A green Christmas

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Local dad David Lamont, founder of Plastic Free Home, offers his tips on how we can enjoy a more planet-friendly season

‘Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store, maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more…” It’s not often that I quote the Grinch, but in this case Dr Seuss’ fictional character is spot on. Christmas is magical but it’s also a time of unnecessary waste. Here are our top tips…

1. Avoid the gimmicks
From pre-packed ‘reindeer food’ (what’s wrong with a carrot?) that’s bad for the birds, to Christmas Eve boxes, don’t get sucked in.

2. Presents
Think quality not quantity and avoid plastic. Wooden toys are popular again and look to ethical smellies, made from natural, cruelty-free and vegan ingredients. Give handmade gifts or experiences too – homemade nibbles, something knitted, a meal/afternoon tea.

3. Wrapping
Lots of wrapping contains plastic. It’s not an exact science but if you scrunch into a ball and it stays that way, it’s more likely it’s plastic free. Use recycled brown paper and/or reusable bags. Crucially, avoid plastic sticky tape! Paper tape is easy to buy online.

4. Cards
The obvious answer is to avoid them entirely but that may be easier said than done. Aim to buy cards that use recycled or FSC (sustainable) paper, free of non-biodegradable glitter, badges and plastic wrapping.

5. Crackers
Again, you could avoid. Or make your own or source reusable. If buying, look for those that don’t contain plastic toys and are recyclable.

6. Trees
If you already own an artificial tree, use it for as long as you can. In need of a new one? Consider a real tree that’s FSC or Soil Association approved. Or even rent a real tree!

7. Advent calendars
Make or buy a reusable one and fill with homemade or plastic-free treats. Foil-wrapped or Divine chocolate are better. Keep it traditional.

8. Food
Buy meat (and cut down) plastic-free from a local butcher, and veg unwrapped from a local greengrocer or farm shop.

9. Drinks
Wine bottles with a cork are better than screwtop. If you’re buying beer, avoid plastic packaging and go for glass over cans. For soft drinks, swap plastic bottles for glass or cans.

10. At the end of it all
Recycle and dispose of everything correctly. If in doubt, look online, contact your council or us! Prep bags or boxes ready for things like cardboard and recyclable plastic. Donate unwanted stuff to a charity shop or food bank.

Green Christmas

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Magical Reading

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There are so many events going on in Reading for the whole family this month it’s like having an extra present every day!

It’s all set to be a magical Christmas in Reading – the lights have already been switched on, the big blue whale has paraded down Broad Street and ArtLine Street Market has showcased the town’s local artists.

December begins with Reading’s Living Advent Calendar until 24th when a host of magical events will take place every day ranging from sing-alongs to craft workshops, as well as a wide variety of shows to suit all ages – there’s so much to do some days have more than one ‘window’ to open! Full details at http://www.magicalreading.co.uk/project/readings-living-advent-calendar/ and funds raised will help local charities Homestart, Readifood and Reading Samaritans.

A show with a difference can be enjoyed at Yates in Harris Shopping Arcade on 16th December when Cinderella: A Wicked Mother of a Show takes over, described as “an outrageous site-specific show inspired by panto” you are encouraged to think “Tarantino meets Shameless, meets ELF” and all in a pub, sounds intriguing…

The Pentahotel in Oxford Road is holding a show to entertain the kids on 22nd with My Shadow and Me before it looks at Cinema in Silhouette where stand-up comedy meets shadow puppetry. And after you’ve enjoyed all that there’s more to see in The Snow Show with a variety of fun family performances in Broad Street from 4.30pm.

Children’s favourite Mr Tumble stars in Cinderella at The Hexagon (more in our panto feature) and A Christmas Carol with a twist is at South Street Arts Centre from 10th to 30th December.

All that and The Oracle will be transformed into a magical frozen wonderland where you can watch a series of wintry ice-capades on the rink on Saturdays at 4.30pm, 5.30pm and 6.30pm.

Make sure you leave some time too to take a break from all the fun and shopping for a festive feet up at the many restaurants and bars in Reading.

Living Advent Calendar

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Christmas every day

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Secret Santa founder Courtney Hughes has been helping to spread festive cheer for seven years and now does so all year round

Didcot’s very own Secret Santa has come a long way since it was founded in 2012 going from an idea to help those alone at Christmas to becoming the year round fundraiser it is now.

