Twisty short stories for World Vision

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

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North Ascot writer’s book raises funds for children in Ukraine

Can you spot the twist before the twist gets you? That’s the challenge being laid down by Peter Frost and all for a good cause.

Peter who lives in Blackmoor Wood has sponsored an African child for more than 20 years through the charity World Vision.

When the Ukraine war broke out he was contacted by World Vision asking for donations for Ukraine children, which he did but he also had the idea of publishing a book of stories to help contribute further.

Peter says: “The book of stories, Uncle Chris’s Collection of Crafty Short Stories, came about because I was an Innovation Manager at a company where my role was to come up with neat ideas. I’ve used this thinking to think of clever story twists and have created stories around them.

“The stories are all cosy mysteries and are all very different to each other. The aim is for the reader to have a quick read story (10 minutes) where the story has a twist at the end and the reader has to ‘spot the twist before the twist gets you!”

“My thinking was that instead of donating money, people might donate more if they had something for it, so by buying a book we might get more donations.”

He has told World Vision about the book and that it is mentioned in the back of it, and the aim to raise £500 (more if the book does well!) and they are now looking forward to the further support.

The book has just been published and is on Amazon (as paperback, and soon to be Ebook) and is also available from Waterstones.

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Vicar Sam Brewster’s journey to faith

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

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Sam Brewster, Trinity Henley’s new vicar, shares his thoughts about his journey as he prepares to take over the friendly flock from Duncan Carter

Two things have filled my Decembers the last few years: Jesus and 5ks. The 5ks have been a more recent addition since my brother-in-law introduced me to the concept: run 5k every day in December. Including Christmas Day. Even when you’re a vicar. Which brings me to the first thing that fills my Decembers: Jesus. I’ve recently been appointed as the vicar of Holy Trinity Church Henley. It’s a dream job: filling my hours with a single task – helping people get to know Jesus better. As you can imagine, there are also quite a few nuts and bolts that need attending to, and it’s strikingly easy for vicars like me to lose track of the big thing we’re meant to be all about. But the heart of the job is clear and glorious.

My journey to Christian faith was a somewhat meandering one. Mum and Dad are Christians and did a wonderful job encouraging us all to church, which I and my two siblings generally loved. But like so many things in life, it’s easy to underappreciate what you have always grown up with. It wasn’t till I attended a summer holiday camp run by Christians that I engaged more personally with Jesus. It dawned on me then that Jesus was real, and was calling me personally to follow him. It also stuck me that Jesus was much better than I had previously realised. He wasn’t an unattainable moral example which I should strive, but always fail, to match. He wasn’t a kindly, but slightly disapproving headteacher figure up above. I encountered a Jesus who pulsated with life, and was constantly giving himself out to others in love. I still remember when the penny dropped about his death on the cross. It wasn’t just an inspiring gesture of self-sacrifice. It was an actual sacrifice for me. Jesus died for me. Such was his love that he effectively said: you’re in a mess you can’t get yourself out of; you’ve rejected God and deserve his rejection. But God loves you, and I’m here to lift you out of the mess, and back into a relationship with God. The only way that can happen is if I die for you. So be it.’

Following Jesus is like seeing the world in colour for the first time. Everything makes sense. But it’s no easy path. Jesus called it ‘the narrow way’. There have been plenty of times I’ve nearly fallen off that narrow way. Thankfully, Jesus doesn’t just set us off along it with a ‘good luck – hope to see you at the end!’ Rather, he walks with us every step of the way: Leading us through times of tragedy and sadness, guiding us back on track when we wander away, and gently reminding us of his love through it all.

For me that pathway led me through some years leading youth work at a church in Leicestershire, a call to get ordained in the Church of England, a happy three years at Wycliffe Hall, a vicar college in Oxford, meeting my wife Lucy who was training to be a teacher at the same time. After five happy years working as a curate at St Mary’s Church Maidenhead, we moved to Henley in 2018, with two small children (three and 18 months at the time), and a vision to launch a new Sunday congregation to reach out to the many families in Henley with the good news of Jesus.

