Plympton Magazine December 2021

December 2021 | Area 3

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THE BEST UK CHRISTMAS MARKETS Find out where the best Christmas Markets are in the UK and what to expect if you visit them

FESTIVE RECIPES We have found the most delicious festive recipes, fun for the whole family to get involved

CHRISTMAS JUMPER DAY It’s time to throw on your best Christmas jumpers and raise some money for Save The Children

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CREATIVE DIRECTOR Myles Lockwood myles@oracle.uk.net

Area 3

DESIGN EDITOR Amy Fry BA (Hons) editor@oracle.uk.net ACCOUNTS Emma-Jane Corry BS (Hons) emma@oracle.uk.net SALES MANAGERS Myles Lockwood Matt White sales@oracle.uk.net GRAPHIC DESIGN Amy Fry BA (Hons)

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Editor’s Note...

The countdown to Christmas has finally arrived and we are so excited to bring you the December edition of Plympton! Inside this month’s issue, we have lots of inspiring editorials as well as some Christmas markets and recipes.

Learn how to create beautiful Christmas decorations yourself with our ‘DIY Christmas Decorations’. These decorations are a sustainable alternative to shop-bought, single-use items and not to mention, they are also very fun to make!

We have found the top 9 best Christmas markets in the UK that are a must-see this year. In this editorial, you can find out where and when they are happening and what to expect if you visit.

Christmas can become a time for impulse buying, so we want you to think a little differently this year with an eco-friendly mindset. We have come up with lots of alternatives to traditional Christmas items that are better for the planet.

We hope you have a lovely Christmas and a very happy New Year!

Amy

Amy Fry - Editor

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Contents

zin www.plymptonmaga

December 2021

The Plympton Community Magazine, Oracle Publications, Unit 5, Bowker House, Lee Mill, Nr. Ivybridge, PL21 9EF

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Megabus

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Christmas Jumper Day

Copyright © 2021 The Plympton Community Magazine.

All rights reserved. Nothing in this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without the expressed written permission of the publisher. We have done our utmost to ensure that all the content is correct and accurate at the time of print, but we emphasise that Oracle Publications accepts no responsibility for any mistakes or omissions in this publication. All opinions expressed in The Plympton Magazine are that of the individual contributor and are not always shared by the publication.

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Plympton Photoshop

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Sustainable Christmas

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Xmas Gifts from Shark Trust

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Shapla Balti Cuisine

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DIY Christmas Decorations

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Festive Recipes

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Top 9 Christmas Markets UK

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Mortgages 4 Plymouth

20 Woollcombe Yonge

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Russells Flooring

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Moorland Heating

Paloma Faith & Simply Red

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CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS FOR SHARK LOVERS Got a shark-mad person in your family? Struggling to find them the perfect gift this Christmas? Look no further… The Shark Trust have some perfect presents to go under the tree. And the best bit? All of them will help raise vital funds to support shark conservation.

Shark Trust Gift Membership The perfect way to join an ever-growing community working together to ensure a future for sharks in our oceans. Members will receive a welcome pack of shark goodies as well as Shark Focus magazine twice a year. The perfect present for a shark-lover who does not need any more “stuff”.

Pups Club Gift Membership Got a youngster who loves sharks? The Pups Club is designed to inspire the next generation. Aimed at 5-12 year olds. Pup’s Club is supported by Wildlife Presenter & Adventurer, Steve Backshall. Pups will get an A4 shark folder full of sharky goodies, as well as the bi-annual Shark Focus magazine.

Adopt a Shark Adoptions make the perfect gifts. They also help fund vital shark research and campaigns. It’s a win win.

There are four options: Basking Shark, Great White Shark, Whale Shark and NoLimits Sharks. Your friend or loved one will get a ‘jawsome’ adoption pack, so they can learn all about their shark.

Clothing T-Shirts, tops, hoodies and even socks. There is something for every shark lover in the Shark Trust shop. Designs for kids and adults, featuring all your favourite shark species. Natural, organic, sustainable and in plastic free packaging.

Books Whether it is a coffee table book full of beautiful images of sharks, or something educational the Shark Trust bookstore will give you some great ideas for gifts. It has books for adults and kids about sharks as well as other marine life.

