UseLocally Magazine December 2022

ith Christmas rapidly approaching, we’re sure we’re not alone in keeping our fingers crossed and hoping for this year’s celebrations to be somewhat close to “normal”. In fact, we’ve just read some research that suggests that after two years of plans thwarted by Covid, and despite the rising cost of living, we’re all hoping for a welcome escape from everyday realities and are looking forward to celebrating together this year. Spending time with family is our number one priority, suggesting that big gatherings are back on the cards after a two-year hiatus.

We’ve also noticed that it looks like “business as usual” for the organisers of the numerous Christmas markets, school fairs, Santa’s grottos, pantos, and musical concerts in our region.

So, we are urging all our readers and customers to do two things this year……. Firstly, shop local as much as you can. Almost half of small business owners say that if everyone in their local community spent just £5 extra per week with small businesses it would help them to stay open in the long term. Secondly, look out for our elderly and most vulnerable neighbours, who can find it difficult to get out to the shops or to keep their house adequately heated during the colder months, and just check that they are OK.

However you celebrate the festive season, we wish joy and peace to all our readers from everyone here at Use Locally magazine.

Until next time, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year,

The Use Locally Team

Publisher

Christa Hallam Tel 07827 015170 christa@uselocally.co.uk

Advertising

Michella George Tel 07415 751157 michella@uselocally.co.uk

Michelle Priestley Tel 07436 626550 michelle@uselocally.co.uk

DISCLAIMER

All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith. UseLocally cannot take responsibility for the content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any statements given in the editorial. No part of the publication may be reproduced without the express permission of the publisher.

Please remember, if you have enjoyed reading UseLocally and are looking for a

we have a whole range of fantastic local businesses promoting themselves each month.

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Inspire open brand-new base for learning and culture at the Buttermarket in Newark

Inspire Culture, Learning and Libraries has a new home on the mezzanine floor of the historical building Buttermarket in Newark , after Newark and Sherwood District Council completed extensive renovation works at the iconic Buttermarket over the last few months. Working with Newark and Sherwood District Council, who own the building, the Buttermarket is now a lively hub for learning, creativity, and exploration, and is set to be a valued venue for educational and cultural activities in the heart of Newark town centre. Inspire bring a wealth of Adult Learning courses

for the community to boost their skills and gain new hobbies, as well as their Inspire College provision for young people aged 16 to 19 in the area. There are even opportunities to join a choir and hone your musical talents. The new base for Inspire also brings three brand-new learning spaces to Newark Town Centre with fully accessible state of the art facilities and brilliant tutors.

To find out more about Inspire at the Buttermarket, including to book courses, visit inspireculture.org.uk/buttermarket.

WINTER FUN AT THE NATIONAL CIVIL WAR CENTRE

December will see lots of fun activities at the National Civil War Centre. History enthusiasts will be able to enjoy the exclusive chance to join a private tour of the galleries, led by the Centre’s Collections and Exhibitions Team, at Christmas With The Curator. The evening event, on Thursday 8 December, will see festive drinks and nibbles proffered along with wonderful anecdotes about working behind the scenes in the museum.

There will be a special Christmas edition of the Tudor Hall Film Club on Wednesday 14 December as this uniquely charming location

plays host to festive favourite The Muppet Christmas Carol with tickets on sale for just £5. Then, on Friday 16 December, there’s a chance to decorate a Christmas wreath to take home adorned with a seasonal favourite… sprouts! Participants will each create a charming light-up wreath under the tutelage of Kristina from Quirkshops while enjoying a hot drink and cake.

2022 at the Centre will close with their final 'Year of Play' school holiday activities taking place during the Christmas holidays. Running from Wednesday 22 to Saturday 31 December, there will be free entry to the museum for Newark and Sherwood residents with lots of ways to play throughout the galleries, familyfriendly labels and the chance to take the perfect Christmas selfie in the costume area. Plus, from Wednesday 7 to Saturday 31 December, anyone with a ticket to the Palace Theatre Newark’s spectacular pantomime Cinderella will be able to visit the museum for just £1 as part of their special Panto Pound Promo.

