Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts

Sunday 11 February 2024

Start Planning Ahead for Christmas Now: Why Early Preparation Leads to a Merrier, happier Christmas

Later on in the year as the Christmas season draws nearer, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and put off thinking about Christmas until it's just around the corner. 

However, taking the time to plan ahead for Christmas even as early as now now can save you stress, time, and even money in the long run. 

By starting your preparations early, you can ensure that you have a more relaxed and enjoyable holiday season filled with cherished memories. Here are some compelling reasons why it's worth getting a head start on your Christmas planning.

Beat the Rush:

One of the most significant advantages of planning ahead for Christmas is that you can avoid the last-minute rush. By starting now, you'll have ample time to organise everything from decorations to gifts without feeling overwhelmed. No more scrambling to find the perfect present or fighting crowds at the store. Instead, you can leisurely browse online or in-person, knowing that you have plenty of time to make thoughtful choices.

Spread Out Costs:

Christmas can be an expensive time of year, but by planning ahead, you can spread out the costs throughout the previous year. Start budgeting now for gifts, food, decorations, and any other expenses you anticipate. 

By setting aside a little money each month, you'll be able to manage your finances more effectively and avoid the stress of a large, last-minute outlay. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to take advantage of early sales and discounts, saving even more money in the process.

Personalise Your Celebrations:

Planning ahead allows you to personalise your Christmas celebrations in meaningful ways. Whether you want to handcraft decorations, bake special treats, or create custom gifts, starting early gives you the time and space to bring your creative ideas to life. You can involve your family and friends in the process, making it a fun and memorable experience for everyone involved. By infusing your celebrations with personal touches, you'll create cherished traditions that will last for years to come.

Reduce Stress and Enjoy the Season:

Perhaps the most significant benefit of planning ahead for Christmas is that it helps reduce stress and allows you to truly enjoy the Christmas season. Instead of feeling frazzled and overwhelmed, you'll have the peace of mind knowing that everything is under control. 

You can focus on spending quality time with loved ones, participating in festive activities, and savoring the magic of the season without the constant worry of unfinished tasks looming over you. By taking a proactive approach to your Christmas preparations, you'll create a more relaxed and joyful atmosphere for yourself and those around you.

While it may seem early to start thinking about Christmas now, the benefits of planning ahead are undeniable. By beating the rush, spreading out costs, personalizing your celebrations, and reducing stress, you can make this holiday season truly special. So why wait? Start making your Christmas plans today and enjoy a merrier and more memorable holiday season ahead.



Wednesday 10 January 2024

Next reports strong Christmas trading

Next plc has announced a Q4 trading statement and issued guidance for the year ahead:

Full price sales were up 5.7% in the 9 weeks to 30 December, ahead of previous guidance of a +2% rise

Next has increased its guidance for Profit before tax for the year by £20 million to £905 million, up 4.0%

Next has issued full year guidance for the FY25 financial year. It expects total sales to rise by 6% and profit before tax to be up 5%

Charlie Huggins, manager of the ‘Quality Shares Portfolio’ at Wealth Club, who owns shares in Next, commented: "Next has pulled yet another rabbit out of the hat, leading to a further upgrade to its full year sales and profit guidance. It has demonstrated once again why it's considered one of the best run retailers around.

"UK consumer spending appears to have defied gravity. A strong employment market and rising wages have helped cushion inflationary cost pressures, meaning consumers have continued to fill their Christmas stockings with Next's wares, despite the gloomy economic headlines. 

"Next's online sales were particularly strong reflecting better stock availability and excellent operational execution. This stands in stark contrast to other retailers like Superdry which have struggled in the prevailing economic environment. 

"The future for Next looks bright and is reflected in the group's guidance to grow sales and profits again in the year ahead. 

"Next's core proposition is clearly resonating with the UK consumer and is being augmented by intelligent acquisitions of brands like Fat Face. With inflation falling and wages rising, the economic picture also looks a lot less bleak than at the start of last year."  

Wednesday 3 January 2024

Post-Christmas returns fall slightly, but £1.4bn worth of items are still winging back to retailers

‘Takeback Tuesday’ returns decreased by around 6% yesterday compared to last year, says ParcelHero. Despite the fall, around £1.41bn worth of items are now heading back to retailers, which could prove the final straw for some hard-pressed retailers.

Post-Christmas returns for the first working day of the year were down by around 6% on the same day last year, says ParcelHero. Despite this dip, it says around £1.41bn worth of items are now winging their way back to retailers. The home delivery expert cautions that the fall in returns is likely due to lower Christmas spending rather than a change in customer habits.

ParcelHero’s Head of Consumer Research, David Jinks M.I.L.T., says: ‘We’ve looked at our own returns volumes and spoken to people in the courier and retail industries and it looks like there was a small but distinct drop in the volume and value of returns on “Takeback Tuesday” yesterday, compared to record returns last year.

‘Last year, around £1.5bn of unwanted gifts and goods were returned in the first week after the Christmas and New Year break. This year, we’ve seen a slight dip in returns volumes and, looking at the types of items being returned, we’re estimating around £1.41bn of clothing, electrical goods and toys are now winging their way back to retailers. The number of courier bookings for returned items peaked at 10am yesterday as people returned to the post-Christmas daily grind. The Royal Mail says Takeback Tuesday returns were up around 52% on a typical day last month and that certainly chimes with our own figures.  