Accessories Perfect shark-themed stocking fillers such as stickers, tote bags, socks, hats and prints are also available in the Shark Trust Store.

Of course, while you are browsing all these sharky Christmas gift ideas, you might find something you would like yourself, so give yourself plenty of time so you can drop the appropriate hints!

You can find links to all these great gift ideas here: https://www.sharktrust.org/shark-lovers-gift-guide

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DIY FESTIVE

weight or essential oils, I recommend 5% for essential oils. Mix well to ensure fragrance goes through all the wax.

DECORATIONS

Step 2: Test with a thermometer to make sure wax

is between 40° - 46° degrees Celsius and carefully pour the melted coconut wax into your jar. Pour the jar 80% full, let cool to semi-solid, centre the wick and complete final pour. This is when you can add your festive decorations with a pair of tweezers and gentle place them into the candle.

Step 3: The wax will begin hardening right away,

Coconut Wax Candles

You will need: • A Clean Pot • Fragrance oils • Coconut candle wax • Festive decorations such as sprigs of Christmas tree, orange, cinnamon sticks • Candle wicks & Wick holders • Clean jars (suitable heat proof jars) • Double sided tape or wick stickums • A butter knife • Sharp scissors • Long spout pouring jug • Thermometer • Isopropyl alcohol for the clean-up Stick the wicks to the bottom of the jar, make sure they are centered. A very small amount of doublesided tape works well. Ensure the tape is not larger than the wick as this may cause a fire risk. Press down with a butter knife to ensure good adhesion.

Step 1:

Melt the wax slowly at a low heat, stir to help it melt. Heat range of 65° - 70° degrees Celsius. Set up your making area, lay down clean newspaper to catch any spills. Ensure all jars are ready with centered wicks, placed on top of the paper.

When the wax has melted, test with a thermometer to make sure wax is between 48° - 52° degrees Celsius and add your fragrance. If the wax is too hot it will burn off the fragrance, leaving you with a subtle scent, rather than a candle with an amazing scent throw. Add fragrance oils, between 8-10% of total wax

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so do not move or adjust your candle until it has set solid. Leave to sit for at least three hours before moving. I find it best to trim the wick 5 to 6 hours later to avoid the wick disturbing the top of the candle.

Trim the wick, using sharp scissors. Generally, you should trim the wick 1 - 1.5cm above the level of your wax.

Make sure you allow 3 days for the candle fragrances to cure before burning. Otherwise, the full spectrum of fragrance notes will not be appreciated.

Method from New Zealand Candle Supplies.

Christmas Wreath

You will need: • • • • •

4-5 stems greenery {eucalyptus} flowers or 1 stem of thistle 1 basic wreath Christmas baubles Wire

Step 1:

Trim stems of greenery leaving 1-2”of stem to insert into the wreath. For eucalyptus, 6-8” overall.

Step 2: Work your way around the wreath inserting stems in the same direction as existing stems, tucking them under the evergreen until they feel secure. Keep in mind you can readjust spacing any time. That’s the best part – you get easy do-overs!

Place in the baubles by inserting the wire into the

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holes at the top of the baubles and then wrap the wire around the wreath.

Step 3: Trim flower stems or thistle to 4” tucking

them in at varying widths to stagger, again, in the same direction as existing stems. Insert them until almost flush.

Method from Julie Blanner.

Star Wall Hanging

You will need: • Air-dry clay • Yarn or twine • Fishing line or clear sewing thread • Wax paper • Toothpick • Small branch • Rolling pin • X-acto knife, or small paring knife • Scissors • Stars template, or small star cookie cutter (1-2 inches)

PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION!

Step 1:

On a layer of wax paper, roll clay 1/8” to 1/4” thick. Cut out the star templates, lay them on the clay, printed side up, then cut around the stars with a knife.

Remove excess clay. Repeat until you’ve cut out at least 20 stars.

Step 2: Carefully remove the clay stars from the wax paper, and poke a hole for hanging with a toothpick.

Set the stars aside to dry on a piece of wax paper.

Drying time will be at least 24 hours.

Step 3: After the stars have dried, tie lengths of

thread or string to them. Tie a piece of yarn or twine to either end of the branch to hang it up, then tie the stars to it at varying heights. Adjust the thread lengths, and trim excess thread. Hang up your new decoration, and enjoy the Christmas holidays!

