That's Food and Drink: Comic Relief launches "emergency" Christmas appeal

That's Food and Drink: Comic Relief launches "emergency" Christmas appeal: A spokesperson said: "We’re excited to announce the launch of our On The Breadline cost of living Christmas appeal with The Independent...

Make your own book for Christmas

Several years ago I decided that I wanted to do something different for Christmas, so I wrote a short story that told the story of the first nativity from the perspective of the cat who lived at the Inn where Jesus was born.

I had it printed up at the newspaper and magazine publisher I worked at, which had a small but very busy jobbing printer attached to it and I collated and bound it myself, illustrating it with free to use images, giving it a hard cover and presenting it to my nieces and nephews.

It was very well received and is still talked of from time to time, although they are now all much older.

If you can't write a story or some poems to make your own book, why not think about making a photographic book using images that are relevant to the person or people you are making it for?

A company that I have used before (they make superb printed mugs, for example) is CEWE, who print very high quality photographic books at a cost that is cheaper than you would expect seeing how high the quality is.

Here's what they say: "Your memories matter and that’s what makes our TIPA award winning photo books perfect for preserving them. Make a photo book for yourself or create one to share with family and friends using our free software. It's easy and your personalised photo book will be professionally printed, quality checked and packed at our UK lab."

To learn more please visit them at https://www.cewe.co.uk. They also print mugs, calendars, wall art, etc. 

Things a bit tight this year? Then why not get crafting or baking for Christmas?

Apparently there's a cost of living crisis, though reports of record-breaking "Black Friday" sales throughout the UK might indicate that the cost of living crisis isn't as severe as some people are making out.

But if you are feeling the pinch this year, why not consider making some of your Christmas presents?

Years ago things were a bit tight financially for me (a promised pay rise never materialised) and I was a bit strapped for cash in the pre-Christmas period so I decided to make some Christmas presents.

I invested in some rather attractive but cheap large glass fruit bowls which were covered in various types of fruit in relief that I found in a discount shop that was sort of like a Pound shop and I invested in some good quality glass paints that I bought from a local art shop.

Although I am by no means an artist I did do a good job and I gave one to my fiancé (who is now my wife) to see what she thought of it. She said "leave it with me" and went to see a close friend of hers who lived next door.

An hour later she came back with a £20 note and an order for ten more as her friend was so impressed that she decided to order ten for her family members!

My fiancé kissed me, grinned, and said: "You'd better get busy!"  Which I did. I painted some for my family members as Christmas presents, another one for my fiancé and a number of others as she made more sales for me!

So, if someone like me can get crafting, why not you, too? I suggest that you check out craft shops, Amazon, Poundland, The bookshop called The Works (which now has an excellent craft section) Hobbycraft,  haberdashers, etc. Just hit Google to find out what's available locally, you might be surprised.

If you are a skilled crafter, unlike me, who isn't, get cracking, utilising your skills to create some memorable Christmas gifts for friends and family members. 

Or if you have someone to buy for who is artistic or into crafting why not look at buying them a craft kit or some art/craft supplies?

Maybe you are good at baking or cooking? Why not make everyone some Christmas biscuits or some Christmas fudge, for example? 

 (Image courtesy of L Gould and Pixabay)

Final tickets to be released for London’s New Year’s Eve celebrations

The last tickets to see the return of the capital’s famous New Year fireworks will go on sale at noon on Friday 2 December. However, anyone wishing to purchase tickets are reminded that the first batch of tickets for the world-famed celebration sold out in just over five hours.

Over 100,000 ticket-holders will again be able to gather on the banks of the Thames to watch London welcome in the new year

Last month the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, announced over 100,000 ticket-holders will be able to gather near the lastminute.com London Eye for the first time since 2019 to welcome in the new year.

The first batch of tickets sold out in just over five hours, and the final batch of around 50,000 are also expected to sell out quickly.

Due to the impact of COVID restrictions for the last two years, the capital has welcomed in the new year with a multi-site spectacular show only available to watch on TV.