‘We’d love to say the slight drop in the number of Takeback Tuesday returns is because shoppers are becoming more aware of the environmental impact of returns and the financial strains they place on many much-loved, smaller, specialist retailers.

"But it’s more likely the slight fall reflects what we suspect was a relatively lacklustre Christmas period for retailers, with online and in-store sales looking relatively flat. Fewer gifts equals fewer returns. Barclays says card transaction volumes on Black Friday 2023 were down -0.6% compared with 2022 and The Guardian reports that pre-Christmas “super weekend” sales fell by up to -32% online and -4.5% overall."

He added: "Our recent industry report shows that returns are costing UK sellers around £60bn a year. The study reveals a large chunk of these returns happen in the post-Christmas period. Around 47% of all ParcelHero shipments were marked as “returns” in the first week of last year.

"Online businesses face a no-win choice between reluctantly swallowing returns costs or risking negative online reviews from those customers with returns issues. 81% of stores say they are very concerned by increasing levels of customer returns. Smaller, specialist online retailers who thought they had enjoyed healthy Christmas sales are now facing plunging margins and warehouses filling with unsaleable stock as January returns come rolling back in.

"Customer expectations and the financial realities for smaller e-commerce sites are increasingly at odds. Some online retailers have told us that they deal with return rates as high as 60% after Christmas, with most being accepted unconditionally in order to maintain their all-important five-star ratings. These returns are being accepted despite the fact that online orders cost retailers £3 more to process than physical sales.

For more information on the full impact of returns on retailers large and small, don’t miss ParcelHero’s report,“ Retailers Reach the Point of No Returns” at https://www.parcelhero.com/content/downloads/pdfs/returns/returnwhitepaper.pdf

(Image courtesy of Mohammed Salem from Pixabay)

 

Monday 1 January 2024

Happy New Year from That's Christmas and That's Food and Drink

The husband and wife team who responsible for running That's Christmas and That's Food and Drink (that's us!) would like to wish everyone a happy and joyous New Year.

We would like to thank our friends in the public relations industry and food and drink companies and gift companies and other designers and creators of fine gifts from diaries and calendars, to jewelry to toasters and air fryers and from games to electronic equipment and food and drink makers and providers for their fantastic help in writing the posts on our sites.

And we would like to take this opportunity to thank you, our readers no matter where you are.

That's Christmas will continue publishing news and features throughout the coming year when these are relevant but it will largely be resting until the next pre-Christmas season starts up again.

However, That's Food and Drink will be continuing to publish news and features about the food and drink industry over the coming year.

We will also take a look at tweaking our blog designs to make them more user friendly.

If you would like to be featured on any of our sites please email afj_uk@yahoo.com.

(Image courtesy of Tham Nguyen from Pixabay)

Saturday 30 December 2023

Divorce-Online.co.uk Witnesses Unprecedented Divorce Application on Christmas Day

In a striking revelation this Christmas, Divorce-Online.co.uk, a pioneering online platform offering family law services, encountered an unusual yet poignant scenario, a customer chose Christmas Day to initiate their divorce process.

Mark Keenan, the MD of Divorce-Online.co.uk, spoke about this special case, saying, "Our client chose to start their divorce on Christmas Day as a gift to themselves. They mentioned, 'I decided on Christmas Day as a gift from me to me. It will be the best gift to finally get... I thought about my kids at the table, realising they deserve a better life, and it begins with my divorce.'"

This incident highlights a broader narrative often overlooked during the festive season. While Christmas is synonymous with family and celebration, it also presents an opportunity for introspection and life-changing decisions for some individuals. Divorce-Online.co.uk offers a platform that caters to these critical moments with empathy and professionalism.

“Deciding to pursue a divorce is never easy, and doing so on a day like Christmas requires immense courage and clarity,” added Keenan. “Our service aims to provide a supportive and confidential environment that respects the personal journeys of our clients, even on the most festive days of the year.”

This story brings to the forefront the diverse experiences and emotional journeys people navigate in family law situations. Divorce-Online.co.uk remains committed to providing an accessible, respectful, and efficient service for those who find themselves making these difficult decisions, even on days traditionally reserved for joy and celebration.

Friday 29 December 2023

It's STILL looking a lot like Christmas! Some Christmas markets are still open for business!

Reading's Christmas market will remain open until January 7th. Edinburgh is keeping its Christmas Market open until the day before Reading's, January 6th.

Remaining in Scotland, we learn that Glasgow’s Christmas markets will also stay open until after the New Year, closing on January 4th. 

Southampton’s festive markets will also stay open until right up to January 2nd, giving shoppers a whole 48 hours after the turn of the New Year or 8 days to keep the festive spirit alive.

So, if you are within reaching distance of any Christmas Market that is still open, why not pop along and see if you can find yourself a nice festive bargain or two?

That's Christmas would like to thank the Business Name Generator website for helping us prepare this blogpost.

https://businessnamegenerator.com/the-best-christmas-shopping-cities

Wednesday 27 December 2023

Trussell Trust reveals new figures on emergency food parcel needs. Learn how you can help

New figures released by the Trussell Trust showed 1.5 million emergency food parcels were provided to people between April and September 2023 by food banks in the charity’s UK-wide network. This is the most parcels the network's ever distributed at this point in the year and represents a 16% increase from the same period in 2022.