And behind it all is Courtney Hughes. She was inspired by her grandmother Elsie who was taken ill over the festive period to buy gifts and decorations to take to the ward she was in.

But the caring, then just 13-year-old, wasn’t just touched by her gran but the others in hospital with her who were isolated and alone. Courtney lost her beloved gran in March 2013 but went on to set up Charity Secret Santa in her memory.

With a little help, she soon collected 250 gifts to give to elderly people on the wards at the John Radcliffe. That amazing effort has now grown and over the years more than 50,000 gifts have been given to the elderly, sick, lonely and vulnerable in our community.

And last month her hard work was recognised when she was officially awarded the British Empire Medal as given in The Queen’s birthday honours earlier in the year. The 21-year-old was honoured for services to older and vulnerable people in Oxfordshire.

But not content with just helping those in need at Christmas, the Secret Santa appeal is now Secret Santa 365 with tea parties and community outreach projects throughout the year to aid the elderly and needy.

Courtney’s activities now also support women’s refuges by supplying furniture and food and care packages throughout the year.

This year’s appeal was launched on 1st September and already she has been overwhelmed with the amount of toys and gifts being donated. She is now fully engulfed in sorting the donations, packing and arranging drop offs – all while working full-time as a senior nursing assistant at the John Radcliffe.

Launching this year’s appeal, she said: “It is lovely – the appeal has become like a child to me.”

Secret Santa 365 helps a wide variety of charities including among others SSNAP supporting sick newborn babies and their parents, Headway Oxfordshire which works to raise awareness of brain injuries, Helen & Douglas House providing hospice care for children, Homeless Oxfordshire, Style Acre providing support for people with learning disabilities and Be Free YC improving the lives and well being of young carers.

To help with Secret Santa 2019, you can drop gifts off at Cornerstone, SOHA, The Marlborough Club, Boundary Park GWP, The Beacon in Wantage at Sainsbury’s in Didcot on 7th December and at The Giving Tree at Berro Lounge in the Orchard Centre among other venues.

Secret Santa 365

For a full list and for more information about how you can help Secret Santa 365

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Abingdon DAMASCUS Youth Project

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The Abingdon DAMASCUS Youth Project has recently marked its 20th anniversary, youth worker James Quartermain explains ADYP and how it helps

The Abingdon DAMASCUS Youth Project (a voluntary and registered charity) enables young people to make a positive difference in their personal lives and in the communities in which they live.

The project has been embedded in the rural villages of Drayton, Appleford, Milton, Sutton Courtenay and Steventon for almost 20 years though, by request, recently widened their constitution and can now work throughout South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse districts. Current work is focussed in the five villages and South Abingdon.

To mark its 20-year anniversary and celebrate the achievements of the project and all the young people involved, the trustees of the Abingdon DAMASCUS Youth project (ADYP) hosted an award ceremony as part of their AGM, attended by more than 70 people where certificates were presented to 18 young people by the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, Lady Jay of Ewelme.

Also, in attendance at the event were county, district and parish councillors of the five villages; police officers including Chief Inspector Matthew Bullivant and PCSO Alison Blood; Matthew Barber, the Deputy Police Commissioner; three head teachers including Chris Harris from Larkmead; and Vale council officers, as well as lots of young people and their relatives who came to see the awards handed out.

The ADYP offers a variety of different approaches to ensure the highest impact in the different communities in which we work.
We are out till late, in the parks or outside the shops under the gazebo. We are on the ground and available to directly respond to the issues young people raise in the sessions and work alongside them and their community to find a sustainable solution. These sessions are invaluable for those that lack the confidence or social skills to access services that require them to enter a professional setting.

We find that low confidence and self-esteem are among some of the biggest hurdles to young people’s positive social development and being able to value their ability to contribute. Many of those we support we do so one-to-one, working with an individual closely to identify and build their skills and strengths. We have helped many young people (and the occasional parent…) to take the next positive steps in their life, whether that be in the form of a career, education or further training.

Working so closely in the heart of the community and building strong ties with residents we are in an advantageous position to identify and respond to issues affecting the neighbourhoods we work in. Most recently we designed and delivered a workshop exploring the realities of county lines drug gangs and the exploitation of young people to which we invited both young people and parents to do their part in reducing the risks of child exploitation in their area.