The Rutland Arms in Newark Supports the Salvation Army Christmas Present Appeal

This year, the Salvation Army are expecting the number of families requesting help to rise as a result of the cost-of-living crisis.

The Rutland Arms in Newark have set up a special Christmas tree to support this wonderful appeal and invite you to please get involved and donate a present. Pop down and take a tag off their special Christmas tree, write the age range of the gift including whether it is for a girl or boy followed by your name, and they will donate it to The Salvation Army on your behalf.

Suggested Gift List for Children and Young People

The Salvation Army believes that every child deserves a new gift at Christmas, so they are unable to

take used or second-hand items for the Christmas Present Appeal.

pencils, crayons, school sets), CDs & family friendly DVDs, books, puzzles, wordsearch, crosswords

l 0-3 years: dolls, teddy bears, cot mobiles, baby clothes, bath toys, CDs of suitable music and nursery rhymes, puzzles

l 3-5: dolls and action figures, cars, lorries, DVDs, and CDs (music and nursery rhymes), colouring sets, pencils, crayons, books, puzzles l 5-9: educational games & toys, stationery (colouring sets,

l 9-12: games and toys, stationery, DVDs, books, t-shirts, hair accessories, gloves, scarves, hats l 13-16: books, make-up, and toiletries (please try to ensure non-allergic ingredients if possible), gloves, scarves, hats, t-shirts, hair accessories and gift vouchers

Over the years, millions of children and young people have benefited from gifts donated to The Salvation Army. You can help spread the joy of Christmas to families whose children would otherwise not receive a gift.

Christmas Tree Festival at St Mary Magdalene Church

From Saturday, December 3 to Sunday, December 11, St Mary Magdalene Church will be celebrating its 14th Christmas Tree Festival. The primary aim of the festival is to bring together as many areas as possible of the Newark community.

Last year 118 organisations, charities, businesses, and schools decorated trees which were greatly admired by thousands of people within the magnificent setting of St. Mary Magdalene Church. Refreshments will be served and there will be a few stalls selling gifts and bric-a-brac. There will also be seasonal music – live and recorded.

St Mary Magdalene Church, Church Street, Newark-On-Trent NG24 1JS

Robin Hood’s Way through the forest!

Newark Ramblers have now walked all 106 miles of the Robin Hood Way. We have meandered around the county from Nottingham Castle to Edwinstowe, through forest, field and parkland, finding many wonderful heritage sites. This month’s walk takes in parts of the Way in Sherwood Forest to make an easy 6 mile circular walk.

The walk starts at Edwinstowe Jubilee Park/ Skatepark. Head towards the playground and turn right along the narrow track to a gap in the hedge. Go left down the lane then take a track to the right at the bend before you reach the bridge crossing the River Maun. Follow this track ( river on your left), until you come to a bridleway. Turn right here and walk up to the road (A 6075). On the way, notice Archway House – this is a private residence now but was built by the Duke of Portland as a gatehouse to his estate. Cross the road and follow the footpath on the other side. At the fork go sharp right and wander through the fascinating trees – some very strange shapes have developed. Go straight across the first path junction and turn right at the second. You are now on a section of the Way leading to the Major Oak. Do not be diverted, just keep going straight ahead till you reach the famous tree. There are information signs and benches here if you want to pause. Then follow the signs to the Visitor Centre: you may want to pause here as well! On leaving the Visitor Centre retrace your steps but do NOT turn right at the junction of paths with signs to Major Oak and other tracks. Instead keep straight on and follow the path which is right on the edge of the forest. Eventually you will come to a wooden sign pointing towards Edwinstowe: turn left here and take the farm track through fields to the road. Again, turn left towards Edwinstowe. Just past the Edwinstowe sign you will see a path back to the skate park on the right.

Money on my mind...the Martin Lewis column

He’s the UK’s leading money saving expert - a journalist and presenter who has kept millions of pounds in people’s pockets as well as lifting the lid on the threats and dangers we need to be aware of as consumers.

