Wickhams' Winter Wine Discovery Event

If you are in Exeter on Saturday 19th November, why not join Wickhams at the Mercure Exeter Rougemont Hotel from 12-6pm to discover their range of award-winning wines from around the world?

There will be a wide range of delicious A wines from England, France, Spain, Italy, South Africa and beyond, available to taste with many winemakers and producers available for you to actually meet up with on the day.

 There will also be five special wine masterclasses hosted by top wine industry experts such as popular wine writer Susy Atkins who writes for  telegraph.co.uk and delicious. magazine.

Tickets are available from eventbrite.co.uk and cost £15 per person (until October 31st), after which tickets cost £30 per person. 

Masterclasses are £5 each and it is recommended they are purchased beforehand.

The Exeter Mercure Hotel is located opposite the Central Station, in the very heart of Exeter. It is perfectly situated should you be using public transport and the hotel is wheelchair accessible, too.

Wickhams' tasting events are renowned for being informal and a lot of fun. You'll be able to taste lots of different wines, meet some of the winemakers and attend a masterclass. 

Whether you're an amateur who loves wines, or even if you're a seasoned professional, there'll be something there for you. The day will be the perfect chance for you to select your wines for the Festive Season, be they to be used as very special Christmas gifts or for your own personal Christmas wine cellar.

During the entire day Wickhams' will be showcasing a broad range of red, white, rosé, orange and sparkling wines such as: Bodegas La Eralta from Rioja, Spain; Mario Giribaldi from Piedmont Italy; Peter Falke from Stellenbosch, South Africa; and winemakers from Champagne, Beaujolais and Burgundy in France. Flying the flag for England will be Sandridge Barton Wines and Huxbear Vineyard, both lfrom Devon. 

Upon arrival you will be given a brochure with details of all the producers present and the wines that are available to taste. 

Masterclasses

Priced at £5 per person, unless otherwise stated. For further information or to book please visit:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/winter-wine-discovery-tickets-369410365347?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Masterclass 1 - Off the Beaten Track Wines Hosted by Stephen Barrett, wine writer and educator.

Join Stephen to explore some lesser-known grape varieties and countries in this intriguing masterclass. You may even discover a new favourite.

Masterclass 2 - Alternative Christmas Food and Wine Pairings Hosted by Pip Vanham AIWS DipWSET (please note this masterclass is £10 per person to cover food costs.)

Pip will be taking you through some alternative ideas to serve with your Christmas meal. There will be morsels of food served with each wine so you can really understand how wines change when enjoyed with the right pairing. Pip's passion really shines through when she's talking about wine and food so sign up and prepare to have your eyes opened to new flavour experiences.

Masterclass 3 - It's Beaujolais, but not as you know it! Hosted by Susy Atkins, wine writer (telegraph.co.uk, delicious mag.)

Beaujolais has too often been thought of as only a summer wine; light, floral and good served chilled. In this masterclass Susy will show you what gems Beaujolais is hiding to prove it is a great all-round region. You'll learn lots about the regions, the crus and the wines so open your mind to trying something new.

Susy writes for the Sunday Telegraph and Delicious magazine. She is also familiar to many wine & food lovers as a regular wine expert and presenter on BBC1's flag-ship cookery show Saturday Kitchen. 

Masterclass 4 - A Vineyard Year Hosted by Lucy Hulland of Huxbear Vineyard.

Come along and learn what really happens in the vineyard all the year round. Lucy Hulland is owner of Huxbear Vineyard, alongside Ben, her husband, and she will talk about the work required to plant and run a working vineyard. Nothing short of fascinating. 

You'll gain a greater understanding of what goes on "behind the scenes”, with blood, sweat, tears and an awful lot of hard work all contributing to the wines you'll be tasting. 

Masterclass 5 - Classic Christmas Wines Hosted by Dan Farrell-Wright

Join Wickhams' owner, Dan Farrell-Wright as he talks through what he will be drinking at the dinner table this Christmas. Dan's easy delivery will leave you feeling like you're part of the family as you taste 5 of Dan's favourite, classic choices for the festive season.

Wickhams have had another hugely successful year beating Waitrose & Partners to win Specialist Merchant of the Year, England at the International Wine Challenge Awards and receiving three nominations at this year's Decanter Retailer Awards. 

Their events schedule also continues to build with regular online tastings which are informative and a lot of fun. They are also very reasonably priced with one tasting pack, containing enough for two people, costing £10. These events are hosted by Dan Farrell-Wright and Pip Vanham (AIWS DipWSET) as well as other special guests and can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own sofa! All information can be found at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/wickhams-great-british-wine-merchant-33238984503

Wickhams is an independent Devon-based wine merchant. They love to source the finest Estate bottled wines from around the globe.

Wickhams curate collections from everyday wines to utter classics, so there's something to suit every taste. They passionately believe in stocking wines, spirits and gift sets at a range of price points to ensure their products are accessible to everyone. To stay updated with all their events and new releases sign up to their mailing list at www.wickhamwine.co.uk.

Brie & Pickle Pastry Wreath from Cottage Delight

Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 15 minutes Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 320g ready roll puff pastry

• 6tbsp Cottage Delight Perfect Party Pickle (320g jar)

• 200g brie cheese, sliced

• 2 tbsp pistachio nuts roughly chopped

• 1 egg, beaten

Method

• Pre-heat the oven to 200ºC/180ºC fan/gas 6 and line a baking sheet with some parchment paper.

• Roll the pastry and cut a large circle out of the pastry.

• Lay the large pastry circle on the prepared baking sheet.

• Mark an inner circle with a medium-sized bowl, but don’t press all the way through the pastry!

• Cut four cuts into the centre circle, this will create 8 triangles.

• Spread the Perfect Party Pickle around the outer circle then top with the brie and pistachios.

• From the four cuts, bring one triangle of the centre outwards over the filling as well as bringing the outer edge of pastry inwards. Press the two together and continue all the way around with the remaining 7 triangles until you have a wreath.

• Brush with beaten egg then place in the oven and allow to bake for 15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

• Remove from the oven, allow to rest for 5 minutes then slice and serve.

We would like to thank Cottage Delight for their assistance in providing this Christmas recipe. To learn more about their Cottage Delight Perfect Party Pickle and their other delicious cookery products please visit them at https://www.cottagedelight.co.uk.

And whilst you are there do please check out their very welcoming and helpful EarlyBird Discount of 15%! 

Cide is Wine. For Christmas and beyond

Four years ago Cider Is Wine set out a vision that "by 2030 all trade and consumers will be aware of wines fermented from apples, pears and other fruits made from 100% juice not from concentrate."

The Cider Is Wine hologram certification together with high level influencers and media acceptance has helped change perceptions with both the trade and consumer when it comes to drinks made from 100% freshly-pressed apple, pear and other fruit juices, not from concentrates, following grape winemaking rules and regs. 

These products really are wines by any other name (a very different proposition from mass market, 35% juice content ciders, perries and fruit wines, all of which can come from concentrate that's very often imported).

A spokesman for Cider Is Wine said: "Today we're thrilled to announce another step towards our 2030 vision, further accelerating our growth, with the agreement we've entered into  with Awin Barratt Siegel (ABS) to distribute selected cideries nationally in the UK drinks trade."

ABS is a six-time winner of the 'IWSC Importer of the Year Trophy' and works with over 80 wineries across 12 different countries, including the IWSC 2022 White Wine Producer of the Year.