Method by DIY in PDX

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Markets TOP 9 Christmas in the UK T

he best Christmas markets from across the UK. All the markets have a variety of different food and drink and presents. From handcrafted decorations to craft beer with activities like a huge ice rink to live entertainment and light shows. But which one is your favourite?

1. Winter Wonderland

Photo taken by Giles Smith

Written by Sophie Martyn

There are a lot of different activities to do at winter wonderland like ice skating, ice sculpting workshops, bar ice but the most amazing part of winter wonderland is the Christmas market. There are plenty of different stalls to pick out the perfect gift. The market is full of different things like handmade Christmas decorations and unique gifts. It goes on from the 19th of November to the 3rd of January. There is a lot of live music and food venues which you can explore. To top it all of it is located in the heart of London, Hyde Park.

2. Bath Christmas Market Surrounded by a historic ambience that meets the festive style. The Christmas market is set up around the city’s Georgian street. This year’s market will be a bit smaller due to the lack of staff but you can still get your favourite little gifts like jewellery, homewares and loads of different decorations. The majority of the stalls are going to be local suppliers from bath and south-west England. There is also a festive fairground and lots of street entertainment. They have also set up a virtual market where you can get all the goodies online if you can’t attend the market in person.

Photo taken by Artur Lesniak

3. Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market The Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market is the biggest authentic German market outside of Germany. There is a range of gifts which include traditional and personalised gifts. there are 80 stalls. There will be live music and carol singers to create a festive atmosphere. Thursday 4th November to Thursday 23rd December.

The markets are open daily between 10 am and 9 pm. There Is a lot to do at the market like eating a range of German festive food, tyring alcoholic Christmas drinks, singing along with the singing moose, drinking crisp German beer. Why not take a ride on the carousel.

Photo taken by Daily Record

4. Stratford-upon-Avon Victorian Market Stratford-upon Avon’s market returns for the third year of its awardwinning Victorian market which takes place in the town centre, with more than 100,000 visitors. The popular event spreads the Christmas cheer with loads of shopping, food and entertainment as you walk around.

With around 300 stalls complete with the staff dressed in Victorian outfits.

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5. Manchester Christmas Markets

Photo taken by Mark Waugh Photography Ltd

The Christmas market takes overloads of locations over the city from midNovember meaning where ever you go within Manchester you won’t be far for festive gifts and tasty food and drink stalls. There will be more than 300 stalls and chalets across the city. With the main markets being found in Albert square. You can follow the trail to pick up jewellery, toys, bags and more fun and a quirkier gift from different market stalls which could include French markets, German markets and a world market and the art and crafts market. You can also check out the winter Funland which is an indoor venue that includes fairground attractions, an ice rink and live music.

6. The Victorian Christmas Festival Travelling back in time for a few days at the Victorian Christmas festival which is held in the Portsmouth historic dockyard. This year’s festival will mark the 20th year, this year there will be 120 markets and there will be a variety of Victorian street performers, there will be a range of festive treats. Open 29th, 30th November and 1st December 10 am – 6 pm. As a treat why not go to the Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower which hosts not one but two Christmas Cocktail Parties and you can go and visit the traditional green Father Christmas at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum.

Photo taken by Hibibure Rahman

7. Winchester Christmas Market

Photo taken by Joe Low

The Winchester Cathedral Christmas market is widely known as one of Europe’s best which more than 100 stalls that showcase all the handpicked and crafted gifts which offer the best gifts that you can’t find on the high street. From handcrafted decoration and festive treats to craft beer and mulled wine. You can also check out the ice rink and the glittering Christmas tree in the centre. 19 Nov 2021 - 22 Dec 2021. The market will be open from 10 am to 6.30 pm on Sunday to Wednesday and from Thursday to Saturday the market will be open from 10 am – 8 pm. It attracts more than 400,000 visitors every year.

8. Norwich Christmas Market Not only do they have one Norwich host several Christmas markets. Taking place across the same weekend in December three fairs are open for business across the city. The largest market is the Norwich global village Christmas market, with indoor stalls selling the regions finest crafts and paintings. Over the weekend you can get French crepes, mulled wine and tasty hot dogs. The cathedral Norwich Christmas Fayre is full of more festive joy. There is a vegan Christmas market that will have a range of cruelty-free and tasty vegan festive food. There will also be the tunnel of light which is one of Norwich’s most visited Christmas attractions.

