.

Illustrated book: Snow Day Written by Richard Curtis and illustrated by Rebecca Cobb Publisher: Puffin

Picture Book: Fairy Magic Written by Cerrie Burnell and illustrated by Laura Ellen Anderson. Publisher: Scholastic

Christmas giveaway

Snow Days is written by film director Richard Curtis with illustrations by award winner Rebecca Cobb.

Isabel is a lovely little girl. Though she lives happily with her brothers, she is unable to hear the noise they make because she is deaf. But an encounter with a fairy shows her the magic of nature and her life becomes transformed by its wonder and her hope at discovering something new each day.

Snow falls heavily and no one is able to make it into school apart from Danny and grumpy Mr Trapper, Danny’s least favourite teacher. Stuck together with nothing much do, Mr Trapper shows a surprising side to him that Danny didn’t know existed. And they both have a Snow Day that they will never forget. It’s a charming and touching story that demonstrates you never know what is lurking even under the most disagreeable of fellows.

Cerrie Burnell captures the sense of isolation living in a world of silence might bring to a young child with a poetic beauty and gentle understated poignancy. She also perfectly conveys the innocent delight that children have when seeing things for the very first time.

Title: The World’s Laziest Duck and other Amazing Records Authors: Quentin Blake and John Yeoman Publisher: Andersen

It’s a beautifully crafted book from both author and illustrator with the underlying message that every child is special in some way for someone somewhere.

Learn about the brilliant banana balancer to the boy with the most disgusting table manners through the fantastic creative minds of Quentin Blake and John Yeoman.

A fabulous alternative to the Guinness Book of World Records.

If you like a pantomime then you will love Cinderella’s Other Shoe! A shoe’s eye view on the traditional rags to riches princess tale with a twist at the end. It’s written by Philippa Rae and illustrated by Tevin Hansen. And we are giving away a copy to the first person to email in. Being a shoe isn’t easy for any shoe let alone being a shoe that belongs to Cinderella. Stomp has enough to contend with – stepping in puddles and worse, been worn down by life, and her sister Buckle. Then there is the gruesome twosome stepsisters Vermina and Nettle. Will there ever be any end to the drudgery and unkindness? Finally Stomp’s luck appears to be change when Cinderella’s godmother appears and whisks them away to a royal ball. But once the clock strikes twelve, the magic disappears and Cinderella returns home dropping Buckle on the way. Oh dear! Now what will happen to Stomp left behind as a single shoe? Cinderella’s Other Shoe is available from Amazon. www.kidscenemagazine.co.uk |

Do you find yourself or your loved ones suddenly feeling worried, anxious or overwhelmed? Do you over-think everything? Here’s some good news: you don’t need to do anything to stop or change how you feel. Even the most uncomfortable feelings! Your mind has an amazing in-built capacity to re-calibrate itself, to settle down and get quiet. The recent stormy weather is a great metaphor to illustrate our innate wisdom and mental health.

Stormy Weather Thinking Imagine our wisdom as being like the sun – life-giving and ever-present. The sky represents Thought (the creative energy that runs through us all – the fact that we can think) – and the clouds represent our personal thinking – the thoughts that we are (sometimes) aware of. When we get anxious, over-think, or get stressed, it is just like stormy weather - all we can see (and feel) is the storm! We forget that the sun is still there, it never goes anywhere, it just gets covered over sometimes. It’s all just weather!

Inside Out Our experience of the world works from the inside out – so we are always living in the feeling of our thinking in the moment. This may sound confusing at first because we are so conditioned to believe that it is the stuff ‘outside’ of us (our relationship/ past/children /job/finances/future/ health /etc) that makes us feel what we feel. It’s actually all an ‘inside job’! And this is where the good news comes in because if we are feeling our thinking, and our thinking can change at any moment, well, that means we can’t get stuck in feelings for long. Just like the clouds that always move on at some point – the nature of Thought is that it always moves on too. And so the feelings move with the thoughts. So if I’m having a day where I’m feeling anxious, I now know it’s not my child/job/family/etc that is causing the anxiety – just my in-the-moment thoughts about whatever the issue is! Knowing this changes everything because we don’t need to take any of our uncomfortable feelings as seriously as we have been. If we leave the thoughts alone and accept the feeling (knowing it will pass) our mind will settle down and then we have better access to our innate wisdom. The picture above was done by a 10 year old pupil who had been having some individual sessions with me to help her with the anxiety she was still feeling after being bullied. We were talking about our inner wisdom and she suddenly got excited about the fact that there

| www.kidscenemagazine.co.uk

is a part of us all that can never be ‘broken’ - and she illustrated this with the ‘egg’ and umbrella in her picture. No matter what harmful words or behaviour come ‘raining down’ on her, she said she now knows that her inner wisdom is always there – and she can depend on it to help her say/do the right thing at the right time. She has a much deeper sense of her own true resilience and she wanted me to share this picture to help others talk about their inner wisdom.

3 Principles in Schools After training Hafod Primary teaching staff about the 3 Principles of Innate Health (the name given to this understanding), the staff were excited to pass this understanding on to the children the next day… “fantastic, eye-opening, helpful, simply powerful! Yes!” This IS a simple understanding – and it makes a huge impact, especially on children and young people who are finding their thoughts and feelings overwhelming. Once they really understand how thoughts and feeling work, they trust that they are still more than OK, even on days when our thinking can get really caught up. The same is true for teaching staff – this understanding is able to ‘change everything’ because it speaks to what is already present in each person. Imagine what a whole-school approach using this understanding would look like!