Low incomes, especially from social security, debt, health conditions and issues with social security payments such as delays or sanctions were the main reasons people were left with no option but to turn to food banks for help.

A record 540,000 food parcels were provided for over 265,000 children living in families who couldn't afford the essentials. That's an 11% increase compared to the same period last year, reflecting the continuing rise in need for the support provided by food banks.

The new data also revealed 65% of all the parcels provided by Trussell Trust food banks between April and September this year were for families with children.

Furthermore, the charity has reported an alarming 320,000 people have needed to use a food bank for the first time in the past six months, warning food banks are at ‘breaking point’ as more people in communities across the UK find themselves unable afford the essentials.

The Trussell Trust believe the situation is unlikely to change in the coming months with this stark new data leading them to forecast that food banks in their network will distribute more than a million emergency food parcels between December 2023 and February 2024 – the equivalent of providing a parcel every eight seconds this winter.

Jess Holliday, Deputy CEO at Eastbourne Foodbank said: “At Eastbourne Foodbank, our donations are down even as need remains very high. We are deeply concerned about the alarming rise in the number of children needing our support. 

"Last month, 633 of the food parcels we provided were for children. Day after day, people tell us they simply don’t have enough money to buy the basics. A client told me, ‘I have sold my car. I have sold everything and cut everything out. But that’s still not enough. All I want is enough money to pay the basic bills and have some left to buy my own food.'”

In order to reduce these relentless levels of need, the Trussell Trust is calling on the UK Government to use the upcoming Autumn Statement to build on its work to protect households on the lowest incomes.

Emma Revie, CEO of the Trussell Trust said: “These statistics are extremely alarming. An increasing number of children are growing up in families facing hunger, forced to turn to food banks to survive. A generation is growing up believing it’s normal to see a food bank in every community. This isn't right.

“Rising hunger and hardship have devastating consequences for individuals and our communities, damage the nation’s health and hold back our economy. People in work, as well as people who cannot work, are increasingly being pushed into debt and forced to turn to a food bank to survive.

“That’s why the UK Government must build on its work to protect people from increasingly severe hardship and commit to putting an Essentials Guarantee into legislation, to embed in our social security system the widely supported principle that, at a minimum, Universal Credit should protect people from going without essentials."

The Trussell Trust is encouraging people to show their support for people facing hardship by signing a petition urging UK political party leaders to support the introduction of an Essentials Guarantee to ensure that the basic rate of Universal Credit at least covers life’s essentials, such as food and bills.

That's Christmas believes that the spirit of Christmas must be with us all year round. So if you can offer any help to your local foodbank, please do so. Even if it's buying a couple of extra items of food during your regular shopping trips and donating these, as everything helps.

Also, supermarkets such as Morrisons and Tesco offer special schemes to help to ensure food gets to people in need, so do look out for these.

To learn more about The Trussell Trust please visit them here:- https://www.trusselltrust.org

Sunday 24 December 2023

Your Ultimate Christmas Day Checklist: Creating Memories and Magic

The Christmas season is here, and with it comes the joy and excitement of Christmas Day. Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or enjoying a cozy day with loved ones, planning is key to ensure a perfect Christmas celebration. 

To help you navigate the yuletide festivities, we've compiled the ultimate Christmas Day checklist. Follow these steps to create a memorable and magical day for everyone involved.

Decorate with Care:

Start the day by immersing yourself in the Christmas spirit. Deck the halls with festive decorations, hang stockings by the chimney, and don't forget the twinkling lights. A well-decorated space sets the stage for a joyful Christmas celebration.

Festive Feast Planning:

Plan your Christmas menu well in advance. Whether you're cooking a traditional turkey dinner or opting for a unique culinary experience, make a detailed shopping list. Check for any dietary restrictions or preferences among your guests, and ensure you have all the ingredients you need for a delicious feast. (And make sure your turkey is properly defrosted if you have a frozen bird.)

Perfect Presents:

Double-check your gift list and make sure you have thoughtful presents for everyone. Consider adding a personal touch, such as handwritten cards or customized gifts. Don't forget to have a designated area for unwrapping presents, it adds an extra layer of excitement to the day.

Create a Cozy Atmosphere:

Ensure your home feels warm and inviting. Set up a cozy corner with blankets and cushions, and if you're lucky enough to have a fireplace, light it up for added ambiance. Create a playlist of your favorite holiday tunes to play in the background.

Plan Engaging Activities:

Have a plan for entertainment that suits all ages. Whether it's board games, a Christmas movie marathon, or a sing-along session, having a list of activities ensures that everyone stays engaged and entertained throughout the day.

Capture the Moments:

Assign someone the role of family photographer or set up a camera on a tripod to capture candid moments. These pictures will serve as cherished memories for years to come. Encourage everyone to put down their phones and be present in the moment.

Schedule Downtime:

Christmas can be a whirlwind of activity, so schedule some downtime for relaxation and reflection. Whether it's a quiet moment with a cup of cocoa or a stroll around the neighborhood to admire the lights, taking a break will help everyone appreciate the magic of the season.

Spread Holiday Cheer:

Encourage guests to bring a little something for charity, whether it's a canned good, a toy, or a small donation. It's a simple way to spread the holiday spirit and make a positive impact in your community.