I’ll come straight to the point this month - there is nothing more precious or valuable than our mental wellbeing, and there is no bill or invoice that should come before it.

I have worked with mental health charities and the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute to ensure people who find themselves in difficult situations are able to access not just financial assistance, but practical and emotional support too.

The truth is when people have existing mental health problems, the administration anxiety that comes with bills, debt demands and ongoing financial

commitments, can be very difficult to handle, to the point that they’re simply unable to deal with what’s in front of them. Even when in a good place mentally and financially, so many of us find processing everyday matters exhausting, so imagine the added difficulty when starting from a place of weakness.

Remember, we have the right to determine how we are approached and contacted by those we do business with.

For some people receiving a text message informing them of something may represent a nightmare. For others, a text is the only way they wish to communicate; while some

In this month’s column, Martin Lewis looks at taking back control when creditors come calling. heard

prefer to converse over the phone, or even face to face.

It’s essential we stand up and state our preferences, and organisations have to adhere to these. That won’t necessarily mean the problem will go away… if you are behind on a bill, for instance; but it will bring back control to you and, from the outset, allow you to determine how you want to go about tackling a problem.

It was reported that 44% of people with mental health problems who fell behind on payments during the pandemic considered or attempted suicide; and if you macro that up to the UK population that would be two-and-a-half million people.

I’ll be honest and say that when I heard that figure, I didn’t find it surprising; but it does surprise and disappoint me that people still don’t feel they have the tools to fight back and retake control.

From recovery space to payment holidays, to freezes on interest or repayment plans, speak to your creditors in a way that is firm and fair, and you will likely get the result you want.

ARIES

March 21st - April 20th LEO 24th - August 23rd

The Full Moon on the 7th brings thrilling news about a travel or learning opportunity; reserve your place as soon as possible, as slots will fill quickly. Mixing business and pleasure becomes a trend beginning on the 9th; if you're looking for love, you could find it at a professional conference or work party. An incredible money-making opportunity arrives on the 17th.

A business or romantic relationship gives you the necessary security to launch a bold creative project. It becomes easier to let down your defences with the object of your affection on the 3rd. Sending out job applications, going on interviews, or expanding your work skills is possibly starting on the 6th. On the 7th, the Full Moon urges you to attend a casual social gathering.

SAGITTARIUS

November 23rd - Dec 21st

Stop giving away valuable time and resources to unworthy people on the 5th. The Full Moon on the 7th finds an ardent admirer coming your way; you'll admire their confidence. Try not to get carried away by emotion on the 9th, especially where your home life is concerned. Beginning on the 20th, your love life crackles with excitement; prepare to embark on a grand adventure!

On the 7th, the Full Moon delivers a handsome paycheque, allowing you to book an adventurous trip. Starting on the 9th, you can devote more time and energy to your favourite people and hobbies. Your boss highly praises you on the 12th; let their compliments sink into your soul. Your unique abilities attract an opportunity to teach, write, or lecture on the 17th.

Don't impose your family's values on your inner circle on the 1st. The fairy tale quality of a passionate relationship returns on the 3rd; it's a great time to head off to a secluded hideaway with the one you love. Beginning on the 6th, you could find a steady job. On the 7th, the Full Moon marks a professional turning point that gives you a lot more power.

A steady source of income becomes available on the 1st; you'll enjoy working without the interference of a micromanager. Your expertise is in demand on the 6th. On the 7th, the Full Moon marks a turning point in a health regimen; increased physical activity gives you an attractive glow. Your powers of attraction soar on the 9th; you won't have any trouble finding love.

Resist the temptation to mix your personal and professional lives on the 5th; it's more trouble than it's worth. Discussing private matters with a sympathetic friend is more straightforward than expected on the 6th. The Full Moon on the 7th prompts you to change your appearance in a bold way; seek to satisfy yourself instead of your romantic partner or lover.

A love offering arrives on the 1st, making you glow with happiness. Overindulging in food and drink results in cloudy thinking on the 3rd; practice moderation. The Full Moon on the 7th helps you pass a test with flying colours; the impressive results lead to impressive opportunities. Starting on the 9th, you'll spend more time at home with your nearest and dearest.

