TIPSS Content Catalogue December 2017 by Tania Houston

Content Catalogue December 2017

Article Index And Another Thing... 4

Baking: Chocolate And Walnut Biscotti

Computer Tip: Seasonal Savings

Beauty: Tis The Season To Party

Book Reviews: Indulgent Escapes

Driving: Mercedes: Winter Driving Tips

Finance: How to Plan for the Boxing Day Sales

Gardening: Get Real This Christmas

Health:Fighting Colds and Flu: Myths and Magic Cures

History: The History of Clowns

Home & Interiors: Christmas Elegance

Life Begins: How Do I Tell If My Elderly Neighbour Needs Help?

The Life List: Have No Fear?

Motoring: Mercedes-AMG GT C Coupe Edition 50

Pets: Take Extra Care of Your Pets this Christmas

Parenting: Helping Your Child To Become Money Savvy

Recipe: Salmon And Monkfish Filo Wreath

Quirky Britain: The High Street Shops Where Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas All Year Round

Last Post 2017

Short Story: Christmas on Yarrow Avenue

Technology: The Christmas Technology Survival Guide

Travel Feature: Glimpses of Toronto - Canada

Special: The History of Christmas Traditions

Puzzle Index Cartoon 1 32 Cartoon 2 32 Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Page 33 Codeword 34 General Knowledge Crossword 34 Cryptic Crossword 35 Hidato 36 Mini Cryptic Crossword 36 Pictogram 36 Quiz 1: Christmas Food & Dring

Quiz 2: Christmas Movie Taglines

Simple Crossword 38 Spot the Difference 38 Sudoku - Easy

Sudoku - Hard

Two Minute Trial 40 Word Ladder 40 Wordsearch - Christmas 41 Wordwheel 41

And Another Thing..

And Another Thing... by Tom Hughes @groomsdaybook

Christmas – a time for giving, a time for family, and a time for lists. Endless, interminable lists. The first set of written instructions was handed to me in November. Thankfully that gave me plenty of time to ignore it and wait for a similar, more urgent one to land around the feast of St Nicholas (Dec 6th). It is usually by the feast of our Lady of Guadalupe (12th) that things start to get serious. By the eve of the Winter Solstice (20th), Christmas panic had risen to DEFCON 1. “Tom? Have you ordered the turkey from Birchalls?” Sarah, My Dearly Beloved, was cranking up the Yuletide pressure. “Err…it’s on my list of things to do.” “Well can you get it off your list please? And presents - have you ordered Uncle Barry and Auntie Anne’s throw?”

“Err…” “Look, you only have to sit in front of a computer, it couldn’t be easier. You want a nice day don’t you? Well it doesn’t happen by magic.” “But I thought it was the most magical time of the year?” “Don’t be smart. Anyway, I can’t stop, I’m going out.” “Where?” “To sort out this little lot.” Sarah, waving a piece of paper with dozens of scribbles on, duly exited the marital home. I examined my list. Imagining the hordes of shoppers screaming at each other over parking bays in retail parks whilst piped Christmas muzak wafted over the ether, I snuggled down on the sofa to engage in the marvellous task of online Christmas shopping. Uncle Barry’s

sofa throw, click. Nigel and Veronica’s Le Creuset pan, click. Evan’s Vans (whatever they were) click. After a credit card melting two hours my Christmas shopping was complete. And so, with The Big Day almost upon us, I sneered at the usual last-minute panic shopping story on the TV news. Then I realised - I had ignored the most important present of all - Sarah’s! I leapt into the Mondeo Ghia and, with the front axle spinning on the icy tarmac to gain purchase, I sped off towards the nearest girly emporium. Squeezing in through the packed doors and immediately melting in my greatcoat and Peaky Blinders flat cap, I approached the exoticallynamed counters, each adorned with posters of chiselled men and alluring women with sultry pouts

and flyaway hair. I paused in front of one concession - a black shiny obelisk decked with rows and rows of pots, pencils and powders. I looked up at the name. In large letters was the word ‘Philosophy’. A pretty young woman with perfect unblemished skin approached. “Can I help sir?” “Yes. Could you tell me - in a world full of evil, is it possible to live a truly good life?” The woman blinked slowly. “Today, we have an offer on our highlighter. It’s very popular as part of this gift set, and it’s brilliant for strobing. Todays’ price is just £89.99.” None the

wiser, I handed over my card. Shopping over for another year, I returned home to await the traditional family get-together - where my cunning ruse for a pain-free Christmas was spectacularly undone. The extended table, the excited chatter. Uncle Barry playing the spoons, Sarah secretly at the sherry. All the Christmas norms revisited. After HM the Queen but before the charades, we retired to the lounge to swap presents. My hoard was plonked down in front of me. Socks, smellies and a book by Alain de Botton. Smiling wryly to myself, I handed

over Sarah’s gift. “Oh now, that’s lovely - and this particular product suits my skin tone - how did you know?” After basking in this unexpected bullseye, all eyes were on me. Uncle Barry, my son Evan and everyone else sat expectantly, waiting for me to distribute Christmas cheer. Through gritted teeth I handed out my red cards. Barry read his out. “‘Sorry we missed you - your parcel will be ready for collection by 27/12/2017.’ Tom, what’s this?”

“Err, the good news is, you’ll all only need one form of ID.” Merry Christmas all!

Cake and Bake

Baking

Chocolate & Walnut Biscotti These crunchy Italian biscuits are perfect for dunking into a festive coffee or serving as an after dinner treat. They also make a great foodie gift packed into clear gift bags and tied with ribbon and a Christmas label!

Ingredients: • 50g unsalted butter, softened • 100g golden caster sugar • 1 medium egg, beaten • Finely grated zest from 1 orange • 50g dark chocolate chips • 50g walnut pieces • 1/2 tsp baking powder • 175g plain flour, plus extra for kneading

Makes 20 Ready in 1 hour, plus cooling time

TIP

The biscotti will keep in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. You can change the nuts – try pecans, toasted almonds or hazelnuts, if preferred.

1. Preheat the oven to 180C, fan 160C, Gas 4. Cream the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until pale and fluffy, then beat in the egg and orange zest. 2. Sift over the baking powder and flour and stir well until combined. Turn the mixture out onto a lightly floured surface and knead to a soft dough, adding a little more flour if necessary. 3. Divide the dough into two pieces and shape each to an oval shape roughly 20cm x 10 cm. Place on a large baking sheet and flatten slightly. Bake for 20-25 minutes until firm and light golden. Cool for 5 minutes. 4. Transfer the two pieces of semi-baked dough to a chopping board and, using a sharp knife, cut each piece into 10 slices. 5. Return the slices, cut-side down, to the baking sheet and bake for a further 8-12 minutes until crisp and golden. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack and leave to cool completely.

Seasonal Savings

Computer Tip

If you’re planning to buy expensive apps for a smartphone, tablet or computer, don’t go straight to the App Store and pay the advertised price: at this time of year there are lots of special offers on gift cards and you’ll often see Apple or Google gift cards on sale with discounts of 20% off or more from supermarkets and chains such as Boots. The discounts tend to be on multi-packs of cards (e.g. a three-pack of £15 gift cards), but more than one card can be used to top up your available balance.Thus you can use the cards on big-ticket items such as Apple’s £199 music program Logic Pro X, or you could just buy a selection of albums, HD movies or games. The bigger the price tag, the more money you’ll save.

Beauty

Beauty Tis The Season To Party by Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk

Handbag essentials to transform you from frazzled office worker to fabulous partygoer in minutes. Work deadlines plus shopping, wrapping, cooking and dealing with family life can leave you feeling rather frazzled. Try a spritz of Tisserand DeStress Mist to keep the tension down. The blend of calming essential oils, including geranium, orange, nutmeg, rose and jasmine smells lovely and really does seem to help soothe the senses. Not keen on sprays? The blend is also available as a roller-ball. The De-Stress Mist is priced at £8.95 and the De-Stress Rollerball at £5.95, from www.tisserand. com.

Shorter 1 palipsgeare not a Dry, chapped folook good lipsticks rmand at matte also often highlight the problem. avaInstant ilabLight Clarins’ le Natural Lip Perfector is a great

alternative. It’s available in several shades and leaves lips feeling soft, hydrated and plumped, while adding a touch of colour and shine. It is more of a gloss than a lipstick, so the colour and shine won’t last for hours, but it’s well worth the extra applications. A full-sized Lip Perfector is £18, but if you’re quick you may be able to snap up a mini one for a bargain price with one of Clarins’ Christmas giftsets, see www. clarins.co.uk. You can’t have failed to notice that brows are having their moment in the spotlight. Whether you prefer a bold bushy arch à la Lily Collins or something a bit more streamlined, a good brow pencil is invaluable. High Definition’s Browtec Pencil is a great choice. It has a fine, retractable tip so you can achieve precise strokes; it’s topped with a brush; and the colour stays put all day. £16 from www.beautyinhighdefinition.com.