This year ticket holders will again be able to watch the fireworks in person, while a global television audience tunes in to see the celebrations and hear the traditional sounds of Big Ben’s chimes marking the start of the new year.

Tickets must be bought in advance and cost £15, with every penny used to pay for the costs associated with the ticketing scheme. This year, there is also the opportunity to donate to London-based rough sleeping charities when buying tickets, with donations going to akt, Centrepoint, Depaul UK, and New Horizon Youth Centre via TAP London.

Those without a ticket are encouraged to watch the display live on BBC One or via BBC iPlayer alongside millions of viewers or to celebrate the new year at the capital’s fantastic range of bars, restaurants, pubs and clubs.

City Hall is working with a wide range of partner agencies including the Met Police, TfL, local authorities and the emergency services to safely deliver the event.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m incredibly excited that Londoners and visitors to our capital can once again unite on the banks of the Thames to welcome in the new year by watching our world-famous fireworks. We are building a better London for everyone and New Year’s Eve is one of the biggest nights of the year for our hospitality industry with our fireworks providing an incredible moment to send a message of love and celebration to the world. This year will be our best ever and with the first batch of tickets selling out in just over five hours, I urge anyone wanting to attend to book as early as possible.”

Imran Tauqir, General Manager of The lastminute.com London Eye, said: “We are thrilled to have seen such an overwhelmingly positive response to the news that the world famous New Year’s Eve celebrations are returning to The lastminute.com London Eye. 

"As an established part of the capital’s iconic skyline, we are delighted that once again people are able to come back together and celebrate the start of another year in this amazing city. Working closely with the Mayor of London’s office it’s an honour to once again to play our part in putting on a show for thousands of people here on London’s South Bank and around the world to enjoy.”

To learn more please visit https://www.london.gov.uk/nye

(Image courtesy of McLee and Pixabay)

Christmastime holiday fun in Shropshire with Holiday Activities and Food: bookings open

Bookings are now open for the winter/Christmas Shropshire HAF (Holiday Activities and  Food) programme.

Shropshire Council is working with local schools, voluntary groups and community organisations, and childcare providers to run an exciting holiday programme this winter, Shropshire HAF (Holiday Activities and Food).

There are free places available on the programme for children and young people aged 4 (reception class age) to 16, who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals and for those who were referred to HAF by a professional. Places are also available for Ukrainian families, currently living in Shropshire with host families.

From Monday 19 December to Friday 23 December 2022 children and young people are invited to participate in a wide range of fun activities, taking place at 43 venues across the county.

There's something for all, including sports, arts, cooking, forest schools and other exciting opportunities. Free nutritious meals will be provided at each session, plus information on nutrition to designed to benefit the whole family.

The Winter What’s On Guide and details of how to book are available online here https://tinyurl.com/mt7m3cuz.

Some of the holiday programmes also include spaces for children and young people who are not in receipt of free school meals.

Kirstie Hurst-Knight, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for children and education, said:- “Over the summer 3,500 eligible children and young people aged 4 to 16 took part in a wide range of exciting, engaging activities at 60 venues across Shropshire.

"Again, providers have created a fantastic offering for the winter provision, and I’d like to encourage all eligible families to book onto HAF and have fun this winter. There's a massive range of activities, with free meals provided at each session.”

For more information on HAF in Shropshire, for a copy of the What’s On Guide, and to sign up to the HAF enews, click here https://tinyurl.com/mt2dh3xj.

Please contact the HAF programme co-ordinators – email: haf.programme@shropshire.gov.uk.

Merry Christmas for visitors to Father Christmas in Shrewsbury museum workshop

The elves at Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery are busy helping Father Christmas and his workshop. 

The festive magic is happening at the Shropshire Council-run venue, where bookings are now being taken for visitors to meet Father Christmas in his traditional museum workshop.

People are invited to follow the special flagstones, through the tree-lined shut and enchanted stone archway, and up the original sweeping staircase.

Children are welcome to post a letter to Father Christmas in the special festive post office, and a cheerful elf guide will lead the tour through to a wonderous workshop, crammed full of history and magic, to meet Father Christmas himself.