Your money-making instincts become very powerful starting on the 3rd; use them to find a rewarding creative assignment. Starting on the 6th, you'd be wise to keep your thoughts private, especially those concerning business. The Full Moon on the 7th is perfect for getting engaged or married; if you're looking for love, you could find it at a library, book shop, or stationery store.

The Full Moon on the 7th beckons you to get some peace and quiet; it's an excellent time to take a vacation. Your powers of attraction soar beginning on the 9th; use them to your advantage. If you're single, let a friend set you up on a blind date for the 17th; you'll be pleasantly surprised. Your career prospects grow by leaps and bounds beginning on the 20th.

Money for furnishings, artwork, and other household supplies becomes available on the 1st; have fun spending it. Beginning on the 3rd, your love life assumes a fairy tale quality. The Full Moon on the 7th attracts an unexpected financial windfall; put a good chunk of it into savings. Make a list of home repairs on the 12th; it's a good time to tackle these jobs.

A job interview or work presentation will be disastrous on the 5th; postpone any big professional matters for later in the month. The Full Moon on the 7th prompts you to relocate; moving to a livelier area is highly possible. Your boss is threatened by your allure on the 9th; try not to draw attention to yourself in a public setting. Be realistic about your professional ambitions on the 14th.

Santa's means of entry (7)

Tree topper (4)

Film starring Martin Freeman (8)

Santa's lead reindeer (7)

Seuss's green Christmas villain (6)

Dickens' anti-hero (7)

Holly and the ___ (3)

might get a kiss under this (9)

girl's festive name (5)

Christmas ballet (10)

to build festive houses (11)

snowman (6)

Christmas song (5)

Santa lives (5,4)

Santa’s transport system (6)

Stocking Fillers and Murder Mystery Thrillers

This month, four cracking reads for the busiest book-buying time of the year.

Pinch of Nom by Kate and Kay Allinson

The healthy eating phenomenon that is Pinch of Nom returns with another hundred scrumptious recipes – from fakeaways to desserts – that are both tantalising to the taste buds and good for the waistline.

Enjoy more of the food you love. Never feel like you’re missing out, from all-day breakfasts to scrumptious desserts, with crowd-pleasing foody fests so satisfying and delicious you’d never guess they are also slimming-friendly. Published by Pan Macmillan on December 8th

Grannysaurus by David Walliams

Bursting with David Walliams’ anarchic sense of fun and blessed with Adam Stower’s vibrant illustrations, Grannysaurus is a roarsome picture book about unpredictable grannies, dinosaur discos and staying up late.

A boisterously funny new festive release from the duo, this is perfect for young dinosaur fans! Published by Harper Collins on December 8th

Never Give In:

The

shop. It turned out to be a recruitment centre for the Royal Marines and, after a few minutes’ conversation while waiting for the rain to stop, Scotty was hooked and signed up to join the elite force. It changed his life and set him on a new direction that would end up with him leading the Marines on operations around the world, becoming an Olympic flag bearer in 2012 and dining at Buckingham Palace with the Queen and the royal family.

Scotty shares his lessons of performance and resilience with the reader, inviting them into the secrets of elite culture. His compelling story is one that combines tragedy with remarkable insight about the power of human inspiration. Published by Simon & Schuster on December 8th

Wild Women: A Collection of First-Hand Accounts from Female Explorers by Mariella Frostrup

A collection of the greatest women’s travel writing selected by journalist and presenter Mariella Frostrup.

From Constantinople to Crimea; from Antarctica to the Andesthroughout history, adventurous women have made epic, record-breaking journeys under perilous circumstances.