Stay Flexible:

While planning is essential, be prepared to adapt. Christmas is about spending time with loved ones, so if things don't go exactly as planned, embrace the spontaneity and enjoy the day for what it is.

Express Gratitude:

Before the day comes to an end, take a moment to express gratitude. Whether it's through a heartfelt toast or a round-the-table sharing session, acknowledging the love and joy in the room adds a meaningful touch to your Christmas celebration.

By following this comprehensive Christmas Day checklist, you'll be well-prepared to create a festive atmosphere filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. From decorations to delicious food, thoughtful gifts to engaging activities, each element contributes to the magic of the season. Embrace the spirit of Christmas and enjoy the company of your nearest and dearest as you celebrate this special day together.

And That's Christmas would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry and Happy Christmas and a joyous New Year.

Also, thank you to all the PR firms and companies who have helped us to make That's Christmas such a joy to publish.

Saturday 23 December 2023

Christmas gifting disaster? That's Christmas has it covered!

Sometimes Christmas gifting can go awry for a variety of reasons. And they're usually not your fault, either. 

A warehouse burns down, a delivery firms goes bankrupt, a Royal Mail Sorting Office goes on strike, a retailer promises to deliver but, in reality, they never had them in stock are only a short list of the problems that can result in a gift going AWOL.

No matter what the reason or excuse for you being let down, you will probably feel guilty, even though it's not your fault. You probably think "It's not my fault, but it is my responsibility."

So, what can you do to make sure that the person who should have been the recipient of your gift doesn't go without a present on Christmas Day?

Amazon Gift Vouchers which you can send electronically or print off, depending on how you want to deal with it.

Also, how about a Wetherspoon gift voucher which they can exchange for meals and/or drinks?

There are also other retailers who offer electronic gift vouchers and All4One (and similar companies) offer physical or electronic gift vouchers that can take the place of the missing gift. And after the New Year you can get on to the retailer or delivery company who let you down to see how they intend to make things right for you. 

(Image courtesy of Gerd Altmann and Pixabay)

A positive experience for temporary retail staff will boost the Christmas spirit, says expert

With retailers expecting an uptick in footfall this Christmas and increasing temporary hiring as a result, employment screening and identity verification expert, Sterling, has urged employers to use this opportunity to create better relationships with workers.

According to the latest Barclays Business Barometer, 60% of retailers are expecting to see more customers instore compared to online shopping estimates, with 82% planning to rely on temporary resources. With the data also showing that almost a third of retailers are hiring in greater numbers than previous Christmases, Sterling has highlighted that now is the time to invest in improving the hiring experience for workers, including temporary staff.

Steve Smith, President International at Sterling commented: “Seasonal workers have always played a significant role for retailers during Christmas, but it would seem as optimism grows across the sector, many firms are increasing their reliance on those not currently in full-time employment. However, these temporary workers aren’t just valuable in December. It’s important for employers to treat them as the longer-term commodity they really are."

He went on to say: “Retailers will often welcome the same short-term employees back time and again, and not just around the December rush. Temporary staff are increasingly being used as the backbone of the retail sector. However, to ensure they want to return, employers are having to provide the best experience for these workers, and that includes getting them through the screening process quickly. 

"With competition for this segment of the workforce increasing, it will be the brands able to screen and onboard temporary workers quickly that win both now and in the long run. In order to deliver this on the scale that’s needed, retailers are going to have to increasingly rely on remote screening and digital identity verification that’s quick, seamless for the end user and, perhaps more importantly, allows for the reuse of certifications in the future.”

(Image courtesy jacqueline macou of Pixabay)

Friday 22 December 2023

The ideal Christmas gift for a foodie. Tickets for the National Geographic Traveller (UK) Food Festival

The National Geographic Traveller (UK) Food Festival is back for 2024, returning to London for its fourth installment with a host of new features and a fresh line-up of big-name contributors, including headliner Nadiya Hussain.

The TV chef, best-selling author and winner of the sixth series of The Great British Bake Off, will appear on the Main Stage on Saturday 20 July, where she’ll be treating visitors to a live cooking demonstration peppered with tales from her own kitchen.

The Main Stage

Nadiya will be joined by a host of big-name chefs, cooks and food personalities on the Main Stage, who’ll be cooking up some of their signature dishes. Visitors can look forward to demonstrations by the likes of Nisha Katona, Matt Tebbutt, Ravneet Gill and Richard Corrigan. Expect further announcements over the coming months.

Authors’ Area, Masterclass Theatres & More

In the authors’ area, visitors can catch interviews with writers behind some of the most exciting recent food releases. Elsewhere, the Masterclass Theatres offer attendees the special chance to pick up cookery tips from guest chefs representing cuisines from all over the world, while the newly expanded Wine & Spirits Theatre will host a programme of expert-led tutorials and tasting sessions.

Looking ahead to next year’s show, Glen Mutel, editor of Food by National Geographic Traveller (UK) says: “It’s great to be back on the festival calendar and I’m confident the 2024 edition will be our best ever. Not only will we welcome some of the food world’s most exciting talent to our stages, but we’ll be combining new ideas and fresh features with all the elements that have made the festival so memorable in previous years.”

