Festive Fun A selection of Christmas cracker jokes and cracking gift ideas The Aerial & Satellite Shop
Wm Eyre & Sons
UKBullion
Dealers in quality watches & diamonds
“THE ROAD TO FREEDOM”
Hoyland Patoo Thai Dismantling Co.
Riverside Garden Centre
Christmas gift guide Don’t leave it too late... there’s a wealth of shops with ideas for the festive season.
Riverside Garden Centre Living Nature cuddly toys from £12.00. Sheffield Road, Chesterfield, S41 9ED Crawshaws Butchers For Christmas meats, visit your local Crawshaws store. 98 The Moor, Eyre Street, Sheffield, S1 4PB 53 Lower Pavements, Chesterfield, S40 1PB 25 Howard Street, Rotherham, S65 1JQ www.crawshawbutchers.com
Patoo Thai Treat the food lover in your life to gift vouchers from Patoo Thai. 607 – 609 Ecclesall Road, Sheffield, S11 8PT Tel: 01142 668196 www.patoothai.com
The Wool Room The Wool Room Deluxe Wool Pillow – A unique wool filled pillow designed to reduce humidity, beat allergies and deliver healthier sleep. RRP: £57.99 Sale Price @ 10% off: £52.19 Peak Shopping Village, Rowsley, Derbyshire, DE4 2JU. Tel: 01629 735 587 www.facebook.com/thewoolroom
Eleanor X Guillaume Eleanor & Guillaume is a new concept and lifestyle store based in Bakewell. They are the exclusive Bakewell stockists of many luxury Scandinavian and Danish brands and the only UK supplier of many independent worldwide businesses. Eleanor and Guillaume aim to provide you with everything to make your home beautiful and stylish while also stocking a wonderful range of gifts, skincare, gourmet food and more. They pride themselves on in offering great products you won’t find anywhere else, so pop down and say hello or visit them at www.eleanorandguillaume.co.uk Kelham Arcade, 92 Burton Road, S3 8DA www.eleanorandguillaume.co.uk
2
JDM Get your loved one in the driving seat this Christmas with driving lesson vouchers from JDM. Tel: 0845 601 8685 www.jdmsrivingschool.co.uk
Wm Eyre & Sons Barbour clothing. Brough Corn Mills, Brough, Bradwell, Hope Valley Tel: 01433 620353 www.williameyre.co.uk
Huckleberry Willow Need help to find a special gift for someone special - find it at Huckleberry Willow - home to an extensive and exclusive collection of bags, scarves, costume and silver jewellery. 38a St Mary's Gate, Chesterfield, S41 7TH Tel: 01246 230673 www.huckleberrywillow.co.uk info@huckleberrywillow.co.uk
The Aerial & Satellite Shop The Android TV Box - free movies, free sport, free box sets. No subscription. 633 Abbeydale Road, Sheffield S7 1TB Tel: 0114 255 2178 sales@avshop.co.uk www.avshop.co.uk
Williams Electrical Shops SONY MDR-ZX330BT wireless Bluetooth headphones: ÂŁ49.99. On-ear headphones compatible with all smartphones featuring a microphone, remote and volume control. With 30hr playtime, perfect for the new iPhone.
UK Bullion Selling a selection of high quality new and preloved watches including Patek Philippe, Cartier and Rolex. 339-341 Ecclesall Rd, Sheffield S11 8PF Tel: 0114 266 4040 ukbullionltd.co.uk
783 Chesterfield Road, Sheffield, S8 0SP Tel: 0114 255 4341 Email: sale@williams-electrical.co.uk www.williams-electrical.co.uk
3
Contents dvent is here - and that means the countdown to Christmas starts in earnest now. For children it is a time of excitement and wonder. For a start, you get to open another window on the Advent calendar and pop a chocolate into your mouth. There is also the exciting realisation that Christmas is just around the corner so school Carol concerts, Nativity plays and trips to the pantomime make the next few weeks a glorious rush of non-stop fun and games. So, great for the kids then, but if you happen to be the adult charged with making sure all the fun stuff happens as and when it should, the responsibility can threaten to take the sparkle out of what should be a time of joy and wonder for everyone. What’s to be done? This little publication might help. If there are presents to be bought for the youngsters, we take a look at the top ten toys and games that the nation’s retailers expect to be flying off the shelves over the next few weeks. And if that leaves you feeling at all nostalgic for the fun you had in your own childhood, we also take a nostalgic look back at the gifts that made Christmas special in years gone by. Father Christmas is the main man at this time of year and it just so happens that in Sheffield we have the man who knows more about the jolly bearded chap in the red suit than most. Doctor Patrick Harding can tell you everything about the origins of all the little traditions and rituals that make up the festive season, from why we eat cranberries with our festive turkey to the reason why the main man always wears red. Meanwhile if your present list is causing a few headaches this year, our gift guide is crammed with bright ideas from local retailers that might well provide the answers. That’s just a taste of what is inside Festive Fun. We hope it helps you spread some seasonal happiness and enter into the spirit of the occasion over the next few weeks.
A
Merry Christmas. 2 Christms Gift Guide Get inspiration from the independents this Christmas
29 She’s back... oh yes she is! Corrie star Wendi Peters talks to Phoebe Seymour about returning to her roots at The Crucible
30 Christmas toys Stuck for something for the kids this festive season? Look no further than our collection of toys that are set to fly off the shelves – all in time for Christmas morning.