In curating this collection of first-hand accounts, broadcaster, writer and traveller Mariella Frostrup puts female explorers back on the map. Her selection includes explorers from the 1700s to the present day, from iconic heroines to lesser-known eccentrics, celebrating 300 years of wild women and their amazing adventures over land, sea and air. Published by Head of Zeus on December 8th

12

Commando Rules for Life by Scotty Mills

A sudden downpour while Scotty Mills was walking down a street in South London sent him diving for cover into the nearest

when responding to adverts

What’s On

In and around Newark in December

Collingham Craft Market

Saturday 3rd December 10am-2pm

FREE ADMISSION

Mulled Wine, Festive Bakes and Treats, Christmas Gifts and Cards, Jewellery, Antiques and Collectables and much, much more!

Free Car Park opposite the hall. Collingham Memorial Hall, High Street, Collingham NG23 7LB

The Staunton Arms Christmas Fayre Sunday 4th December 11am - 4pm

FREE ENTRY

20 independent, local traders, Santa's Grotto (small charge for charity), McElf the Magician, Christmas carols at midday with the Orston Village Choir, Turkey cobs Hot chocolate and Mulled wine. Accessible. Dogs welcome. High Street, Newark NG13 9PE

Newark Christmas Market Saturday 10th December

With over 100 stalls there will be plenty of beautiful gifts available. There will also be live music and street entertainment to get you in the festive spirit. Market Place, Newark NG24 1DU

Newark Christmas Gift Fair Sunday 11th December 1pm - 5pm

Various stalls including Christmas crafts - perfect for Christmas gifts festive music to really get you in the Christmas spirit and of course mulled wine to warm you up!

Buy tickets online for £3 or pay on the door for £4. Children aged to 16 years go free!

The Renaissance at Kelham Hall, Newark NG23 5QX. www.renaissance-kelham.com/newark-christmasgift-fair/ Steampunk and Dickensian Market Sunday 11th December

100 festive and steampunk curiosity stalls, street food, Zany Street entertainers, live music, torchlight procession through the town and Morris dancing. Whilst you’re here enjoy the final day of the Xmas Tree Festival at St Mary Magdalene Church, adjacent to the market square, with the community nativity at 11am and carol service at 5pm. Market Place, Newark NG24 1DU

St Leonard’s Church Christmas Fair Saturday 17th December Tombola, Father Christmas, Newark Town Band, Raffle with Christmas Hamper, Cakes, Hot Dogs and Refreshments.

St Leonoard’s Church, Lincoln Road, Newark NG24 2DP

Christmas Craft Market Sunday 18th December

Seasonal crafts gifts and live music. Market Place, Newark NG24 1DU

Balderton Methodist Church Christmas Wreath Display Saturday 20th December 10am-3pm

Come along to the 7th Christmas Wreath display. The wreaths are made by school children, nurseries, Balderton businesses, individuals and local groups. All donations go to Beaumond House. Main St, Balderton, Newark NG24 3LQ

Don’t forget YOU now choose the winning photograph of our beautiful area from the shortlist shown.

To vote you can either email competitions@uselocally.co.uk or check out our Facebook page where the photos will be pinned at the top of the page. We will close voting on the 20th of each month.

All entries are chosen from the Newark on Trent Photographs Facebook page and the winner will receive a £25 CASH PRIZE courtesy of UseLocally Magazine.

Newark on Trent

Photographs

Katherine Groom Elzbieta Kłysz

Last Months Winner Nick Roulstone

Bridgit Pitcher

Mandy Williams

Becky-Louise Ablett

Top Tip

Don’t expect perfection. Remember that trees are naturally wonky and flawed. Be sure not to over stir the cake mix; you want it light and airy.

Nigella Lawson’s Yule Log

Introduction

No one does Christmas like Nigella, which is why this glorious yule log is the ideal centrepiece for your festive lunch.

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C Fan/gas mark 4/350ºF. In a large, clean bowl whisk the egg whites until thick and peaking, then, still whisking, sprinkle in 50g / ¼ cup of the caster sugar and continue whisking until the whites are holding their peaks but not dry. In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks and the remaining caster sugar until the mixture is moussy, pale and thick. Add the vanilla extract, sieve the cocoa powder over, then fold both in. Finally, gently fold in the egg whites.