High Definition has also released a Limited Edition Copper Eyeshadow Palette that’s definitely deserving of a place in your arsenal. The rose gold, copper and bronze shades work beautifully together to create a look that’s perfect for parties. The three shades come with a mirror and double-headed brush, all housed in a very compact case. £23.50, www. beautyinhighdefinition.com. High Definition has also released a Limited Edition Copper Eyeshadow Palette that’s definitely deserving of a place in your arsenal. The rose gold, copper and bronze shades work beautifully together to create a look that’s perfect for parties. The three shades come with a mirror and double-headed brush, all housed in a very compact case. £23.50, www. beautyinhighdefinition.com.

Paperchase Glamingo Pencil Case is just £7. The extra pocket at the front is perfect for makeup brushes and other extras. See Don’t fancy carrying your makeup loose www.paperchase.co.uk. in your handbag? Christmas is the perfect time to treat yourself to a new cosmetics bag. On a bit of a tight budget? Lots of gift sets have a case included for free, or check out TK Maxx for luxury options at a fraction of the price. Pencil cases also do the job just as well, with the added advantage of often being waterproof. The Paperchase Glamingo Pencil Case is just £7. The extra pocket at the front is perfect for makeup brushes and other extras. See www.paperchase.co.uk.

Book Review

Indulgent Escapes Looking to escape the in-laws for a couple of hours? We may have found you the perfect book to indulge in.

The One – John Marrs Imagine a world where a simple DNA test can help you to find your one true soulmate. Would you take it, even if you think you’ve already found love? The One follows five people in their search for their DNA match. One is desperate to start a family. One is head of a global company. One is already engaged. One is prepared to travel to the other side of the world to meet her match. And one is a killer. A real page-turner that will keep you reading until late into the night.

The Prime of Ms Dolly Greene – E. V. Harte Dolly lives in a tiny house in London, with her 21 year old daughter. So far, so ordinary. But the way Dolly makes ends meet is anything but ordinary. Dolly is a tarot reader and when she hears about the discovery of a dead body, she can’t help but remember a recent client she had a very bad feeling about. But will the police listen to her suspicions? A lighthearted read that combines crime, humour, fantasy and romance in one engaging tale.

All the Little Children – Jo Furniss A family wild-camping trip turns into a fight to survive in this gripping debut novel. Marlene and her sister-in-law have taken their children to a forest for a short holiday before the start of term. When they spot columns of smoke in the distance, and not an electric light in sight, they start to suspect something has gone badly wrong. As the enormity of the situation unfolds, and Marlene finds more children in need of protection, she needs to decide how far she’ll go to protect her family. Gripping.

How Hard Can It Be? – Allison Pearson Teenage kids, ageing parents, a next-to-useless husband, menopausal woes – Kate Reddy has them all. And now she needs to get back into working life – a decade after leaving her stressful job as the manager of a hedge fund. No easy feat when you’re approaching 50. This is the sequel to the bestselling I Don’t Know How She Does It, but works just as well as a stand-alone novel. A brilliant read, it’s laugh-out-loud-funny in its depiction of the trials and tribulations of the sandwich generation.

The Betrayals – Fiona Neill Sometimes there are four sides to a story. Daisy has just got her life back together after battling through years of OCD. But then a letter arrives addressed to her mother, which threatens to open old wounds and reveal the secrets Daisy has tried so hard to keep hidden. The Betrayals was awarded the Richard & Judy Book Club 2017 Thriller award, and it’s easy to see why. An emotive novel about the complexities of family life, mental illness, betrayals and the fallibility of memories. Dark Matter – Blake Crouch Jason Dessen hasn’t achieved all he planned to with his life, but on the whole he’s content. So when he’s kidnapped and escapes to find his home has changed, his wife isn’t his wife and his son doesn’t exist, he’ll stop at nothing to put things right. But is he the college professor he believes himself to be, or the genius scientist others seem to think he is? A really intriguing book, with a fast-paced storyline, lots of twists and turns and a very clever narrative. You won’t want to put this one down.

Winter Driving Tips

Iain Betson passes on some winter driving tips Stop! When snow is falling fast, don’t drive unless you really have to. In terrible weather, putting things off until conditions improve is best. Winter ailments can leave you exhausted and sluggish. If you don’t feel like you can drive safely, don’t risk it. Car maintenance Keeping the car well maintained is doubly important in winter. Worn tyres won’t hold the road in wet conditions as well as those with a good, deep tread. Make sure all exterior lights are working and that windscreen wiper blades are in good condition. Check the oil, coolant and washer fluid levels. In the wet Take simple precautions when driving in heavy rain. Slow down: the wetter the roads, the longer your braking distance, and the

heavier the rain, the worse your visibility. Drive cautiously and leave a good distance between you and the vehicle in front. In snow and ice Again, slow down and leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front. Use your headlights if necessary. Brake and accelerate gently. It’s not always easy to tell if you’re driving on ice, though if your tyres are making less noise than usual you may well be. If you do skid, don’t brake – you’ll lock the wheels and lose control. Instead, depress the clutch and steer into the direction of the skid. When the car straightens, steer as normal. Emergency Stopping Apply the brake, without locking the wheels. If the vehicle starts to skid, ease pressure from the pedal and then reapply. Press the clutch in just before you stop.

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Safe winter motoring!

Driving

By Iain Betson

Finance

By Ann Haldon

How to Plan for the Boxing Day Sales included in the sale. • If you’re shopping online, save the home page of each store into your computer, along with the product codes of any items you’re interested in. This enables you buy quickly, as soon as the goods are available.

Boxing Day is generally regarded as the biggest sales day of the year in the retail industry, so if you’re heading to the shops it’s worthwhile taking time to plan well in advance. A practical approach will help you focus on the best deals and take advantage of the fact that goods will be at a fraction of their normal price. One of the major problems of sales shopping is the sheer number of offers available, and it’s very easy to be distracted once you start. So what steps can you take in advance to help you get the most out of your day, and also protect your finances for the year ahead? Before you start high street or online shopping • Find out the store opening times before you go - they vary on Boxing Day, with some shops remaining closed. You can find this information from a store’s website and social media pages, along with details of the items that might be

• Check out the returns policy for each store as you may have to pay for the returns postage and packing yourself. If you’re shopping on the high street you need to keep all your receipts, and the store’s returns policy should be printed on the back. Planning your spending According to the Centre for Retail Research¹, the total Christmas spend per household in 2016 was £809.97. Even if you don’t spend this much on Christmas, it’s an expensive time of year when you also factor in credit card bills for the sales. If you’re not able to repay the balance at the end of the month, you may find the savings you’ve made are suddenly reduced. So what can you do to alleviate the strain on your finances and make sure you don’t find yourself in unmanageable debt in the New Year? • Stay within your budget Calculate how much you can afford to spend on Boxing Day, and stick to

it. By focusing only on the items you want, you won’t overstretch yourself financially.

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• Use comparison websites to find the best price Compare prices online before you head out to the shops if there’s something in particular you’re looking for – this can save a lot of time and money. • Be wary of signing up for store cards Signing up for a store card at the till can seem like a good idea. You access further reductions on the cost but interest rates on these cards can be extremely high, so it may not be worthwhile doing so in the long-run. Pay off more than just the minimum amount Paying off only the minimum amount from your credit card each month means your sales purchases will cost significantly more than anticipated. Banks and credit card providers set the minimum amount as a percentage of the balance, so as you repay, this minimum required payment drops. This not only increases profits for the banks but adds considerably to your debt in the long-term, and can be the start of serious financial problems – not an ideal situation when you consider the items were purchased with a view to saving money.

Are 0% interest credit cards a good idea? Balance transfer cards offering 0% interest for a fixed period of time are a good way to deal with large purchases. If you buy the goods on your ‘standard’ credit card and then transfer the balance over you can save a significant amount in interest, but there are also potential drawbacks: • If you miss a single payment on a 0% credit card, the provider will withdraw their offer and you’re likely to be charged an extremely high rate of interest in its place. • Fees are charged when you originally transfer a balance – usually a percentage of the amount transferred. • Credit card providers are often owned by larger banking institutions, and it’s

unlikely you’ll be accepted for a balance transfer offer if you already hold a card connected to the group. At the time of writing, the best 0% balance transfer deals include: • Barclaycard: up to 40 months, with a fee of 1.68% (you’re not guaranteed 40 months at 0%, however). • MBNA: up to 39 months with a 1.48% fee (as with the Barclaycard example above, there is no guarantee that you’ll be offered the full 39month term). • Sainsbury’s: 33 months, guaranteed if accepted, 0.59% fee plus £20 cash back. • Virgin Money: 30 months guaranteed on acceptance, with a fee of 0.55%.