Six years on, and it’s been an amazing journey to look back on. We’ve now got four kids (Amelie – nine, Jojo – seven, Barney – four and Esther two!). Our new congregation, Trinity at Four (meeting each Sunday at 4pm) has grown. We now regularly have 70 adults and 50 children Sunday by Sunday. We have fallen in love with Henley – not just the place, but the people. It’s been a wonderful privilege to help lots of people from lots of different starting points get to know Jesus better. It’s been wonderful to see so many children and young people. It’s been amazing to serve the wider community with mid-week baby and toddler groups and after-school clubs.

And now, a new chapter, as Trinity Church’s much loved and long-standing vicar, Duncan retires, and I step into the role. As well as continues to lead our 4pm congregation, I’m now also lead our 10am service and take responsibility for ministry in the parish as a whole. I’m excited to keep doing what I’ve always been most passionate about: helping people get to know Jesus better. I hope that Trinity Church Henley will be a place full of the life and love of Jesus, and where many more people in and around Henley, young and old, can get to know Jesus better themselves. Why not come join us one of these days? We’d love to see you! And now I’d better get on with today’s 5k.

Christmas Services 2024

Sunday, 15th December, 4pm – Community Carols 

Sunday, 22nd December, 10am – All Age Carol Service. 7pm – Candlelit Carols 

Tuesday, 24th December, 4pm – Christingle, 7pm – Candlelit Carols, 11.30pm – Midnight Communion 

Wednesday, 25th December, 10am – Christmas All Age Celebration 

All services will be held at Holy Trinity Church, RG9 1SE. No booking required. 

Follow the Star 2024 

Take a magical journey through the first Christmas story. An interactive, immersive experience for the whole family, 13th-14th December. Book your free place today at Christmas 2024 | Trinity at Four. 

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Podcast helping you heal from hurt

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

In her new podcast Choose YOU Choose BLISS, Prestwood emotional health coach Vanessa Louise Moore takes on taboo topics such as abuse & relationship breakdowns

Vanessa believes there are three evils plaguing the world: ill health, addiction and violence. In her new podcast, which started last month, each episode will discuss one of these evils and how the power of love is always the answer.

Vanessa, who offers coaching, workshops, meditation and affirmation messages, says:” Now is the time to take back our power, reconnect with our true selves and each other, including the world around us, and live with confidence, purpose and joy. People spend their days seeking bliss, but often don’t realise it’s inside us all. Bliss to me means Boldly Living In Sweet Surrender. I want this podcast to be like the stabilisers on a bike. I want to help people come to terms with their issues and learn to love themselves. Choose YOU Choose BLISS is like a warm hug of reassurance that it will get better, no matter what stage of the journey you’re at. You are not alone.”

In the second episode, Vanessa talks with ex-husband Brian, whose addiction to alcohol led to the breakdown of their marriage. Over the years Brian has begun to heal and the pair have forged a powerful friendship through honesty.

Choose YOU Choose BLISS is available on major platforms, including Apple, Spotify, YouTube and Amazon with new episodes released every fortnight.

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Ukrainian gem, jeweller Iren Nikard

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

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Ukrainian jeweller Iren Nikard, who moved in with a local host family with her boys, tells us her Christmas wish as she continues to hand-make luxurious pieces from Swarovski crystals to support her family at home

Since war broke out in her Ukrainian homeland, Iren Nikard has found refuge here in Bucks with her sons, thanks to a local host family. “This country received me very well and sincerely,” she says.

Back home Iren had been hand-making stylish, luxurious, jewellery from Swarovski crystals, natural pearls and 925 sterling silver for over six years. She collaborated with wedding shops, boutiques, designers, make-up artists and photographers and set up her own online store.