Photo taken by Scenic Norfolk

9. Winter Garden Wonderland

Alongside the annual light show, the seaside town of Blackpool has added a few more surprises for festive visitors in the winter. Jampacked with charming wooden stalls selling their finest ware. The market is full of food and drinks stalls alongside fairground rides, live music and entertainment. With simulated snow, to warm log cabins. At the headland, there is an outdoor ice rink free to use between 19th November to the 3rd of January.

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Does your trust or family arrangement need to be registered with HMRC?

M

any family arrangements on how property is held are being caught by HMRC’s registration requirements.

If you are a trustee, beneficiary, hold property for someone else, or benefit from property held by another person, you may need to register with HMRC under the new online Trust Registration Service (TRS).

HMRC has extended their requirements for all trusts in existence on or after 6 October 2020 to register, even if they do not have a UK tax liability. There are some exceptions which are detailed in the Government guidance.

Importantly for most families, this now includes a requirement to register Declarations of Trust where the legal owners and beneficiaries differ. For example, you may hold a property under a Declaration of Trust where someone else has an interest or benefit. Or you may have another type of arrangement where someone holds property, money or other assets for the benefit of another person.

Michelle Crump

by a person but someone else has the benefit, please get in touch and we can consider this further for you.

We can also advise separately on the administration, creation or termination of a trust if you would like to explore planning options for you and your family.

For more information please contact Michelle Crump on 01752 827922 or by email on mc@wysolicitors.co.uk.

Michelle Crump - Associate Solicitor Michelle qualified as a Solicitor in 2009 and has experience in a range of clients’ estates from those with a straightforward bank account to high net worth clients.

Losing a loved one can be a very difficult time. Many people find dealing with the estate on top of this very challenging. Michelle can help obtain the Grant of Probate and work with the family to help manage the process.

There are also obligations for the upkeep of records and information about the trust on the TRS.

Michelle has a keen interest in trusts and also specialises in inheritance and estate administration; estate planning; wills and powers of attorney.

This is a complex area and the deadlines depend on the type of trust and whether there is any tax liability.

We recommend you do not delay in looking into this as there may be financial penalties involved.

Michelle works with families to help navigate through the legal issues at hand so they can be confident it works for them in the most productive way.

Next Steps

If you are a trustee or beneficiary or involved in an arrangement where property or other assets are held

Michelle is a member of the Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and an active member of the community, providing articles and fund-raising events on various points of interest.

t: 01752 660384 w: www.woollcombeyonge.co.uk Woollcombe Yonge Solicitors, 63-65 Bretonside, Plymouth, PL4 OBD @woollombeyonge

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CHRISTMAS JUMPER DAY Written by Sophie Martyn

It’s time to get your Christmas jumpers out of hiding on Friday, December 10th Christmas.

Get your friends, family and colleagues involved this year!

W

hy not get in the Christmas spirit and take part in this year’s Christmas jumper day. There is no better way to get into the Christmas spirit! You have no excuse to miss out when you can make your own Christmas jumpers at home. Get your family and friends and colleges involved this year too. You could always have a competition with people within your workforce or within your family and friends.

What does signing up for Christmas jumper day help with?

By signing up for Christmas jumper day, you’ll be helping children have a fighting chance at having a future. The money raised will help children across the world.

What happens when you sign up for free?

When you for your free fundraising game plan which includes posters, stickers and loads of different ideas on ways to raise money with your friends and family. All you have to do is donate £2 to take part. £2 can further than you think, like buying supplies to fight deadly virus like Covid 19 or it could make sure that the child can get school or could buy food for a hungry child

Support Save The Children this Christmas by visitng www.savethechildren.org.uk/.

Start your Christmas jumper day in 3 easy steps - Put Friday 10th in your calendar - Sign up for your free fundraising game plan - Find the best Christmas jumpers with your friends, family and colleagues.

Some simple and Covid 19 safe way savethechildren. org.uk suggests boosting your fundraising total this Christmas jumper day...

1

Mute button challenge Super-simple: every time someone talks in the Zoom call but forgets to unmute themselves, they have to donate £2!