Whether you’re purchasing a specific item or buying birthday presents for the year ahead, the Boxing Day sales represent a great way to save money. Planning ahead helps you stay in control of your spending in the face of temptation, and manage your finances without entering serious debt. ¹www.retailresearch.org/ shoppingforxmas.php www.moneysavingexpert.com/ credit-cards/balance-transfercredit-cards www.express.co.uk/finance/ personalfinance/747790/ Chrsitmas-sales-UK-BoxingDay-sales-January-dealsdiscounts www.yourmoney.com/creditcards-loans/blog-are-boxingday-sales-really-worth-it/

Get Real This Christmas

Gardening

by Pippa Greenwood

Christmas is well and truly just around the corner and whilst your thoughts may be on gifts, meals, crackers and cards, don’t forget the tree. And I mean a REAL Christmas tree not a tinsel one; a real tree complete with needles and, if you go down the really traditional route, that wonderful aroma that only a proper freshly-potted or freshly-cut Christmas tree can bring. I’ve heard people say that a ‘real’ tree is bad for the planet; after all we’re meant to be planting trees, not felling them! But don’t forget, British-grown trees are most definitely not an ecological disaster zone - think of them as a crop plant rather like a field of cabbages, except that on the whole a field of Christmas trees will be given less fertiliser and fewer chemicals than many classic crop plants. So go on, make sure you get one this Christmas! There are a few things you ought to think about before you buy your tree - it can be really daunting when faced with rows of different types at very varying prices, so what would

suit you best? The Norway spruce (Picea abies) is the traditional tree, definitely my favourite but perhaps not ideal if you are more house-proud. It has gorgeous, short dark green pointed needles and that unmistakable Christmassy aroma, but sadly it is the most likely to drop its needles. Having said that, if you treat it well it won’t perform badly and you can enjoy the lowest-priced of the real trees complete with the traditional look. The Serbian Spruce (Picea omorica) is quite similar to the Norway spruce and has long been the favourite festive tree in central Europe, with a distinct blueish tint to the underside of the needles. As it is fairly slender it is a good choice for smaller sitting rooms, and is good-looking with decent needle retention… but of course no Christmastree smell! The Nordmann fir (Abies nordmanniana) has become increasingly popular in recent years and is now the biggestselling Christmas tree in the

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UK. As its shiny green broad needles are quite soft (making it a good choice if there are small children around) and are almost impossible to shift, it is certainly a good choice for those who hate any mess! The Fraser fir (Abies fraseri) is less widely available, but the combination of its good looks and needle-holding ability makes it well worth considering. It has a narrower base than the Norway spruce so is also useful in smaller houses. So, with all these tempting choices, hopefully you’ve been persuaded to take the plunge? But how do you make sure you buy the best tree of the type you’ve decided on? And how do you make it keep its needles and its appearance for as long as possible? • It is important not to buy a real tree too early, as the longer they hang around after they’ve been cut the more likely they are to go downhill. • I always try to buy a tree produced by a member of the British Christmas Tree Growers Association – the

BCTGA logo should be on the tree or clearly displayed nearby. • Take time to choose the tree – check that it has a good, full shape and that it is not too gappy or lopsided (or if it does lean, make sure that this will be hidden when the tree is in your house). Check the needles - they should be glossy (for those varieties where this is a characteristic) and the correct colour for the type of tree you’ve chosen. They also need to be free from pests and diseases - basically anything yellowed or inclined to shed, or with white fluffy bits should be avoided at all costs. Never buy a tree that has already been netted as this makes it a real lucky dip situation

since you can’t see what you’re getting! • If you do buy one quite early then the most important thing is to keep it outside - just recut the end of the trunk and put the tree in a bucket of water in a sheltered spot outside. If it was in a net when you bought it, remove this as it is important to get air circulating around the needles. • When you bring the tree inside, try to avoid putting it anywhere too warm or close to a heat source , and make sure that you use a stand with a water reservoir and that you keep the water levels topped up - if kept supplied with water then even the notorious Norway spruce Christmas tree

should hold its needles well. When Christmas is over and it is time for the tree to come down, complete the green loop and make sure you recycle it - they’re not the easiest thing to recycle or compost at home, but many councils and garden centres now offer a re-cycling and Christmas tree chipping service. Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com for great gardening gifts: a stylish ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ gift card (a perfect Christmas present, where the recipient receives their chosen garden ready vegetable plants in the spring and every week Pippa emails with topical hints, tips and advice), gardening tools, raised bed kits, GrowerFrames, signed books and more!

Health

By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk

Fighting Colds and Flu: Myths and Magic Cures

Colds can make life miserable and flu can make us quite ill. But which cold and flu facts are true, and are there really any cures? If you have a high temperature, it’s the flu MYTH. Colds can sometimes cause a high temperature, although it’s usually short-lived and not above 38oC. However, sweats and chills normally indicate flu. It’s pointless to avoid someone with a cold or flu. You’ll get it anyway. MYTH. Flu and colds are highly contagious, spread by air and direct contact, but you can stay germ-free by avoiding sufferers or by both practising good hygiene. • Clean hands and high-contact surfaces regularly (e.g. door handles, touchscreens), especially after touching the nose or mouth. • Don’t share cutlery, cups or towels. • Ensure the contagious person has tissues nearby to catch coughs and sneezes, and bin them immediately. They should use the ’vampire’ cough (into the inside of their elbow) if they’re caught tissueless.

The flu vaccine doesn’t always prevent flu, so it’s not worth having. TRUTH and MYTH. Flu vaccines are produced in advance, so experts must predict the three or four flu strains that will be prevalent next winter. While you may catch an unexpected or rarer flu strain you’re not protected from, the vaccine will protect you from most strains you’ll encounter. It’s vital if you’re vulnerable or have low immunity, e.g. if you’re a carer, over 65, pregnant or have an existing medical condition. Getting very wet and/or cold can give you a cold or the flu. MYTH (obviously). However, cold and wet conditions can put your body under stress, making it more vulnerable to germs. The flu vaccine gives you flu MYTH. The vaccine contains inactive viruses, but it may cause a temperature and aching for a while. If you’ve had a cold or flu for a while, you need antibiotics MYTH. Your doctor may give in and prescribe them, although they know antibiotics don’t kill viruses. When a patient is ‘cured’ after a week’s antibiotics, in truth that extra week just allowed them to finally fight off their virus. Antibiotics are only useful if you get a secondary bacterial infection. MaGIc cures Research says: Prevention. Good hygiene works. Boost your immune system to help you resist viruses or fight

them off by reducing stress and getting adequate sleep. Regular zinc reduces the number of colds children get and should work for adults too. Regular probiotics and garlic may have some preventative effect, but research is sketchy. Vitamin C and echinacea really don’t prevent colds and any symptom reduction is negligible to nonexistent. However, Vitamin C may be of limited benefit to people already under physical stress (e.g. marathon runners).

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Decongestants and antihistamines: when used separately, they have very little or no effect. However, when used together, particularly with painkillers, they may cause a slight improvement in symptoms. Ipratropium bromide (rinatec) nasal spray does seem to alleviate symptoms, particularly a runny nose. cough suppressants: Any benefits are negligible. Vapour rubs do seem to alleviate night time cough a little and improve sleep, but in studies over 25% of users reported burning itching sensation at the application area. NsaIDs (Non-steroidal antiinflammatories, e.g. ibuprofen) can reduce fever and help with aches and pains. If you have a cold or flu, stay hydrated, alleviate the symptoms and take heart - researchers are working to modify peptides that can combat cold viruses.