After being forced to flee, leaving behind her husband who continues to defend Ukraine, she has dedicated her considerable talent and energy to helping her wartorn homeland from afar. “Here in Great Britain I realised I can work not only with my hands, but I discovered my talent for communicating with people and organising peace initiatives.” Iren has already held her first big event, at the Versace Damac Tower in Battersea, presenting her exclusive jewellery alongside the luxurious clothing range by her compatriot, the designer Alnest.

Recently Iren visited Blenheim Palace and – struck by the grandeur and luxury – was inspired to create a sparkling new collection. “Christmas for me is a fabulous family holiday,” she says. “From this day, a new year begins for me, new dreams, new hopes, new desires and accomplishments. Like a child, I believe in miracles and fairy tales. I have only one wish: peace in Ukraine and victory. And that people around the world never know what war is, live in joy and happiness. Every woman wants to feel beautiful, luxurious and satisfied every day. Our life consists of small, pleasant things. A small gift from a loved one or from a friend or for yourself brings joy and beauty to life.

“My jewellery is made with love and meaning, using quality materials and the energy of love. I hope that those who wear my jewellery will always be the centre of attention and radiate the light of love.”

Visit Iren Nikard and also shop at Gifts Instead of Flowers

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Christmas Sparkling Wine Guide  

Round & About

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Round & About Magazine’s resident wine columnist Giles Luckett recommends some fabulous festive fizz that will make your Christmas sparkle

With the holiday season now a cork’s throw away, I thought I’d share some recommendations for festive fizz that won’t break the bank. Champagne prices have risen sharply over the past few years. This has been partly a hangover from the pandemic, partly as a succession of great vintages has pushed up demand. As I said in my recent article on The Best Champagnes of The Year, many champagnes are seriously expensive, but great sparkling wine can still be affordable.

Once upon a time, sparkling wine was something best avoided. In my early trade days, it was often sold under that chilling euphemism, ‘party wine’. It was usually cheap, made from grapes as (ig)noble as Mauzac or Treabbiano using a tank and a giant bicycle pump and had all the joy of a wake. It took non-French winemakers, notably in Spain and the New World, to show that sparkling wine could be serious and great value for money. Today, the wine world is awash with cracking sparkling wines offering beauty on a budget and here are my recommendations for sparkling wines that will be the life and soul of the party.

First up, a Prosecco, the Terra Organica (Sainsbury’s £12). This is one of the best Prosecco I’ve had in a long time I’m mid-way down the second glass it’s become cloying and insipid. The Terra Organica avoids this, I suspect, through cool fermentation and by giving it time on its lees (yeast and other elements left over after fermentation), it certainly has a savoury, creamy edge to the pear and peach fruit. Great on its own, this has the intensity and weight to partner with salty appetisers or smoked fish.

Next, a Cava. I had to drink, sorry, think, long and hard about this one as there are so many excellent Cava’s out there. The Cune Cava (Majestic £10 on a mixed 6), the Roger Goulart Brut Reserva (N.D. John £15.95), and the Contevedo Cava Brut (Aldi £5.79) are all great wines. But the one that’s consistently stood out for me this year is the Vilarnau Brut Reserva Organic Cava (Ocado £11). Vilarnau takes Cava incredibly seriously, using organically framed grapes from their own vineyards to produce a dazzling wine that’s fruit-driven and characterful. The nose is a joyous mix of flowers, red and white berries, yeasty, and blackberries. In the mouth, it’s full, and creamy, and offers layers of white and yellow fruits interspersed with red berries, and a clean, lively finish. Enjoy this lightly chilled with olives, blinis, and other savoury party foods.

English sparling wine has been the toast of the trade of late, and while some have got the eye-poppingly pricey – the Nyetimber 1086 Rosé Prestige Cuvée will set you back £175, about the same as a bottle of Dom Perignon – many remain well priced. Take the Tesco English Sparkling Wine (£18.50 with a Clubcard). Made at the award-winning Balfour winery in Kent from a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, it offers tangy green and red berry fruits, crisp green apple and pear tones and a lovely creamy yeastiness to the finish. A class act, a glass or two of this would be a fine way to toast the big day.