2

Bake Sale Extravaganza cast a spell with cakes! Ask kids and parents to get mixing and make some tasty cakes for a bake sale – if they make them look magical that’s even better.

3

Virtual Quiz who’s the biggest expert on all things fun and festive?

Hold a virtual quiz with your mates and find out! Get them to donate a few pounds to take part.

So what are you waiting for, grab your jumper and start rasing money for Save The Children

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HAVE YOURSELF A SUSTAINABLE LITTLE CHRISTMAS With Christmas in close proximity, it is all too easy to forget the positive eco-friendly advances we have made and switch to panic buying mode. It is time to slow down the Christmas shopping experience and think greener.

I

think we can all agree that when it comes to Christmas, the excitement and the pressure gets to us all and a little bit of panic buying comes in to play. The pressure built up to ensure Christmas goes smoothly and nobody gets disappointed is getting bigger and bigger each year. I personally think that if we put less pressure on ourselves during this period, we would have more time to enjoy it. Christmas was never about the gifts and the money; it was always about spreading love and joy to all and spending the holiday with friends and family.

Stockings are such a beautiful idea to bring a little bit of joy to your Christmas morning in a very large sock! To fill these very large socks is the challenge behind the joy and this is when the panic usually sets in. We have come up with some sustainable and eco-friendly ideas to put in your loved one’s stockings this year.

The amount of waste that comes after the Christmas period is largely fuelled by the sheer panic and excitement from shops and social media to make it the ‘best Christmas ever’. The more the merrier is the general thought process and who can blame us for thinking this way with the growing pressures of social media.

Firstly, ask yourself if you have anything that your kids haven’t seen before that you could hand down to them. This could be a necklace you had when you were a teenager or an old favourite toy that has been well looked after. This meaningful gesture can go a long way as they are more likely to hold on to it as it has precious value.

We are here to prove that you don’t need to miss out when it comes to making your Christmas more sustainable. In some areas, you can even save money by doing a bit of DIY! Eco-friendly products tend to cost more than un-sustainable, plastic items, however, they will last a lot longer which means you are saving yourself money in the long term.

Let’s not forget about the traditional satsuma at the bottom of every stocking! If forgotten, this will go mouldy and leave a foul stench at the bottom of your stocking!

Minimising your carbon footprint by sourcing products locally is the first step. We have an editorial in this issue all about how to spend locally in Plymouth this Christmas.

The essentials that go into every stocking are pants and socks, this can be bought ethically by sourcing good quality products that are made to last. This means less will be thrown out. When your trusty sock does get a hole in or is running thin after many years, make sure you discard them in a clothes recycling point which can be found at many tips and clothing stores.

Opt for package-free products. Shampoo and soap bars are a great alternative to your everyday plastic bottles. These bars tend to last longer and often have all-natural ingredients in which are more sustainable and healthier for the planet. You can buy a soap dish

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to keep them dry when you are not using them.

For kids, Play in Choc is a great way to add a sweet treat but without the plastic. Inside their boxes is a bar of delicious chocolate along with a cardboard animal that they can piece together. And when they get tired of playing with it, it can be easily recycled. And for the sweet tooth, support your local sweet shop and grab a pick and mix. Often, they will be in paper packets where no plastic is involved! You can also avoid waste by choosing only their favourite sweets.

Everybody gets excited when they see the first shoot of a plant they have nurtured come through.

This is why putting in a packet of seed to their stocking may not be as daft as it sounds. If you opt for flower seeds, this will also attract bees!

Another must-have in any child’s stocking is some stationary. You can now purchase recycled pens and pencils from certain shops for example; www.remarkable.co.uk and www.wearthlondon.comYou can find a range of eco-friendly items on both of those websites too.

A candle to set the Christmas mood is always a great stocking filler however, candles are not good for the environment as you are essentially burning a fossil fuel as most contain paraffin. To avoid these candles, look for words on the candles packaging such as ‘natural, organic, coconut wax, rapeseed wax etc.’

You can also buy candles that have been recycled.

A great shop to go for that is ‘The Recycled Candle Company’ in Exeter.

It is all too easy to be tempted by the smell of freshly ground coffee whilst walking through the city but make sure you’ve got your reusable mug! Add one of these to your loved one’s stocking for a great gift and to save money on your next coffee! A lot of cafes and Baristas will offer a discount if you bring your own reusable coffee cup!