History The History of Clowns

History By Catherine Rose

out of the court and into the theatre. Shakespeare often featured ‘the fool’ in his plays and it was around this time that the Commedia del Arte, a structured form of comedy theatre with set characters, began in Italy. It quickly spread across Europe, heralding the advent of the pantomime. The set characters consisted of three servants who would plot to trick their masters. The principal servant or first zanni was the modern day ‘straight guy’ who would come up with the clever schemes; his helper, the second zanni was a witless fool or ‘fall guy’ who would become hilariously entangled in them, and the third character was the female fonteca who provided romantic interest. Love them, loathe them or view them with terror, clowns have been entertaining us for thousands of years. But how did they come about? Across history and cultures, royal courts have long featured court jesters. The earliest recorded were in ancient Egypt during the fifth dynasty (around 2500BC). Despite being an object of ridicule, court jesters were highly thought of and the only members of a royal household permitted to openly air their views. Clowns even featured in native tribes, not only as entertainers but as healers and counsellors. Although rustic fools appear in Ancient Greek and Roman plays, during the 16th century clowns increasingly moved

The characters of Harlequin and Pierrot also grew out of Commedia del Arte. Harlequin was originally the second zanni to a character named Brighella but eventually he grew to become a principal character of his own. The white-faced clown began with Pierrot but was made famous by Joseph ‘Joey’ Grimaldi (1778-1837), described as ‘the father of modern clowning’. Wearing a spiky blue wig, white makeup and rouge on his cheeks and lips, his costume was a variation of the Harlequin suit with its trademark ruffles around the neck – a clothing item that has been associated with clowns ever since. The first circus is believed to have been founded in 1768 by Philip Astley who created the ring and the first circus clown,

calling him Billy Buttons. Billy proved so popular among audiences that he soon became a feature in other circus acts, leading to the development of the Auguste (or fool) clown, a forerunner of our modern-day clown.

longer 1½ page format also America’s Uncle Sam was avaonialafamous based blecircus clown. Dan Rice made his

fortune working as a clown during the Civil War period by using humour and songs to make political observations. Sporting a goatee beard, he wore a red nose and his suit and top hat were decorated with the American flag. When political cartoonist Thomas Nast first drew Uncle Sam, he allegedly based it on Rice. The Fratellini brothers were popular circus clowns in the early 1900s and made widespread the now traditional clown make-up, costumes and red nose - still a symbol of comedy. Over the centuries, the coupling of skill with slapstick has evolved into the hallmarks of the clown. The 20th century may have associated them with hamburgers and horror, but throughout history there have been bad clowns too - sinister characters who can feature in our worst nightmares. Fear of clowns is a recognized psychological condition known as ‘coulrophobia’. But however you view them, no one can deny that clowns have long had the power to entertain. Image: The classical appearance of the Harlequin stock character in the commedia dell’arte.

Home Interiors

Home & Interiors Shorter 1 pagyour It’s all too easy to go overboard at Christmas. This year, why not decorate e ormatto afestive home with subtle glamour, creating a sophisticated seasonal fbackdrop lso times with friends and family. available Christmas Elegance

By Katherine Sorrell

this living room is welcoming and cosy, but also cool, calm and collected, thanks to a subtle colour scheme of greys and whites, together with touches of texture in the form of wicker, wool and wood. traditional nordmann fir, from £29.99; led warm white string lights, from £9.99; wool throw, £59.99; firwood star decoration (set of three), £44.99; Magical Hare cushion, £39.99; tree decorations, from £1.49; all dobbies.

a glimmer of metal is all the rage, and these minimal, slightly rusted zinc garlands satisfy the trend without adding any bling. Use along the mantelpiece, twined along the christmas table or hung on the wall. £29.95, decorator’s notebook.

an intriguing and subtle way to display the twinkle of fairy lights. Bo 80 led glassdomed cylinder, £13, B&Q.

a simple white backdrop with natural, twining leaves is perfect for offsetting the glow of candles. large silver-dipped candle holder, £29.99; led glitter twig wreath, £39.99; medium silverdipped candle holder, £9.99; reindeer bell ornament, £4.99; decorated glass bauble, £3.99; garland (price and details on application); all dobbies.

Ideas for elegant festIve décor

• Too many colours together tend to look garish. Choose one main colour theme for each room and stick to it. This season, dark backdrops are very on trend, with accents of gold or brass, while white, beige or grey are classics that always look great, with dashes of red or green for that seasonal feel. • With limited colours, textures come into their own. Think linen, wool, fur (faux if you prefer), wicker and – this year’s must-haves – concrete and velvet. • For this look, avoid twee animals, anything knitted or made from felt, and all-out glitter (a little sparkle goes a long way). • Christmas ornaments tend to be collected over the years, and so can look rather haphazard if all displayed in one go. Carefully choose a selection that co-ordinates and – stay strong – put the rest back in the loft for next year.

Beautiful baubles will add class to your christmas tree. Walther & co bronze acorn and leaf decoration, £9.99, cotswold trading.

set a christmas table with gorgeous linens and decorate each plate with a simple bauble, pine cone and sprig of eucalyptus. A ribbon finishes it all off. Perth fabric, £49.50 per metre, Ian Mankin.

Instead of a knitted or hessian sack, how about a pretty, printed fabric design? night owl christmas sack, £5.50, sophie allport. a wreath and tea light holder in one, this unique accessory in matt brushed brass is the subtlest of christmas decorations for minimal, modern homes. opt for white rather than multi-coloured lights and, if you are planning to use them on a pale background, make sure you find a set with a clear cable. 120 LED lights, £9, B&Q.

Who can resist a delightful christmas display? this magical woodland scene is dusted with snow, featuring two wooden reindeer silhouettes and warm white backlighting. aspen forest christmas scene window light, £14.99, lights4fun. Photograph: oliver Perrott

Life Begins

How Do I Tell If My Elderly Neighbour Needs Help? by Kate McLelland

According to Age UK’s report “Later Life in the United Kingdom”, published this year, 3.64 million people in the UK aged 65+ live alone. With so many older individuals living independent lives, it often falls to neighbours to sound the alarm if the behaviour of an elderly person gives cause for concern. So what are the signals that show something may be wrong? What should I look out for? Signs such as curtains remaining permanently open or closed, or newspapers left sticking out of the letterbox, can indicate that there may be a problem. The first step should be to knock on your neighbour’s door. If they answer, try to engage them in conversation, and if you are invited in, use your visit as an opportunity to check how they are living. Does the house look clean and tidy? Is it warm? Are pets being cared for properly or are there signs of neglect, such as overflowing litter trays? If you’ve made several attempts to knock on the door but there’s no answer, you could ask people in neighbouring properties if they have seen

or heard anything. Finally, ring round the local hospitals to see if your neighbour has been admitted. If you continue to draw a blank, it may be time to call the police. CallIng soCIal servICes If there’s no emergency but you suspect that your elderly neighbour may have developed a mental or physical health issue that puts them at risk, check if they have a relative or close friend that you can phone. If the answer is ‘no’, you could call the Age UK helpline on Freephone 0800 009 966 or contact the social services department at your local council. When a local authority is told that someone may be in need of care and support they are obliged to carry out a needs assessment, even if the individual in question has not requested one. Meals on Wheels There is usually a clear course of action when an older person is found to be at risk or in distress. However it’s not always so straightforward when someone simply appears to be lonely or not eating properly. One solution may be to help them set up a ‘Meals on

longer Wheels’ 1delivery. ½ p The gRoyal e the Voluntary Servicea (RVS), original provider of the Meals f o r m at asays: lso“Our on Wheels service, home-delivered meals service a v a ilasocial blecontact provides friendly

for those who may be confined to the house, and a regular check that they are safe and well.” Between 6th and 10th November the National Association for Care Catering (NACC) celebrates Meals on Wheels Week. This is an initiative created to raise awareness and demonstrate how vital the service is. Meals on Wheels is currently a discretionary service, not supported by all local councils, and NACC is campaigning for the government to make it a statutory, protected service for those considered most at risk in the community. As a concerned neighbour, you could make a real difference with a simple intervention, whether that’s starting a friendly chat or taking positive action to support the elderly person in question. If you’d like to hear more about the Royal Voluntary Service Meals on Wheels service, telephone 0845 608 0122 or visit royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk.

The Life List Have No Fear? Many a therapist has made good capital out of the notion that ‘fear is all in the mind’, but some fears are entirely rational – as you will discover… CLOWNS (coulrophobia) – With slightly more expressiveness than a scandal-ridden politician, they smile constantly yet still possess such an unroadworthy vehicle. Their fashion sense is scary too. NUMBER 13 (triskaidekaphobia) – Terrible for dinner parties because who has a fourteen plate set? Forget covens and Judas and the fact that some airlines omit row 13 for seating, have you tried cutting a cake into thirteen pieces? Someone’s bound to be unlucky. SHADOWS (sciophobia) – They’re always with you, silently judging you, except in the darkness

of course (which is another fear – scotophobia). Although Apache by The Shadows is still a cracking instrumental.

Portrait TREES (hylophobia) – Despite the misheard Haajolly folk wisdom that trees are lf good Pafellow, ge they ruin your lawn, block out the light, V every rsio encourage squirrels and, occasionally, n alsofall on your house. Timber! av aifear labyoulecan FEET (podophobia) – This isa truly never walk away from! It’s probably an

Life List

evolution of our natural aversion to ‘Stilton toes’, discoloured nails, and feeling down at heel.

