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Christmas is a time of giving, but don’t give yourself a New Year’s headache with bills and debts you can’t afford, says a Citizen’s Advice local expert
It’s so easy to overspend, with tempting offers and pressures to buy. But you must decide in advance just how much you can afford. Planning, budgeting and organisation are key to avoid getting into debt. If your spending runs out of control at Christmas, debt can easily become a way of life. If you do get into difficulties, get advice as soon as you can from your local Citizens Advice Bureau (0800 144 8848) or from another free confidential debt advisory service such as Stepchange or National Debtline. Here are our top tips for avoiding a Christmas debt hangover: 1. Plan early, be realistic and budget accordingly. Manage your family’s expectations as to what you or Santa can give and try to resist pressure to spend more than you can afford. You won’t enjoy the day if you are worrying about how much you owe. 2. Work out how much you are going to spend on each person and stick to it. Many families agree in advance limits on the amount to be spent on each other, making a game of a £5 gift limit for example. Others decide to only buy gifts for the children, to make all their gifts, or to have a ‘day out’ as a family instead of buying expensive presents. 3. Don’t forget the bills. Rent, mortgage, utilities, food and other existing debts still have to be paid – and the consequences can be severe if you slip behind. You may have received a lump sum payment to help with the cost of living crisis: this is to help with the increased cost of fuel bills. Even though it’s Christmas, get your priorities right. 4. Don’t bank on an overdraft. If you do need more money, don’t just run up an overdraft without talking to your bank first – it will be more expensive. Try to avoid taking out a short-term pay day loan – the interest rates can be extortionate. 5.Keep things simple. If you can afford to pay for your goods outright by cash, cheque, or debit card, don’t be persuaded to take out credit agreements unless they really are cheaper. 6. Shop around. Try as many different places as possible to find the best price. Buy what you want and not what other people say you need. 7. Be wary of extended warranties. The cost of a repair could be less than the cost of the warranty. 8. Buy safe to be safe. Whatever the deal, whatever the temptation, don’t buy
from unauthorised traders and don’t borrow from unauthorised lenders. Take care with internet purchases, especially from online market places. 9. Read the small print. Check for hidden extras in any credit agreement. Work out the total amount payable. Ensure that the monthly instalments are within your budget before signing. Interest free credit can seem attractive, but if you don’t pay on time, or miss a payment, you could have to pay a lot more. 10. Do your own credit checks. If you are going to use a credit card, shop around and compare terms. Some cards charge high interest rates, Many families but provide interest free periods or discounts. Budget agree on a for all these costs and put the gift budget, payment dates in your diary making a game of a £5 limit, 11. Be organised! There’s a lot to remember at Christmas. If you’ve borrowed money don’t for example forget that it won’t be long before you have to make a payment. Make sure you pay on time, even if it is only the minimum, or you will face additional charges. 12. Start planning for next year! Once it’s over, look at what you did well and what you didn’t. Learn from your mistakes and start planning how you will do things differently next year. Now’s also a good time to start saving for next Christmas.
Berwick St John Country Fayre has raised the largest amount of money in its 30 year history. The organisers announced the total raised and presented the funds at a special presentation event which took place at the packed-out Berwick St John Village Hall on Sunday, November 20th. They revealed that a total of £63,117.18 had been raised for the Salisbury District Hospital Stars Appeal. The two-day event, which took place in September featured rural crafts, tractors, full size and miniature steam engines, classic cars, horses, the famous beer and tea tents, along with many other attractions and was attended by tens of thousands. Berwick St John Country Fayre co-chair Richard Pocock says: ‘Words can’t describe the feeling of what has been achieved. It is mind blowing.’ Guest speakers at the presentation event included 12-year-old Florence Burgess, who was treated at Salisbury Hospital after being diagnosed with a rare form of leukaemia. She shared how the Stars Appeal made a difference to both her and her family during her long stays in hospital. Dr Ridley, a paediatric consultant who works on the Children’s Ward at Salisbury District Hospital and is a Stars Appeal ambassador said: ‘Every day, I see how the work of the Stars Appeal makes a huge difference to our patients, their families and staff.’ The Stars Appeal funds a range of projects at the Hospital including additional equipment such as state-of-the-art monitors, hospital chaplaincy, free Wi-Fi, accommodation for parents of babies and children, entertainment and companionship for older people, and support for the hospital’s hard-working staff. Show Secretary Louise Hall says: ‘Berwick Fayre is unique in many ways, not least the incredible people who make it happen. I cant thank everyone enough. This marvellous announcement is a result of everyone’s tremendous efforts, dedication and commitment.’