32 The real meaning of Christmas As we prepare to deck the halls with holly, Phoebe Seymour meets the man who knows exactly what makes it the season to be jolly…
35 Sheffield Hospital Charity Play the Sheffield Hospitals Lottery for a chance to win £25,000 in their weekly draw.
For all advertising enquiries please call 0114 250 6300 or contact: Sam Warsop: sam.warsop@rmcmedia.co.uk MANAGING EDITOR Chris Wilson DIGITAL EDITOR Stephanie Burns EDITORIAL Phoebe Seymour, Molly McGreevy, Rachel Martin CHIEF SUB-EDITOR Richard Abbey SUB-EDITOR Richard Smith STUDIO MANAGER Chris Brierley DESIGN Dan Wray, Steve Levers, Charles Bradshaw OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Jillion Wood PUBLISHING MANAGER Sam Warsop DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Chris Clayton ACCOUNTS Paul Barrett, Kelly Mann Published by: RMC MEDIA, 6 Broadfield Court, Broadfield Business Park, Sheffield, S8 0XF Tel: 0114 250 6300. Email: westside@rmcmedia.co.uk. Website: www.westsidemagazine.co.uk Not connected with any other company or group. Printed by Buxton Press, Buxton, Derbyshire. www.buxtonpress.com The publisher takes no responsibility whatsoever for the safe keeping or return of unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or other material. Any submitted material should be accompanied by an SAE. All material is the copyright of the RMC Media and is not to be reproduced without permission. The placing of an order for the insertion of an advertisement in this publication shall amount to an acceptance of our terms and conditions, copies of which are available on request.
KEEP UP TO DATE... 4
Search ‘RMC Media’
@Westside_RMC
www.sheffieldvibe.com
What does Santa bring naughty boys and girls on Christmas Eve?
Riverside Garden Centre
& COFFEE SHOP
Sheffield Road, Chesterfield, Derbyshire S41 9ED
Telephone: 01246 261631 www.gardenbuild.com
Riverside-Garden-Centre
Look on our media sites for further Christmas updates of events
REAL TREES
ARTIFICIAL TREES
INDOOR & OUTDOOR CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
GIFTS
BAUBLES AND DECORATIONS
Visit Santa
EVERY WEEKEND from 26th November Sat & Sun 2pm – 4pm
A pack of batteries with a note saying “toy not included!”
5
Why did Santa’s helper see
the doctor?
UKBullion
Dealers in quality watches & diamonds R Z
339-341 Ecclesall Rd, Sheffield S11 8PF Tel: 0114 2664040 6
Because he had low “ elf
” esteem!
What’s worse than Rudolf
with a runny nose?
Transform your life and your body XMAS SPECIAL OFFERS Alongside Alevere, G&M Healthcare offer a series of complementary cosmetic treatments. DRACULA THERAPY (VAMPIRE FACELIFT) (Also known as PRP Therapy) 1 Session £195 • 2 Session £350
HYALURONIC DERMAL FILLERS
45 minutes/treatment ONLY £169 - 1ml syringe, (usually £245) Lip enhancement from £130 Nose reshaping £230
ANTI WRINKLE
30- 60min/treatment One area £130 2 areas £155 3 areas £169 Anti Wrinkle for men £25 additional per area Additional areas eg lower face, neck, chin, (per area) £45 Axillary Hyperhidrosis (Excessive sweating under arms) £395 Hand Hyperhidrosis £350
LPG, MEDCONTOUR & EXILIS ELITE Treatment areas Face, Neck, Decolletage/chest, Abdomen, Flanks, Bra strap area, Backs of hands, Thighs, Arms, Knees
SOPRANO LASER HAIR REMOVAL 6 sessions ONLY £60-£240 (usually £240-£1500)
MEDCONTOUR
1 Sessions: 45 mins £130 • 60 mins £170 • 90 mins £250 4 Sessions: 45 mins £480 • 60 mins £540 • 90 mins £850
LPG - ENDERMOLOGIE
1 Session: 30 mins £100 • 45 mins £130 • 60 mins £180 4 Sessions: 30 mins £380 • 45 mins £460 60 mins £620
BTL VANQUISH ME Vanquish Me is a radio frequency device that permanently kills fat cells in the abdomen (tummy), thighs and arms 1 session £250 • 4 sessions £800 SAVE £200
EXILIS ELITE 1 Session £130 4 Sessions £480 6 sessions ONLY £450-£660 (usually £660-£1500)
MESOTHERAPY TREATMENT Face/neck treatment 1 Session £85 6 Sessions £450 For hair loss treatment 6 sessions ONLY £450 (usually £660)
ALEVERE WEIGHT LOSS
DERMALUX (LED) AND FACIAL LED light therapy for skin rejuvenation, acne and Rosacea treatments 8 Sessions £600 including £202 worth of cosmetics FREE
OZONE THERAPY For treatment of knee, hip, neck and shoulder osteoarthritis pain relief, sciatica pain relief and improvement of fibromyalgia, hepatitis C and several other chronic conditions as seen on robertrowenmd Utube channel. Prices start from £100 per session
Initial Consultation ONLY £65 (usually £85)
CARBOXYTHERAPY
SKIN PEELS
Carboxytherapy is a medical device used for the treatment of skin pathologies (psoriasis, eczema, sores, venous ulcers), arthritis, stretch marks, scars, cellulite, bags & dark circles under the eyes, anti-aging & localized weight loss procedures.
45 minutes/treatment Glycolic Peel (20%, 35%, 50% & 70%) 1 treatment £60 4 treatments £200
6 sessions ONLY £300-£660 (usually £480-£900)
LIMITED OFFER FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION WITH OUR FULLY QUALIFIED GP Call 0114 2686128 NOW to book and mention this advert We accept payment by cash and/or Credit/Debit cards. CREDIT FACILITY AVAILABLE
5 Broomfield Road, Broomhill, Sheffield S10 2SE Telephone: 0114 2686128 info@gandmhealthcare.com or visit our website www.gandmhealthcare.com
Frosty the snowman wi
th a hot flush!
7
What happened to the man who stole an Advent Calendar?
available at
Wm Eyre & Sons Brough Corn Mills Brough, Bradwell Hope Valley Tel: 01433 620353 www.williameyre.co.uk
8
He got 25 days!
What do reindeer hang on th
eir Christmas trees?
Christtmas Christmas
Horn-aments!
9
Why are Christmas trees
so bad at sewing?
SA WE MPL EK ING EN DS
(S 3/4 Co at: t me 10 h, 10 alo am /1 ng - 4 1th a , sa pm nd mp / S 17/ le ou un 18t rb : 10 h D Come and visit our brewery shop where you’ll find a ee am ec r s great range of Farmers Ales available in bottles, jugs, &t -2 ry pm be 5ltr mini kegs and 10ltr “beer in a box”. ) for ey You’ll also find a great range of high quality and ou bu y! practical gifts, clothing and merchandise – ideal for
the “Farmers fan” in your life!
now available
in bottles & mini kegs From November – our incredibly popular festive tipple will be available in 500ml bottles and 5 litre mini kegs (while stocks last) The perfect stocking filler to enjoy at home on a cold winter night.
