Welsh Witterings: Advent Calendars
There was a time when one of the first signs of Christmas in a British home was the unveiling of the children’s Advent calendar. The calendars were simple, but...
Have a magical Christmas at Hatton
Youngsters will have an enchanted time at Hatton this year, Ann Evans tells us what’s on offer. Celebrate a magical Christmas at Hatton Adventure World when the popular ‘Enchanted...
Christmas’ Magic in French iconic chateaux, part one: Vaux-le-Vicomte – Meanderings through France n° 204
By Annick Dournes & Frederic de Poligny This year for Christmas time we invite you in three different wonderful French chateaux, Vaux-le-Vicomte, Cheverny and Chambord. Each...
Taxi Noir: Save the Trees
I hate working this time of year. I love Christmas, but I hate driving around London in my cab. I dread that moment in November when I’m stuck in...
Enjoy a Real Victorian Christmas
Ann Evans is hoping for to experience a traditional Victorian Christmas over at Ironbridge. Take a trip back in time to experience a real Victorian Christmas with the...
Bedgebury Christmas Trail
Bedgebury Pinetum is in Kent, just over the Sussex border. The arboretum is an award-winning site with lots to do for everyone, from walking to cycling, or a visit...
Christmas Shopping in Tunisia
Christmas Markets in Europe and other countries are very popular at this time of the year, but I bet you’ve never thought of doing your Christmas shopping in Tunisia!...
A TIMELY REMINDER FROM DOGS TRUST
Photographs courtesy of Dogs Trust Christmas is coming, and Ann Evans joins Dogs Trust in reminding everyone that a dog is for life, not just for Christmas. With Christmas...
Back to the Chequers for Dinner
The Ashdown Forest has always been a favourite Tourist area. And the Chequers Inn in Maresfield is a very popular place for a meal, to spend the night, or...
Welsh Witterings: Christmas is Coming but its Spirit is Lost
It’s that time of year where my inbox seems to fill up with Christmas offers and gift ideas. Suddenly it seems that a type of mild hysteria about last...
Cruising: Riviera Travel’s Christmas Markets River Cruise
The scent of glühwein, cinnamon and spices. Stalls in ancient town squares overflowing with continental yuletide treats all surrounded by tall medieval buildings and cathedrals bathed in magical lighting...
SHELLY BEACH SNIPPETS NO. 112 July, 2019
Patricia Newell-Dunkley photographs Reginald J. Dunkley Website: Facebook: Patricia Newell-Dunkley Artist/Writer Google: Patricia Newell-Dunkley for all previous Snippets. Greetings from down under as we drift towards spring, with...
Welsh Witterings: Making New Year Traditions
In my past New Years Eve was a time for getting dressed up and having a night out, but for nearly a decade my New Years Eve celebrations have...
Ranjit Recommends: The Snowman
Choreographed by Robert North, The Snowman has several elements of ‘Show-man’ when he waves mid-air thus complementing the orchestra whilst playing the timeless Christmas tune ‘Walking in the Air’....
Fighting to get Fit & Save Money. Turkey Leftover Recipes.
I’m faithfully writing my Blog ever day, & being totally honest, which is the hardest part of a diet! #allposts Here are some great recipes for using up your...
Trevor’s Wildlife Week for 3rd Jan 2019
Happy New Year everyone. I hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year celebrations. A huge thank you to all our volunteers and staff who have been...
Seren’s Traditional Festive Pie
Here is Seren’s favourite article of the year. This pie will not need to be served with any pickle or condiment as it is moist and flavorful. I include...
A Magical Evening of Light
Photos by Rob Tysall, Tysall’s Photography One of Ann Evans’ favourite events this year was the Magical Lantern Festival at Birmingham Botanical Gardens. ...
High Weald Dairy update.
Last week I went to the Christmas Open Day at my friends’ dairy. I hadn’t seen Mark and Sarah since I went to their Cheese-making Day The High...
Trevor’s Wildlife Week for the 20th December 2018
A huge thank you to Peter at Perfectly Green Artificial Grass for donating a few rolls of artificial grass for our casualties. Our gulls are loving having the new...
Getting in the Festive Mood with British Christmas Markets
There is nothing like a good Christmas market to boost festive inspiration and give you a good dose of festive cheer. Indeed just the thought of a Christmas market...