Hope “If the only thing people learned was not to be afraid of their experience, that alone would change the world.” (Sydney Banks) I wish I had grown up with this understanding – my son and I often talk about it. He asks questions about thoughts, feelings, and our inner wisdom. The other day he even created his own Principles. So start talking with your children and loved ones (and yourself!) about inner wisdom and see their hope, resilience, mental health, compassion and creativity blossom! Alex Waters is a 3 Principles Facilitator working with individuals, schools, groups and businesses. See www.3principleswales.com for more information. [Activity: A simple way to illustrate to children how our mind naturally settles down: use an empty bottle or jar and fill a third of it with some sand (or glitter) and top up with water and close it tightly. Shake it up to illustrate our ‘stormy’ thinking and feeling and then… just watch it settle…]

Department of Adult Continuing Education

THE BA DEGREE PREPARATION PROGRAMME PA RT- T I M E C O U R S E S S TA RT I N G I N J A N U A RY & A P R I L 2 0 1 8

Flexible timetables designed for adults Day-time, evening and weekend courses available

Financial assistance available to eligible students

Extensive study support available

No formal entry qualifications required

Courses available on campus in Swansea and throughout communities in Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot adult.education@swansea.ac.uk • 01792 602211 • www.swansea.ac.uk/dace DACE - Swansea University

@DACE_SwanseaUni

Adran Addysg Barhaus Oedolion

Y RHAGLEN PARATOI AR GYFER GRADD BA CYRSIAU RHAN AMSER YN CYCHWYN Y M M I S I O N AW R A C E B R I L L 2 0 1 8

Amserlenni hyblyg ar gyfer oedolion Cyrsiau yn ystod y dydd, gyda’r nos ac ar y penwythnos ar gael

Cymorth ariannol ar gael i fyfyrwyr cymwys

Cymorth astudio sylweddol ar gael

Nid oes angen unrhyw gymwysterau ffurfiol

Cyrsiau ar gael ar y campws yn Abertawe a thrwy gymunedau yn Abertawe, Castell-nedd a Phort Talbot addysg.oedolion@abertawe.ac.uk • 01792 602211 • www.abertawe.ac.uk DACE - Swansea University

@DACE_SwanseaUni

G & K Martial Arts academy Improve your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Confidence with Martial arts G&K Martial Arts Academy have classes on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays! - Come and try it FREE for the first two weeks!! G&K are an International Award Winning Martial Arts Academy, teaching people ages 4-50+ the skills in order to be safe in the modern world. For more information: Call: 07787 154409 Freephone: 0800 612 5056 Email: info@kickboxinginswansea.co.uk www.kickboxinginswansea.co.uk

The Speech Clinic

Independent Speech and Language Therapy for children and adults across South Wales Clinics in Swansea and Cardiff Home and school visits Assessment, diagnosis, therapy and reports Speech sounds pronunciation Language delay Stammering Autistic spectrum disorder Learning difficulties Stroke rehabilitation

The Speech Clinic 56 Walter Road, Swansea SA1 5PY T: 01792 206 784 | M: 07934 432 116 E: reception@thespeechclinic.co.uk www.thespeechclinic.co.uk

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Christmas

Christmas is a mad day. Whether you have a big or small family, the preparations for the festivities can start as early as October and the whole of Autumn is spent counting down to that one day where everything has to be ready. It’s almost a military mission, a group effort that involves the buying and wrapping of all the presents, the buying, preparing, cooking and eating of the food, the playing of games and drinking of traditional holiday-themed drinks, all ending in that one big inevitable clean up of all the fun that’s been had. It’s no wonder that we collapse on the sofa at the end of the day thinking “where did the day go?” All those weeks of preparation and counting down for this one day to be over so quickly. Well it doesn’t have to be like this anymore. These are the old days of Christmas! With the right kitchen, you can gain time and get your Christmas back, no matter how much excitement and chaos surrounds you. It’s true. New and modern appliances can make that dreaded Christmas dinner run as smoothly and easily as possible and an innovative kitchen design can completely transform your space to ensure no family member misses out on the festivities. With a kitchen that can hold its own on any occasion and shine through the madness, your life and Christmas experience will become a whole lot easier and much more enjoyable. Does your kitchen take your time or give you time back? If it isn’t the latter, you may want to get your kitchen Christmas-ready. Let your kitchen give you back Christmas and start making memories that you will remember.

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1. Upgrade to modern appliances - you won’t have to worry about everything cooking on time if you have the best up-to-date appliances. Imagine a large double or triple oven that fits everything or an oven with ecoClean coatings so you can cook both savoury and sweet items without compromising on flavour. With modern appliances, cooking will be quick, easy and of a high quality. 2. Increase your counter space - work space is paramount at Christmas time so ensure you have plenty for your food preparation. Consider a kitchen island to increase space if you don’t want a whole re-design. 3. Specialised storage units will save your life - if you are one for collecting essential food items for Christmas quite early on, then integrated storage solutions will ensure you utilise your space as much as possible. 4. Check your dishwasher for a plate - warming setting - some modern dishwashers have this setting now, so check yours and save your oven for cooking! 5. Have a well thought-out kitchen design - when thinking of the best possible kitchen to accommodate Christmas, you will need to imagine what you will be using it for. Will you need to make room for a couple of people cooking? Then you will need wide walkways and maybe an island for more counter space. Will you be playing games at the dining table? Consider open plan or an archway so that everyone is together.

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