So now your stockings are filled with eco-friendly goodness, let’s get on to the main presents!

Although wrapping paper has got the word ‘paper’ in it, most wrapping paper is not recyclable as it contains foil, glitter or plastic. Brown paper packaging tied up with string is the way forward! Actually, I think it looks a lot prettier and you can add your own personalised touch to it with some foliage, dried orange, and maybe even a stamp using eco-friendly vegetable ink! If you want some more colour to your packages, we recommend www.re-wrapped.co.uk, they have a wide range of Christmassy designs all made from vegetable ink!

When Christmas shoppingremember to take your bags for life with you to avoid having to take any unnecessary plastic bags home with you.

Christmas is the time for all things sparkly; glitter, sequins, tinsel, baubles, fairy lights and everything in-between. Unfortunately, all of those lovely sparkly items are made from plastic and are non-recyclable and often get washed down the sink and end up in our oceans. On a positive note, eco-friendly glitter exists! Try to refrain from using tinsel and make your own paper chains or homemade garlands that can have longer-lasting properties and are less harmful to the environment.

Baubles should be a family heirloom and stored with care so that they can come out of hiding each year and look spectacular. If you are in need of an extra bauble or two, avoid ones with glitter or that are made from plastic. Head to the high-end stores that offer quality baubles that are less likely to break over the years. Or, make your own Christmas decorations!

Have a forage in your local woodland and pick some beautiful pinecones to hang on the tree. And if you are feeling peckish, make some Christmas biscuits, punch a hole through them, tie with string and you’ve got an adorable decoration that won’t go to waste!

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By now, you may have planned your Christmas card recipient list but before you buy the cards, give them a little something extra this year. www.earthbits.com are a UK based company that produce all sorts of eco-friendly products as well as Christmas cards! The unique thing about these cards is that when you are ready to throw them away, you can take them out of the bin and in your back garden as these cards have seeds in! By buying these cards, you are essentially giving them a card and a gift that keeps on giving!

Most Christmas trees are green, but not all Christmas trees are green for the planet.

When it comes to buying your Christmas tree this year, make sure you are sourcing it as local as possible.

And when January comes, make sure you contact www.recycledevon.org/recycle-your-christmas-trees as they can collect your tree and recycle it!

Renting a Christmas tree is the new trend this year! If you are local to a farm that grows and sells Christmas trees, depending on the farm, you can rent it from them and come January, they will come and collect it from you and then re-plant it for next year!

Did you know- It takes 20 years for an artificial tree to become ‘greener’ than a real one.

However, if you do prefer the ease of an artificial tree, or perhaps you need it for allergy reasons, you can still be mindful about the tree you choose.

Some artificial trees are recyclable or made from biodegradable materials.

With all of these sustainable Christmas ideas, we hope this has inspired you to think outside the box and adopt an eco-friendly Christmas this year without compromising out on a thing!

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OUR FAVOURITE

FESTIVE

RECIPE IDEAS The countdown to Christmas is finally here and we have found the best festive bakes to enjoy infront of a roaring fire. From ultimate gingerbread to a yule log.

Easy mince pies • • • • • •

(Serves 18)

225g cold butter, diced 350g plain flour 100g golden caster sugar 280g mincemeat 1 small egg, beaten icing sugar, to dust

ONE To make the pastry, rub the butter into the flour, then mix in the golden caster sugar and a pinch of salt. Combine the pastry into a ball – don’t add liquid – and knead it briefly. The dough will be fairly firm, like shortbread dough. You can use the dough immediately, or chill for later.

TWO Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Line 18 holes of two 12-hole patty tins, by pressing small walnut-sized balls of pastry into each hole.

Spoon the mincemeat into the pies. Take slightly smaller balls of pastry than before and pat them out between your hands to make round lids, big enough to cover the pies.

THREE Top the pies with their lids, pressing the edges gently together to seal – you don’t need to seal them with milk or egg as they will stick on their own. Will keep frozen for up to one month.

FOUR Brush the tops of the pies with the beaten egg. Bake for 20 mins until golden. Leave to cool in the tin for 5 mins, and then remove to a wire rack.

To serve, lightly dust with the icing sugar.