ON-SITE BREWERY SHOP OPENING TIMES: MON - SAT, 10AM - 4PM From 4th December every Sunday 10am-2pm until Christmas. Christmas Eve and New Years Eve 10am-2pm Wed 28th, Thurs 29th and Fri 30th 10am-4pm CLOSED - Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Tues 27th, New Year’s Day and Mon 2nd Jan 2017
NORMAL HOURS RECOMMENCE : TUES 3RD JAN BROWN HOUSE LANE
K I R K
St Nicholas Church High Bradfield
LA
N
E
LITTLE LANE
LO X LE
W
OODFALL
Y
Visit our facebook page or follow us on twitter for the latest news and offers
AD
WE ARE HERE
LO
Christmas orders now being taken
HIGH BRADFIELD
RO
TO BRADFIELD VILLAGE
TO OUGHTIBRIDGE E D GE R O A D
XL
EY
RO
AD
TO NAGS HEAD AND DAM FLASK
Great gift ideas e in our onsit p o sh
Tel: 0114 285 1118
Email: info@bradfieldbrewery.co.uk
www.bradfieldbrewery.com
OPEN LATE NIGHT THURSDAYS (UNTIL 8PM) –1ST, 8TH, 15TH & 22ND DECEMBER
10
They always drop the ir needles!
What do you get if you eat Chr
istmas decorations?
Eat Healthy, Eat Greek ENJOY GREAT FOOD WITH THE GREEDY GREEK DELI AND GREEK DELI DIRECT
A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Why not join us for a Christmas get together Greek Style? Party Menus available from £10.95 per person and you can bring your own wine and beer too, no corkage charge. Seating for 30 people upstairs at the Deli. Having a party at the office or home? …then let the Greek Deli Direct do the hard work for you. Hot and cold food ready to eat.
If you have a larger group or party our mobile unit may be what you are looking for We also do outside catering for Weddings, Parties, Events and Festivals large or small, check out our new Mobile Vans www.greekdelidirect.co.uk or give Helen a call on 07927673990
We are open from 10am to 10pm 7 days a week
Order direct Download our APP &
SAVE 5%
at 418-420 Sharrowvale Road, Hunters Bar, S11 8ZP (Next to Nat West Bank) Tel: 0114 2667719
Tinsilitis!
11
What did the sea sa y
12
to Santa?
Nothing, it just waved!
What do snowmen wea r
on their heads?
Live from the Sheffield City Hall
A brand new script written by
To book contact Manor Operatic Box Office on 01709 365108 or City Hall Box Office on 0114 2789789 www.manoroperatic.com www.sheffieldcityhall.co.uk
Ice caps!
13
Why did the turkey jo in
the band?
Hoyland Dismantling Co. • Fencing panels manufactured and supplied • Timber & sheet materials • Decking Boards & Materials • Oak beams and mantles, pine and oak flooring • New & reclaimed railway sleepers from £10.00 inc VAT each • Stone & architectural products • Stone & Slate Paving Tinker Lane, Hoyland Common, Barnsley S74 0PR
Tel: 01226 747221 Mob: 07973 420916 www.hoylanddismantling.co.uk
Delivery service available All major credit cards accepted
14
Because it had the dru msticks!
What did Santa do when he
went speed dating?
Ã&#x; )% 3FBEZ %JHJUBM )% Ã&#x; )% 3FBEZ %JHJUBM )% -&% 57 XJUI JOUFSHSBUFE %7% -&% 57 XJUI JOUFSHSBUFE %7%
Ã&#x; 'VMM )% 9 3FBMJUZ Ã&#x; 'VMM )% 9 3FBMJUZ 1 SP -&% 57 1SP -&% 57 .PEFM /P ,%- 8% #6 .PEFM /P ,%- 8% #6
.PEFM /P )% & %7% .PEFM /P )% & %7%
t 3 t 3FTPMVUJPO Y FTPMVUJPO Y t .PUJPOGMPX 93 )[ t .PUJPOGMPX 93 )[ t 4 .BTUFS %JHJUBM "NQMJGJFS t .BTUFS %JHJUBM "NQMJGJFS t ) t )%.* Y 4DBSU Y %.* Y 4DBSU Y
tt 'SFFWJFX 'SFFWJFX
3 .VMUJ 3PPN #BTF 4UBUJPO 3 .VMUJ 3PPN #BTF 4UBUJPO 4QFBLFS 4QFBLFS
tt 3FTPMVUJPO Y 3FTPMVUJPO Y t #SJHIOFTT DE N $POUSBTU t SJHIOFTT DE N $POUSBTU tt Y )%.* Y 4DBSU Y XBUU Y )%.* Y 4DBSU Y XBUU
0 0OMZ OMZ
.PEFM /P 3 .PEFM /P 3 t # t #MVFUPPUI *OUFSOFU 3BEJP .VTJD 1MBZFS MVFUPPUI *OUFSOFU 3BEJP .VTJD 1MBZFS t %"# %"# 3BEJP .VTJD 1MBZFS t %"# %"# 3BEJP .VTJD 1MBZFS t t 1PTJUJPO &RVBMJTFS 1PTJUJPO &RVBMJTFS t 8JSFMFTT PS 8JSFE $POOFDUJPO t 8JSFMFTT PS 8JSFE $POOFDUJPO
0OMZ 0OMZ
b b
b b
0OMZ 0OMZ
b b
5# 'SFFTBU 'SFFUJNF )% 3FDPSEFS 5# 'SFFTBU 'SFFUJNF )% 3FDPSEFS
Black & Gold Turntable
4 4 .VMUJ 3PPN 4QFBLFS .VMUJ 3PPN 4QFBLFS
.PEFM /P )%3 4 5#8) .PEFM /P )%3 4 5#8)
Model No: GDPTURNT01BLK
. .PEFM /P 4 PEFM /P 4
t 8IJUF t 8IJUF t 8J 'J #VJMU *O 5SJQMF 5VSOFST t 8J 'J #VJMU *O 5SJQMF 5VSOFST t )PVST 4% )PVST )% 3FDPSEJOH t )PVST 4% )PVST )% 3FDPSEJOH t 3FNPUF $POUSPM 7JB )VNBY "QQ t 3FNPUF $POUSPM 7JB )VNBY "QQ
• Rechargeable Battery • Suitcase Design (Easily Portable) • USB Encoding • High Build Quality • 1 Year Warranty
t # t #MVFUPPUI *OUFSOFU 3BEJP .VTJD 1MBZFS MVFUPPUI *OUFSOFU 3BEJP .VTJD 1MBZFS t 4QPUJGZ 4UFSFP 8BZ 4QFBLFS t 4QPUJGZ 4UFSFP 8BZ 4QFBLFS t t 1PTJUJPO &RVBMJTFS 1PTJUJPO &RVBMJTFS t 8JSFMFTT PS 8JSFE $POOFDUJPO t 8JSFMFTT PS 8JSFE $POOFDUJPO
0OMZ 0OMZ
b b
0OMZ 0OMZ
b b
He pulled a cracker!