Elliot Awin, a Partner at Awin Barratt Siegel, said: “We're really delighted to introduce selected Cider is Wine producers into the ABS portfolio: with lower alcohol content, and offering a complexity that readily exceeds their price on the shelf, these ciders, perries and fruit wines, with their local provenance, provide another string to the bow of independent wine merchants.” 

Alistair Morrell, Chief Cider Officer at Cider Is Wine, will be working closely with ABS to develop the cideries' sales, marketing and relationships, throughout the trade, as the ambassador for Cider Is Wine. 

Alistair added: “This is a vital milestone on the way to the big 2030 vision we laid out back in 2018. We're looking forward to working with the ABS team to bring these quality, artisan and authentic products to a much wider trade audience, confidently promoting the fact they be appreciated as much as any fine wine can be.”

Cider Is Wine continues to harness this new drinks category, worth an estimated £150 million, through certification with the unique hologram and education with both existing and new members. 

The combination of wine ranges from family-owned wineries stocked by ABS, together with the innovation of artisan products from Cider Is Wine sourced from 4 continents, each redolent of their 'terroir', to use a winemaking expression, is all about increased choice for consumers and a strong business proposition for UK wholesalers and retailers.

The UK market for ciders, perries and fruit wines made from 100% fruit, not from concentrate is conservatively estimated to be worth £150 million and they're inviting us to take a slice.

That's Christmas is be promoting the idea of ciders for Christmas, especially during Christmas dinner. We suggest purchasing a range of "real" ciders from your usual drink retailers and testing them out before the big day itself.

Limoncello Di Capri Relaunch With Bold New Brand

Legendary Italian drinks company Molinari has relaunched its popular Limoncello di Capri with an eye-catching new brand. One of Mangrove UK's delicious brands, the lemon-flavoured liqueur has received a refresh of its bottle, packaging, and position within the market.

Molinari's Limoncello di Capri sits in a class of its own, thanks to authentically sourced ingredients. 

The liqueur is made from 100% Sorrento, 'I.G.P' lemons a type of fruit specific to the region which is higher in essential oils, Vitamin C, and flavour. The process has remained unchanged over the years and the production of the liqueur takes place on the Gulf of Sorrento itself.

Originally produced as a post-meal digestif, this adaptable drink is now enjoying a renaissance with a variety of different serving suggestions and recipes.

The rebrand comes at a time when the Limoncello market is becoming more crowded. The new brand sets it apart from its less authentic competitors and supports the quality and purity of the spirit. The packaging is designed to appeal to an international market - premium, with a unique bottle that reflects the region's island cultures. The result is a product that draws in anyone with an affinity to Italy and can be enjoyed all year round due to its delicious versatility.

From the perspective of taste, Limoncello di Capri reflects its high quality ingredients, using the I.G.P lemons, which are a unique type of citrus fruit famous for their aroma, taste, balance between citric tartness and sugar, and the presence of vital essential oil. 

The traditional process also ensures there are absolutely no additives or preservatives. Thus adding to its provenance as the definitive choice for limoncello lovers.

The days of Limoncello being enjoyed as a digestif alone, are well in the past. Signature serves which have been developed alongside the new brand, are already regularly enjoyed, all year round, along the Sorrento coastline. 

Mixed simply as a spritz with prosecco or with tonic water, provides a refreshingly fruity beverage that's as delicious at Christmas, as it is in Summer. Limoncello di Capri adds a delicious citrus twist and pairs well with classic vodka and gin cocktails.  For a more unusual serve, enjoy as an iced drink or granita that's reminiscent of an invigorating lemon sorbet.

Richard Glover UK County Director of Molinari said of the rebrand: “The new brand for Limoncello di Capri reflects the quality and provenance of a liqueur which is synonymous with the sun-fuelled, pleasure-filled Italian lifestyle. 

"We're thrilled to bring it to market, alongside some recipe suggestions which will help lemon-lovers across the world to enjoy this versatile Italian drink.”

Nick Gillett, Managing Director of Mangrove UK said: “With the rise of the spritz and the UK's new-found love for Italian spirits and liqueurs, there is no better time for Limoncello di Capri to make its mark as a versatile drink that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, by new audiences.

“We at Mangrove are thrilled to have the original and definitive Limoncello as part of the portfolio and look forward to achieving the results the new branding deserves.”

We at That's Christmas feel that this relaunched spirit will surely be a firm favourite this Christmas and into the New Year.

Christmas gift guide ideas from Limetree London, a luxury gifting independent retailer

Christmas gift guide ideas from a luxury gifting independent retailer called Lime Tree London.

Lime Tree London has a wonderful range of British made gifts and decorations which are all absolutely perfect for Christmas.

The independent business, founded by two female entrepreneurs in Kent, Natalie Joliffe and Hayley Adams, specialises in personalisation, high quality and well-designed products with sustainability a key part of what they do.

So what Christmas gifting and Christmas decoration ideas are available?

Child Reindeer Apron and Hat set: £35

Parent and child Santa Apron and Hat set: £35 each

Letter to Santa sack: £45

Personalised child's Christmas gift box: £29.50

Animal stockings - set of 4 types - personalised: £29.50

Bunny towel gift box: £29.50

Personalised striped bean bag chair - also comes in blue: £90

To place your order and to see what else they have to offer please visit their website https://www.limetreelondon.com.

And when you sign up for their newsletter you will receive a very welcome 10% discount on your first order.

Asda launches new premium own brand spirits in time for Christmas

Asda has revealed the creation of  nine new drinks lines, which includes a premium botanical gin, some cream liqueurs and some flavoured gins, just in time for Christmas.

The launch sees the first products introduced under The Distiller, a brand that is new and exclusive to Asda.

The additions to Asda's existing own-label drinks are presented in specially designed giftable bottles, with prices starting at a very modest £8.00. Thus making them perfect for Christmas time gifting.

Some of the new lines have been 'endorsed’ by the Good Housekeeping Institute, and hold the logo as a mark of quality.

Asda is revealing several exclusive and utterly new drink lines, which are ideal for any celebration or would make a most suitable gift.

These exciting releases bring to life Asda’s new, own-label brand, The Distiller whilst also growing its existing Extra Special alcohol range.

Brand new from The Distiller are four flavoured gin liqueurs, all produced with triple distilled gin and priced at £8 per 50cl bottle. 

Distilled in the UK, the flavours are; Passionfruit and Pineapple Gin Liqueur, Pink Grapefruit and Orange Blossom Gin Liqueur, Cherry and Vanilla Gin Liqueur and Rhubarb and Ginger Gin Liqueur.

They are sold in art-deco-inspired bottles, so not only do they taste delicious, these bottles will also make the perfect addition to any home bar this Christmas.

Also new to the supermarket’s range of spirits are two delicious, own-label flavoured gins from The Distiller. Made in the UK with triple distilled gin, the range consists of an Elderflower flavour Gin and a Raspberry Lemonade flavour Gin, both of which are priced at £14 per 70cl bottle. Asda's drink experts recommend that you serve them with tonic or lemonade, ice and garnish with berries or a sprig of fresh rosemary.

For those of us who are seeking out a little extra indulgence or perhaps an after-dinner digestif, Asda has also revealed two new flavoured Cream Liqueurs; an Extra Special Blonde Chocolate Cream Liqueur and an Extra Special Chocolate Orange Cream Liqueur. These are also both endorsed by the Good Housekeeping Institute.

