Friday, 15 December 2023

Buying "fashion" this Christmas? Here's a word of caution

A new report, “The Devil is in the Retail: Generation Dread - why modern-day fashion choices are so fraught,” published by FARA Charity Shops, concludes that British youth are in flux over shopping culture: craving self-expression and still addicted to the thrill of uninhibited consumerism on one hand, while simultaneously crippled with climate change anxiety and worry that their habits are toxic and unsustainable, due to waste, resource depletion and unethical trading practices, on the other. 

In light of this trend, the Charity Retail sector can play an important role in helping the future consumer make planet-positive choices by providing “joyful” shopping experiences and stimulating a long-awaited revival of the high street. Especially, one can argue, at this time of year.

Charity Retail has never been more relevant, especially during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. The new report emphasises just how important charity shops will need to become in educating and empowering young people, reconciling them with a more sustainable way of shopping and self-presentation. 

The sector will assist younger generations to reject concepts like “single wear clothing” and reward sustainable choices. But, to survive and thrive, the Charity Retail sector must jettison its earnest solemnity and provide a more fun and enjoyable shopping experience, whilst exploiting sophisticated marketing techniques as well as ‘influencer (and de-influencer)’ culture in its quest.

The research and survey results expose a trend amongst the Generations Z and Alpha that demonstrates a stark contradiction between their attitude and behaviour towards protecting the planet and their incontinent shopping habits - which Charity Retail is best-placed to correct. Not only are charity shops critical to reducing items sent to landfill and tempting shoppers away from fast fashion, but they are also critical in providing relatively low-cost goods, acting as community hubs that can empower marginalised groups, encourage skills development and bring social cohesion. They can also provide a much deeper and more satisfying shopping experience when compared to the short-lived high of buying new goods online.

What their research found:

Charity Retail can offer Gen Z and Gen Alpha a version of consumerism more closely aligned to their values and outlook.

Feel Good Shopping: Respondents ranked the altruistic benefit of charity shops as the best thing about Charity Retail, followed by sustainability.

Greenwashing Won’t Wash: Half (51%) of Gen Z and Millennials say the clothes they choose to wear represent their views and attitudes on sustainability.

The Power of Campaigning: 45% of Gen Z and Millennials say they will buy more second-hand clothing in the near future.

Social Media’s Triple-Edged Sword: 67% of young people say social media impacts their shopping habits due to wanting to express themselves more through fashion, shopping more, but also becoming aware of sustainable fashion practices.

Background industry data highlighted in the report:

84% of 16-25 year-olds are moderately to extremely worried about climate change.

82% of consumers say they feel a positive emotion after buying a second-hand item.

96% of young people say charity shops are relevant in the pre-loved fashion industry.

A 2020 European Commission study found that a quarter of misleading environmental claims came from the fashion industry.

96% of green claims in fashion could be false.

95% of Gen Z and Millennials feel the fashion industry is not doing enough to be sustainable.

52% of Millennials and 46% of Gen Z have sold clothing on resale platforms.

Libby Gordon, CEO, of the FARA Foundation says: “Our report emphasises the critical need to further elevate the role of charity shops within communities, so that we not only provide sustainable goods and raise much-needed funds, but also become hubs for inspiring events and social interaction. This is an area FARA Charity Shops intend to focus on. 

"We recently launched our Autumn Campaign, “We are FARA Family”, by showcasing a series of short films all featuring an inspiring member of the FARA community. This campaign emphasizes we’re here to serve and engage our wider family, building spirit and encouraging more people to donate goods, shop with us, or consider working/volunteering in our shops.”

“What the research indicates is that to address the conflict between consumerism and sustainable living head-on, the charity sector has work to do and there is a real opportunity to lead the way in inspiring the next generation of consumers. It must use some of the clever marketing practices employed by traditional retail. These include ensuring high standards in the way goods are curated, and the use of innovative technologies (apps, platforms) to personalise the shopping experience and reward sustainable choices.

“To lure Gen Z and Gen Alpha to a more sustainable way of shopping will require a rejuvenation of Charity Retail in which the feel-good buzz of a new purchase can be maintained, but with the added satisfaction of making planet-positive choices. Social media will have its role here too, with influencers (and de-influencers) sharing facts and moulding retail habits.”

1 “Pleasure Activism” is the sense of satisfaction gained by making environmentally sound choices, the feel-good buzz of changed behaviour creates a greater sense of well-being, empathy and social inclusion. The term Pleasure Activism was coined by Adrienne Maree Brown, writer, activist and facilitator.


Charity identifies increase in winter solstice card sales

Herefordshire-based charity Hope Spring, has seen what it reports as "a significant" increase in supporters and visitors sending their winter solstices greetings cards recently. 

In a blog post on their ecards platform Hope Spring ecards, the NGO said compared with last year, they have seen a sixty percent increase in donations directly linked to people sending their winter solstice cards.

Some of the reason for the increase was attributed to the new set of solstices ecards the charity launched a few weeks ago. 

“The new solstice greeting cards are more engaging and visually appealing to visitors to our platform," said trustee and co-designer of the solstice ecards Temi Odurinde. 

The organisation has also launched a digital marketing campaign on both social media and the world wide web to promote the solstice ecards.

Hope Spring ecard platform, is the largest single contributor to the charity's fundraising efforts, especially in the last quarter of each year. Combination of fundraisers such as the solstice ecards, Christmas ecards and birthday ecards takes Hope Spring fundraising to the highest level they have achieved so far in 2024.

Hope Spring uses funds it raises to build water wells, boreholes and other water. sanitation and hygiene projects for communities in dire needs, in West Africa. Collaboration between the charity and local communities in West Africa has positively impacted the lives of more than one hundred thousand people, since the charity was founded seven years ago. You can find details of Hope Spring water projects on their website and social media pages.

https://www.hopespring.org.uk

PrePear to Party, Dodge the Hangover?

With the festive party season about to go into full swing, do you want to have a good time but dread the after-effects of drinking alcohol and the gloomy prospect of feeling below par the next day? 

With a little help from PrePear, a special drink made from Korean pear which is billed as the next best thing to a hangover cure, those with busy lifestyles can still enjoy the Christmas and New Year celebrations without the all too familiar morning-after-the-night before vibes.

Whilst PrePear does not advocate excessive drinking, the new British brand acknowledges that there are many of us who enjoy a few drinks on an occasion as part of a balanced lifestyle. 

So whilst mindful drinking might be in, for those who still enjoy a responsible approach to alcohol, waking up out of sorts is certainly out of the question! 

For centuries, Korean pear has been associated with preventing a hangover, thanks to the naturally occurring enzymes and bioactive compounds found in the juice which play a role in the speedy breakdown of alcohol and its toxic by-products.  

According to research, drinking PrePear ahead of your first alcoholic drink results in milder and sometimes even zero hangover symptoms. And PrePear is not just any old Korean pear juice, the brand uses a special extraction technique to enhance the effectiveness of all those superfood qualities.

PrePear for a health boost in 2024 …

While PrePear can play a role in dodging the hangover, this punchy pouch drink made from Korean pear is also a great choice for anyone looking to up the ante in pursuit of a healthier lifestyle in 2024. 

PrePear not only tastes delicious, it is naturally rich in antioxidants (which play a role in heart disease, cancer and other diseases), is a source of fibre and anti-inflammatory compounds (help lower the risk of certain chronic or long-lasting diseases including heart disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and some cancers). And with no added sugar and at just 49 calories per convenient 120ml pouch, it won't be detrimental to any efforts to adopt a more balanced diet either!

Nutritionist Raoul-Edward Rechnitz who runs the platform Picture of Health Nutrition says, “In a world looking for health hacks, perhaps it's useful to look to other cultures and their practices. Koreans have been drinking Korean Pear juice for generations to reduce the effects of alcohol and the resulting hangover. Naturally containing enzymes ALDH and ADH, which metabolise alcohol and the harmful chemicals alcohol is broken down into, PrePear can help ensure that if you are going to drink, the negative effects on your body should be reduced. 

Korean Pears are also high in fibre and antioxidants, and with no added chemicals at all, PrePear can seamlessly slot into your healthy lifestyle routine.” 

PrePear is available online at www.prepearjuice.com in packs of six (£18) 12 (£32) and 24 (£56.50). For those living in London, PrePear is also available via the Quiver delivery service.

Christmas & New Year delivery dates:

UK DELIVERY

Wednesday 20th for tracked 24hr delivery for Christmas

Wednesday 27th for tracked 24hr delivery New Year's Eve

CENTRAL LONDON

Anytime for Christmas or New Year's Eve! 6am and midnight, 7 days a week, 364 days a year. But do note it's not available for delivery on Christmas Day.

That's Food and Drink: Sandford Orchards Collaborates With Moons Cider to...

That's Food and Drink: Sandford Orchards Collaborates With Moons Cider to...: Devon's Sandford Orchards, is thrilled to launch, in partnership with Moons Cider, Orchard Moon (ABV 6.5%), a collaboration cider celebr...

Salcombe Brewery Co. Pub in a Box

A Salcombe Brewery Co. 'Pub in a Box' is the perfect Chirstmas gift for any beer lover and includes everything they need for a quiet night in. 

There are three different options in the range, including a gluten-free set. Each contains some of Salcombe Brewery Co.'s fabulous beer, tasty snacks from the west country, branded glasses, beer mats and bar towels and is available for nationwide delivery from www.salcombebrewery.com.

Worried over what wines to pair with Christmas dinner? Wickhams has the answers!

Preparing the perfect feast for your Christmas day takes a great deal of thought and knowing the right wines to pair with each element can be tricky, the food has a big impact on how the wines taste. 

But don't worry, Wickhams has it covered with this comprehensive guide!

All wines listed are available to order until Wednesday 20th December from wickhamwine.co.uk for pre-Christmas delivery.

Fizz:

First, let's talk about fizz! Some people even like to start the day with a little breakfast Buck's Fizz. If that's you then Filare Italia Prosecco Extra Dry is an excellent all rounder. Later in the day, if you want to toast Christmas using something made using the Champagne method but without the price tag, then Cave de Turckheim “Mayerling” Brut is an elegant option from Alsace. This sparkling Pinot Blanc will cut through the fattiness of smoked salmon blinis or compliment a creamy baked brie. 

Seafood:

If you want to go for the real thing, perhaps to pair with some oysters or seafood, then AR Lenoble Brut Intense NV is from one of the few remaining family owned Champagne houses. An English sparkling wine is a patriotic alternative, Henners Brut NV has the elegance to make this pairing sing. 

For the traditionalist who prefers prawn cocktails over oysters, then we recommend Vouvray Deniché 2021. The gentle sweetness of prawns combines perfectly with this medium-dry wine made from Chenin Blanc and has the balance of acidity and sweetness to carry this pairing off.

Turkey:

Now to the main event. There's the turkey, of course, various stuffings, sauces, vegetables, potatoes, and pigs in blankets. Finding one wine to match everything seems difficult, nigh on impossible, but Wickhams is here to help.

Pinot Noir is a good choice as it pairs with many flavours, Louis Père et Fils Mercurey "L'Or Rouge" 2019 is classic Burgundy. Cru Beaujolais is a more value conscious proposition, made using Gamay it shares similarities with Pinot Noir. Clos du Vieux Bourg "Javernières" Morgon 2020 is an excellent example which would pair equally well with goose or duck.

When looking for a white the perfect match is a ripe, lightly oaked Chardonnay. Burgundy is the obvious place to look, Florent Rouve Saint Véran En Crêches 2020 has everything you want from white Burgundy. 

Those seeking a solid value option need look no further than De Wetshof Estate Bon Vallon "Sur Lie" Chardonnay 2022 from South Africa. South African wines are proving excellent value for money at the moment because of the exchange rate with the Rand. 

Roast beef:

Prefer beef rather over turkey? Then a bold red is an easy partner. Anything from the Peter Falke range will work, PF Ruby 2017 is my personal favourite, these Stellenbosch wines are serious wines for serious food. 

The south of France has plenty of options whose tannins will soften thanks to the interplay of meat and wine. Le Lion de Cicéron 2019 is an organic wine from Corbières which fits the bill.

Pudding:

Christmas lunch, of course, isn't really complete without a flaming, fruit packed, boozy pudding. Borges Tawny Reserva Port NV has the depth and sweetness to seize the day.

If Yule Log is more your thing, pair it with Cline Cellars Late Harvest Mourvèdre 2017. Luxuriously sweet and divinely tempting you'll be reaching for another glass.

Cheese:

If you have any room left then you can round off the Christmas feast with a cheese plate, which is ripe for wine pairing. We definitely recommend a vintage Port. This big, fortified wine is an unrivalled partner to strong, salty, creamy, blue cheeses like Stilton, Roquefort or Gorgonzola. Krohn Vintage Port 2003 is drinking well now.

For pungent soft cheeses, think Brie or Camembert, will pair well with an aromatic Viognier. Try Le Versant Viognier 2021 from the south of France. Real Cheddar, from Somerset, needs an equally robust red to match. Syrah (or Syrah based blends) have the oomph to work. Smalltown Vineyards "Knock Knock" Shiraz 2020 from Australia's Barossa Valley is a great choice.

Semi-hard cheeses like Cornish Yarg or Emmental need a wine with acidity. English wines are often defined by their strident acidity, Sharpham Estate Selection 2021 will provide a nice counterpoint to the inherent fattiness of the cheese.

Now all that's needed is to dig out those board games!

(That's Christmas would like to thank Wickhams for their help in preparing this feature.)

Get fruity with your loved one this Christmas!

Get fruity with your loved one this Christmas with the help of Sandford Orchards.

Treat them to award-winning Sandford Orchards' Fabulous Fruits Hamper, full of lovingly crafted cider and snacks from Devon.

 A treat for any cider-lover, it includes a bottle of Fanny's Bramble, Berry Lane, Old Blossom and Wilde Cherry. To enjoy with the artisan cider, there are two scrumptious bars of Willie's Cacao chocolate and, for the perfect pour, there's a Sandford Orchards branded glass too.

For further information on Sandford Orchards and to see their full range of gifts for Christmas and the rest if the year please visit www.sandfordorchards.co.uk, follow Sandford Orchards on X, Facebook and Instagram. 

Tuesday, 12 December 2023

National Park charity brings Christmas to Ross Priory once again

Members and guests enjoyed an entertaining afternoon as Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs, the independent conservation and heritage charity for the National Park area, held its Christmas Concert at Ross Priory, Gartocharn.

This year guests were welcomed once again by local piper, Douglas Owler, and were then entertained by the locally-based group Rannoch Trio, who first met whilst working professionally with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. They performed a wonderful and varied selection of their repertoire, playing both classical and seasonal music which was very much enjoyed by the audience of Friends members and guests. 

Those attending were also able to purchase gifts from the talented wood turner from Rosneath, Maggie Irving, who displayed the beautiful objects she creates from heritage wood. Some of Maggie’s work supports the fund-raising efforts of the volunteers who are restoring Loch Lomond’s paddle steamer Maid of the Loch and there was also Maid of the Loch merchandise for sale along with the Friends’ range of books, Christmas cards and other gifts.

Rosemary Wilson, a long-standing member of the Friends for many years was kind enough to draw the winning tickets at the raffle where there were many prizes to be won including vouchers kindly provided by trustees as well as local businesses and charities, most notably from The Oak Tree Inn, Steamship Sir Walter Scott Ltd, Ross Priory and The Loch Lomond Steamship Company.

Friends Chairman, John Urquhart said: “This has been another very successful Christmas event for the Friends, whose members and guests return each year knowing that they will enjoy a wonderful afternoon in the delightful 18th century surroundings of Ross Priory”.

“A sincere thanks to our young piper, the Rannoch Trio and the stallholders who came along on the day and sold their wares to help the Friends and also the Maid of the Loch.

“And a huge thank you to the University of Strathclyde and the Staff at Ross Priory for all their help and assistance in continuing to make this such a memorable event.”

https://www.lochlomondtrossachs.org.uk

Bearded Fishermen Mental Health Charity gets A new Chart entry single for Christmas with singer Cat Winter

Bearded Fishermen Charity are a UK based charity offering mental health support and suicide prevention. They have been running for four years and have saved lives all over the UK as well as supporting thousands of people with their mental health, Running a 24/7 call centre as well as offering peer support and counselling services for free.

A spokesman said: "This year we decided we would try and get the message out by producing a new single. We teamed up with SoundLINCS and University of Lincoln and approached Cat Winter to help. The song was written and sung by Cat with the help of local musicians and the choir from Lincoln university, It was produced by the students of the university in there own studios. The outcome was a collaboration of different people and has ended up an amazing song.

Called "Don't Be Silent Tonight" it has been sent to all the major music sites like Amazon, iTunes and Spotify and entered into the UK and United States charts.

The charity Chairman (Rick Roberts) and Vice-Chairman (Mick Leyland) said "We are really hoping it does well and gets noticed by a lot of people around the world as this will highlight the need to help people and be there for one another, especially at this time of year when it can be a very lonely time.

"This is the first time we have entered a song into the charts and we know this year is going to be hard going as so many worthy songs are coming out for Christmas and some very big names. We would love people to join in with this and help us to get the song out there.

"Our Charity would love the opportunity to get the song into the right places and to be able to make sure that people will know its out there to be heard."

https://www.beardedfishermen.org.uk

That's Food and Drink: Celebrate the UK’s beloved pubs with Food by Natio...

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