15
What did the snowflake sa y to the fallen leaf?
16
You are so last season!
What did the snowman say to th e aggressive carrot?
Get into the spirit
FROM DECORATIONS TO GIFTS AND DELICIOUS DINNERS, CHRISTMAS HAS COME EARLY AT WARD’S NURSERIES AND GARDEN CENTRE. s the days are fast becoming shorter and darker and winter rolls around once again, woolly jumpers, hearty stews and mulled wine are just a few things to look forward to. For many of us however, Christmas is the main event that we eagerly await and, whether you have already made a start on your Christmas shopping, are in need of some gift inspiration or simply want to get into the festive spirit, Ward’s Nurseries and Garden Centre is the place to visit. At this time of year, Ward’s is transformed into a winter wonderland, with beautifully decorated Christmas trees, gift sets and fabulous food offerings. Their Christmas decorations range from delicate baubles to fantastic life-size lit-up penguins, which are guaranteed to be the focal point of any room or garden. Ward’s are particularly famed for their extensive range of indoor and outdoor fibre optics and lights, so your home certainly won’t go unnoticed, and, of course, there will be fresh Christmas trees, wreaths and potted plants for those who prefer the more natural look. When it comes to buying gifts for your loved ones – whether you’re looking to purchase something traditional, or unique and quirky – Ward’s is brimming with hundreds of fantastic gift ideas for the whole family, including hundreds of books for adults and children, jigsaws, beautiful wooden toys from Orange Tree, soft toys and dolls for babies and younger children, the ever popular Equilibrium jewellery collection, men’s cufflinks, toiletries and stylish toilet bags for ladies and gents, cosy warm slippers and socks, gorgeous reed diffusers to add fragrance and style to your home – the list is endless!
A
Those looking for something with a personal touch can create a bespoke hamper. There are many delicious goodies to delight your loved ones, including a new gluten-free hamper, or you can simply stock up your kitchen cupboards with some tasty produce. The Cottage Delight range is as popular as ever, with a selection of sauces, oils and chutneys to choose from. Ward’s are also renowned for their fabulous range of clothing for ladies and gents – practical yet smart coats and jackets suitable for the unpredictable British weather, luxurious cashmere soft knitwear, beautifully warm wraps, flowing Italian silk trousers and tops, all designed to take you through autumn and winter in comfort and style and all a little different to the mass produced garments found on the high street. With food, gifts and clothing covered, it’s time to think about the garden. There’s a whole range of autumn plants available with beautiful flowers and foliage in many different colours. If you want to fill your garden with colour next spring, you can still plant bulbs from October to December, before the first frost. Daffodils, tulips, crocus, grape hyacinths
and fritillaries are just some of the types to choose from. Skimmias are also one of the finest plants for autumn and winter. These beautiful redberried shrubs brighten up any shady corner and are equally at home in borders or strategically placed containers making them perfect for gardens of all sizes. It is safe to say that a Christmas visit to Ward’s Garden Centre has become an annual tradition for many families in and around Sheffield and even further afield, and now the Christmas countdown has begun it’s time to get down to Ward’s to get in the festive spirit and find out what’s on offer. The newly refurbished Old Potting Shed Coffee Shop & Restaurant is now taking bookings for the delicious Christmas menu, available to pre-order during November and December. Call in or telephone for your menus and pre-order forms now. Ward’s Nurseries and Garden Centre Eckington Road, Coal Aston Dronfield, S18 3BA Tel: 01246 412622 www.wardsgardencentre.co.uk
|
Get out of my face!
h ffi ld ib
17
What did the stamp say to t he Christmas card?
A bicycle for any type of ride. Official Dealer:
Find us at Sheffield Railway Station Web: russellsbicycleshed.co.uk Tel: 0114 2730539 Email: sheffield@russellsbicycleshed.co.uk Tweet: @russ_cycle_shed Facebook: @russellbicycleshed
18
Stick with me and we’ ll go places!
Why did no one bid for Rudolph a
nd Blitzen on Ebay?
The only way to travel‌ With global expertise and over 30 years’ experience, we have an unrivalled reputation for providing bespoke holidays of the highest quality
Because they were two deer!
19
What’s the slogan for th e Eskimo lottery?
An Inspiring Collection of Design-Led Products, Unusual Gifts, Exclusive Greeting Cards, Beautiful Jewellery & Scarves, Exciting Toys & Games, Home Accessories, Quality Cane & Solid Wood Furniture in a Variety of Finishes
www.huckleberrywillow.co.uk
20
38A St Mary's Gate Chesterfield, Derbyshire S41 7TH TEL/FAX: 01246 230673 New Customer Car Park OPEN SUNDAYS (from 13th Nov) 11AM – 4PM TILL CHRISTMAS
‘You’ve got to be inui t to win you it’
What happened to the tur key at Christmas?