Festive Ticket Offer

Tickets are on sale now, just in time for Christmas gifting to the foodies in your life. It's the perfect Christmas gift for food lovers and travel enthusiasts, single day tickets are currently £10 plus booking fees- and that’s a third off the full ticket price.

foodfestival.natgeotraveller.co.uk

nationalgeographic.com/travel

Find them on Facebook: facebook.com/NatGeoTravelUK

X: x.com/NatGeoTravelUK

Instagram: instagram.com/NatGeoTravelUK

The National Geographic Traveller (UK) digital edition is available for Apple, Android and Kindle devices: ngtr.uk/NGTdigital

Baileys crowned as Brits' favourite tipple and Christmas pud pairing

Baileys is declared to be the nation’s favourite festive tipple, with 47% of Brits naming it as their Christmas drink of choice.

The results form part of a survey of over 1,000 people by liquor infused ice cream company LiQ, with Baileys beating the likes of prosecco, mulled wine and seasonal coffees or hot chocolates to take the top spot.

The study also found Christmas pudding to be Brits’ festive dessert of choice, garnering 31% of votes. And, not content with just enjoying the popular Irish cream brand as a drink, over a quarter of respondents stated they prefer Baileys infused cream as their Christmas pudding accompaniment of choice, second only to the traditional option of custard.

The festive survey follows the launch of LiQ’s new range of ice cream pralines which bring together two British Christmas favourites, Baileys and ice cream.

Jorgo Struyve, co-founder of LiQ, said: “Baileys has become synonymous with the festive season for many Brits over recent years, so it wasn't a surprise when it claimed the top spot. It’s become an iconic part of many people’s festive celebrations, whether they prefer to have it poured over some ice while sitting by the fire, a splash in their hot drink or drizzled over their Christmas pudding, there are so many ways to enjoy Baileys. That’s why we couldn’t think of a more perfect combination for our new pralines.

“Our new Baileys ice-cream pralines, offer another exciting way for Brits to enjoy their favourite tipple this Christmas. They can be enjoyed on their own or as an accompaniment to their Christmas pudding or favourite dessert, making them the perfect way to celebrate the festive season.”

The results of LiQ’s festive survey are also backed up by Google data which found searches for Baileys recipes peak around the festive months, with 12,100 searches for Baileys recipes last December, compared to an average of 2,100 searches each month. Last December also marked an increase in searches by 17%, compared to December 2021 which saw 9,900 searches for Baileys recipes, showing Brits still can’t get enough of the creamy and dreamy Irish cream drink.

The bitesize treats are indulgent bites of smooth vanilla ice cream, infused with Baileys and enrobed in crisp Belgian milk chocolate, with an Irish cream heart.

Made to be enjoyed on their own or as a special dessert accompaniment, the ice cream pralines are ready to eat straight from the box for the perfect festive treat.

Launched in 2017 by co-founders Jorgo Struyve and Nicolas Destoop when they were students, the idea for LiQ’s ice cream pralines came from the pair wanting to market an ice cream experience designed for adults. The brand focuses on offering indulgent experiences through its strong partnerships with global alcohol brands like Baileys.

Since its launch, LiQ has enjoyed immense success internationally, with its pralines stocked in over more 6,000 shops across eight countries, cementing the brand as one of the leaders in the alcohol infused ice cream market.

LiQ Baileys pralines are currently available in over 300 Morrisons stores across the nation, as well as all COSTCO stores and via delivery service Ocado.

To learn more about LiQ, including a full list of all Morrisons stores its ice cream pralines will be available at, visit: https://www.liq.cool/en

Incidentally this survey disproves at least one other survey that claimed pudding was on the way out! Perhaps the secret is to serve it with Baileys and some LiQ Pralines? 

And they are available at the Morrisons store nearest to us! That's good to know!

Pope Francis backs Snoop Dogg Christmas song to end homelessness now

In the UK over 160,000 people are homeless. Just off London's Oxford Street, in fashionable Mayfair village, a homeless film director and London band teamed up with Rapper Snoop Dogg to end homelessness now. 

When the hip hop beats of Hard Times and Snoop Dogg's inimitable flow reached the ears of 87 year old Pope Francis he loved it so much he issued, there and then, a Papal Blessing for the charitable endeavour.

Hard Times ft Snoop Dogg

Homeless film director, David Fussell, met London musicians Ooberfuse at the Homeless Restaurant which provides restaurant style meals to Oxford Street's rough sleepers. After a few jamming sessions Hard Times was born. 

Fussell says "the searching lyrics tell the homeless issue from a new point of view. The story isn't told from an on-looker's point of view like the great Phil Collins song Another Day in Paradise. Rather, Hard Times tells the story in the first person, drawing on real pain 'shivering in the cold and the rain'. Hard Times makes it clear being made homeless could happen to anyone of us. It starts 'I never thought that it would be like this / Sleeping in a doorway on the streets like this....'"

The Holy Father, Pope Francis, emphasises "the importance of caring for the most vulnerable in society' and urges that we seize opportunities like this 'to build a more fraternal world."

Twice a week, on Wednesday and Saturday, a group of volunteers from Central London Catholic Churches distribute food donated by Mayfair eateries like The Connaught and The Mayfair Chippy to the tables of London's rough sleepers in Farm Street's Arrupe Hall.