BEARDS (pogonophobia) – Remember being sat on a red, fat, bearded stranger as a child, sometime in December? For others it could be Darwinian or Freudian because beards suggest maturity and no one wants to grow up! LOUD NOISES (phonophobia) – Hmm…football terrace chants, other people’s mobile phone conversations, screaming babies, barking dogs and flatulent senior citizens who are hard of hearing…it makes perfect sense. By Derek Thompson www.alongthewritelines.blogspot.co.uk

MercedesAMG GT C Coupe Edition 50

Motoring

by James Baggot

What is it? The Mercedes AMG GT C Coupe Edition 50 is the secondhottest model in the sports car line up and sits slightly below the utterly bonkers GT R. Only available currently as a 500production ‘Edition 50’ special run, it features a monstrous engine, thunderous soundtrack and super GT looks. What’s neW? The engine steals all the headlines, but technical refinements include active rear axle steering, electronicallycontrolled locking differential and a wider track than its lesser powered GT and GT S siblings. What’s under the bonnet? All GT models feature the same 4.0-litre V8 with a ‘hot inner V’ – a compact engine design that places the turbos on the inside of the engine’s ‘V’, so they spool up quicker. Power output for the GT C is a whopping 549bhp backed up with 670Nm of torque, which means 060mph in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 197mph. What’s it like to drive? On the road, it feels big and wide. Visibility isn’t great and placing it takes practice. It’s got fantastic levels of grip though and despite those tyreshredding performance figures, it puts those huge lumps of power down impressively well, aided smoothly by a quick seven-speed auto gearbox.

longer 1½ page format also available

The steering feels heavy, perhaps even a little slow at times, but it’s communicative. As the name suggests, this is definitely a performance GT rather than a lithe and supple sports car. On paper, it might be a rival to an Audi R8 or Porsche 911 Turbo S, but both of those would feel far more sports car than this. The GT C is muscle; more raw power and less finesse. hoW does it look? That muscle car look might be exactly what buyers are looking for, though. Its long, blunt nose, tight rear and low stance will win the most buyers. It’s a unique look – something that’s pretty unrivalled on the road – and one Mercedes is pegging a lot of the GT’s success on. What’s it like inside? Inside the driver is surrounded by a focused cabin. A large, somewhat intrusive transmission tunnel is littered with buttons and dials and the multimedia system is frustrating. The touch-sensitive trackpad is clunky and the graphics look dated, especially when compared to the likes of Jaguar Land Rover. The interior feels incredibly cramped too. Taller drivers will find their knees butt up against the bulkhead and the seats don’t recline far enough. What’s the spec like? Standard spec on the GT C

includes 19-inch front and 20-inch rear alloy wheels, Burmester sound system, parking sensors and camera, keyless go and an AMG performance steering wheel finished in nappa leather. It’s topped off by red brake calipers with AMG lettering. verdict If you can see past the complicated naming strategy to pick the right model, you’ll be rewarded with a technologically advanced, blisteringly fast and characterful GT. It’s cramped inside for taller drivers, and some of the multimedia system can be infuriating, but there’s no denying the GT C is staggeringly quick, exciting to drive and looks the muscle car part. Buyers will have a tough choice between this and the very capable alternatives from Audi, Porsche and McLaren, though – while Mercedes will be hoping its AMG heritage and booming soundtrack will pull in the punters.

Facts at a glance Model: Mercedes-AMG GT C Coupe Edition 50 base price: £139,855 engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin turbo power: 549bhp, 670Nm top speed: 197mph 0-60mph: 3.5 secs Mpg: 20mpg emissions (g/km): 259

Take Extra Care of Your Pets this Christmas All the trimmings and paraphernalia of Christmas are wonderful for us, but they can represent a danger to your pet. So with this in mind, what in particular do you need to watch out for at this time of year? Christmas decorations If your pet has a tendency to chew, be wary of your Christmas tree lights as they may cause electrocution. Glass baubles also break very easily and it’s difficult to spot the smaller shards of glass, which can easily lodge

PETS

in a pet’s paws or mouth – a particular problem if your cat is prone to climbing the tree. Chocolate Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine, which is poisonous to dogs and cats. Dark chocolate has the highest amount, although milk chocolate also causes potentially life-threatening symptoms if consumed. It’s a serious issue at any time of the year, but at Christmas the fact that you’re likely to have more chocolate in the house increases the risk. Rich foods Turkey meat is too rich for many dogs – they struggle to digest this fatty food which

Pets

can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. High fat foods in general tend to irritate your pet’s stomach and intestines, so it’s a good idea to stick to their usual diet as much as possible during the festive season.

Portrait Half Page Version als o a v Whether your apetilais btimidleor bold, providing a safe place

where they can retreat from the noise and chaos of Christmas helps them to cope until their normal routine resumes. www.thehealthypetclub.co.uk/ top-tips-pets-christmas/ www.timeforpaws.co.uk/blog/ top-10-hazards-for-pets-atchristmas-time/ By Ann Haldon

Helping Your Child To Become Money Savvy

Parenting

by Kate Duggan kateduggan.co.uk Purses: £3.95 each from www.dotcomgiftshop.com It’s never too early to get into the habit of saving up for what you want. Good habits learnt in childhood can last a lifetime. If it feels as though your children are constantly asking for new toys, sweets and gadgets, you might want to consider giving them weekly pocket money, with the proviso that once it’s gone, it’s gone. If they want to save up for something big, like a scooter, help them to focus by sticking a photo of it by their money box. You can also remind them about their goal when they’re tempted to spend their money on ‘tat’. Do they really want that Shopkins blind bag now, or would they rather buy a scooter in a few months’ time? You can buy money boxes that have separate sections, such as short-term savings, longterm savings and quick spends. Or just make your own, with different labelled jam jars. Children’s savings accounts It can be difficult to resist dipping into a money box, so you might want to think about opening a savings account for your child, particularly if they want to save up for something big, or you want to start putting some money away to help with university fees or a house deposit.

Easy access accounts Easy access accounts are handy for short-term savings. There’s no penalty to take the money out and the account can be in your child’s name if they’re aged seven or older. Fixed-rate accounts Fixed-rate accounts often earn a higher rate of interest than easy-access accounts, but your child will be tied in to a set period before they can withdraw any money without a penalty. Regular savings accounts If you or your child can commit to saving at least £5 each month, a regular savings account often pays a higher rate of interest than the accounts previously mentioned. However, the rate usually drops considerably if you make any withdrawals within a set period, and it often drops anyway after the initial bonus period ends. Junior ISAs If your child is saving for a longterm goal, such as university, a junior ISA is a good way of locking the money away from temptation. As with adult ISAs, you can choose between a cash ISA and a stocks and shares one. There is a greater risk with a stocks and shares ISA, but there’s also the possibility of higher returns. Do compare rates, as some savings accounts actually offer

a better rate than a cash ISA, and are easier to access. Which financial provider to go for? www.moneysavingexpert.com helps you to easily compare the rates of children’s savings accounts and junior ISAs. While the AER (annual equivalent rate) is important, you’ll also want to consider other aspects when choosing a provider, such as: • How easy is it to deposit money? • How often can you withdraw money without paying a penalty? • Does the provider align with your values? For example, do they have an ethical policy that says they won’t invest your child’s money in companies that use child labour or test on animals? • How easy is it to manage the account? Depending on your child’s age, they might also benefit from an account that comes with an app for their smartphone and a cash card. Family budgeting The Money Advice Service is a useful resource if you need to improve your own finances. It offers free advice on everything from budgeting to pensions. Visit www.moneyadviceservice. org.uk or call 0800 138 7777.

Salmon & Monkfish Filo Wreath Serves 6

Ready in 1 hour 30 minutes, plus chilling time

Recipe

This festive wreath makes a great alternative to traditional roast turkey and can be prepared in advance the night before. Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • •

Use the sunflower oil to grease a 1.2 litre capacity ring mould, then line the mould with cling film. Brush the sheets of pastry one by one with melted butter and use nearly all of them to line the ring mould. Overlap the pastry sheets slightly as you go and repeat the layers 3-4 times. Leave the excess pastry to drape over the side of the mould. Mix the salmon, monkfish and prawns in a large bowl and stir in the lemon juice and chopped dill. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Spoon the fish mixture into the pastrylined mould, pressing down gently. Fold the excess pastry in over the filling and top with more buttered sheets of pastry, cutting them to fit and completely cover the filling. Stamp small star shapes out of any remaining sheets of buttered pastry and place on a plate.

Sunflower oil, for greasing 100g butter, melted 270g pack filo pastry, thawed if frozen 450g salmon fillet, skinned and diced 450g monkfish fillet, skinned and diced 225g cooked peeled tiger prawns 2 tbsp lemon juice 3 tbsp chopped fresh dill Salt and freshly ground black pepper Lemon wedges and dill sprigs, to garnish

Cover the ring mould and the plate with cling film and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or overnight). Carefully invert the ring mould onto a large baking sheet and then remove the mould and the cling film. Re-melt any remaining butter and brush all over the pastry.