ALL CHRISTMAS PARTY BOOKINGS BOOKED BEFORE 15TH NOVEMBER WILL RECEIVE A FREE BOTTLE OF HOUSE WINE* * minimum party of 4 with £5 deposit paid per person
Book Now for Christmas
WINNER WINNER WINNER Best Oriental Best Orient Best Oriental al Restaurant
Restaurant
Restaurant
Patoo Thai 607-609 Ecclesall Rd, Sheffield S11 8PT www.patoothai.com Tel 0114 266 8196 or 0114 267 1616
OPEN: Monday to Sunday
Lunch 12:00 - 14:30
It got gobbled!
Dinner 18:00 - 23:00
21
What do you call a penguin in
the Sahara desert?
FULLY LICENSED
EST 1998 RESTAURANT & TAKEAWAY
WINNER Curry House Of The Year 2015 Second Place National and Top 3 in Sheffield
NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR
4 Course Christmas Lunch £22.95 Open from 12 noon until 4.00pm Christmas Lunch & Regular Menu
DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE Within a 5 mile radius on orders over £10 OPENING TIMES Sun - Thurs 5.30pm - 11.30pm Fri & Sat 5.30pm - 12.30am
10%
DISCOUNT
ON COLLECTION 186-188 Crookes, Sheffield S10 1TG ORDERS OVER £10
Tel: 0114 266 1802 www.jaflong.co.uk 22
Lost!
Complimentary popadom with each main course
How do snowmen ge t
around?
They ride an icicle!
23
What is Rudolph’s favouri te day of the year?
3 Vertical Blinds up to 6ft x 6ft
Supplied & fitted FROM
£110
Order NOW
in time for Christmas
Pleated Blackout Blinds Perfect Fit • Verticals Venetians • Roman • Roller
• Free Measure • Free Fitting • 10 yrs Experience • 5 yrs Guarantee • Local to your area • Testimonials
Call anytime for information & bookings
07966 989088 0114 2465 747 email: crucibleblinds@gmail.com
24
Red Nose Day!
What do you call an e lf who sings?
JDM Driving Lesson Tokens
CHRISTMAS TOKENS OFFER Purchase online before 23rd Dec for our best rates
Visit: www.jdmdrivingschool.co.uk and click on Xmas Token Offer *Same low hourly price, whether buying one or twenty hours. Xmas tokens can not be used until 2nd January, 2017. Ideal main gift for a loved one or a stocking filler for any new learner driver or even a qualified driver requiring help.
“THE ROAD TO FREEDOM�
0114 258 9872 A wrapper!
25
What is the popular Christmas
carol in the Desert?
AERIALS SATELLITE CCTV HOME CINEMA ALARM SYSTEMS Satellite Dishes for Sky Television European Satellite Systems Motorised Satellite Systems Live Satellite Broadcast
CCTV
• Free survey & advice • Design & planning • Full range of CCTV cameras available
AERALS FITTED FROM £80 INTRUDER ALARMS FREE SITE SURVEY & ADVICE
Home Cinema Projectors Screens TV Installation Sound Bars / Audio Systems Cinema Seating Bespoke Installation
WE CAN SAVE YOU MONEY!! FREE Movies FREE Sports FREE Box Sets
CALL NOW TO RESERVE THE ANDROID TV BOX… NO SUBSCRIPTION
Merry Christmas to all customers Mention Santa for a 10% XMAS DISCOUNT!
FREE ESTIMATES ALL WORK GUARANTEED The Aerial & Satellite Shop 633 Abbeydale Road, Sheffield S7 1TB
t: 01142 552178 sales@avshop.co www.avshop.co Serving South Yorkshire since 1959
Sheffield • Rotherham • Doncaster • Barnsley
26
Camel ye Faithful!
What do you call Santa livin
g in the South Pole?
A lost clause!
27
What Christmas Carol is a fa vourite of parents?
Roca, Grohe, Ideal Standard, Tavistock and many more major brands…
Unit 6, Rutland Way, Sheffield S3 8DG | E: am@acbathroomsandheating.com
Telephone: 0114 276 9642 www.acbathroomsandheating.com
FREE NEXT DAY DELIVERY • OPEN 6 DAYS
28
Silent Night!
SHE’S BACK… OH, YES SHE IS! CORRIE STAR WENDI PETERS TALKS TO PHOEBE SEYMOUR ABOUT RETURNING TO HER ROOTS AT THE CRUCIBLE. chemes and scams were her bread and butter on Coronation Street. Now the actress who played Cilla BattersbyBrown is trading the cobbled streets of Weatherfield for the bright lights of the Sheffield stage. Wendi Peters will be joining a starstudded cast at the Lyceum for this year’s panto production of Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs as the Wicked Queen. The panto baddie is a character we all love to hate and Wendi says she cannot wait to take on the role. “Oh, there’s nothing like being a baddie,” says Wendi. “It’s absolutely brilliant. I love being booed and hissed, especially by the kids. That’s all part of the panto. “It’s a really important thing is panto. It’s the first time a lot of these kids have been in a live theatre. They’re our future theatre audiences, so if they come and have a wonderful time, they’ll keep coming back and move on to other things and become theatre buffs for the rest of their lives, which is just brilliant.” Though Wendi is best known for being on our screens as Cilla, she is no stranger to the stage and says performing in Sheffield will be something of a homecoming. “I loved being in Corrie, I adored the character and I loved everybody there and I had a brilliant time, but I’d already done 15 years in the theatre, so I feel like I’m just going back to doing what I do. I did lots of musicals, it’s where I come from, so I’m really lucky that I’ve managed to go back to do a lot of stuff like that. “My first ever job, when I left college in ’87, was here at The Crucible. I did panto here. I was one of the dancers in Cinderella, so I feel like 29 years later, I’m coming home, coming back to where I started.” Most families will be very familiar with the story of Snow White and the Wicked Queen, but what can we expect from her modern, panto incarnation? “Obviously, she’ll be as glamorous. I’d like to play her quite regal and quite posh, and she might just slip every now and then into something a bit northern. And of course we’ll have the old hag that tries to persuade Snow White with the apple, so we’ll have fun with that.”