Hal, a musician from ooberfuse, says "the guy who runs the project, Dominic Robinson is like a modern day Robin Hood! 

"He literally goes to the swankiest restaurants in Mayfair and takes food destined for the sophisticated palettes of the super-wealthy and puts it on the tables of the homeless in Arrupe Hall. It's next level wealth-redistribution!"



(Image courtesy of Myriams-Fotos of Pixabay)


Recycle your Christmas tree with Francis House Children's Hospice

The event provides an easy and convenient way for people to donate to their local community.

In an exciting new partnership with JustHelping you can recycle your Christmas tree and support a worthy cause.

Francis House Children’s Hospice will be collecting and recycling Christmas trees in partnership with national charity JustHelping and St Ann’s Hospice. 

Anyone living in Manchester, Stockport, Trafford and Salford can register their Christmas tree for collection up until midnight on January 7.

The trees will then be collected between Thursday, January 11 and Sunday, January 14 by a team of volunteers and recycled at Wythenshawe Park where the chippings will be used in local parks.

For the last ten years, JustHelping and St Ann’s Hospice have run the popular collections which last year raised almost £65,000 for local charities from the collection of 5,000 trees.

With the expansion of the scheme into even more postcode areas, JustHelping invited Francis House Children’s Hospice to join the campaign and the charity is hoping to benefit from the donations made to collect the trees.

Kate Puć, fundraising officer at Francis House Children’s Hospice said: “We're absolutely delighted to be on board this year with the Christmas tree collection and thank JustHelping for asking us to be a part of this campaign. We hope many of our supporters will ask for their tree to be recycled and help raise much needed, vital funding for their local children’s hospice.

“We support families from all the areas participating in the scheme. Every bit of support and each donation helps keep the doors of Francis House open. We're also reaching out to our supporters to help with the collections and for anyone with a van to come forward with offers of help.”

JustHelping supports volunteers, businesses and charities to contribute to their community and the environment. The national Christmas tree collection raises essential funds for hospices and communities through the income raised from donations.

Tom Laverty, development manager at JustHelping said: “JustHelping are delighted to welcome Francis House to the MCR Christmas Tree Collection. The event provides an easy and convenient way for people to donate to their local community and we are excited to be offering more households the opportunity to support both children and adult hospices in Greater Manchester.”

Based in Didsbury, Francis House provides a home from home where the families of children with life-limiting conditions receive professional care, support and friendship. Services include respite care, day care, homecare, sibling support groups, end of life care and symptom control, and emotional support and bereavement support.

Kate said: “Register your tree before the 7th of January to make sure you secure your slot and enjoy your Christmas knowing that you won’t be queuing at the recycling centre to dispose of your tree in the New Year!”

Anyone wishing to find out more about the scheme or to book a collection can visit https://just-helping.org.uk/register-tree

http://www.francishouse.org.uk

Please note that the scheme is also available in other parts of the UK to support other good causes that are local to you.

(Image courtesy of Oleksandr Pidvalnyi of Pixabay)

Asda customers can snap up Christmas veg for the lowest ever price of 15p!

Good news for Christmas dinner veg lovers and bargain spotters! 

Asda has announced customers can bag last minute Christmas veg for the lowest ever price of 15p, as the supermarket reduces the price of key Christmas dinner staples just in time for the big day.

Customers heading to Asda or shopping online to get their last bits for their Christmas dinner, can bag 1kg carrots (usually 60p), 500g sprouts (usually £1), 360g broccoli (usually 75p) and 500g parsnips (usually 65p) for the lowest ever price of 15p each until Tuesday 26th December.

The move, which sees Asda match Aldi and Lidl prices on the shelf, comes after Asda was crowned the lowest-priced major supermarket for premium Christmas food and drink products by trade magazine The Grocer.

The supermarket topped the Grocer’s prestigious festive price comparison survey which tracked the cost of 33 premium Christmas products including turkey and all the trimmings, pigs in blankets and mince pies at Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Waitrose.

Asda’s festive basket totalled £154.41 and was £19.48 cheaper than the average basket price across the other supermarkets featured and offered the lowest price on 19 of the 33 festive products featured, including smoked salmon slices, mince pies and pigs in blankets.

Kris Comerford, Asda’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Throughout the year we've focussed on improving the quality of our products while continuing to keep prices in check for our customers. This is especially vital at Christmas when family budgets are under extreme pressure. We're confident our customers can treat themselves and family members to the best quality festive food and drink without having to break the bank when they shop with us at Asda.”

Asda's also urging customers who haven’t already done so, to join the 1.2 million savvy fellow shoppers who've already created vouchers from their Christmas Saver Cashpot on Asda Rewards, before it expires on Sunday 31st December.

Any new customer who signs up for an Asda Rewards account before Monday 25th December will receive a £5 off coupon for their first shop. They then have until Sunday 31st December to complete their second shop to receive an additional £5 in their Cashpot.

www.asda.com

John Lewis Partnership offering Christmas support

For the second year running, the John Lewis Partnership is supporting Care Leavers attending Christmas day lunches, by presenting 3,510 food parcels to continue helping them after Christmas. 

The lunches are run by selfless community volunteers across the country for Care Leavers who would have otherwise been alone at Christmastime, and are coordinated by Lemn Sissay’s Foundation, The Gold From The Stone.

Sarah Dayananda, Sustainability & Ethics Manager, Social Impact at the JLP, said: “We’re thrilled to again be working with The Gold From The Stone Foundation, and the wonderful volunteers who organise Christmas lunches for Care Leavers. Support is needed beyond the ‘big day’, so we hope the Care Leavers feel appreciated and considered in a time of isolation for so many.”

She went on to say: "This year, we’re donating three bespoke food parcels each to 1,170 people, so they'll have some necessary shopping to last them beyond Christmas and into the New Year (plus some treats, too). They’ll contain items like tea, coffee, soup, sweet and savoury biscuits, mince pies, pasta and pasta sauce, chocolate and crisps."

The Foundation, founded by Author, Poet and Broadcaster Lemn Sissay OBE, believes no Care Leaver should feel alone on Christmas day. They help to coordinate communities across the nation making Christmas day special for people who would otherwise be alone.

Lemn Sissay, OBE said, “The Christmas Dinners are for young adults who have been in care who feel alone on Christmas Day. I'm utterlyover the moon Waitrose and the John Lewis Partners are supporting The Christmas Dinners throughout the country. 

"Waitrose are providing incredible Christmas Hampers filled with goodies for the young care leavers to take home after the Christmas Dinner. This support is crucial in winter time. It means the care goes beyond the dinner into the homes of vulnerable young people. 

"It's the tenth year of The Christmas Dinners and your support is a Christmas present in itself. I feel emotional. The Christmas Hampers from Waitrose and John Lewis are immensely important to everyone involved and brings added magic to the day. I know the hampers aren't for me, but as the person who started this enterprise this feels like my first Christmas present.”

A further 600 food parcels will be given to 200 Care Experienced guests at Christmas day lunches hosted by Who Cares? Scotland - one of the John Lewis Partnership’s charity partners, for our Building Happier Futures programme.

http://www.johnlewispartnership.co.uk

Record demand predicted for no and low drinks this Christmas at Tesco

It's reported shoppers are ready to create record demands for no and low alcohol beer, wines and spirits over Christmas.

That’s the prediction from Tesco after the supermarket saw its strongest ever sales in 2023 with high demand sustained across the entire year.

Demand for no and low alcohol beer at the supermarket this year has soared by over 20%, while sales of no/low wine rose by almost 15% per and demand for alternatives to spirits grew by nearly 10% per.

To give some indication of how strong the thirst for no and low drinks has been throughout this year, during the first three weeks of the June heatwave, demand at Tesco was over 25% higher than it was for the first three weeks of Dry January.

Another massive success has been pop star Kylie Minogue’s 0% Sparkling Rosé which launched in Tesco last year and which has now become the UK’s top selling premium no alcohol wine

As a result, Tesco prepared itself for its strongest ever demand in December and ordered in extra stock.

Tesco says that the main reasons for the no and low alcohol boom are:

New found shopper confidence in the quality of the drinks, often driven by recommendations from family and friends

Greater interest in health and moderation

An increase in product choice

Ease of selection in its stores with all products sitting in their own fixture

Tesco no and low alcohol wine buyer Joe Olding said: “Based on the massive demand throughout the year we're anticipating this festive season to not only be bigger than this year's Dry January, but to be the biggest Christmas ever for no and low drinks.

“A few years ago no and low alcohol drinks might have been a consideration to have on hand for special occasions but, as our latest sales data, shows they’ve become mainstream and are now popular all year round.

“We’ve also made it easier for customers to find no and low alcohol drinks as they all sit alongside each in the same aisle.”

Among the top brands driving the no and low boom are Lucky Saint, Athletic Brewing and Guinness 0% in beer; Gordons 0% Alcohol Free Gin and the Clean Co brand in spirits; and Nozeco, Not Guilty and Kylie 0% Sparkling Rosé in wine.

The rise in demand for Kylie Minogue’s no alcohol wine has been spectacular with demand rocketing throughout the year with one million bottles sold across all UK retailers.

The drink uses a unique filtration process in order to make it less sweet and retain more of the original wine taste but without any of the alcohol.

Kylie Minogue said: “When we launched our 0% Sparkling Rosé last year we knew health and wellbeing was becoming more and more important in people’s lives and so many of us are leaning toward more self-care.”

Drinkaware, an independent UK alcohol education charity which helps people make better choices about their drinking was happy to hear the news.

Karen Tyrell, CEO of the charity Drinkaware said: “It’s good people across Britain are more open to trying no and low alcohol drinks this year. 

“Drinking lower strength and alcohol-free products can be a helpful way for people to moderate their drinking and stay within the low-risk guidelines of 14 units a week. If you are unsure about how much you’re drinking, take our simple Drinking Check on the Drinkaware website."

www.tesco.com

Lidl has top wines for Christmas. At affordable prices

Lidl GB has revealed that it has the bestselling wines across three categories1: Montepulciano, Saint Emilion, Nero D’Avola, with prices starting from just over £5.

New research shows 27% of Brits are opting for high-end labels, but Lidl is redefining expectations. 

With its unwavering commitment to delivering premium wines at refreshingly affordable prices, it’s challenging the conventional belief that superior quality must come at a premium price.