Ultimate easy gingerbread • • • • • • • •

100g salted butter 3 tbsp golden syrup 100g dark muscovado sugar ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda 1 tbsp ground ginger 1 tsp ground cinnamon 225g plain flour 50g icing sugar

ONE Heat the butter, syrup and sugar together in a small pan until melted, stirring occasionally.

Set aside to cool slightly. Mix together the bicarb, ginger, cinnamon and flour in a large bowl. Pour in the buttery syrup mixture and stir to combine, then use your hands to bring together to form a dough. The dough will be soft at this point, but it’ll firm up in the fridge.

TWO Put the dough on a sheet of baking parchment, shape into a rectangle, and lay another sheet of parchment on top of it. Roll the dough out to a thickness of ½cm. Transfer to a baking sheet to keep it flat, leaving the parchment in place, then chill in the fridge for 1 hr.

THREE Heat the oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5 and line a large baking sheet with more baking parchment. Remove the dough from the fridge and cut out shapes using a cookie cutter. We also made some with smaller stars cut out a whole to thread ribbon through and hang from a Christmas tree. Place the shapes, spread apart, on the lined baking sheet, and bake for 10-12 mins. Leave to cool completely on the baking sheet.

FOUR Decorate the cooled biscuits with the icing using a piping bag with a thin nozzle. Mix the icing sugar with 1-2 tbsp water – you want to create a consistency that’s thick and pipeable and not too thin or it will run.

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Yule log

(Serves 12)

• 60g self-raising flour • 3 tbsp cocoa powder • 3 eggs • 75g golden caster sugar, plus extra for scattering

For the filling

• 200ml double cream • ½ tsp vanilla extract • 50g icing sugar, sifted, plus extra to serve ONE Heat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Line a 22 x 32cm swiss roll tin (if it’s 20 x 30cm that’s still fine) with baking parchment. Sift the flour and cocoa powder together into a bowl and set aside.

TWO Crack the eggs into another bowl and tip in the sugar. Use an electric whisk or the whisk attachment to beat the eggs and sugar together for 5 mins until pale and very thick. Use a spoon or spatula to gently fold in the flour mixture until completely incorporated and everything’s the same colour with no streaks.

THREE Gently scrape the mix into the tin and spread to the corners. Bake for 9-10 mins until puffed up and springy to touch. While the cake is baking, get another piece of parchment a little larger than the tin and scatter it with sugar. When the sponge is cooked, use oven gloves to carefully invert it onto the sugar-coated paper. Lift off the tin and peel away the top layer of parchment. Score a line 2cm from one of the shorter edges, and then use the parchment to roll the sponge into a spiral with the parchment running through it. Leave the rolled sponge to cool completely.

FOUR While the cake is cooling, make the filling by whisking all the ingredients together until the cream stiffens. Unroll the sponge and spread over the filling, leaving the scored edge clear. Starting from the scored edge, use the parchment to roll the sponge up around the filling. Lift onto a board or serving platter and dust with icing sugar. Can be served straight away or chilled for up to 24 hrs.

Serve in slices.

Recipes from bbcgoodfood.com

Christmas cupcakes

(Makes 12)

For the cakes

• • • • • •

280g self-raising flour 175g golden caster sugar 175g unsalted butter , very soft 150g pot fat-free natural yogurt 1 tsp vanilla extract 3 eggs

For the frosting

• 85g unsalted butter , softened • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 200g icing sugar , sifted

To decorate

• natural green food colouring (for Christmas trees), sweets, sprinkles and white chocolate stars • milk and white chocolate buttons and natural colouring icing pens, available at Asda ONE Heat oven to 190C/170 fan/gas 5 and line a 12-hole muffin tin with cake cases. Put all the cake ingredients into a bowl and mix with a whisk until smooth. Spoon the mix into the cases, bake for 25 mins until golden and risen and a skewer comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.

TWO For the frosting, beat the butter, vanilla extract and icing sugar until pale and creamy and completely combined. To make snowmen, reindeer and Christmas puddings, first spread the icing over the top of each cake. Then lay the chocolate buttons on top, slicing some buttons into quarters to make ears and hats. Finally, use icing pens for the details. For the Christmas tree, colour the icing with green food colouring and pipe onto the cakes using a star-shaped nozzle, decorate with sweets, sprinkles and white chocolate stars.

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