2. Line a Swiss roll tin with baking parchment, leaving a generous overhang at the ends and sides, and folding the parchment into the corners to help the paper stay anchored. Pour in the cake mixture and

bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Let the cake cool a little before turning it out onto another piece of baking parchment. If you dust this piece of parchment with a little icing sugar it may help with preventing sticking, but don’t worry too much as any tears or dents will be covered by icing later. Cover loosely with a clean tea towel.

3. To make the icing, melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl suspended over a pan of simmering water, then let it cool. Put the icing sugar into a processor and blitz to remove lumps, add the butter and process until smooth. Add the cooled, melted chocolate and the tablespoon of vanilla extract and pulse again to make a smooth icing.

Ingredients

(serves 12)

For the cake

• 6 large eggs (separated)

• 150 grams caster sugar

• 50 grams cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 5 teaspoons icing sugar (to decorate)

For the icing

• 175 grams dark chocolate (chopped)

• 250 grams icing sugar

• 225 grams soft butter

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

4. Sit the flat chocolate cake on a large piece of baking parchment. Trim the edges of the Swiss roll. Spread some of the icing thinly over the sponge, going right out to the edges. Start rolling from the long side facing you, taking care to get a tight roll from the beginning, and roll up to the other side. Pressing against the parchment, rather than the tender cake, makes this easier.

5. Spread the yule log with the remaining icing, covering the cut-off ends. Create a wood-like texture by marking along the length of the log with a skewer or sharp knife and finish with a dusting of icing sugar.

Festive Tech

Six pieces of tech that could shape a whole new you in 2023.

FIZZICS DRAFTPOUR (around £100)

There’s little argument as to what most of us prefer when it comes to the draft beer versus packaged option, yet now you can have both.

The Fizzics Draftpour enables a can or bottle to be inserted into the base of what is a slick and stylish looking contraption. You then use it like a beer tap, with the liquid streaming through the device’s Micro-Foam technology, which enhances flavour, aroma and mouth feel.

The Fizzics DraftPour may just have revolutionised the home drinking draft experience, without the bulkiness or expense of a keg purchase.

BIOLITE FIREPIT+ (around £200)

If you know someone who likes to spend more time outdoors, even in the dirty depths of winter, the BioLite Firepit+ could be the perfect gift.

Useful for those who crave open-air, be in the garden or on a day out, this brilliant burner is powered by an e cient battery pack, o ering a glowing, heat-driven experience that’s great for BBQs, or just for staying warm. It even has a USB port to charge other devices.

DJI MINI2 (around £400)

No matter what angle or filter you might achieve with your top-of-the-range camera or smartphone, you’ll never get the views a drone can… 400ft in the air!

The DJI Mini2 represents the latest breed of drone, and coming in under 250g it avoids many of the operator restrictions associated with heavier versions. Its folded dimensions are tiny (131x81x58mm) and it can easily withstand gusts of up to 25mph (level five wind resistance).

BLUEAIR PURE FAN AUTO (around £250)

How clean is the air around you that you breathe? Thankfully, dust, smoke, pollen and more these can all be neutralised with an air purifier, with the Blueair rated as one of the best on the market.

Doubling as an air cooler, it can also help when the hot weather comes back round… however far away that may seem!

GARMIN DASH CAM MINI 2 (around £100) Garmin have evolved from a satellite navigation devices market leader into one of the best brands for dash cam technology, with their Mini 2 succeeding both in its 1080p footage capture, as well as the fact it’s incredibly discreet, fitting, as it does, behind your rear-view mirror.

Insurance companies are rapidly talking up the usefulness of dash cam footage during motoring disputes, so this bit of kit could end up saving you thousands.

THERAGUN PRIME (around £250)

The Theragun Prime can target annoying knots, sore spots and general muscle discomfort, e ciently getting us back into good shape without the need, or expense, of visiting a physiotherapist!

Greenfingers…

The Alan Titchmarsh Column

He’s a brilliant presenter, accomplished gardener, talented novelist, and all-round horticultural inspiration. is month, Alan Titchmarsh discusses how our gardens can become carbon sinks.