Throughout the villages we work in we open weekly drop-in sessions for the local young people to come and socialise. These sessions provide a consistent and safe environment for young people and provides the opportunity to develop their sense of community.

Working at the preventative level we work closely with the local schools to offer support for those at risk of exclusion. We provide educational workshops in an informal style that aims to present a style of learning that is accessible and engaging for all participants.

To find out more about the work of the project and how it could help, visit

YCAT

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Adult Care

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Round & About Magazine is publishing its popular annual eight-page Adult Health & Social Care Supplement in February 2020

As always it will be published in all of our 24 magazines, delivered by the Royal Mail through the letterboxes of over 504,000 homes across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey, West Sussex and Wiltshire.Simply choose the area(s) relevant to your marketing needs to maximise the results for your advertising.

Our editorial team are currently putting together some fantastic features, looking at the different types of care choices available to our readers, offering some great thought-provoking editorial to consider when making health care choices for themselves or on behalf of a family member. With our readers being home owners, predominately aged 45+, the supplement is perfect for reaching your target audience, informing them of your products and services and the wealth of care homes and villages in the area, as well as any special events or open days you may have.

As always it will be published in all of our 24 magazines, delivered by the Royal Mail through the letterboxes of over 504,000 homes across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey, West Sussex and Wiltshire.Simply choose the area(s) relevant to your marketing needs to maximise the results for your advertising.

Our editorial team are currently putting together some fantastic features, looking at the different types of care choices available to our readers, offering some great thought-provoking editorial to consider when making health care choices for themselves or on behalf of a family member. With our readers being home owners, predominately aged 45+, the supplement is perfect for reaching your target audience, informing them of your products and services and the wealth of care homes and villages in the area, as well as any special events or open days you may have.

Get in touch...

Main Office: 01491 837621
Surrey: 01483 385808
email [email protected]

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Pinocchio

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Local children set to star in Pinocchio at the Cornerstone 

If you’re going to see this year’s Christmas show at Didcot’s Cornerstone don’t be surprised if you recognise a few of the young faces on stage. 

Alongside the professional performers are 45 local children, chosen from open auditions held earlier in the year, to join them in teams of 15, the three groups rotating through the busy schedule from 7th to 29th December in The Adventures of Pinocchio. 

In this fun family Christmas adventure, meet Gepetto as he creates Pinoccho and follow the puppet with the growing nose as he learns to make sense of a confusing world. Join him on his journey finding fame and fortune to ending up in the belly of a whale – will he side with the good Blues Fairy or fall foul of the tricky Fox? 

The classic tale of Pinocchio is brought to life with music and songs beginning at the Spinning Yarn Storytelling Bar with The Blues Fairy and her band The Crickets telling the story. 

Tickets

The Adventures of PInnochio runs at the Cornerstone from 7th to 29th December. 

Tickets £16, concs £14.50, family ticket £52. 

To book call the box office on 01235 515144 or visit…

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Charity champions 

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Photo: Winners, judges and sponsors of the LBCA Berks 2019

Berkshire businesses have been rewarded for their work to support local charities at the Local Business Charity Awards (Berkshire).

The winners were revealed at a ceremony held at SportsAble in Maidenhead with three awards handed out – the Jelf Award, the A-Plan Insurance Award and the Individual Award.

To enter,  Berkshire charities had to nominate a Berkshire business or individual who had done an outstanding job supporting them.

The finalists in the Jelf Award were Convatec nominated by Berkshire Youth; Gardner Leader nominated by Swings & Smiles; Nationwide Building Society nominated by The Dash Charity and Penguins Events nominated by Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Services which won the Jelf Award.

Mike Owen, CEO South, Jelf, said: “Penguins Events have been the most incredible supporter of the Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice. Their expertise in events management, providing audio visual and lighting at the charity’s annual balls and other special occasions, has allowed the charity to put on first-class events and raise significant amounts of money.”

The finalists in the A-Plan Insurance award were A Twist of Lime nominated by Baby Bank; Bisham Abbey Sailing & Navigation School nominated by Rivertime Boat Trust; The Swift Group nominated by Newbury Soup Kitchen and TSB (Reading Branch) nominated by Babies in Buscot Support (BIBS). The Reading branch of TSB picked up the A-Plan Insurance Award

Richard Easterbrook, Group Head of Commercial Insurance from sponsor A-Plan Insurance said: “For a business to take on a charity with which they have no personal relationship is quite rare and makes the efforts made by the small team of staff from the TSB in Reading even more impressive.
“From bike and bake weeks to promoting awareness of the charity’s work by having an incubator on display in the branch, the team have really put their heart and souls into supporting this vital Berkshire charity.”