A Night at the Tunbridge Wells Panto.
Lyn and her family went to the Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall to see Sleeping Beauty. Last night we all went to see this year’s Panto, which is Sleeping Beauty....
Magical Lantern Festival
By Ann Evans Photos by: Rob Tysall, Tysall’s Photography Treat the family to a magical experience. Ann Evans shines a light on Birmingham Botanical Gardens....
JOHN’S JOURNEYS: Year-long Yuletide! John Burke stretches the festive (and liturgical) season.
Greeks in Jerusalem © JOHN BURKE “Christmas comes but once a year” is the lyrical title in a Paramount movie from 1936, but it just ain’t...
MALTA DIARY: Has the spirit of Christmas been pawned and is now usurped by the lure of money?
ALBERT FENECH e/mail – Facebook: My Blog: My only grandson Gabriel is five years old and well knows Christmas is...
Welsh Witterings: The Royal Pier Aberystwyth a Real Festive Let-down
It’s that time of year again when normal dining goes out of the window and cheap crackers and festive menus adorn most restaurants. I have nothing against a festive...
SHELLY BEACH SNIPPETS NO. 105 December, 2018.
Patricia Newell-Dunkley Photographs by Reginald J Dunkley Website: Google: Patricia Newell-Dunkley for all previous Snippets My books “Letters of a Travelling Lady, Wallis the Woman I Love, The...
Strasbourg Christmas market: excitement and wonder for the whole family – Meanderings through France n° 167
By Annick Dournes & Frederic de Poligny Is it because Alsace is one of Europe coldest region or is it because Alsatians are warm-hearted people that Christmas...
MEN IN SHEDS
By Ann Evans Photos courtesy of Rob Tysall and Nuneaton’s Men in Sheds. You’ll have heard of the man cave, well meet our Men in Sheds. Ann Evans...
Christmas’ enchantment in Vaux-le-Vicomte Chateau – Meanderings through France n° 166
By Annick Dournes & Frederic de Poligny In France the 17th century is known as the “Grand Siècle”, the Grand Century. Louis XIV and his court developed...
Skating in Tunbridge Wells.
As Christmas approaches, parkland areas across the UK are magically transformed into ice rinks. Lights are draped across fences and trees, wooden booths are erected, selling food and Christmas...
It’s Panto Time Again in Tunbridge Wells! Oh no it’s not! Oh yes it is!
Lyn Funnell gets an invitation to interview the cast of Sleeping Beauty, which is showing at the Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall this Christmas season – and she found out...
Trevor’s Wildlife Week for the 8th November
Our rescuers attended a deer after reports of it being stuck attached to wire and its antlers entangled after running off after being hit by a vehicle. Sadly the...
Skate in Calverley Grounds with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
16 November 2018 – 2 January 2019 Adult Skating tickets from £ Child Skating tickets from £ Tickets on sale at: and A favourite festive...
ARTS, CRAFTS AND NEW EXPERIENCES AT IRONBRIDGE
By Ann Evans Great events you won’t want to miss at the Ironbridge Museums, Ann Evans highlights a few. Visiting Ironbridge in Telford, Shropshire, at any time...
SHELLY BEACH SNIPPETS No. 100. July, 2018.
Patricia Newell-Dunkley Photographs Reginald J. Dunkley. Website: Facebook: Patricia Newell-Dunkley Artist/Writer. Google: Patricia Newell-Dunkley for all previous Snippets. My hundredth greeting from a very cool down under now...
When Santa Came to our House.
By Wendy Hughes We all have memories of a special Christmas tucked away in our memory store, and I would like to share memories of Christmas 1958 with...
Welsh Witterings at Christmas
The Marmalade Awards are now open for entries and I am now dreaming of Seville oranges. No I am serious, I actually had a dream about Seville oranges, perhaps...
WENDY HUGHES TELLS YOU ABOUT THE TRADITIONAL HISTORY OF CHRISTINGLE
Christingle services are held in churches, usually on the Sunday before Christmas or on Christmas Eve. It is an excellent opportunity for people of all ages to join...
MALTA DIARY: And so this is Christmas – in Malta and Gozo
ALBERT FENECH e/mail – Facebook: Christmas in Malta and Gozo have always been a very strong tradition and over the years continued to...