S
There is plenty of choice for panto fans across the region. Here are a few highlights: Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs 9 December – 8 January Lyceum Tel: 0114 249 6000 www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk Tickets: £12 - £26, family ticket £78 Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs 10 December – 1 January Buxton Opera House Tel: 0845 127 2190 www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk Tickets: £17.50 - £23 Jack And The Beanstalk by Manor Operatic Society 27 December – 8 January Sheffield City Hall Tel: 01709 365108 or 0114 278 9789 www.sheffieldcityhall.co.uk Tickets: £5.50 - £19 Jack And The Beanstalk by The James Brandon Company 1 – 31 December The Academy Theatre, Barnsley Tel: 01226 744442 www.theacademytheatre.co.uk Tickets: From £13.50, family ticket £44
The demand for pantomimes seems to get stronger and stronger every year (last year’s panto was seen by over 46,000 people), and Wendi believes they remain so popular because they are a deeply-loved tradition the whole family can get involved in. “It’s a good mixture of song and dance, comedy, audience participation and a bit of a spectacle as well – everybody loves to come and see lots of glitter,” she says. “Us Brits eccentric as we are - we’re known around the world for this silly thing. I think it’s such a wonderful British tradition, and I hope it never ends, because it’s great fun.” You can see Wendi and the rest of the cast – including Phil Gallagher (CBeebies’ Mister Maker), Damian Williams (Sheffield panto legend) and Joanna Sawyer (Becky from BBC One’s Our Girl) - in this year’s spectacular production at the Lyceum from Friday 9 December until Sunday 8 January.
Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs 1 December – 8 January Rotherham Civic Theatre Tel: 01709 823621 www.rotherhamtheatres.co.uk Tickets: £12 - £14, family ticket £48 Robin Hood & The Babes In The Wood 17 – 24 December Montgomery Hall, Wath Upon Dearne Tel: 0333 666 3366 www.tinpottheatre.com Tickets: £6 - £26 Aladdin 2 December – 3 January Pomegranate Theatre, Chesterfield Tel: 01246 345222 www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk Tickets: £9.50 - £18.50
29
Finding Dory My Friend Dory
Hatchimal
Toy Story
STUCK FOR SOMETHING FOR THE KIDS THIS FESTIVE SEASON? LOOK NO FURTHER THAN OUR COLLECTION OF TOYS THAT ARE SET TO FLY OFF THE SHELVES, ALL IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS MORNING. hether your child is a budding pop star or lover of animals, this year we’ve got it covered. Although some of them may not be what you would call ‘cheap and cheerful’, this year’s selection definitely embrace the modern age, incorporating Bluetooth and the ever-popular ‘selfie-stick’ to help ensure they won’t come away disappointed this Christmas.
W
Fisher Price Code-A-Pillar £49.99, Age 3+ years Aiming to help children of pre-school age to learn and think independently, Fisher Price have released a caterpillar made from nine interchangeable segments, each with different directions and actions for the Code-A-Pillar to perform, moving it from one place in your living room to behind the sofa! Fisher Price have cleverly disguised a simple coding concept so that your little terror can start learning – and without even realising! BB-8 Remote Control £49.99, Age 5-11 years Have you seen the new Star Wars film? Did this adorable little robot steal your heart like it did ours?
30
For a fraction of the price of a droid version of the little unsung hero of the Star Wars: The Force Awakens blockbuster, which rings in at a dear £129, we found that the remote control version was plenty realistic. With the ability to roll in any direction desired, BB-8 will even make some of the sounds made in the film, promising to occupy your child for hours on end, taking him with them on their own adventures. Chad Valley Tiny Treasures Newborn Open Eye Baby £39.99, Age 3+ years Almost like bringing your own child home from the hospital, this startlingly realistic baby doll comes equipped with hospital tag and birth certificate. If that wasn’t realistic enough, the baby boy or girl is also scented, so smells like a real life baby – we’re assuming they mean a nice clean smell! So if they’re
excited to test their mummy or daddy skills on a doll that looks, feels and smells like a new-born, this affordable option is a definite contender. Zoomer Chimp £119.99, Age 4+ years Ignoring the price for this next-generation chimpanzee robot from renowned robot manufacturers Zoom, this toy is so advanced, it’s astonishing. With the ability to respond using voice recognition and perform over 100 tricks including flips, this is guaranteed to become a new-addition to the family. Nerf Modulus Tri-Strike Blaster £59.99, Age 8-16 years Prepare for combat with Hasbro’s latest addition to the Nerf gun family. This model lets you build your own gun for battle, using the interchangeable fittings for whatever kind of pursuit they’re on.
Best-selling toys from years gone by 1964: Tiny Tears Doll – Three-time winner of toy of the year, Tiny Tears could cry real tears and even wet her nappy. 1980: Rubik’s Cube – Since it was launched across the globe in 1980, it’s thought that the Rubik’s Cube has sold 400 million of the colourful, square, frustrating, toy. 1982: BMX Bike – The Bicycle Motocross bike became a popular choice for children as racing your bicycle on dirt tracks became cool.
WowWeeCHiP the Robot Dog
If you’re prepared to be pelted with endless rounds of soft (but ego-bruising) Nerf darts for the entirety of the Christmas period, get shopping! SelfieMic £19.99, Age 8+ years Do you have a budding Beyoncé or a One Direction wannabe in the midst? This gadget will help them reach stardom, or at least enable them to make their own songs and music videos using their smartphone or iPod. Attaching to your device, the SelfieMic has an accompanying app, letting them sing along to some of the most recent chart toppers, from the likes of Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift. As the cheapest toy on the list this year, we’d say it’s a bargain for anyone keen to sing, lip-sync and perform a huge library of different songs.
1983: Cabbage Patch Kids – These softtoy dolls took the toy market by storm as their hand-stitched friendly faces were adored by the masses. 1985: Care Bears – Following their first appearance in their own film (The Care Bears Movie), these loveable bears were a must-have accessory. 1987: Sylvanian Families – This nostalgic toy range based on the concepts of Nature, Love and Family, fuelled the imaginations of children all over. 1987: Koosh Ball – The stringy rubber ball
Zoomer Chimp
WowWeeCHiP the Robot Dog £199.99, Age 8+ years A hot rival to the Zoomer Chimp from Zoom, CHiP’s robot dog also doesn’t go easy on your wallet. Intelligent, friendly puppy CHiP comes with a SmartBand, which allows the dog to recognise and interact with the wearer. Never fear, this toy won’t need batteries! When CHiP is running low on life it makes its way back to its SmartBed, where it can recharge itself. Can toys be any more convenient?