The Berwick St John Country Fayre has been running every other year since 1992, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for a wide variety of charities over the years, before committing long term support to the Stars Appeal in 2012. The next Country Fayre will next take place in September 2024.
Sherborne car event raises £60k
The Sherborne Classic & Supercars show team have presented cheques to a total value of £60,000 to 13 local charities (the total profits from the show held at Sherborne Castle this summer). The main beneficiary of the 2022 show was Children’s Hospice SouthWest. Other beneficiaries were Yeovil Opportunity Group, Freewheelers, PromiseWorks, Sherborne Area Youth & Community Centre, The Children’s Air Ambulance, Family Counselling Trust, Somerset & Wessex Eating Disorders Association, The Balsam Centre, Water Survival Box, The Rendevouz Sherborne, Somerset Sight and Sherborne Good Neighbours. Organisers extend their thanks to all the volunteers, sponsors and visitors. Next year’s Classic & Supercar show will be on Sunday 16th July 2023.
The BV magazine, December ‘22
COMMUNITY Employ My Ability offers vocational training for students with learning disabilities and special educational needs and disabilities. One of their students, Maddie Walters, spent her last term working on her journalism skills with the aim of writing a column for us. - Ed
My top three favourite pubs and
Restaurants to Visit in North Dorset
Hello everyone, I hope you’re having an amazing day! This month I’m sharing my three favourite pubs and restaurants to visit in North Dorset – whether it’s a meal out or trying a new pub that you haven’t been in before I hope try these and like them too!
At The Chapel
atthechapel.co.uk At the Chapel is a fantastic pub to visit in Bruton because they do amazing pizzas, and they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You must book a table in advance, but they also have rooms so if you’re thinking of staying overnight after dinner this is a fantastic opportunity.
The Buffalo Inn
hall-woodhouse.co.uk The Buffalo Inn is a pub that’s in Gillingham and it’s a wonderful place to go at night. The menu selection is incredible; I like it because they do Italian food like spaghetti bolognese and pizza, and you even get breadsticks served on the table.
The Old Brewery Café & Kitchen
theoldbrewerycafe.co.uk The Old Brewery Café is a wonderful place to visit in Gillingham. It has changed so much during the COVID 19 pandemic with a bigger kitchen and much more indoor seating available. There’s also a nice art gallery within the cafe. The Christmas lunch includes the option of one, two or three courses, with Turkey and all the trimmings priced at only £13! I hope you enjoyed this article and have a wonderful day.
Come and stride into Christmas for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance!
Preparations are well under way for the hugely popular annual Santa Stride organised by Sturminster Newton Rotary Club. It’s a brilliantly fun community event in which all participants put on Santa Suits and set off to run, walk (or just stroll!) along the Trailway from the Sturminster Newton station car park to Shillingstone – or just go as far as you like, as there are marked and marshalled turnaround points at regular intervals all along the route for those who need a shorter distance. Despite rising costs – and to avoid adding to the everincreasing cost of living – the Rotarians have decided that the entry fee (which includes your Santa Suit) will remain unchanged: adults are £5 each, children aged six to 12 years old are £2.50 and under sixes go free. In addition every person registered receives free entry into a prize draw, and will receive a commemorative medal. fun event raises money through sponsorship and donations for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. For more details or to register please go to www.stursantastride.co.uk . You will also be able to register on the day at the desk on the forecourt of the Original Factory Shop in Sturminster Newton, or in The Exchange on 3rd December. So please, come along and join the Jolly Jogging Santas on Sunday December 11th. We look forward to seeing you there!