The finalists in the Individual award were Adrian Smith from The Swift Group nominated by Newbury Soup Kitchen; Carol Irwin from Sainsburys nominated by PALS (West Berkshire); Ken Navin from Innovate Services nominated by Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Services and Lisa Chaffey from Action Coach Reading nominated by Berkshire Vision.

The Individual Award was won by Adrian Smith.

Jeffrey Branch, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Berkshire, who presented the award said:
“Two years ago Meryll Praill set up Newbury Soup Kitchen without any knowledge or experience of homelessness or the myriad of problems that leads to a person losing their home. The day she met Adrian Swift, Managing Director of the Swift Group was highly fortuitous; from the outset he has offered her guidance, support, introductions to relevant businesses and even the donation of a van to deliver the food to the homeless.  Berkshire is a better place because of men like Adrian.”

For more information about this year’s awards visit

Local Business Charity Awards

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Ghost: The Ultimate Tour Named Death

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Steve Warner enjoys Ghost’s performance at SSE Arena Wembley on Friday

Live performances can be an amazing experience for any music fan and I can testify that the Swedish band Ghost are one of the best live rock acts around. Last year I saw them at The Royal Albert Hall on A Pale Horse Named Death Tour promoting their album, Prequelle. Ghost don’t just write and play great music, they provide an exhilarating, memorable show.

The Ultimate Tour Named Death arrived at Wembley for a Friday night show and was no exception. Opening with Rats, an instantly modern catchy classic song really set the scene. Amazing sound from the whole band, dazzling lighting across a huge mediaeval church backdrop made this a great gig. I have seen a lot of bands over many years and they stand out as such a tight band with powerful riffs and boundless energy, who effortlessly switch in and out of lighter moments. Having toured across America, Europe and much of the world, their fan base is expanding massively as more and more people become aware of what this band are capable of. I came across Ghost three years ago. The hypnotic and tuneful rock track Cirice was my introduction to this band through a friend I met at school. This sort of thing doesn’t happen very often. Pure magic!

Ghost comprises of melodic, talented, masked musicians, with Tobias Forge as the front man heading the nameless ghouls. Tobias has a unique, listenable voice which draws you in and he creates theatrical drama on stage. Between songs he interjects humorous interaction with the mesmerised audience. An air of mystery surrounds them that only adds to their complexity.

In March 2020 Ghost will celebrate 10 years since they initially posted three songs on MySpace and within two days became noticed by the music industry. Some people refer to Ghost as a Doom Metal band. The brilliant track Mummy Dust does fit that description but I’m not so sure I’d agree with that particular pigeon hole for this band as this might put off some people who I believe will love their music. Ghost is a modern day Blue Oyster Cult bearing a dark undertone in the lyrics of each song with hard rock guitars and drums, which hits the spot exactly how rock music should be written nowadays.

When you start exploring the writing styles of Ghost you come across Absolution, Square Hammer, He Is, From the Pinnacle to the Pit, Ritual, Faith and Year Zero you realise the variety of music this band can create. If any of this is catching your attention look them up on youtube. Their packaging of each of their albums is great too so treat yourself to discover what so many rock fans are talking about. Yes, I have all the CD’s and vinyl, and yes, the limited edition items are a joy to own, as is the merchandise! Did I remember to say I love their work…?

The Ghost world tour continues

Until 19th December

For tickets, merchandise and more please visit www.ghost-official.com/. Also follow @thebandghost for updates and more

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Where to see Santa

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The friendly fella in the red suit with the long white beard is building up to his busiest time of the year and over the next few weeks there are plenty of places where you can catch him as he stops off on tour before heading back to get those presents ready for 25th December. Here are some of the venues you can catch him…

Santa will be in his magical grotto at Squire’s Garden Centres across Surrey where you can receive an early Christmas present and at the same time ‘give a gift’ to a local charity. Tickets cost £6 per child, with £1 from every ticket to Squire’s local charities. Santa’s grotto is open every Saturday and Sunday and on Christmas Eve, as well as the week leading up to Christmas at many centres. Milford is helping The Meath and Woking is boosting funds for Woking Age Concern. Just turn up on the day. You can also enjoy breakfast with Santa at Frensham, find out more about this and Santa’s grotto at www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk

How about meeting Santa as you see Guildford from the river? Step aboard the Surrey Care Trust’s Swingbridge1 broadbeam boat for a gentle, festive family cruise along the River Wey. The boat will depart from Millmead Island for a 45-minute cruise upstream with stories and presents from Father Christmas. Enjoy mince pies and a glass of mulled wine on the way. Tickets for the trips on 30th November, 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th and 15th December include refreshments plus a present. Book online at www.visitguildford.com or call 01483 444333. All profits to Surrey Care Trust which tackles disadvantage, social exclusion and hardship.

In Painshill, it’s all aboard Santa’s train for a festive treat with a difference to see the main man himself in their Grade I listed Crystal Grotto. Take a journey around the stunning views of Painshill on the train before stopping off at the grotto to meet Santa and collecting a present from him and his elves. Visit Santa’s snow train and crystal grotto from 1st to 22nd December, booking essential. More information and tickets at www.painshill.co.uk/event/santas-snow-train-and-crystal-grottos/

Experience the magic of Christmas at Chobham Adventure Farm where Santa and his elves will be sprinkling some festive dust. There’ll be lessons in elf magic so you can become a true elf helper. Help Mrs Claus decorate gingerbread and join in a teddy bear making workshop. Tickets include entry to the farm park as well as to see Santa, pre-booking advised, 30th November to 24th December. To find out more go to www.chobhamadventurefarm.co.uk/christmas/product/santas-grotto/

Father Christmas and Mrs Christmas are visiting Hatchlands Park, East Clandon, where you can meet him or her in their cosy festive sitting room, enjoy a chat and collect a present – ideal for 2-8 year olds. Santa and Mrs Christmas will be meeting and greeting on 30th November and 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st and 22nd December. Booking essential, www.tickets.visitguildford.com/en-GB/categories/father%20christmas

Enjoy a warm welcome from Santa’s elves, take an outdoor train ride followed by a visit to see Father Christmas in his cellar grotto at Denbies Wine Estate. Each child will receive a gift, enjoy the train ride, Santa’s sticker book and Christmas crafts in the Santa’s cellar (£8.50 per child). Various dates from 30th November. Visit www.denbies.co.uk/events/family-events/ for details and to book.

Journey through a Christmas wonderland with plenty to enchant young and old at The Rural Life Centre in Farnham – take a ride through the woods on the Old Kiln Light Railway and visit the elves’ workshop, meet the animals in the stable, enter into the Christmas spirit with twinkling lights, festive music and a visit to Father and Mother Christmas in their magical grotto where each child will receive a gift. Visit on 7th, 8th, 14th and 15th. To book go to https://rural-life.org.uk/book-tickets

There’s another chance to meet Santa in Farnham at Birdworld where you can get up close with Santa’s reindeer and some of the friendly farm animals before entering a magical world of animated characters in winter wonderland settings. As you walk through the different scenes, enjoy some banter with the elves on your way to meet Santa to receive your gift. Adults aren’t forgotten with a mince pie and hot fruit punch. Visit on 30th November and 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th and 18th-24th December. To book visit https://birdworld.co.uk/christmas/

Don’t be surprised if you see Santa paying a visit to Haslemere Museum Christmas market, tell him what’s on your wish list on 1st December before taking a gift home. The week before Christmas the man in the red suit is stopping by again, popping into Santa’s Victorian Parlour on 20th and 21st December and 23rd and 24th December and again your child will take home a gift. There’s no need to book for ether of these events. There’s also a special opening of the parlour on 23rd December from 10am-11am for families with children who have an autism spectrum condition. Booking is essential for this visit www.haslemeremuseum.co.uk/whatson/whatson.html#bookmark2

Travel on The Watercress Line on a festive train for a magical trip where Santa and his jolly helpers visit you in your seat with a gift. Grown-ups get treated to white wine and mince pies, while children enjoy a soft drink and gingerbread man. Each child will also receive an activity pack to keep them entertained on the journey. Advanced booking essential for this popular event in Alresford on 30th November, 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th and 21st to 24th December, various times each day. For more details and to book visit www.watercressline.co.uk/product.php/137/santa-special

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