Snuggles My Dream Puppy £49.99, Age 4+ years Another of these hands-ontype toys, this dream puppy takes adorable to a whole new level. Able to move its face, and even breathe when asleep, Snuggles is just like a real pet. Just a little bit cheaper! Let your child tickle its tummy or kiss its nose, and this battery-powered pooch will become a companion that won’t just be for Christmas.
helps children to develop motor skills. 1991: GameBoy – The revolutionary video game from Japan amazed all by just how pocket-sized it was. 1992: WWF Action Figures – Capturing the personalities of the world’s most famous wrestling heroes, these collectable figures were a healthy obsession of thousands. 1999: Who wants to be a Millionaire? – The popular multiple-choice television trivia show was reproduced in board game form and enjoyed by households far and wide.
Fisher Price Code-A-Pillar
Finding Dory My Friend Dory £49.99, Age 4+ years From Disney Pixar’s hit film Finding Dory comes everyone’s favourite character Dory. Although not suitable for use in water, this interactive toy can recite various phrases from the movie and when poked or nudged, will react in true Dory style. Great for fans of the film, however a little on the pricy side for what it is. Hatchimal £59.99, Age 5+ years A new concept for 2016, the Hatchimal is an interactive magical creature that’s just waiting to meet the world. Craving love in order for it to hatch, this toy’s eyes light up when it’s ready to come out. Believe it or not, but this creature can actually peck its way out itself! Like your very own real-life pet, once hatched this creature can be great company.
31
The real meaning of Christmas
Dr Patrick Harding
AS WE PREPARE TO DECK THE HALLS WITH HOLLY, PHOEBE SEYMOUR MEETS THE MAN WHO KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT MAKES IT THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY… hen you hang tinsel on a Christmas tree, pull a cracker or get merry at the office party, do you ever stop to think about why we celebrate Christmas in the way we do? The Nativity is a huge part of Christmas, but the festival has slowly changed, adapting to more recent traditions and customs to
W
become the Christmas we know today. And what about our other traditions such as Christmas trees in our homes, the idea that Christmases should be white and the origins of Santa Claus? Where do all these customs come from? Former University of Sheffield lecturer and author of The Christmas Book, Dr Patrick
Harding has been demystifying our festive customs for the past 20 years. In his book, Patrick explains where all these customs come from, but before we get into all the weird and wonderful reasons why we celebrate Christmas in the way we do, let’s start with the birth of Jesus …
Words: Phoebe Seymour
The Nativity “The accounts may have been slightly changed over 2,000 years, but what I like to do is see if there is any science to back the nativity story up,” says Patrick. It shouldn’t come as much of a shock that Jesus wasn’t born on 25 December, nor was he born on what we think to be the year 0AD. After much research, Patrick discovered that Jesus was actually born in September 7BC. For Patrick, the most important part of the nativity story is the star, which wasn’t a star at all. David Hughes, an astronomer from The University of Sheffield, introduced Patrick to the idea of triple conjunctions. These occur when Jupiter and Saturn align in the constellation of Pisces, creating a light that would have looked like a bright star. The magi (or wise men) who followed this ‘star’ may have even realised the significance of this rare event, as Jupiter represents the king of the gods, Saturn
32
signifies the land of Palestine and Pisces is the sign of the zodiac which represents the Jews. Combine this with the fact that one of these triple conjunctions took place in 7BC and that scientists have worked out that Jesus
was born between 8 and 6BC, and this fits Patrick’s theory. “Of course, it sounds silly to say Jesus was born in 7BC, but does it matter? I just look at 25 December as Jesus’s official birthday, a bit like the queen,” says Patrick.
Christmas before Christianity So why do we celebrate Christmas on 25 December? Those who think our customs are all centred around Christianity may be surprised. “The 25th is the most important day for a competing religion called Mithraism,” says Patrick. “If you believe in the teachings of Mithras, your god is the sun and what I find interesting is that the 25th is just after the shortest day. “If you believe god is in the sun, you get a bit upset because your god isn’t getting out of bed very early but as soon as it starts rising again, it means god is still there. So followers of Mithras may very well have looked out the window and said ‘Our sun is risen!’” Roman Emperor Constantine followed Mithraism before converting to Christianity, but the date and many other Christmas customs were carried over from other religious festivals. The Romans would celebrate the god Saturn with a festival called Saturnalia from 17 to 24 December, a time of overeating (saturnus means plenty) and general boisterousness as well as a time for visiting friends and
exchanging presents. Patrick explains in his book, “It was also a time for greater sexual freedom, the latter no doubt stimulated by an excessive consumption of alcohol. The ‘goings on’ at Christmas parties in the 21st century pale by comparison.” Who’d have thought that even our Christmas party shenanigans are a long-standing festive tradition?
Santa, drugs and St Nicholas’s gold Over the years Santa Claus, Father Christmas and St Nicholas have all combined to create one big fat figure in a red and white suit who delivers presents to children. When the Dutch immigrants landed in New York (originally New Amsterdam) in the 17th century, they brought Sinter Claes (or Sinterklaas) with them. He was a legendary figure with characteristics similar to St Nicholas, whilst the idea of Father Christmas started in Germany with the Norse god Odin, who would ride an eight-legged horse through the sky and fill children’s boots with treats. And then there was 4th century figure, Saint Nicholas, who originated in Turkey. “There’s a story about a friend of St Nicholas who couldn’t afford his three daughters’ weddings,” explains Patrick. “So, St Nicholas throws a bag of ¯
DID YOU KNOW…
Sheffield has the biggest amateur pant omime in Bri tain? The Manor O peratic Societ y has been perform ing at the City Hall for many year s. Some will remember th e legendary dame, Brian Platts.