Rob Gittins, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture and digital, said:- “Father Christmas must know we have all been very, very good to ask us to let him set up a workshop in the museum in Shrewsbury.

“It's very exciting he and the elves are going to be with us right up to 23 December when he will be preparing for the busiest day of his year, and I’m sure they'll be given a warm welcome from our museum team and by all the visitors who book to come along.

“As well as experiencing our lovely museum guests at Father Christmas’ workshop, you will be able to enjoy some Christmas themed arts and crafts at stations scattered around the museum; and Father Christmas has also promised a gift for every child who comes to see him.”

Tickets cost £15 per child aged 1–17, and £5 per accompanying adult, and can be booked here https://tinyurl.com/365ev2m6.

Parents or guardians should be aware that time slots are bookable for mornings, afternoons and early evenings during late night shopping on Wednesdays. Friday afternoons, and all day on Saturdays and Sundays, through to Friday 23 December 2022. Tickets are non-refundable, and late arrivals can't be guaranteed to meet Father Christmas.

Have you seen Lidl Bear yet?

 

Lidl GB's Christmas adverts are featuring Lidl Bear, this year’s most unlikely Christmas celebrity. But this adorable yet expressionless bear is like no other Christmas character, and it absolutely won’t be on sale in Lidl.

Lidl Bear’s story begins when a dad accidentally shrinks his Lidl jumper in the wash, and his young daughter has the ingenious idea of putting it on her teddy bear.

And, just like that, a star is born – finding fame in the aisles of Lidl before becoming the (expressionless) face of Lidl’s advertising campaign and experiencing the highs and lows of fame at Christmas time.

As the world around Lidl Bear goes crazy in its endeavours to make a little stuffed toy a celebrity, we ask ourselves: will Lidl Bear make it back home for Christmas with its family?

Claire Farrant, Marketing Director at Lidl GB, said: “What stands Lidl Bear apart from other Christmas characters is its hilarious, deadpan expression. By displaying no emotion it manages to create humour and deliver our message about what’s actually important this Christmas.

“You also won’t be seeing Lidl Bear for sale in any of our stores – because, in the face of unrealistic Christmas expectations and pressure, we know what really matters is being with the people we care about.”

In fact, rather than selling the character, Lidl Bear has instead been the inspiration for Lidl’s Christmas charitable drive - helping to ensure every child experiences the joy of a beloved toy this Christmas. Lidl Bear’s Toy Bank is a nationwide donation initiative, giving new or unwrapped toys and games to children across the UK through the Neighbourly community network. 

Peter de Roos, Chief Commercial Officer at Lidl GB, says of the campaign: “Instead of selling Lidl Bear, we’re asking everyone who can to spare a bear, and other toys, to give to those in need this Christmas. From Kevin to Percy and everything inbetween, all toys will be welcomed with open arms – because there’s room for everyone at the table this Christmas.”

Customers can drop off new and unopened toys and games, to be gifted to children that need support in their local area. Donations can be anything - from a small stocking filler to something bigger. Sought-after items include toys, games, books, puzzles, and arts and crafts, for a range of ages.

In addition, the supermarket has committed £250k for charities during the festive period – including a £125k donation for the toy bank initiative – and has also pledged to donate more meals than ever over the festive period. As part of the supermarket’s long-standing work within local communities, Lidl GB will also donate a selection of festive food items as part of its regular food donations. These will go to local charities and community groups, which - together with their food surplus programme - will equate to over 1 million meals.

www.lidl.co.uk.

Aldi's biggest Christmas ever as it's set to sell nearly 50 million mince pies

Aldi is set to sell nearly 50 million mince pies this Christmas as millions of shoppers flock to its stores amid the growing cost-of-living crisis.

The supermarket predicts it will also sell over 38 million pigs in blankets this festive season, in what will be Aldi’s biggest Christmas ever.

Giles Hurley, CEO, Aldi UK and Ireland, said: “Shoppers have started to think about Christmas even earlier this year.