On trend for Christmas 2022, and the perfect option for lovers of blonde chocolate, is the Extra Special Blonde Chocolate Cream Liqueur. This combines Caribbean rum and double cream, the blonde liqueur is made with real Madagascan vanilla, white chocolate and caramel flavours.

With zesty Seville orange and mellow chocolate notes, the Extra Special Orange Chocolate Cream Liqueur is a velvety smooth blend of double cream and triple distilled vodka.

The rich, decadent and luxurious liqueurs are best served with ice and priced at £8.00 each.

Also there's the new, Extra Special Botanical London Dry Gin. This gin is made in Yorkshire in an award-winning distillery, the small batch, hand-crafted Extra Special Gin is made with nine botanicals. Which include  juniper, coriander, orange peel, angelica root, orris root, cardamom and locally foraged crab apple and gorse.

But there's something else, too. The Extra Special Botanical London Dry Gin is utterly luxurious. And it has the added advantage of being eco-friendly and sustainable too. 

The bottle is created using part recycled glass and uses sustainable cork stoppers from the Portuguese cork forest, which protects the habitat of wildlife, especially birds. It is distilled in an iStill, using a fifth of the energy of a normal still and ALL fruit and botanical waste is re-used or composted.

The premium looking bottle, also given the endorsement of the Good Housekeeping Institute and adorned with botanical illustrations, is priced at just £15 per bottle.

Shop in store and online at asda.com now, ready to gift your friends or for you to enjoy with family and friends over the Christmas season.

Personally speaking I think Christmas gift and drink buying might just have gotten a little easier, thanks to Asda!

Looking for work over Christmas? Here are some ideas

 

A lot of people look for temporary work over Christmas. But what is available?

Supermarkets such as Sainsbury, Asda, Morrisons, Tesco etc are already recruiting for Christmas colleagues and the rates of pay are reasonable.

Also, if you have a clean driving licence it would be worth enquiring about jobs over the Christmas period for food delivery services. Either with the big national outfits such as Deliveroo And Uber Eats or approach restaurants and takeaways direct as some of them still prefer to employ their own delivery drivers.

Bakers, patisseries and the like also sometimes need to recruit staff either in store, in the bakery itself or as delivery drivers. So see what is available in your local area. 

Also, what about florists? They are often very busy over the Christmas period with deliveries of flowers and plants to family members, fiancées, etc so it is worth checking with local florists to see if they have any openings for Christmas delivery drivers.

Theatres will normally hold a variety of entertainment events throughout the Christmas and New Year period, including pantomimes, Christmas spectaculars, etc and they often require front of house staff, scene shifters, catering staff, etc, so do see if your nearest theatres require any seasonal staff.

Venues such as exhibition centres, stately homes and the like employ extra staff over Christmas so check out those that are within your area.

Parcel and mail carriers often recruit extra staff over the Christmas period so do think about checking them out if you have a clean driving licence.

Pubs and hotels such as the Wetherspoon chain are often recruiting for bar staff, waiting staff, kitchen staff and cleaners to help cope with the Christmas rush so are worth considering.

Are there any chocolatiers or confectionary manufacturers within your reach? They, too, often employ extra staff to help cope with the Christmas rush and also the Easter period, too.

Garden Centres often look for extra staff over the Christmas period either working with the plants, operating tills, working in the Christmas section, or working in the café or restaurant as these are often extremely popular for festive lunches in the run up to Christmas.

Do you have a shopping mall near to you? If so, check them out to see if they require extra Christmas staff, perhaps they are running Santa experiences? Or maybe individual retail outlets within the shopping mall might require extra staff? They are worth checking out.

Does your town or area hold a Christmas market? If so, contact the operators to see if there are any temporary jobs available?

It's possible that your local authority or council might be requiring temporary staff to help run their Christmas events, so give them a try.

Also, check out employment agencies (local or national) and sites like Indeed and Linkedin for suitable temporary seasonal vacancies.  

(Image courtesy of Rudy and Peter Skitterians from Pixabay)

Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market

Birmingham’s famed Frankfurt Christmas Market is a firm fixture in Birmingham's annual calendar of events and it's a massive favourite with Brummies and visitors to the city from across the UK and Europe. 

Birmingham comes alive every winter with the arrival of the Market, a clear sign Christmas is just round the corner!

The stalls on Victoria Square and along New Street offer something for everyone.

It's the biggest and authentic German Christmas market outside Germany or Austria.

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market offers a whopping range of traditional German good and gifts and a selection of tempting foods and drinks. 

Genuine freshly baked pretzels, fresh schnitzels, bratwursts, and roasted almonds will tempt your tastebuds, all of which can be washed down with gluhwein, weissbeer (wheat beer), or tasty hot chocolate.

It'a a wonderful place to meet up with family and friends and enjoy the live music programme on Victoria Square. 

And whilst you’re there, why not pick up some presents for your family and friends with everything from handcrafted wooden decorations and delicate glass baubles to the ever-favourite crystal lamps, Sounds of Nature, hand-crafted leatherwork, toys, jewellery and much more besides! The big wheel and ice rink are also regular fixtures at the event -  For more information and to book tickets visit www.iceskatebirmingham.co.uk.

For more information about the city’s Frankfurt Christmas Market, please visit www.thebfcm.co.uk and follow @thechrismoose, reportedly the world’s only tweeting moose on Twitter.

The big wheel and ice rink are also regular fixtures -  For more details and to book tickets visit www.iceskatebirmingham.co.uk.

Over the years, Birmingham's singing Christmas moose (Chris Moose) has become a Christmas attraction in his own right. Located directly in front of the Council House entrance, the singing moose (Chris to his mates) guarantees a Christmassy atmosphere and a lot of fun for young and old. (I love Chris Moose and have been known to sing along with him!)

https://visitbirmingham.com for more details on Britain's second city, Birmingham.

woman&home Christmas LIVE

Following an overwhelming positive response from the woman&home audience during research earlier this year, they are proud to announce the launch of woman&home Christmas LIVE, a brand new, boutique event, which will take place on Saturday 19th November at London’s amazing County Hall.

Bringing to life the best selling magazine, this exciting event allows brands to get in front of over 1,500 highly engaged, affluent women, face to face, in the lead up to the festive season.

Carefully organised by the woman&home team, they'll be presenting an expert line up, fizz in abundance, a dazzling dose of fashion and beauty, plus, a relaxation beauty lounge, and a boutique shopping experience through their Christmas market, overlooking stunning views of the River Thames.

“We’re so excited to launch woman&home Christmas Live! Our extensive audience research reveals our readers love all things Christmas, even more so after the disruption of the last two years. This fabulous festive event offers opportunities for extensive food and drink tasting alongside inspiring fashion, beauty and crafts – all perfectly complemented with one-stop shopping opportunities in a stylish central London location,” said Catherine Westwood, who is Group Editor in Chief.

woman&home is now looking for partners and sponsors to take part in the event. “We know that November is a key purchasing time for this audience, and meeting brands face to face before December kicks off is key. We’ve listened to our brand audience and designed a highly immersive experience that will really kick start the festive season," points out Jonny Sullens, Head of Events, Future PLC.

To learn more or to book tickets visit them here https://www.womanandhomechristmas.com.