Bake in a preheated oven at 190C/fan 170C/ Gas Mark 5 for 40-45 minutes until the pastry is crisp and golden. Bake the pastry stars on a separate baking sheet for 5 minutes until golden.

Allow the wreath to stand for 5 minutes then transfer to a serving platter and decorate with the pastry stars. Garnish with lemon wedges and dill sprigs.

TIP Filo pastry sheets can vary in size so simply cut to fit. Don’t worry if they tear, just place another piece of buttered pastry on top to cover the tear. 25

Quirky Britain

Quirky Britian

The High Street Shops Where It’s Christmas All Year Round by Kate McLelland

Are you one of those people who starts looking forward to next Christmas as soon as the decorations are packed away? Thanks to a growing British shopping trend, you can now enjoy Christmas all year round. A growing number of retailers are trying out all-year Christmas shopping, with many of the more successful stores located in areas known for attracting tourists. In StratfordUpon-Avon, The Nutcracker Christmas shop - with its range of festive ornaments - makes a lively contrast to the staid Shakespeare souvenirs on sale elsewhere. The shop is part of a small family business founded by Robert Newman in 2001. Robert had intended to open a small gift shop, but a visit to a trade gift show in Birmingham opened his eyes to the huge potential for selling festive goods. He now owns a chain of Christmas stores in England and Scotland. Lisa Hill-Whyte, owner of the Isle of Wight’s Jingle Bells Christmas shop, was inspired to open her business in 2009 after visiting Christmas stores in Austria and America. She began by filling an adjoining tea room with Christmas

Longer merchandise during the1 winter tree and remember all the ½ paplaces geyou’ve been.” months, but her idea proved so popular that she was able f o rma James from Newquay, alsoTunstall to realise her dream of selling t Cornwall, enjoys the “magical festive goods for mosta ofv the gets in a Christmas ailabfeeling” leHehesays: year. shop. “I love to

Her Shanklin store now stays open seven days a week, from March to Christmas Eve. Lisa says: “We do as much business in April as we do in December and our busiest months are July, August and September.”

Lisa’s policy is to stock items that are “a little bit special”, so customers can personalise their Christmas tree decorations. As a result she has had some unusual requests: “Some customers ask for a certain animal that you wouldn’t necessarily expect at Christmas – such as a fish, raccoon, tiger, elephant, sheep, cow or fox. The list is long, but I have found all these and others. I haven’t been caught out yet!” So what attracts shoppers to buy Christmas items at a time of the year when the festive season should be furthest from our thoughts? Hayley Corden from Bromsgrove sees it as part of the tourist experience. She says: “Whenever we go away we always try to buy a Christmas tree decoration. It’s lovely to look at your Christmas

browse out of season. It’s about recalling the Christmasses you had as a child, and these shops bring it all back.”

However, some shoppers are very far from experiencing nostalgia when they see festive goods on sale out of season. Whilst enjoying a summer holiday in Dorset, Tracy Whelbourne from Chesterfield was shocked to find Christmas decorations on sale: “So there we were, enjoying the sunny weather, and what do I see? A Christmas shop, open, with customers inside! Christmas seems to start earlier and earlier these days, and seeing it made me really cross.” Whether the sight of a high street Christmas shop thrills you with memories of childhood Christmasses past or makes you boil with rage, it seems that from now on - should they so choose - fans of the festive season will be able to shop for Santa stockings, advent calendars and shiny baubles whenever they want.

Christmas Postal Dates

Last Post

3 options UK Inland Services available in zip folde r LAST RECOMMENDED SERVICE POSTING DATES

LAST RECOMMENDED SERVICE POSTING DATES

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD (formerly Airmail) Saturday 2nd December Wednesday 6th December

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Wednesday 20th December

2nd Class & Royal Mail Signed For® 2nd Class Thursday 21st 1st Class & Royal December Mail Signed For® 1st Class Thursday 21st Royal Mail December Special Delivery Guaranteed® Friday 15th December Austria, Denmark, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, LAST SERVICE DED RECOMMEN Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland VICE ES Dates Special Delivery l a MENDED SER Friday 22nd POSTING DAT st o P LAST RECOM ES ces s rvi a ail) Se m d erly Airm T E rist POSTING DAT Royal UK Inlan SERVIC NDARD (form Saturday 2nd Class and OMMENDED ONAL STA Saturday 16th Belgium, France, Ireland, Luxembourg CENDhED SERVICE December LASREC Wednesday 20 ES INTERNATI Mail Signed For® East Africa, Middle rn Europe POSTING DAT Guaranteed® December mber 2nd Class LAST RECOMMES a, Far East, Easte Services & Slovakia) Saturday 2 Dece December Asia, Cyprus, MaltCzech Republic l UK Inland POSTING DAT nd, December Class and Roya 6 Pola 1st ay pt nesd (exce rica Wed th

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Short Story

Short Story Christmas on Yarrow Avenue “What took you so long?” Gladys dragged Jean, heavily laden with shopping, through her front door. She thought she could trust Jean to do this one simple job. Naturally, she couldn’t do it herself. She had to wait in for a delivery of champagne and smoked salmon - her Christmas treat to herself after a very trying year. “The traffic was awful,” Jean said, mopping her forehead, “and the queue for Santa’s grotto seemed endless.” This stopped Gladys in her tracks. “Who’ve you been taking to Santa’s grotto?” “No one,” Jean said cheerfully, unwinding her scarf. “I went on my own.” Gladys shook her head; this was definitively a conversation for another day. “Was there any sign of the carol singers?” “Yes,” nodded Jean, “they’re just outside number six.” “You’re really cutting it fine,” Gladys tutted. “Tell me you’ve got the refreshments?” “You bet.” Jean held up a bag. “It’s all here.” “Good,” Gladys sighed with relief. “I’ve got paper plates ready, let’s get cracking.” It had been a troubling few months for Gladys in her selfappointed role as Chair of the Friends of Yarrow Avenue. After distributing all her admonishing leaflets concerning wheelie bins, barbeques and inconsiderate parking, she’d assumed her mantelpiece

would be heaving with Christmas cards. But there was just one solitary one of an Easter chick from Jean. It rankled that her neighbours didn’t realise how important she was to them. But she’d found her chance to reinstate herself. Every year a dozen of the more musical residents went carol singing round the avenue on the Friday before Christmas. They were rather good. Last stop was always the Dawson’s next door, who would invite everyone in for mulled wine and mince pies. For some reason, Gladys noted, everyone thought this was marvellous. Two days ago, Gladys got it on very good authority that the Dawson’s would be away for this year. Apparently, they’d got a late deal on a Nordic cruise that was too good to refuse, so Gladys saw her chance to provide some refreshments of her own. “Have you bought something festive like I asked you?” she asked. “Yes indeed,” said Jean, opening the bag. “I thought carefully about what you said.” “So, what have you got?” Jean reached into the bag with a grin. “Two litres of cherryade and a jar of pickled walnuts.” Gladys was horrified. “What on earth were you thinking?” “Everyone likes cherryade,” Jean protested. “It hardly yells Seasons Greetings!” Gladys said. “Is that

all they had?” “Oh no, they had plenty of things,” Jean said. “You told me to use my initiative.” “More fool me,” muttered Gladys. “Wait, what’s that?” It was unmistakeably a dozen singers cheerfully bringing Good King Wenceslas up Gladys’s drive. “Quick, Jean.” She crouched behind the coat stand. “Turn off the lights - we’ll pretend we’re not in. Tell me no one saw you coming up the drive?” “They all saw me,” Jean frowned. “I said, ‘See you round at Gladys’s for refreshments.’” “What am I going to do?” Gladys shrieked. “I can’t give them this, they’ll get indigestion. I’ll never hear the last of it.” “Have you got anything else in?” Jean asked hopefully. Gladys groaned. If she was going to get back into the neighbours’ good books she realised she would have to make the ultimate sacrifice. So, the carol singers enjoyed well-deserved glasses of champagne with smoked salmon. Meanwhile, Jean sat at Gladys’s breakfast bar with a tumbler of cherryade and a jar of pickled walnuts, which, coincidentally, was exactly what she’d asked Santa for. By Jackie Brewster