“While it’s a wonderful time where families come together, there's no doubt many households are having to plan their spending over the festive period much more carefully, and many of those households are realising Aldi is the only place to shop for an amazing Christmas at an affordable price.

“The price gap between Aldi and the traditional, full price supermarkets is only widening, and millions of shoppers are switching to Aldi as a result of this.

“Our unbreakable promise to our customers is we will always offer the lowest prices of any supermarket, whether it’s a normal weekly shop or all they need for a fantastic Christmas celebration.”

Recent data from Kantar Worldpanel showed Aldi is the fastest-growing supermarket and 1.5 million new customers shopped at an Aldi store in the 12 weeks to 30th October.

According to consumer champion Which?, the traditional ‘Big Four’ supermarkets, Tesco, Morrisons, Asda and Sainsbury’s, are 16% more expensive than Aldi on a basket of 48 everyday grocery items.

Earlier this week Aldi also announced its plans to support local charities, foodbanks, and community groups across the UK this Christmas through its Emergency Winter Foodbank Fund.

The supermarket is donating £250,000 (that's a quarter of a million!) to help organisations as they prepare to face heightened demand upon their services and will also be introducing new signage in stores to help highlight to customers the most in demand items at foodbanks, as selected by the organisations themselves.

Aldi has already donated over 27 million meals to good causes since its partnership with Neighbourly began in 2019.

Charities and community groups interested in working with Aldi should contact Neighbourly at aldi@neighbourly.com.

Aldi announces new emergency foodbank fund to help support charities this Christmas

Aldi has issued a pledge to help support local charities, foodbanks, and community groups across the UK via its newly launched Emergency Winter Foodbank Fund this Christmas.

The supermarket’s Emergency Winter Foodbank Fund will see Aldi donate £250,000 to help organisations as they prepare to face heightened demand on their services this Christmas.

The fund is building on Aldi’s successful partnership with community engagement platform Neighbourly which enables all Aldi’s 980 UK stores to donate surplus food seven days a week, all year round.

Aldi will also be introducing new signage in stores this Christmas to help highlight to customers the most in demand items at their local foodbanks, as selected by the organisations themselves.

From early December, shoppers looking to donate to foodbanks should watch for the logo on shelves by certain items, like Baked Beans, Teabags and Toiletries, which can then be dropped off at the food donation points which are located near to Aldi’s checkouts.

Liz Fox, Corporate Responsibility Director at Aldi UK, said: “We know Christmas is already a particularly challenging time for many people, but this year is understandably going to be even tougher for lots of households.

“That’s why we’re more committed than ever to doing what we can to give back. We want to make food accessible for all and hope both our additional funding and donation drive will help to make a real difference for people."

Steve Butterworth, CEO of Neighbourly, added: “The cost-of-living is impacting communities up and down the country and the charities we support are expecting to see demand increase even further over the coming months.

“Without the support of the public and businesses such as Aldi we’d be unable to help those in need. Within our network there are many charities and community groups that will be able to put this funding to very good use, to support families that are struggling.”

Aldi’s latest commitment follows a recent survey of Neighbourly charities which revealed 72% will need more food items to help with increased demand this Christmas.

The items revealed to be most in-demand, and will be promoted in-store to help drive donations this Christmas, included cereal, rice and pasta, tinned food and toiletries.

Aldi is further supporting Neighbourly through its Christmas advert this year, by encouraging viewers who are able to help families in need to donate at aldi.co.uk/neighbourly. The supermarket has already donated over 27 million meals to good causes since its partnership with Neighbourly began in 2019.

Charities and community groups interested in working with Aldi should contact Neighbourly at aldi@neighbourly.com.

Salvation Army Christmas appeal

This Christmas the Salvation Army wants to reach out to the people who are suffering the most by bringing joy and hope into their lives, especially at Christmas time.

An officer said: "With the current cost-of-living crisis, thousands of people are expected to turn to The Salvation Army for help this winter. 

"In over 650 communities across the UK, we will be doing all we can for them, whatever their circumstances."

You can help by donating here https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/christmas-appeal?form=FUNJHYUFWKW.

For general information about the Salvation Army please visit https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk.