Countdown to a Killing. A novel

Countdown to a Killing is a novel by Tom Vaughan Macaulay. And it is a 'novel' in the best sense of the word because it employs new and novel storytelling techniques to tell the story.

It tells the stories of a mixed and disparate group of people in a variety of locations scattered throughout different locations. London, Huddersfield and Sicily.

There's Wen Li, a very sensitive and very kind 29-year-old British-Chinese woman. Sadly, she suffers from a severe OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder which, in her case, shows itself as a never-ending and paralysing dread that she could be harbouring murderous impulses.

Emotionally damaged and thwarted in her love life Wen has fallen for a colleague of hers, Lomax Clipper. Unfortunately Lomax is a man who has troubles of his own. He is deeply disillusioned and also finds himself extremely frustrated.

Lomax is very much in love with a young woman who is a Sicilian whom he met whilst he was working in Italy. 

However, Wen and Lomax are united by one thing. A deep and genuine loathing of Julian Ponsonby. Unfortunately Julian is there boss. However, all is not a bed of roses for Julian as he is bedevilled by a rather toxic relationship and also the fact that his father resolutely refuses to accept Julian's sexuality.

Lomax manages to return to Sicily, whilst enjoying a period of sabbatical leave and, whilst there he meets and befriends a vulnerable Sicilian man by the name of Fifi de Angelis who has troubles enough of his own. He is of restricted growth and has been ostracised by his own family.

The novel is told by interlocking correspondences such as emails and WhatsApp messages. The novel crackles with suspense as it becomes clearer and clearer that a murder is in the offing, as the lives of several people are explored as they are firmly bound together. 

It examines under a somewhat brutal lens a variety of important themes such as mental illness and mental health, sexuality, ethnicity and love.

It's an experimental novel that weaves the lives of several characters in a metafictive narrative and will be a wonderful Christmas present for those who like to have to think about what they are reading. It's humorous and also deeply moving in parts. Pretty much like life, really.

It's published by Red Door at £8.99 in paperback.

New job for Christmas at Lidl?

Lidl GB, the UKs fastest-growing and highest paying supermarket, has announced it will be recruiting over 1,000 new hourly paid roles over the next five months.

The roles, which span across stores and warehouses and includes Customer Assistants, Cleaners and Warehouse Operatives, will benefit from industry leading pay. New recruits will earn a minimum of £10.90 an hour outside of London and £11.95 inside the M25; the highest starting pay of any other UK supermarket.

All new jobs will be permanent and include full and part-time positions, which will see pay increase up to £12.00 and £13.00 with length of service, depending on location.

The supermarket, which recently opened three new stores in Alperton, Oxford and Gillingham is set to open further new stores over the next five months.

Lidl is currently the UKs fastest growing supermarket with sales growing 20.9% in the 12 weeks to 4 September. The fastest rate of growth since October 2014. Over 1.5 million more customers are shopping with Lidl this year than in 2021 and in total, with three in five Brits shopping with Lidl in the past year – a record new high. 

It is also in the process of recruiting for warehouses, including for its Belvedere warehouse which is undergoing a total redevelopment and recently completed the first phase of its expansion programme. The supermarket is also set to open its new Luton distribution centre next year, which it began recruitment for back in March.

To make it as easy as possible for warehouse candidates to secure roles, Lidl will be holding recruitment open days across its warehouses, with the option for successful candidates to sign contracts on the day. 

Nan Gibson, Lidl GB’s Chief HR Officer said: “We’re incredibly proud of our colleagues across the country, whose hard work and loyalty mean we're the fastest growing supermarket, with over 1.5m more people shopping with us than last year. 

"As our customer base continues to grow, and as we open more new stores and warehouses, we need more people to join team Lidl. Not only will new colleagues be the highest paid in the industry as a result of our newly increased rates, they also be part of an amazing team of people that are working to help make good food accessible to all households, at a time that is so needed.”

Upcoming Lidl GB Open days:

Doncaster: 24th October, 7th November, 21st November

Wednesbury: 19th October, 8th November

Exeter: 17th October, 21st November

Belvedere: 12th October

Peterborough: 15th October

Check out Lidl at https://corporate.lidl.co.uk.

Tesco launches inflation-busting move before Christmas

Tesco's inflation-busting move will support customers in the run-up to Christmas.

Tesco has announced a fairly beefy new price-lock commitment, freezing the prices of over 1,000 everyday products until 2023, and giving shoppers more ways to spend less and enjoy the festive season more.

The products are all included within Tesco's mammoth Low Everyday Prices campaign, which covers a wide range of products and brands bought week-in, week-out, from cupboard staples and teatime favourites, to household and health & beauty products.

To help customers make their money go further during the Christmas season, Tesco are locking down the price of over 1,000 of these products into the new year.

So whether it’s McCain Home Chips for midweek meals, or a winter pick-me-up with Nescafe Original 3-in-1, Tesco customers can count on Tesco’s price to stay the same until 2023. Which will help them spend less on their shopping and more on friends and family over Christmas 2022.

Lower Everyday Prices is a key feature of Tesco’s commitment to giving customers great value on their shopping. Which goes hand-in-hand with their Aldi Price Match, great value own-brand staples with their Exclusively at Tesco brands and exclusive deals via Clubcard Prices, which together cover over 8,000 products.

And it’s just one of the ways they are helping customers make their money go further this Christmas. Their Clubcard Christmas Savers Scheme offers customers a bonus voucher of up to £12 when they save their Clubcard Vouchers towards their big Christmas shop. 

Whilst their Toy Sale offers savings of up to 50% on kids favourites like Lego and Stickle Bricks, so that families can spread the cost of Christmas.

Tesco UK CEO, Jason Tarry, said: “We know that times are tougher for many customers at the moment, right now, especially as we head into the winter months. 

"We hope this extended price-lock commitment gives our customers the certainty of knowing over 1,000 household favourites will stay at the same great price for months to come. Which will help them with their budget when they need this most.”

As well as helping customers, Tesco are also announcing another big investment in Tesco store colleagues, with their second hourly-pay increase this year, and a doubling of their colleague discount to support them this Christmas.

From 13 November 2022, the basic hourly rate of pay in their stores will increase by a further 20p to £10.30 (or £10.98 in London). This means hourly rates at Tesco will have increased nearly 8% this year – building on what was already a record single-year investment in store pay.

And on top of that, Tesco is also doubling their Colleague Clubcard discount to 20% during the key Christmas shopping period from 13-19 December.

A Tesco spokesperson said: "This is just one part of our comprehensive package of benefits for Tesco colleagues, which also includes a recently enhanced selection of free food and hygiene products in the Colleague Rooms of our stores, so colleagues can access a wider range of breakfast, lunch and snack items for no cost."

You can check out Tesco at www.tesco.com.

Morrisons launches massive toy sale to help customers spread the cost this Christmas

Leading grocery retailer Morrisons has launched a massive toy sale to help customers spread the cost of their Christmas purchases.

Morrisons has taken the step to launch a mega toy sale, to help its customers get their hands on much-desired gifts for kids and spread the cost of Christmas this year.

Customers will be able to obtain up to 50% off must-have toys this year, such as L.O.L Dolls, Peppa Pig, Super Mario Kart and Hotwheels. The toy sale is available now in 423 stores. But it is while stocks last, so don't leave it to the last minute and be disappointed! 

Morrisons is offering the Peppa Pig’s Wooden Playhouse for £52.50, 50% off the RRP. That's bound to be the perfect gift for Peppa's fans. The wooden house comes with Peppa and George wooden figures and each room is ditted out with fun features, furniture and accessories for kids to enjoy a special treat this Christmas. 

For little beauty fanatics and young fashionistas, customers can obtain Shimmer ‘n Sparkle InstaGlam On The Glo Makeup Trolley for just £47.50 down from the £95.00 RRP or Rainbow High Fashion Studio for 50% off at £30.00. 

Customers can also bag themselves a bargain on what experts predict will be the top selling brands this year including a Barbie Pet Supply Store or Radio Control Car (both £26.50, saving over a third off the regular price) or Play-Doh Colourful Café Playset (£33, also saving over a third. Bargain!). 

With just three months to go until the big day, Morrisons hopes this huge sale will help customers spread the cost of purchasing Christmas gifts this year.

David Catton, Morrisons Toys Buyer, said: “We know our customers are under real financial pressure at present and want to help them when it comes to their Christmas shopping.  

"We’re reducing the price of our toys now to help customers spread the cost of the festive season and tick off some very important jobs.”

Morrisons toy deals are available in selected Morrisons stores now while stocks last.

Check out Morrisons at www.morrisons.com.

Cocoba Chocolate has the magic of Christmas this year. With special discount

Kent's very own, favourite chocolatier Cocoba Chocolate has unveiled a gift-pack of nine hot chocolate bombes, plus the ultimate hot chocolate advent calendar, ready for the your festive season this year.

The Christmas elves at Cocoba Chocolate, which is well known for its irresistible chocolate and hot chocolate gifts, have crafted the perfect Christmas packs of hot chocolate bombes. 

These include nine popular flavours: milk orange, dark mint, caramel mocha, milk chocolate, salted caramel, white chocolate, popping candy, 55% dark chocolate and 70% intense chocolate.

The luxury globes of chocolate are chock-filled to the very brim with mini-marshmallows which burst out on being mixed with hot milk, for the ultimate treat on a cold winter’s day.

The nine-bombe box is £34.99, with an early bird discount at a rather nifty £24.99!

Also, courtesy of Cocoba, the new Cocoba Hot Chocolate Advent Calendar, filled with delicious hot chocolate flakes, chocolate spoons and bombes.

The lucky recipient of this very special ultimate advent calendar will be treated to 24 exquisite cups of hot chocolate over the Yule-tide period.

There is a special early-bird discount on the £59.95 to £49.95. Nice!

Cocoba’s chocolate products include Belgian hot chocolate, chocolate bars and lollipops, truffles and buttons, and a growing range of vegan dark and ‘milk’ chocolate. 

Cocoba’s range is available from www.CocobaChocolate.com plus Cocoba’s flagship chocolate café at the Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent, independent farm shops, delis, John Lewis, Selfridges and more. All products are handmade in Kent. 

The advent calendars and nine hot chocolate bombes are available to pre-order

Instagram: @cocobachocolate

Facebook: @CocobaChocolate

Pinterest: @CocobaChocolate

TikTock: @cocobachocolate

Twitter: @CocobaChocolate

Web: https://www.cocobachocolate.com

Reader's of That's Christmas if you order via Cocoba Chocolate will be entitled to a very generous 15% discount!  We'd like to thank Cocoba Chocolate for their very kind offer.

How to access your special discount just use this special code:- FEELINGFESTIVE15.

Time for Walker’s new Shortbread advent calendar!

Walkers are thrilled to share with you their brand-new Walker’s Shortbread advent calendar, available from www.walkersshortbread.com, RRP £17.99, whilst stocks last.

The carefully curated, elegant and beautiful new design is guaranteed to give you all the festive feels. Distinguished and elegant, the contemporary book-style calendar is adorned with Walker’s iconic tartan, gold embossing and stylish snowflakes. 

Inside you’ll find an assortment of all-Butter Chocolate Chip Shortbread Rounds, Shortbread Thistle Rounds, Salted Caramel Shortbread Squares, Shortbread Fingers, Shortbread Hearts and Shortbread Stars, all based on a simple recipe which has been perfected by the family-run business for over 120 years.

Synonymous with dreamy, cosy nights, festive gatherings and winter warming time-out treats, Christmas definitely isn't Christmas without Walker’s Scottish Shortbread.

Ensuring your Christmas countdown is a seasonal gift for your senses, Walker’s Shortbread has unveiled The Shortbread Advent Calendar for 2022.

Delivering an exquisite daily delicacy of Scotland at its very finest, behind each of the 24 doors awaits an indulgent buttery, tasty treat that will transport you into a Walker’s Shortbread festive wonderland.

You will enjoy a mix of bite-size All-Butter Chocolate Chip Shortbread Rounds, Shortbread Thistle Rounds, Salted Caramel Shortbread Squares, Shortbread Fingers, Shortbread Hearts and Shortbread Stars, all based on a very simple yet utterly delicious recipe which has been perfected by the family-run business for over 120 years.

The stunning new design is guaranteed to give you all the festive feelings. Distinguished and elegant, the contemporary book-style calendar is adorned with Walker’s iconic tartan, gold embossing and stylish snowflakes. When opened, playful illustrations capture a seasonally whimsical and joyful scene, perfectly paired with the shortbread waiting inside.

An advent calendar that looks as good as it tastes and is set to get you ready for Christmas delivering the best that Scotland has to offer. The new Shortbread Advent Calendar uses only the highest quality ingredients and is free of artificial colouring, flavours and additives and is suitable for vegetarians.

The Walker’s Shortbread advent calendar is available from www.walkersshortbread.com  from now on at  £17.99. But as they are expected to sell quickly, That's Christmas recommends you get your order in as soon as possible. 

Walker’s Shortbread Ltd was established 124 years ago in Aberlour, Speyside, Scotland. 

It's still an independent family concern to this day, the company is headed by the founder’s grandchildren and great grandchildren, who faithfully maintain the tradition of producing the finest shortbreads, biscuits, cakes and oatcakes to original recipes using only finest ingredients. A policy that has earned Walker’s a global reputation for quality and excellence.

Four times winner of the Queen's Award for Export Achievement, Walker’s exports its distinctively packaged luxury bakery products to over 100 countries worldwide.

In 2017 Walker’s Shortbread were granted a Royal Warrant of Appointment from Her Majesty the Queen for the supply of shortbread to the Royal Household, following the granting of the Royal Warrant of Appointment by the Queen and Queen Mother in 2002 for oatcakes.

All Walker’s products are free from artificial colours, flavourings and preservatives. They are certified Kosher (OUD) and are suitable for vegetarians, too. 

Jump!

Jump! is a book by JG Nolan with wonderful illustrations by Carina Roberts with a forward by famous football star Joe Hart.

It tells the story of Robbie Blair who is a very talented young footballer who has dreams of becoming a professional footballer when he becomes an adult.

Yes, Robbie has the prerequisite footballing skills. But he also has the ability to break his bones. Multiple times, unfortunately.

Robbie is taking part in a very important trial match but disaster befalls him when he breaks his leg for the third time.

He then faces the grim realisation that his dreams of becoming a professional footballer have turned to dust.

But have they? Is his dream truly over? Because as Joe Hart said "We can all learn from Robbie Blair."

This is a stormer of a book by J G Nolan who was born and brought up in a sleepy Shropshire village and loved two things as a child. Football and writing.

Sadly his football mad son Robbie was very prone to breaking his bones and was warned by his doctors that he must never play football again.

The idea for Jump! slowly coalesced in his mind when he was making one of his many lengthy stays whilst he was visiting Robbie in the local children's hospital. 

J G Nolan took an interesting route to writing Jump! He made a study of the exploits of historical footballers who, although famous, had also, back in their day, being mavericks.

He became fascinated by and drawn to stories of famous Celtic legends from the 1920s. Even to the present day their names are still chanted at Parkhead.

During his many, many hours of research he learned of Glasgow's icon Cathkin Park. Which resulted in a meeting with Simon Weir, a Scotish actor, who helped preserve the park for many years. And Jump! to coin an expression, took wing.

When Robbie, J G Nolan's son commenced on his long road to recovery and fitness news of his sheer courage and determination reached famed local football hero Joe Hart, a fellow Shropshire lad and former Shrewsbury Town player, whilst he was playing for Manchester City.

Joe sent Robbie some signed goalkeeper's gloves to buck him up during his recovery. 

By chance Robbie eventually followed Joe's footsteps and Robbie attended the same secondary school in Shrewsbury.

Some years later, when Joe had been transferred to Celtic he was thrilled to be asked to read Jump! and he kindly offered to write the forward. 

On to the book. It's a labour of love and it tells the story of Robbie Blair. But it's more than the story of Robbie Blair. It's the story of everyone who, due to physical injuries or difficulties found that, as one door closed another door opened for them. And that sometimes it's just a minor diversion to get them to their original goal.

What kind of a book is it? It's a novel, it's a historical work, it's a mystical work that's on a par with Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance a little bit of a ghost story but it's primarily a romance novel. A romance novel? Yes. A novel about the romance of football. 

It's got to be a "must buy" present for every football fan this Christmas. 

It's published by SilverWood Books at £12.99 https://www.silverwoodbooks.co.uk/jump-by-jbg-nolan.