THE CHRISTMAS TECHNOLOGY SURVIVAL GUIDE

Technology

’Tis the season to stock up on batteries

There are very few people whose Christmases won’t involve some kind of technology: not just presents, although even the simplest toys seem to come packed with tech these days. You might use technology to provide festive music, or to stream a crackling log fire from Netflix. Here’s how to make sure technology doesn’t trip you up during the festive season. First, check with Santa to see what kind of batteries the children’s toys will need, because even the simplest toys often have an electronic component. Having a good stock of rechargeable AA and AAA batteries (and a charger!) covers most eventualities, but some manufacturers like to keep you on your toes by demanding LR44s or CR2032s or other arcane options. Don’t leave it to the last minute: relatively uncommon batteries can be hard to find at short notice, especially if you’re reliant on small shops. Look out your sharp scissors and a small Phillips cross-head screwdriver too: electronic items often come in plastic packaging that’s hard to get into, while larger toys can be secured to their packaging with screws or cable ties. Not every device that needs a charger comes with one - mobile phones in particular

tend to come charger-free - so you might need to get additional chargers or adaptors. Check first, though: the charger you need for, say, a new Nokia is the same as for a Kindle or PlayStation 4 controller. If some of your gadget gifts are pre-owned - something that can save you a great deal of money - it’s definitely worth checking that the batteries still hold a charge, because batteries have a finite lifespan. For example, many PlayStation Move controllers being sold asnew on eBay have been sitting in warehouses for so long that their rechargeable batteries no longer hold a charge, even though they are unused. Replacement batteries are easy to get, but not on Christmas Day. If Santa’s bringing a games console, it’s a very good idea to connect it to your broadband well in advance: there’s nothing more dispiriting on Christmas Day than having to wait hours for a system update to download before you can play anything - especially if your broadband has slowed to a crawl because everybody else in the street is trying to do the same thing. And if you’re planning a bit of multi-player gaming with two or more people in the same room, make sure you have enough controllers.

It’s a similar story with computers, tablets and smartphones: there have often been quite significant system software updates since they were made. There’s less pressure than with consoles, though, because while consoles tend to be quite huffy - Xbox Ones and PS4s often refuse to let you use online features until you’ve updated your system software - computers and mobile devices don’t demand you drop everything. Did we say “drop”? Unfortunately one of the problems with technology as presents is that some gadgets are eminently breakable. It’s worth checking if your home insurance or current account protects items such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops or TVs from accidental damage (and that the excess doesn’t make such coverage pointless) - and with mobile devices for children it’s an even better idea to put their gadget in a sturdy, scratch- and impact-resistant case. That way you can be confident of a smashing time without smashing anything expensive.

Images L to R: Energiser battery charger; screwdriver set from Amazon; PlayStation Move controllers; iPad toddler protective case

Travel

Canada Glimpses of Toronto Toronto, CN Tower and Rogers Centre on Harbourfront, seen from the lake.

Through the leafy gorge of the river Don the city rises like a mirage on the horizon, a gleaming cluster of buildings dwarfed by the slender silhouette of the CN Tower. At just over 553 metres, Toronto’s communication tower is the tallest free-standing structure in the Western hemisphere and the city’s most iconic landmark. Lifts take you to the observation platform with its glass floor said to withstand the weight of 14 hippos and provide access to the SkyPod 100 metres above. The view takes your breath away, from the wooded ravines and sprawling city to the meandering shore of Lake Ontario and the lush ribbon of islands where town folks can escape and connect with nature. In clear weather the spray from Niagara Falls, over 70 km away, is visible. But before making your way to the Falls, as most visitors do, it is worth spending time in this ‘most lovable’ North American city with record temperatures of highs and lows but on the same latitude as the French Riviera. Trams glide through the streets at a leisurely pace, tulips nod in the parks and hundreds of rooftop gardens, now compulsory in all major

developments, freshen up the air. The original settlers, known as First Nation, had long lived in the area when Europeans arrived in the early 17th century. The French set up a fur trade but were later replaced by the British, who bought the land from the First Nation for the princely sum of £1,700 plus merchandise. Yet it was only with the arrival of the railway in the mid-19th century that the city truly blossomed. According to BBC Radio, Toronto is ‘one of the world’s most diverse cities’, home to 230 nationalities, speaking 160 languages and accounting for an inner city population of 2.8 million. So Ontario’s provincial capital is larger than Ottawa or any other Canadian city. But laid out as it is on a grid pattern, it is surprisingly easy to explore on foot, from the business centre to Little Italy, China Town, Portugal Village or the bustling Dundas Square on Yonge Street, the place for casual eating, nightlife and cheap theatre tickets. Old and new mingle effortlessly: here the historic Parliament and University buildings, there the old City Hall with a clock tower reminiscent of Big Ben,

By Solange Hando the stylish harmonious complex of the New City Hall, just steps away, the multi-purpose Rogers Centre, home to the Blue Jays baseball team and concert venue - think Madonna or the Rolling Stones - or the Union Station opened by the Prince of Wales in 1927. Markets beckon with local colour, St Lawrence for fresh produce, Kensington for all things hippy, arty and cool, while the ultimate shopping therapy is found in the vast Eaton Centre. For top designer wear or celebrity spotting, however, it’s the Mink Mile in the Bloor-Yorkville district. Then you can wander the cobbled lanes of the Distillery Historic District, lined with bakeries and micro-breweries, visit the Royal Ontario Museum or the Ripley’s Aquarium where you can pet a stingray, or chill out under pink parasols on the imported sands of Sugar Beach. Then there are restaurants and ice cream parlours, coffee and cake shops, but sooner or later the lake calls you back with ferries to the islands and boats cruising nonchalantly along the harbour front, past the mighty CN Tower which dominates the skyline wherever you are in Toronto.

The History of Christmas Traditions By Alison Runham

Every year, some people mourn the loss of traditional, more faith-based Christmas celebrations. Yet most December 25th traditions are far less Christian and much more recently adopted in the UK than they may think. Celebrating on DeCember 25th Jesus’ birth date isn’t documented and the gospels of Matthew and Luke, written long after his death, give contradictory clues. Some scholars say the sheep on the hillside and the census suggest good weather, indicating spring to early autumn. So why is Christmas celebrated on the 25th of December? Midwinter festivals abounded by the time Christianity took hold. There were winter solstice celebrations such as Yule and Koleda, and the Roman festivals of Saturnalia (which included decorating your home with evergreens – sound familiar?) and Dies Natalis Solis Invicti, ‘birthday of the unconquered sun’, on December 25th. It was easier for early proponents of Christianity to introduce it into

these longstanding festivals than to persuade people to give them up.

mythology it’s also a symbol of love (hence kissing under the mistletoe).

The first Christian Roman Emperor, Constantine, began celebrating Christmas on December 25th in 336. A few years later, Pope Julius I declared it the official date to celebrate Jesus’ birth. Some scholars believe he also chose this date to honour Hanukkah and Jesus’ own religion, Judaism.

Christmas PuDDing The original ‘Christmas pudding’ was frumenty, a thin 14th century porridge containing raisins, currants, prunes, wine, spices, beef and mutton. However, by around 1650, people ate plum pudding, and by Victorian times, it was similar to the modern-day Christmas pud.

Orthodox and Coptic Christians celebrate Jesus’s birth on January the 7th - the ‘original’ December 25th. Our December 25th moved when we adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1752.

the Christmas tree Evergreen fir trees have been used in winter festivals for thousands of years to symbolise the coming spring and everlasting life, although they were often hung upside down from the ceiling rather than stood upright. ‘Christmas trees’ emerged in the 1500s in town squares but took time to come into people’s houses. The Royal Family had one from Georgian times, but an 1848 photo of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their family gathered around theirs popularised the idea.

Yule logs Today, Yule logs have been mainly superseded by logshaped chocolate cakes here, but neither are connected to Jesus’ birth. Yule logs were part of the Scandinavian Yule celebration, beginning at the winter solstice and running into January. Yule logs were burned to mark the return of the sun and festivities continued until they burned out. Celts also burned a Yule log, believing it persuaded the sun to return and bestowed good luck on those who dragged it from the forest. hollY, ivY anD mistletoe Evergreens were used in winter solstice festivals to bring good luck and signify the coming spring. The tradition of hanging mistletoe in the house is an ancient Druid custom to ward off evil spirits, but in Norse

Special

a merrY Christmas Christmas wasn’t celebrated widely in the UK until the Middle Ages, when it was predominantly a time for merrymaking and feasting on animals too expensive to feed through winter. It was later banned for many years by the Puritans for its Pagan origins. It began to recover in Georgian times with a focus on charity and gift-giving, paving the way for the idealised Victorian Christmas described by Charles Dickens.

Cartoon Panel

Cartoon Strip

Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Page

Code Word

CODEWORD Each letter in this puzzle is represented by a number between 1 and 26. The codes for three letters are shown. As you find the letters enter them in the box below.

24 14

24 24

12 4

6 17

4 17

11 3

10 24

General Xword

24 20

13 22

20 20

9 10

17 9

26 13

4 21

16 5

17 15

17 13

4 11

3 17

24 15

18 20

1 13

18 13

22 14

16 4

2 21

2 7

General Knowledge Crossword Across 5. Spicy sauce to accompany Mexican food (5) 8. Country formerly known as Siam (8) 9. Subtraction sign (5) 10. Ornamental climbing plant (8) 11. Engraving or carving in relief (5) 14. Woollen cap of Scottish origin (3) 16. Glass bottle for water or wine at a table (6) 17. Shorebird with slender upwardcurving bill (6) 18. Snare, trap (3) 20. Judgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mallet (5) 24. Extinct reptile (8)

25. Cat-like mammal yielding musk used in perfumes (5) 26. Country, capital Harare (8) 27. Prime minister between 1970 and 1974 (5) Down 1. Twig (5) 2. Military trainee (5) 3. Primitive plant forms (5) 4. Heart condition marked by chest pain (6) 6. Technician who produces moving cartoons (8) 7. T-shaped cleaning implement with a rubber edge across the top (8)

Only f or sub scriber paying s for tw o or more p ostcod es exclus ivity 12. Mild cathartic (8) 13. Hinged window sash (8) 14. Cardinal number (3) 15. Rug (3) 19. Substance

believed to cure all ills (6) 21. Informal term for a British policeman (5) 22. Young sheep (5) 23. Thin porridge (5)

Cryptic Xword

Cryptic Crossword 1

10 11

13 14

16 17 20

Across 1 Composer with poor range (6) 4 Resist in order to be menacing (8) 9 Lire put out with quiet enjoyment (6) 10 Sop near surgery fifty own (8) 12 Man revising score outside (8) 13 Weapon a clergyman heard (6) 15 Experiment put back to the sixth of August (4) 16 Bill and Mina’s innards, say (7) 20 Girl Don played with in Florida (7) 21 A heavy book, in my opinion (4) 25 Meeting-place at the end of a street (6) 26 Split pea’s changed value (8) 28 “Wet weather, love,” said a beast (8) 29 Lawyer going around bog gets respect (6) 30 Terrible lard feud not right (8) 31 Fish cut by Mr Henry, perhaps (6)

Down 1 State given total guarantee (8) 2 Swimmer holds fig, bananas… (8) 3 Consumer taking in second festival (6) 5 Helper head to toe, it’s thought (4) 6 Ancient’s incorrect example (8) 7 Intent and incomplete lodger (6) 8 Lady inside regretting decree (6) 11 Top cobbler in shoe furore (7) 14 Purple lead put on many dogs (7) 17 Sensible girl opening circular (8) 18 Turn around to put in allowance (8) 19 Badly damaged lever, yes? (8) 22 City doctor in servant’s embrace (6) 23 Live deer is at sixes and sevens (6) 24 A composer he described left (6) 27 Country back in secure position (4)

Solution Across: 1 Wagner, 4 Sinister, 9 Relish, 10 Personal, 12 Alfresco, 13 Cannon, 15 Test, 16 Invoice,

Hidato & Pictogram

Pictograms

Hidato Starting at 1 and finishing at 49, track your way from one square to another, either horizontally, vertically or diagonally, placing consecutive numbers into the empty squares as you go. Some numbers are already given.

4 words

www.google

3 words

44 4

19 26

Mini Cryptic Xword

37 23

4 words

14/09/2017 Mini Cryptic Crossword

Hidato.indd 1

CH DE TAB

AIR SK LE

9:42:01

Across 1. Bore a girl dates, initially (7) 7. Rue failing to open a flyer (5) 8. City man beheaded a twit! (7) 9. Baron left after cat, but before you (5) 11. Subject of an article by yours truly (5) 12. Singular male representative (5) 14. Prosecutor’s first long spiel (5) 16. An English town also finished (7) 18. Command from captor derided (5) 19. Missile part really resembling a metal (7) Down 1. A mollusc one added, say (5) 2. Endlessly tore up to decompose (3) 3. Perfect ladies mostly wild (5) 4. Keys to a crock storehouse (5) 5. Gift dispatched in advance? (7) 6. Stodgy starters consumed, say (5) 10. Country produced almost nothing! (7)

SEAN MR SALUTATION

two short men (5) 12. Ornery lead in cast said farewell (5) 15. He wrote difficult 13. Charges disturbing a story’s ending (5) rest (5) 17. Six men content to 14. Lever first pulled by compete (3)

Christmas Food and Drink

Quiz 1

1. What name is given to the part of a traditional Christmas dinner that consists of small sausages wrapped in bacon? 2. With the first part of its name meaning "star" in Latin, which lager was originally launched as a festive beer in 1926? 3. Not wanting to offend any of those who invited her, Geraldine Granger eats four Christmas lunches in a 1996 Christmas special of which TV show? 4. According to tradition, eating at least one what on each of the 12 days of Christmas is thought to bring good luck for the coming year? 5. Which liqueur is mixed with lemonade to make a cocktail called the Snowball? 6. Commonly eaten at Christmas in the USA and Canada, which dessert is mentioned in the lyrics of the songs Sleigh Ride and Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree? 7. Consumed by many people around Christmas time, what is known as Glogg in some parts of Europe? 8. In a famous nursery rhyme, who was "eating a Christmas pie"? 9. Which alcoholic spirit is traditionally added to butter and served with Christmas Pudding? 10. In 2008, three episodes of Deal Or No Deal that were aired shortly after Christmas featured what food item in place of the 1p booby prize?

also available as a quarte r page

Christmas Movie Taglines

Quiz 2

Can you name 10 films set around Christmas time from taglines used to advertise them and the years they were released?

1 He puts the mean in green… 2000

Only f or sub A family comedy without the family… 1990 scriber payionngthe fortieth floor… It’s Christmas Eve in L.A. and the party action’s about to explode… 1988 s f o r t He doesn’t care if you’re naughty or nice… 2003 wo or more p A story about love at second sight… 1995 ostcod Two dads, one toy, no prisoners… 1996 es exclus They’re making memories tonight… 1946 ivity Bill Murray is back among the ghosts. Only this time, it’s three against one… 1988

2 The "Trolley Song" picture… 1944 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 Cute. Clever. Mischievous. Intelligent. Dangerous… 1984

Simple Xword

QUICK CROSSWORD

Across

7 Light wind (6) 8 Add up (6) 9 Not pretty (4) 10 Take away (8) 11 Tenth month (7)

13 Deprived (5) 15 Two times (5)

13 14 17

19 20

17 Remaining (7) 20 Booklet (8)

21 Assists (4) 22 Floats (6) 23 Unlocked (6) Down 1 Horrendous (6) 2 Refute (4)

Spot the Difference

3 Childhood illness (7)

14 Stopping place (7)

4 Investigate (5)

16 Gun or knife (6)

5 Barely (8)

18 Bowed (6)

6 Coerced (6)

19 Nearby (5)

12 Engaged (8)

21 Pinnacle (4)

Sudoku Easy

Sudoku Hard

Trial

R M D OAN You have two minutes to find all the words of three or more letters that can be made from the letters above. Plurals are allowed, proper nouns are not. The 6 letter word will always be just a normal everyday word.

3 letters: 15 4 letters: 10 5 letters: 5 6 letters: 1

Word Ladder

3 Letters ADO AND ARM DAM DON MAD MAN MAR MOD NOD NOR

OAR RAM RAN ROD 4 Letters DAMN DARN DORM DRAM MOAN MORN NORM

Word Ladder

Change one letter at a time (but not the position of any letter) to make a new word - and move from the word at the top of the ladder to the word at the bottom, using the exact number of rungs provided.

R O C K

Here is one possible solution (others may exist) ROCK rick rice rile rill HILL

ROAD ROAM ROAN 5 Letters ADORN MANOR NOMAD RADON ROMAN 6 Letters RANDOM

H I L L

Christmas Advent Angel Bells Bread Cards Carols Chimney Crib Dasher Elves Fairy Fir Frosty Gift Gold Happy Holly Inn Jingle

Lantern Lights List Morning Myrrh Party Sack Santa Sleigh Star Tinsel

Word Search

Toys Wreath

Find the words associated with Christmas in the grid and the remaining letters will spell out a related phrase

WORDWHEEL

Using only the letters in the Wordwheel, you have ten minutes to find as many words as possible, none of which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns. Each word must be of three letters or more, all must contain the central letter and letters can only be used once in every word. There is at least one word that uses all of the letters in the wheel.

Word Wheel

TARGET Excellent: 68 or more words Good: 60 words Fair: 50 words

D E TENDERING

N E R

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