As we near Christmas Day Lidl reveal a surge in demand for its wine as people gear up for festive celebrations. Over the last few months alone, sales of its new world white wines have soared by a fifth, underscoring the rising popularity of wines from non-traditional regions.

And sales of traditionally beloved European red wines have seen an uptick of over 17%, while white wine sales from the same region have experienced an increase of over 5%. Even the sales of European rosé wines have defied seasonal expectations, with a notable rise of over 9%, challenging the perception that rosé is exclusively a summer indulgence.

Richard Bampfield, Lidl GB’s Master of Wine, pointed out: “Here at Lidl we like to think we go beyond selling wine; our points system and tasting notes make the notoriously hard and difficult job of selecting the right wine that much easier. I am particularly excited our Montepulciano, Saint Emilion and Nero d’Avola are the most popular wines in the country in their categories, proving that it's possible to find quality at all price points. And our recent national Châteaux Noir events demonstrated premium quality wines needn't break the bank. From robust reds to crisp whites, not forgetting some award-winning sparkling wines and rosés, Lidl offer wines for every palate and all occasions.”

Lidl’s unique model, from everyday selections to Deluxe bottles, allows its British customers to access their favourite wines at some of the most competitive prices available. The buying teams, strategically stationed all over Europe, including the renowned wine regions of France, Spain, and Italy, collaborate closely with a select number of local suppliers. This meticulous curation ensures wines available at Lidl stores are handpicked by the industry's best.

Recognised for its excellence, Lidl has garnered Bronze and Silver at the International Wine and Spirit Competition in 2023, plus accolades at the 2022 Decanter World Wine Awards. Its recent finalist position at the 2023 Drinks Retailing Awards solidifies its standing as an industry-recognised leader.

To dispel the misconception quality wine comes with a hefty price tag, Lidl has been hosting a series of pop-up wine tasting events in the dark, known as Chateaux Noir. Led by Master of Wine, Richard Bampfield, thousands of people from across London, Liverpool, and Glasgow had the chance to directly compare Lidl's wines to big-brand competitors.

https://www.lidl.co.uk

Thursday 21 December 2023

Calendars, diaries and more from Danilo

If you want high quality calendars, diaries and more for your Christmas gifting look no further than Danilo.

Everyone who you know in your family and your wider circle of friends is covered! Royal Horticultural Society tie-ins, a Musical Star Wars Calendar, A Liverpool FC boxed set, a Disney Baby's First Year Calendar, Children's Activity Sets, a BBC Frozen Planet II A5 diary and a whole host of TV and a host of  film/movie tie-ins including Barbie, Mrs Brown's boys, Yellowstone, Peppa Pig, Baby Shark and many more besides, including gift wrappers and bags. 

Looking for a more organised life during 2024? Then they have special family organisers, too! Ideal for your cousin or for a spot of self-gifting, perhaps? Gamers or Anime fans you need to buy for? They are covered, too! Also, look out for their greeting cards, music collector's specials and much, much more!

And you'll be able to make your gifting purchases safe in the knowledge that not only are Danilo products absolutely perfect, but that the company is 100% dedicated to making a firm, genuine commitment to prioratising sustainability in all areas of their business operations.

This includes implementing a carbon reduction and offsetting plan, reducing the use of plastics and making certain that, once their products have been finished with, that recycling or reusing them will be much easier. Plus they are also certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and have clear recycling labeling on all of their products. 

Danilo also operates a nifty tree planting programme in partnership with Ecologi, whereby for every £10 spent on their site, they plant a tree. 

So the more gifts you buy from Danilo, the more trees you and they  can plant together. 

You can view the progress of their virtual forest by clicking visiting here https://ecologi.com/danilopromotionsltd

To learn more and find out what you'll want to buy, visit www.danilo.com

Alcohol free Christmas cocktails with Fever-Tree?

43% of consumers now opting for non-alcoholic alternatives. Fever-Tree's new Cocktail Mixers are perfect to shake up your Christmas drinking by helping you swap your favourite cocktail for a mouthwatering mocktail!

Fever-Tree's cocktail mixers are ideal for creating a super easy mocktail, simply by switching out the spirit for a non-alcoholic version. Fever-Tree recommend Everleaf's non-alcoholic spirits range as a perfect pairing!

Jazz up your Christmas and treat yourself to a booze-free Mojito or Margarita to kick start the New Year in a mindful, indulgent way.

The lineup:  

Fever-Tree Classic Mojito Mixer: Fresh Mexican Limes meet Moroccan Mint for a zesty, refreshing twist. Just add non-alcoholic rum and ice for a mojito masterpiece. 

Fever-Tree Classic Margarita Mixer: Packed with fresh Mexican limes, sweet Italian Blood Orange, and a hint of sea salt. Add a non-alcoholic tequila alternative, shake or stir, and enjoy an authentic margarita.  

Available now at Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, and online at Ocado, for just £4.50.

Say goodbye to the hassle of squeezing limes and adding multiple complex ingredients! Just mix, shake and serve!

How to make the perfect mocktail at home:

Simply add ice to a glass.

Pour in 50ml of your chosen non-alcoholic spirit and top it off with Fever-Tree's mixer.

A quick stir, and it's ready to sip and enjoy. Ideal for an evening with friends or a night in front of the telly during the winter nights.

And don't forget, next month is Dry January and you can ramp up you mocktail mixing abilities then.