We know how e ective plants are at drawing CO2 out of the atmosphere. at means that while our gardens are wonderful spaces for our sensual pleasure, they brilliantly counteract global warming and our fight against climate change. In other words, they become ‘carbon sinks’.

I was recently asked how our green spaces might change if the planet continues to hot up. Certainly, I am not a climate change denier, but I think for our own peace of mind we need to keep things realistic, and it’s not as if within 50 years we’re going to be growing bananas in Northumberland or anything like that!

What we can of course do in the short-term is style and shape garden space to ensure we help the planet as much as we can.

A er all, the most basic way to prevent greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere (and warming up the climate) is by growing plants. And as gardeners, that’s what we do!

e best way to achieve this is by growing native plants. Non-native varieties can really take hold of a space, requiring harmful chemicals to control them, and leading to them being pulled up, exposing soil and releasing carbon.

We can also compost – it’s a great way of stopping carbon ge ing out in the first place. e same applies to mulching, too. When you consider that over 80% of the carbon in your garden is released from the soil, by adding a layer of wood bark chippings, for instance, you are holding the carbon in the soil.

It’s for this same reason that turning over soil is actually bad for your garden. Not only does it interrupt nature’s ability to let your earth ma er se le into an

organised pa ern that benefits both plants and the creatures living in the soil, but turning over, or tilling, releases more carbon.

Beyond this, we can be more environmentally friendly by using organic fertilisers; and never be afraid to let your outdoor space ‘go wild’. Rustic gardens are the ultimate low-carbon spaces, and that makes sense, because wild areas such as forests, wetlands and mangroves are the very best at protecting against the risks posed by climate change.

As ever, our gardens hold within them the power not just to transform our own lives, but the welfare of the planet too, and that is why we love them so much.

New month! New Challange

Welcome to my December newsletter. Christmas is upon us, so that only means one thing! Poinsettias. Love them or loath them they are now a Christmas staple Being available in nearly every corner of the garden world from market stalls, hardware shops, diy stores and of cause the garden centre. Be sure however, when you buy your Poinsettia to make sure its not been in a draught. You have been warned! Keep your eyes peeled for my survival guide on caring for Poinsettias. An indepth read on how to buy, position and maintain your plant If you can, always buy Uk grown as they don't have the air milesandhavenotbeensubjectedtochangeintemperature

Now is also the time in the gardening calendar to scour your seed catalogues Plan, Plan, Plan the more you plan the more enjoyable you'll find gardening, or i should say i do

Looking for a present. Gardening vouchers make amazing presents for the gardener in the family Be prepared to buy early as some stores do sell out because of demand. One of my favourites!

Christmas flowering Hyacinths. As some may know Hyacinths that are purchased to flower at christmas time have been heat treated to bring them into flower early This is why we plant them 10 weeks before we want them to flower. It's an artform in itself getting the timing right but 10 weeks is the guide

Jonathan

COLOURFENCE - no painting or repairs for 25 years!

Despite many coats of preservative, the structure of the wooden fence in our front garden rotted, and a recent storm sent it off down the road, thankfully missing the neighbour’s car. However, every

As autumn takes hold, we hear from customers who choose ColourFence because their old fences have blown down or rotted through, causing anxiety about pets escaping or even unwanted intruders. This, paired with the fact that there is no need for ongoing maintenance allows them to break the expensive, monotonous cycle of painting, repairs and replacement. ColourFence is guaranteed not to warp, crack, shrink, rot or peel for 25 years†. Making it one of the world’s best maintenance-free fences. And, unlike other fences, ColourFence can withstand gusts of wind up to 130mph. There’s a choice of colours to harmonise and enhance your garden’s design. You’ll find our prices surprisingly competitive too. Why wait until an urgent replacement is needed? To see the full product range, call us today and find out why it makes sense to choose ColourFence.

Guaranteed† not to warp, crack, shrink, rot or peel Withstands wind gusts of up to 130mph

cloud has a silver lining, and we couldn’t be more pleased with our new ColourFence. It looks great, and we are looking forward to years of summers with no fence paint or algae treatments. Mr & Mrs P. Glamorgan