Christmas at Waddesdon returns for successful 20th year

This November, Christmas at Waddesdon, the much-loved festive extravaganza in Buckinghamshire, returns with some magical lights and music, the gardens will be aglow and more for visitors to enjoy than ever!

The Manor is back! Admire sparkling decorations and themed displays inside the house for the first time since 2019!

A new route around the house takes visitors through the magnificent Red Drawing Room, Dining Room and Conservatory, all magically transformed for the first time at Christmas.

See Waddesdon’s spectacular landscape brought to life as the longest-ever illuminated light trail winds through the grounds.

Immersive light installations to captivate the senses create a new family-friendly exhibition at the Coach House Gallery.

Enjoy unique seasonal shopping as Waddesdon’s traditional Christmas Fair returns from 12 Nov – 18 December.

Discover their new, bespoke Food Village and indulge in a fabulous selection of takeaway food and drink to enjoy whilst exploring the grounds.

Inside the Manor

Built to entertain on a spectacular scale, where better to inspire than Waddesdon Manor? After a two-year break, Christmas returns to the house with lavishly decorated rooms offering plenty to delight and surprise visitors of all ages.

Step inside a Waddesdon-inspired wonderland and see the magnificent setting of the Red Drawing Room, Dining Room and Conservatory sumptuously decorated for the first time as you follow a new route through the house.

Traditionally, much of the Manor is ‘put to bed’ for cleaning and conservation over the winter, so the decorated rooms on display this Christmas offer visitors a unique and utterly different experience of Waddesdon. Each room celebrates an aspect of the house, its history and collections to mark 20 years since the Manor first opened at this time of year.

From famous portraits to beautiful porcelain, festive decorations will take inspiration from the Manor’s many treasures, and, in the Dining Room, a newly commissioned peacock sculpture by renowned paper artist Andy Singleton will create an additional sense of wonder. Along the route, a series of light installations reflecting Waddesdon’s outdoor exciting displays including suspended butterfly lights and a corridor of illuminated clouds, link the indoors and outdoors together and bring a touch of Winter Light magic to the Manor at the most wonderful time of the year.

In the Grounds

Outside, Waddesdon’s spectacular landscape and magnificent trees are brought to life with a kaleidoscope of colour, lights and music as the longest-ever illuminated light trail fills the grounds.

This year’s displays feature mesmerising new light installations alongside some seasonal favourites. As twilight falls, highlights include the spectacle of the Manor’s façade illuminated with dancing lights set to music and the gardens glowing with a cascading field of flames, a tunnel of twinkling stars (the perfect photo opportunity) and colou-changing, interactive stepping stones.

Elsewhere, Daffodil Valley will be transformed with over 5,000 orbs adorning the hillside to create a glittering, wonderous blanket of lights, which turns into a sea of animation set to music. For keen Instagrammers, a new ‘WADDESDON’ selfie spot, with a huge sign of illuminated letters, is also sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to tag posts with #ChristmasAtWaddesdon.

At the Stables, visitors will encounter a giant 22 ft Christmas tree composed of over 10,000 colour-changing pixels creating festive imagery. Inside the Coach House Gallery, a new immersive light experience of installations exploring colour, patterns and reflections in light and sound will deliver a captivating sensory experience for all the family. 

Christmas Fair

Another much-anticipated highlight of the season is Waddesdon’s popular Christmas Fair (12 Nov – 18 Dec). Housed in charming wooden chalets decked with over 1,000 meters of festoon lighting, visitors will be able to browse over 80 specially chosen artisan stalls offering the very finest and often unique gifts and decorations. Against the backdrop of the floodlit Manor, it’s a shopping experience not to be missed.

There will also be an exclusive assortment of homeware, food, gifts and world-renowned Rothschild wines to purchase in the Waddesdon gift shops. New for this Christmas, the popular Waddesdon Rothschild Collection range of own-label wines has been redesigned and expanded to include an exemplary English sparkling wine, small batch and limited-edition gins, chocolate, honey, beer and local chilli oils, jams and chutneys, all produced exclusively for Waddesdon.

All profits will go towards the upkeep of Waddesdon, a Rothschild House and Gardens.

Food Village

Also new for 2022, there is a dedicated, bespoke Food Village (12 Nov – 2 Jan) will complement the traditional Christmas Fair, offering visitors a fabulous selection of takeaway food and drink to enjoy whilst exploring the grounds.

For an extra special treat, there will also be Christmas afternoon teas in the Manor Restaurant, fish and chips at the Stables and a delicious assortment of homemade cakes and biscuits, including unbeatable crumble-topped mince pies, created in-house by Waddesdon’s talented chefs.

Pippa Shirley, Director of Waddesdon, says: “Waddesdon is breathtaking at any time of year, but at Christmas, it has a particular magic. We are really delighted to be reopening the House again, after a break of two years and now with some of the most magnificent rooms included on the route for the first time, and to be extending the festive light trail in the grounds, which brings our extraordinary landscape to life in a completely different way. I really hope that this year there is something to surprise and delight everyone, whether a first-time visitor or one of the many who tell us that their Christmas begins at Waddesdon. It’s a place where memories are made.”

Opening dates, times and tickets:

All visits to the grounds and house must be pre-booked online to avoid disappointment, including for National Trust members.

Christmas at Waddesdon

Wednesday–Sunday, 12 November 2022–2 January 2023 (inc. 19, 20, 27 Dec & 2 Jan 2023), 12–7pm

NB the whole property is closed from 24 to 26 Dec

Decorated rooms in the house

Wednesday–Sunday, 12 November 2022–2 January 2023 (inc. 19, 20, 27 Dec & 2 Jan 2023), 12.30–7pm (last entry 6.30pm)

NB advance booking of timed tickets is vital for all house visitors, including National Trust members.

Illuminated light trail in the grounds

Wednesday–Sunday, 12 November 2022–2 January 2023 (inc. 19, 20, 27 Dec & 2 Jan 2023), 12–7pm (last entry 6pm)

NB the Winter Light trail will continue in the grounds from 6–22 Jan 2023, Fri to Sun.

Christmas Fair

Wednesday–Sunday, 12 November 2022–18 December 2022, 12–7pm (last entry 6pm)

NB included with Grounds entry or House & Grounds entry

Food Village

Wednesday–Sunday, 12 November 2022–2 January 2023 (inc. 19, 20, 27 Dec & 2 Jan 2023), 12–7pm (last entry 6pm)

NB included with Grounds entry or House & Grounds entry

Prices from: £18.20 Adult, £9.10 Child (Grounds only) | £32.70 Adult, £16.35 Child (House & Grounds)

National Trust member prices from: £5 Adult, £2.50 Child (Grounds only) | £7.50 Adult, £3.75 Child (House & Grounds)

Full details of prices and online booking information, here: www.waddesdon.org.uk/christmas.

The Festive Gift Fair 2022

Christmas isn’t just about buying gifts, it’s making sure every corner of your home looks fabulous and your table is set for a festive feast! All of which can be found at this much loved Christmas Shopping Fair returning to the NEC, 17-20 NOVEMBER for its 26th year!

Often the most time-consuming part is finding unique presents but there’s no need to be stuck

for ideas this year! Get your Christmas off to a cracking start at The Festive Gift Fair and you’ll see how fun and easy Christmas shopping can be!

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be caught up in the excitement of the day, exploring 300 stalls (over 100 NEW stalls this year!) overflowing with thousands upon thousands of clever and exciting gift ideas and decorations for affordable prices. The variety is huge, with something for everyone.