33
gold through each daughter’s window. However, the youngest daughter has her wedding in the winter. She shuts her window, so he climbs up onto the roof and drops the final bag of gold down the chimney.” Lapland has also played a huge part. Tribes who made their living off reindeer in Northern Lapland would live in yurts with small openings to let in visitors and let out smoke. When people were ill, witch doctors would enter through these chimney-like entrances and deliver gifts of healing. Patrick also explains why our modern day Santa is represented as ‘merry’. “In Lapland you can’t easily make alcohol because of the low temperatures,” explains Patrick. “But they realised that the red and white mushroom is hallucinogenic and if you take it, you get the feeling that you are leaving your body and flying through the air – ho, ho, ho!” The red and white of the mushrooms may very well have triggered the colour scheme of today’s Santa suit, but it was also Tolkien who influenced this change when he posted Christmas letters to his children with illustrations of a red Father Christmas. Then in 1931, Coca-Cola cemented the idea, with a Santa wearing a red top and trousers with a white fur trim to match their logo, which has captured the public’s imagination ever since.
Just like the ones I used to know As we move away from the nativity story and the meaning of Christmas and its customs changes generation by generation, are we losing sight of what it’s all about? “I always say to people, Christmas never stays the same but I think that’s why it has been so successful,” says Patrick. “Even if we are not Christian we can celebrate it.” Patrick’s years of research have done nothing to take the magic out of his family’s Christmases. If anything, it has helped him not to take this often stressful time too seriously. “My kids have left now. It is important to me and my wife as a family time, but if either
Wondering where our other traditions come from? Dr Patrick Harding reveals more about our Christmas customs… Holly, ivy and mistletoe – They’re all evergreen and signify the eternal nature of Jesus. The red berries on holly represent blood and the prickly leaves are Jesus’ crown of thorns. Christmas trees – Many German immigrants already put up Christmas trees in Britain and they were used by the royal family 50 years prior to Prince Albert bringing them over from Germany, but after a picture of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their children, stood in front of a Christmas tree was published in the Illustrated London News in 1848, the decoration soon became popular throughout British households. White Christmases – Writer Charles Dickens was born into something of a mini ice age in London and his Christmases were always snowy. A Christmas Carol was a huge part of a Victorian Christmas revival and many customs from this novel have survived today. Cranberries – In the 90s, the US had a glut of cranberries left over from Thanksgiving so decided to convince Britain to eat them with their turkeys too. Delia Smith’s popular Christmas cookery book came out soon after and was filled with recipes full of cranberries. Most supermarkets sold out and the fruit became a national hit.
of our children wants to go to their prospective boyfriend’s or girlfriend’s families for Christmas, it doesn’t bother us because one of the sad things I find about Christmas now is the arguments and the ill feeling that goes on. “It shouldn’t be like that, it should be a time when people relax and enjoy themselves, eat a bit too much, and drink a bit too much, so we try to be laid back about it.” So what is the true meaning of Christmas for Patrick? “Christmas is a time when the difference between the haves and the haves not is very obvious. I think it is a time when one should reflect on the number of people, especially up north, who are in need of food banks. “I’ve dedicated this book to my fatherin-law, Jack Binney, who was every bit as generous as Father Christmas, and there are a lot of other people who are generous and who give. The thing about St Nicholas is he gave without making a fuss about it. The daughters in the story didn’t know where the gold had come from.” So don’t be a humbug this Christmas. Bask in one of our many festive traditions and embrace your inner Father Christmas. Whatever part or version of the Christmas story you choose to follow and however many years have gone by, the message remains the same; celebrate in style and give as much as you can to others.
The Christmas Book: A Treasury of Festive Facts by Patrick Harding is available from Amazon, eBay and all good book stores. 34
Play the Sheffield Hospitals Lottery for a chance to win £25,000 in our weekly draw SIGN UP THIS CHRISTMAS TO TAKE PART IN OUR CHARITY LOTTERY AND HELP TO IMPROVE THE CARE OF ADULTS, CHILDREN AND BABIES BEING TREATED IN ALL OF THE HOSPITALS IN SHEFFIELD. heffield Hospitals Charity is calling for help to make patients feel even better by making this year’s Christmas gift a ticket towards a potential £25,000 lottery jackpot. The money raised by our lottery will help to transform the bleak midwinters of patients being treated by the NHS, by funding specialist equipment and facilities, pioneering research, patient support services and the transformation of your hospitals into more comfortable and welcoming spaces.
S
How it works
Tickets are just £1 each and once you’ve joined, we will send you a unique 6 digit ticket number(s). The winners are announced weekly and prizes are awarded for those who match three, four, five and six numbers. Plus, for every £25,000 jackpot win, Sheffield Hospitals Charity receives £25,000 too. What your fundraising will support
Sheffield Hospitals Charity helps patients being treated across the whole of the city, including the Jessop Wing Hospital, Sheffield Children’s Hospital, Weston Park Hospital,
Charles Clifford Dental Hospital, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Northern General Hospital and mental health, community and social care services. Thanks to our amazing supporters who have fundraised, donated and left us gifts in their wills, we can spend more than £2 million a year to support your doctors and nurses to deliver the very best possible care. Thanks to local people like you, this year the charity has been able to….
• Save the lives of patients with life threatening conditions as they can now access the Emergency Department more quickly as a result of a £2 million helipad being built at the Northern General Hospital.
treatment and receive the emotional support they need to help them cope. • Fund support staff, including Sandra Brown, a Family Nurse, who focusses on providing practical advice and guidance to families of vulnerable babies. • Renovate four flats near to the Jessop Wing for families to live in when their baby is being treated in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Whilst staff and services remain at the frontline of patient care, it is research, of course, which is key to curing disease. Our latest mission is to raise money to fund a researcher to work on a new treatment that could cure Myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow.
• Create a ‘home from home’ for patients with blood cancer and other disorders by spending £300,000 on furniture, artwork and other comforts designed to make the new private rooms at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital’s haematology department more welcoming.
Please join the lottery this Christmas and help to make a real and lasting difference to the healthcare of people being treated in Sheffield.
• Provide a warm and comfortable counselling room for patients staying in the Palliative Care Unit to talk about their
Visit sheffieldhospitalslottery.zaffo.com, call 0114 271 1351 or email lottery@shct.nhs.uk
35