To get you into the Christmas spirit, while you’re shopping at the fair, you can enjoy a whole line-up of fantastic musical entertainment to get your toes tapping!

Back by popular demand is David Julien, finalist of The Voice UK, The Grinch, The Stilt Jazz Band, choirs and more! And of course, Santa will be there along with his fabulous sleigh…plenty of photo opportunities!

It’s no wonder The Festive Gift Fair is the most popular Christmas shopping event in the heart of Britain.

Here’s a little sneak preview of some of the goodies you’ll be able to see 

Eat Drink and Be Merry!

Christmas is the one time of year when everyone can over indulge a little. At The Festive Gift Fair you’ll find a whole array of delicious artisan food and drink to sample, before you buy.

NEW! The Panettone Store will be selling mouthwatering panettone in beautiful Dolce & Gabbana designed tins. A perfect dinner party gift.

NEW! Add a little heat to your cooking with Leithal Hot Sauces …hot, tangy and fruity sauces and even a mojo rub!

NEW! Beautiful gift sets from The Cherry Tree – pick your own chutneys, jams and curds from a huge selection of flavours ranging from Christmas pickle with mead to Cherry curd, plum and mulled wine jam to bloody Mary chutney.

NEW! Not just for your table but great present idea from Drury & Alldis…build your own gift of bottle stacked oils and vinegars…black garlic vinegar, oak smoked oil and mango vinegar are many more!

NEW! Put your feet up at the end of the day and enjoy a glass of Moonshine…you’ve earned it! O’Donnell Moonshine, as seen on BBC Dragons’ Den, will tempt your taste buds with roasted apple moonshine, wild berry, tough nut and blood orange …wow!

Home Decor…

Deck you home for Christmas.

Seasonal dried fruit wreaths, swags and garlands from the Natural Cone & Fruit Company are a tradition to adorn any home.

From gonks galore to magical unicorns and Christmas stockings the 1 Stop Christmas Shop has it all!

NEW! Colourful, beautifully crafted handmade mosaic table lamps and ceramic wall décor to brighten any home available from Turan Mosaic Arts & Craft.

GIFTS FOR THE KIDS…

You’ll find loads of clever stocking fillers, toys and games to keep tots, school children and teenagers amused for hours!

For over 15 years now the ever popular Lanke Kade are back with their fair trade wooden toys and gifts. Their distinctive range offers bright, bold colours and natural wood finishes from Noah’s Ark to Nativity sets - a great heirloom for any family.

NEW! Head to the TwirlySkirts stall for a special party dress for your little Princess! Cuddly and fun plush toys and inflatables for boys and girls available on The Little Shop stand.

NEW! 1000’s of books for kids from fiction to fantasy available from Books 2 Doors.

NEW! Discover the inner artist in you by assembling beautiful crystals on canvas using a new amazing technique called diamond painting available on the Diamond Art Studio stall.

PERSONALISE YOUR GIFT FOR A TRULY UNIQUE PRESENT…

Buying presents is often quite a challenge but at The Festive Gift Fair you’ll find decorations and gifts to treasure forever.

NEW! UK Print Studio will personalise your family prints.

Have your choice of name on a huge selection of baubles … Delightful Decorations will again be offering their personalised service at the fair for you.

Using pyrography, Spinney Cottage can personalise a huge range of wooden items from keepsake boxes to bookmarks and stools to keyrings

HEALTH AND BEAUTY TREATS…

Let’s face it we all want to look good for all the Christmas parties and there’s nothing like a bit of pampering once the busy season is in full swing!

The Perfume Shop, have a range of 130 brands of women’s perfumes and men’s aftershave at affordable prices.

NEW! Feel Good CBD offer a range of sports recovery aids, flavoured oils, creams & lotions… drift away at the end of a busy day!

NEW! Beautiful home fragrance and candle gift sets available from Rock Home & Leisure. There’s even a Passion Fruit Martini scent!

NEW! Indulge in some self pampering from Rokamar with their whipped body butters…put your feet up and relax!

FASHION & ACCESSORIES…

Always a popular stall, The Handbag Company offer a huge range of genuine leather bags, purses and wallets at great prices!

NEW! Head to the Twilly & Hyde stall for hide bags, fedora hats , ladies jumpers and gloves.

NEW! For the magic of Disney, Kingdom Threads have a range of embroidered Disney themed apparel.

Ready for winter…Lucido Boutique offer a gorgeous range of knitwear from casual to smart.

Book your tickets now and get ready for a brilliant, fun day Christmas Shopping.

The Christmas Gift Fair is open daily 9.30am-5pm daily from Thursday 17th to Sunday 20th November at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham. Adult tickets from just £6

For much more information, list of exhibitors, video, show highlights and the musical entertainment programme, visit www.festivegiftfair.co.uk.

Book tickets online at www.theticketfactory.com.

It's organised by: Orchard Events Ltd.

And will take place in Hall 5 of the NEC. 

The postcode for your satnav is B40 1NT.

info@orchardevents.co.uk

orchardevents.co.uk

Ticket prices are:-

Adult advance full day £9 £11

Adult advance afternoon (1.30pm-5pm) £6 £8

Adult on the door £11 £13

Child (5-16 yrs) £4 £4

Under 5’s free free

GROUP tickets

(15+ adults)

Thurs 17th/Fri 18th Nov Sat 19th/Sun 20th

Nov

Adult advance £6 £8

Child (5-16 yrs) £4 £4

Looking to buy undies this Christmas? Here's expert help!

New research by Pour Moi, shows there's been an increase in men buying lingerie for their wives and girlfriends. Which in the run-up to Christmas is very relevant! 

India Reynolds

However, the study, by Pour Moi, shows most men don’t know their partners bra size.

Former Love Island star and top lingerie designer, India Reynolds, answers men’s most asked underwear questions.

The study, specially commissioned by leading lingerie brand Pour Moi, revealed most men admit they don’t have a clue when it comes to buying new underwear for their wife or girlfriend.

Almost three quarters of men polled didn’t know the difference between basques and bodysuits, with 60% admitting they were pretty much clueless as to what style of lingerie their partner liked the best.

The data uncovered Altrincham which is in Greater Manchester as the top location in the UK where the most men are searching for lingerie for their partners.

The brand conducted the survey after analysing sales and search data revealed a trend in the rise of men purchasing underwear for their partners which has been rising over the last five consecutive years.

Most males have awkward experiences with lingerie, from fondling around in the dark to undo a bra to disappointing a loved one by purchasing unflattering underwear for Christmas.

India Reynolds, the brains behind the new India Loves Pour Moi AW22 collection, a range designed to help women feel absolutely fabulous, has answers for some of men’s most Googled questions when it comes to buying lingerie for that special someone.

India Reynolds said, “Buying lingerie for the woman in your life is sexy, it’s a gift you can both enjoy. But it’s not without its challenges. It can be confusing as there’s lots to know, with loads of choices available.”

“I’ve answered some of the guys’ most asked questions to help them next time they’re looking to buy the missus some new lingerie. There are plenty of men out there who don’t know their way around a bra, never mind the terminology. Hopefully, this will give them the knowledge to shop with confidence and impress their partners.”

“With the new India Loves Pour Moi collection, guys can put their newfound knowledge to good use. We’ve created stylish, timeless and fabulously fitted pieces that make you look and feel amazing no matter your shape, or style is at the core of this range. That's why we’ve included best-selling styles in new colourways, as well as adding in some fabulous new pieces”

Highlights from the new collection include the India Embroidery Bustier and Thong in a stunning cobalt – the perfect shade update for the new season. The customer favourite, India Eyelash Lace, a delicate and luxe style, is now available in a stunning red and chocolate. They're are confident you’ll feel fabulous wearing any of new pieces from the India Loves range.

Your questions answered, by India Reynolds:

How do I know my girlfriend’s bra size?

If you don’t know and don’t want to ask as you’re buying as a surprise, the best way to find out is to look in the labels of her bras and check which size she usually wears.

How do I choose underwear for my partner?

If you know what she usually likes, for example if she always wears black underwear, then I would stick to something quite similar, so you know she’ll like it.

Or if you know there’s any areas of her body, she’s self-conscious of, go for something that might give some coverage, like a bodysuit perhaps. This will help with confidence if she wants to hide her stomach, or a push up bra if she wants a fuller bust.

Women always feel sexier when they feel confident, so I think this is key. Also consider what you would like to see her in, if it’s red lingerie I would get a similar shape to something she has in another colour and feels good in.

What style of underwear do I buy for my partner?

Take into consideration what it’s for. If you’d like something she can wear out, then bodysuits and basques look amazing with jeans and a blazer, so this is great option.

Or if it’s for the bedroom, a suspender set, and stockings are perfect. We have a huge range of options so there’s something for everyone.

What is the difference between a T shirt and a Balconette bra?

A t-shirt bra can be padded or non-padded, they are typically seamless or moulded and give a great shape under clothes. They are a soft everyday bra and more plunge in the middle.

A balconette bra offers a rounded look and great support with less coverage, the straps tend to be a little wider-set and join at the side of the cup rather than the centre. Balconettes look gorgeous as a suspender set and are less every day when compared to a t-shirt bra.

You can check out the range here https://www.pourmoi.co.uk.

Three ways to have a more sustainable Halloween

If you are looking for wooden or paper Halloween decorations, or materials for your Halloween crafting, keep an eye out for the FSC logo.

More and more people are taking part in Halloween in the UK each year, but the scariest thing about October 31st is the dreadful waste. 

With so many people now concerned about environmental issues, many are looking for ways to make Halloween more eco-friendly, so we’ve listed some suggestions below.

1. Say no to plastic

A lot of the Halloween decorations and accessories found in shops sand online are produced with plastic, most of which cannot, unfortunately,  be recycled. You can ditch the plastic trick or treat buckets by using paper or canvas bags instead. 

Are you planning some Halloween celebrations? Then deciding to switch over to plastic-free decorations is a great step. 

You can now find many more sustainable Halloween decorations made with wood or paper, which are reusable/recyclable and budget friendly, too. Just remember to make sure they are FSC-certified! Here are some examples:

Paint your own pumpkins – Flying Tiger

Spider decorations – Flying Tiger

Halloween garland – Flying Tiger

Honeycomb pumpkin decorations – Talking Tables

Pumpkin garland – Talking Tables

Halloween cards – Card Factory

2. Reuse your old costumes

Millions of poor-quality Halloween costumes are mass-produced annually. Many of these are made from unsustainable materials, like polyester, which is a plastic. 

What's even worse is such costumes are often only worn once and then packed away in the attic, only to be thrown away in the next clear out. 

For a greener Halloween costume, make costumes out of old clothing, or you can extend the life of the costumes you already have by re-wearing them or by having a costume swap with friends and family. If you do have any unwanted costumes, sell them online so others can make use of them.

3. Make your own

Are you feeling creative or are looking for Halloween activities for children, a quick Ecosia search will bring up countless tutorials for easy DIY Halloween decorations such as paper garlands, tissue-paper ghosts and print-out templates to make your own masks. But please remember to use FSC-certified or recycled paper.

Short on time? Not skilled enough to craft Halloween stuff? There are many sustainable Halloween decorations that are effortless. You can use fallen branches and leaves as decorations or dress up your house and garden with pumpkins and squashes (just make sure you don’t leave them out too long so you can’t eat them!).

These are just a few sustainable Halloween ideas to get you started. If you are looking for wooden or paper Halloween decorations, or materials for your Halloween crafting, keep an eye out for the FSC logo, letting you know they’re responsibly sourced.

Actually, some of these lessons can be applied to Christmas decorations, too. I think many of us will be up for Christmas paper garlands, using found branches as part of your Christmas decorations. 

However, make sure you are fire safety aware with any decorations you use at home.

fsc-uk.org.

Poppy On Safari

Poppy On Safari is a book for children which should be in the Christmas stockings of many children this Christmas.

It tells to story of a slightly dotty cream coloured golden retriever who is called Poppy. Poppy is a typical dog. A tiny bit spoiled and bedevilled by a good dose of canine greed!

But it's all good, because Poppy is oh, so loveable and, as a result, is a well-loved member of he human family.

However, due to a series of unfortunate incidents that occur on a family trip to the safari park, Poppy finds herself running wild and free in the safari park!

Oh, no! Whatever will Poppy do? Luckily Poppy meets a new friend, who is called Harley. Can Poppy and Harley make it safely out of the safari park? 

However, there is an added complication, because Cain the King of the Safari is out and about on the prowl in the safari, too!

Can Poppy and Harley manage to avoid Cain and make it back to safety? However, all might not be what it seems!

This is a great book for both parents and children and ideal for reading together.

It's published by Matador at £9.99.

The Gothengau Colony

The Gothengau Colony is an alternative history or alternative reality novel set in a world where Nazi Germany won the war. It is written by W. F. Logan.

The novel begins in 1946 when ex-Amish, Konrad, is in trouble. Whilst saving the life of someone in Alabama, he had to kill someone else and he must flee in order to save himself from death row.

When he reaches New York he sees propaganda calling on Americans of German ancestry to leave America for a wonderful life in Germany and its colonies.

He leaves America on a boat to Berlin, which was the capital city of the empire of the Third Reich, narrowly fleeing from a hail of bullets from police officers who were attempting to apprehend him.

Konrad is a tall man and is informed that because of his stature, in excess of two metres in height, when he reaches Germany, he will receive a medal called the Giants Cross.

Mention is made to Konrad on the ship that skilled farmers are required at the Gothengau Colony, which is in the Crimea.

Konrad is informed that because of his height he would earn an instant commission in the SS. 

On the boat he soon meets a German American singer called Petra who is slated for a good career as a singer for the Reich. Petra will also play a very important role in Konrad's life.

The novel moves forward to the Gothengau Colony in 1965. A rocket attack from there on Berlin by what the Nazis viewed as terrorists forces Konrad (who is by now a soldier-farmer (despite his Amish background) to concentrate on commanding an SS battalion made up of convicts.

He has to play both sides in a conflict he really wanted no part in, but he has others to think of, including Petra.

But will he be able to rely on the assistance of his fellow German-Americans who he arrived with two decades before? 

And who will become the new Führer to replace Hitler after his death?

This is a well-written and exciting novel that tells an interesting alternative history. 

It is published by Heart of the Bruce at £8.99.

Yotes Court Pinot Blanc

That's Christmas is looking at some English wines to accompany your Christmas feasting. And now we look at Kent's Yotes Court Hands and Heels English Wine Pinot Blanc, 2020.

Wow! Just wow! It tastes of juicy fruits of perfect ripeness and there is an "oakiness" to it, but this is not overly so, light and delightful, in fact. 

It has a good, long finish and this lends itself to a versatility for food pairings and I must admit that my wife and I feel this goes well with seafoods, fish, red meat and white meat. Please just try this and you will see what we mean.

You will be interested to learn that the vines are carefully nurtured all year round, being given individual attention from hand pruning throughout the winter, hand tucking during the summer. They even employ hand harvesting during the early autumn harvesting season. Thus making Yotes Court a genuine sustainable winery.

It's a 'proper' Pinot Blanc, which you will find to be fully and perfectly delightful. Obviously this is another one for your Christmas table.

A single bottle (75cl and 12%) costs £18. Boxes of wines (some mixed) are available from their website at https://www.yotescourt.co.uk/collection/all-products.

Meophams Union Red

That's Christmas is looking at some English wines to accompany your Christmas feasting.

We are now looking at Union Red which is from Meophams Wines of England. It's another Kentish wine which is a delightful red wine.

It's carefully created using a well-balanced variety of grapes, including Acolon, Regent, Triomphe and Leon Millot.

The wine that these red grapes produce is vibrant yet also smooth. It's a nice ruby colour and the aromas it are delightfully fruity with forest fruits like blackberries, delightfully ripe cherries and bramble fruits, too.

Are there hints of a rich, roasted coffee, too? Yes, there are. There are also some delightfully rich tannin notes which really helps make this one of the nicest red wines that I have ever tasted. 

The wine is also spicy and with smoky hints.

And I'm not exactly the biggest red wine lover in the world. Unlike my wife who prefers reds to whites and who really loves this wine.

Ideal, we feel, for red meats, so ideal if you are intending to have a Barron of Beef for your Christmas as an alternative to the more traditional turkey Christmas dinner.

It's priced at a very reasonable £13.95 and is available from their own shop at www.meophams.co.uk.

It's sold in a 75cl bottle and is 11/5%.

English Wines for Christmas Balfour Hush Heath Estate Springfield Chardonnay

That's Christmas is looking at some English wines to accompany your Christmas feasting.

Firstly we are looking at the Springfield Chardonnay which is from the Hush Heath Winery which is based in Kent.

It is a delightful wine, an exceptionally delicate version of the Chardonnay style of wine. 

It's oaked, but not overly so, and the winery points out that this wine is only ever produced using exceptional vintages, using specially chosen clones which are only picked at their optimum ripeness from the wineries Springfield vineyard.

They point out that they employ the cool fermentation technique and use of American and French oak barrels which helps produce a fine wine which has a fine, intense flavour.

It has a lovely "nose" which is pure and delightful and the taste is fresh and delicious, with lovely citrus notes and a nice spiced tone to it, perhaps Christmassy? Making it ideal for your Christmas dining!

Ideal for salads and with fish. However, this is now my go to wine for white meats such as chicken, but especially turkey. Hence an ideal wine for your Christmas dinner.

It's 12% and a 75cl bottle costs £25 a bottle and is available from Laithwaites 

https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/ and from https://balfourwinery.com.

It is also available from other leading wine retailers.

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Something Very Magical is Landing at Wellington Country Park, Berkshire

Wellington Country Park will be transformed this November to host a new event, Neverland Illuminova.

“For the first time, our much-loved family attraction will open its gates at dusk to reveal a magical land, specially created for us by Zeal.” says Josh McGhee, who is the Marketing Manager of Wellington Country Park.

This event is suitable for all members of the family and it's available on selected dates running from the 17th of November through to the 23rd of December 2022.

Unlike other local light trails, this is a multi-sensory experience that plays on the senses to create a world of imaginative, vibrant storytelling. Guests will be able to explore, play and move through magical spaces for a one-of-a-kind adventure.

The installations are bespoke and specifically designed and  fabricated for Wellington Country Park. State-of-the-art technology, studio programming and specially composed music will be designed to bring the darkness to life.

Visitors will be invited to travel through gigantic geometric shapes and an immersive portal to commence their journey to Neverland. 

Playful shadows and percussive steppingstones pave the path forwards, whilst a winter spell enchants the magical grounds. 

Prehistoric rumbles of the woodlands come to life within the Lost World of Dinosaurs and guests can wave hello to Father Christmas, for some extra festive cheer, too!

Steve Hough, who is the MD of Zeal said “We really wanted to create a different type of light trail, one that could take guests on more of a journey, one they can really interact with. 

"We want guest to explore their child-like imaginations this winter and find out what Neverland Illuminova means to them.”

Don’t miss out, treat yourself and those you love to this imaginative experience. Book your tickets today.

When: Selected dates from 17th November to 23rd December 2022

Where: Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road, Riseley, Berkshire, RG7 1SP

Ticket Information: www.neverlandilluminova.co.uk.

www.wellingtoncountrypark.co.uk

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Spring can help you get cash for Christmas by recycling old tech

The Co-op is expanding tech-recirculation trials with Spring.co.uk. Thus enabling consumers to cut e-waste and raise cash by unlocking value in old and unwanted phones and devices.

The Co-op has expanded its trial with tech-recirculation outfit Spring, to help consumers cut e-waste and unlock the value in their old and unwanted phones and electronic devices.

Spring first partnered with Co-op last October with the launch of its high-tech, self-service Pods in 20 of Co-Ops retailer’s convenience stores in London. 

The aim? To make recirculating electronic devices which can be reused or recycled more accessible.  Thus keeping valuable materials in use for longer and avoiding e-waste, while allowing consumers to turn their unwanted devices items into cash.

Following the launch last year, the initiative has now been rolled-out to selected Co-op stores in: Birmingham; Brighton; Leeds and Manchester.

The service sees Spring’s high tech kiosk-style ‘Pods’ in store, enabling shoppers to quickly, easily and conveniently sell their old devices such as phones, tablets, e-readers and smartwatches, which then get repaired, refurbished, reused, or recycled. 

Spring’s Pods accept almost 14,000 different devices and customers receive payment to their Spring account within 1-3 days. The money can be simply transferred to a bank account or to charity.

Where devices cannot be re-used, Spring will ensure all components, which include materials like gold; copper; aluminium and, steel, are recycled. Usually, these resources are traditionally discarded when phones are thrown away and so the trial with Spring ensures nothing goes to landfill or for incineration.

Mark Matthews, who is the Co-op’s Director of Innovation and Format, said: “Co-op’s partnership with Spring will enable more communities to recycle or reuse their electronic devices locally, unlocking the value in forgotten phones and other unwanted tech and, importantly, preventing unnecessary and avoidable e-waste. 

"If we are going to have a natural environment which we are proud to pass on to future generations we need action to be taken now. By making it easier for consumers to make small changes to their everyday lives, together, it can add up to make a big difference for our environment.”

Spring co-founder, Tom Williams, said: “Leaving an unused device in a drawer means that rather than it being reused by someone else, it’s taken out of circulation and needs to be replaced with something new. Spring, together with Co-op, are making it easy for people to recirculate unwanted tech, which not only puts money in their pockets but also has a positive impact on the environment. We've already made a huge impact with our first pods in London and we're excited to bring this to more local communities".

Research has found that UK households and businesses produce 1.45 million tonnes of electrical waste each year and, almost half of UK households have between two and five unused electronic devices sitting at home, with the issue expected to grow.

More information is available at Spring.co.uk.

Incidentally, we at That's Christmas have used a Spring Pod to recycle a load of old mobile phones which generated rather more money for than we would have thought possible. Certainly more than with other recycling services that are on the High Street.

You can do the same too and you'll be able to use that money to spend on Christmas presents and the like this Christmas. 

As well as at some Co-Op branches you'll also find Spring Pods in some Morrisons stores. 

Australians "cautiously optimistic" about festive season shopping

Australian retail marketers are being advised hybrid shopping is here to stay, with research released today showing that 60% more Australians will shop on their mobile this festive season and 30% fewer Australians will shop in-store, compared to 2021. 

The data which comes from InMobi’s “ 2022 Holiday Shopping: What Brands and Retailers Need to Know ” research report, also shows 49% of Australians have already made concrete shopping plans, a three-fold increase in 2021. 

Buying is expected to peak in November during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales for 58% of shoppers, while 18% will buy before ‘free shipping day’ on the 15th of December and 28% will buy in the two weeks before Christmas. 

The report finds mobiles are second only to the TV when it comes to product discovery by consumers.  But when it comes to exploring and researching products, mobile is the dominant channel, with 56% of Australian shoppers preferring mobile over in-store visits (31%). 

Richard O’Sullivan, who is the VP and General Manager for Australia and New Zealand said, “As shoppers continue to turn to mobiles as their primary channel for purchasing, brands must think carefully about how they can leverage the rich signals available to drive contextual advertising at scale.” 

While shoppers are being described as cautiously optimistic about their festive season shopping, just 26% of Australians intend to increase their spending compared to last year’s holiday season budgets.  Some 46% plan to spend about the same as they did in 2021. 

E-gadgets, jewellery, apparel, and accessories are the categories most likely to be purchased via mobile devices, while groceries, home appliances, and home décor or furnishings will most often be purchased in-store. 

Convenience (64%), availability of shopper reviews (62%), loyalty programmes (59%) plus easy returns and exchanges (57%) have been identified as the main reasons why mobile apps and websites are gaining significant momentum as a purchase medium. 

Bargain hunters are again the main category for Australian shoppers at 51% of all shoppers, a decline year on year as 44% fewer Australians will rely on offers alone to make their purchase decisions. 48% of bargain hunters plan to spend $1,000, the same as in 2021. 

The number of Australian shoppers who are category shoppers increased 3.5x from 2021 with almost half of these shoppers, who have decided on categories but not the products or brands, planning to spend more than the $1000 they spent in 2021. 

Brand lover shoppers have also increased 3.5x year on year and 38% of respondents plan to spend more than the $1,500 they spent in 2021. 

The “ 2022 Holiday Shopping: What Brands and Retailers Need to Know ” report is based on a survey of 500 mobile users in Australia between September 8th and 10th 2022. 

Looking for affordable mobile phones for your Children this Christmas? Swycha has the answer

Parents are finding it harder to manage the costs of buying the mobile phones their children ask for as living costs increase, says recent research.

A new study published by refurbished mobile phone website, Swycha, which interviewed 2,000 parents with children aged 4 – 22, uncovered purchasing habits on children’s phones in the UK.

Fewer parents now gift second-hand phones to their children as they face pressure to buy the new devices their children ask for to keep up with their friends and with trends, says the research.

71% of UK parents say they have bought a brand-new phone for their child in the last two years.

According to the research, 1 in 3 parents say paying their child’s mobile phone contract has become difficult due to the rising living costs in the UK.

A third of parents in the UK currently pay over £50 a month for their children’s phone contracts (on top of other direct debits), the research found. Although some parents have multiple children, 15% of parents were found to be paying over £100 a month on their children’s combined phone contracts. 5% of parents are paying between £80 - £99.99 a month on their children’s phone contracts.

Only 14% of children in the UK now have a pay-as-you-go phone sim card according to the survey.

The study also found that children are now on average age 10 when they are gifted their first phone (typically just before beginning secondary education in the UK).

But why such high expenditure on children’s phones?

As an explanation: It seems the days of passing down second hand phones to kids (like used iPhones or the iconic Nokia 3310) are over.71% of parents in the UK say they've bought a brand-new phone for their child in the last two years.

Only 15% of parents choose to gift a second hand phone to their child from a family member or friend.

39% of parents said they paid over £200 upfront for their child’s phone in the last two years.

With a limited number of parents gifting second-hand devices, most parents in the UK (37%) say they bought brand-new handsets for their children from mobile network providers such as Vodafone or EE. 22% of parents buy brand-new handsets for their children from electrical retailers such as Currys or Argos. 14% buy direct from manufacturers (i.e., the Apple Store).

24% of parents have upgraded their child’s phone more than 3 times in the child’s lifetime. Only 7% of parents purchased from a refurbished mobile phone website offering refurbished Iphones.

Buying phones for children has become more a fashionable present and less a necessity.

41% of parents say they bought a new phone for their child’s most recent Birthday or Christmas.

Half of parents buy the exact model their children want because they say the financial cost outweighs the emotion of disappointing them. 

46% of children ask for a particular model of phone to fit in with their friends or keep up with the latest fashion trends.

43% of parents say they bought new phones for birthdays or Christmas despite knowing “they can’t really afford them”, as opposed to gifting second-hand devices.

Increased spend on children’s phones coincides with a time where parents are facing increasingly squeezed incomes due to the UK cost of living crisis.

Three in four parents in the UK say they are finding it hard to manage rising living costs and still afford food, clothes, clubs, presents etc for their children, according to Swycha’s research.

An anonymous father of two told researchers: “I am having to tell my kids they'll have to do without as the latest models of phone they ask for. I can’t afford them right now. I know new models come out and that children want the newer models when it’s time for an upgrade, but I can't afford them every time. Right now, I'm having to cut back on my own hobbies and certain clothes. Affording things is getting ridiculous.”

An anonymous mother of two said: "Because of costs skyrocketing, we have cut back on absolutely everything at the moment. We witched food brands to cheaper store brand alternatives and buying second hand clothes instead of new. We're rationing the heating also.”

Tom Newbald, CEO of Swycha, said: “From our research it’s clear to see that as a parent right now, it’s increasingly hard to buy affordable, yet quality phones for children and still manage all of the other costs that are skyrocketing. More parents are buying brand-new devices as opposed to opting to buy a refurbished mobile phone for their children from alternative websites.”

To save money when buying a mobile phone for your children please visit https://swycha.com.

Fantastic Christmas Decorations from Robert Welch

Let Christmas Commence in fine style with the 12 Days of Christmas Decorations from Robert Welch.

Top family-owned, British design business, Robert Welch is counting down to Christmas with the third series of 12 Days of Christmas Decorations, priced at a very reasonable £18 for a set of three.

Made with stainless steel, each circular decoration provides a Christmas nod to the world-renowned traditional Christmas season song "The 12 Days of Christmas."

Tied up with a very appropriate red ribbon, each piece has an intricate cut-out design of days seven, eight and nine.

The set of three decorations includes:

Day 7: - Seven swans a-swimming

Day 8: - Eight maids a-milking

Day 9: - Nine ladies dancing

The trio of decorations are a perfect addition to the Christmas tree, or a show-stopper detail on a beautifully wrapped gift, a hanging decoration in the window or part of the Christmas table setting.

Series One (days 1-3) and Series Two (days 4-6) will also be available.

12 Days of Christmas are now available from robertwelch.com.

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