New Zealand has proved to be a whizz with fizz. This isn’t much of a surprise given the splendour of its still Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines and the talented winemaking team at Villa Maria have built on their successes with these noble vines to produce the Villa Maria Sparkling Cuvee Brut (Sainsbury’s £14). This is a wine that’s easy to love. Everything about it, from its soft blossom and pear nose to its plump, textured body of peach, grape and honeydew melon, is easy drinking but complex and satisfying. It’s also one of those wines that makes you wonder if sparkling wine bottles are smaller, for no sooner have you opened it than it’s empty.

Riesling is arguably the greatest grape variety in the world. Few (if any) grapes can produce wines of such majesty in such an array of styles, from bone-dry stunners such as the Hugel Classic Riesling (Majestic £22.99) to luscious, sweet wines that can age for decades such as the Dr. Loosen Beerenauslese (Noble Green Wines £19.90). It can also produce exceptional sparkling wines as the Von Buhl Riesling Brut 2019 (Laithwaites £22 or £17.99 when you buy any 12) proves. This is a curious wine, that seems to meld two distinct styles. On the one hand, it’s a fresh, concentrated Riesling, green apples, nectarines, minerals and flowers, while on the other, it has an apricot, dried pear and honey richness from the extended bottle ageing. An intoxicating combination, like all good Rieslings this is a wine for the mind and the mouth.

Want to add a touch of bling to the season? Then pop open a bottle of the Bottega ‘Gold’ Prosecco (Majestic £19). There’s more to this wine than meets the eye, which is saying something. Produced at an estate that can trace its roots back to the 17th century, it’s made from grapes grown in Valdobbiadene – the finest Prosecco-producing area – with an attention to quality and detail that’s more commonly associated with champagne. The bouquet offers aromas of orchard fruits, citrus, pears and salty-creamy yeast tone. The palate is richer and weightier than most Prosecco’s and the fruit flavours go beyond the usual pears and nectarines to lemon and lime, raspberry and rhubarb. Impressive, this is a wine to enjoy chilled as an aperitif or with cold white meats.

I couldn’t write a fizz column and not mention the winery that provides our house fizz, but rather than recommend the Graham Beck Vintner’s Selection (Tesco £13.50), I’m going for something else from their improbably impressive range, the Graham Beck Rosé Brut NV (Waitrose £16.99). The main difference between the white and the rosé Beck, aside from the gorgeous pink colour, is that the rosé has just a bit more red berry fruit and is a touch riper. Now your eyes will deceive you when it comes to tasting wine and seeing a rosé wine the brain will leap to a load of conclusions as to what it thinks you should taste and these will show up on the palate. Practice, and a little blind tasting, can help you see what’s there and not what you think should be there. I’ve tasted these two against each other blind and there’s more raspberry and strawberry fruit to the rosé and a little less of the exotic coconut and Asian herbs you find in the white. A great wine that’s a steal at this price, I can see us needing a bigger recycling bin by New Year.

Next time out, Christmas wines.

Cheers!
Giles

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Eco Elves Teddy Trade in Wycombe

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

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From Saturday, 30th November, until Christmas, children can transform their old teddies into new ones at Eden Shopping Centre

Mrs Claus and her eco elves are back at Eden, ready to welcome little ones into a world of enchantment.

Children can transform their old teddies into new ones and experience the magic of giving in a festive and eco-friendly way.

In the spirit of giving, all pre-loved teddies will be donated to Stokenchurch Dog Rescue, where they’ll help bring Christmas cheer to rescue dogs waiting for a loving home. And to make this season of goodwill even brighter, 100% of ticket sales will go to local charities, with support from Heart of Bucks.

Rebecca Gomme, marketing manager at Eden Shopping Centre, said: “We’re thrilled to bring back our Eco Elves. Building on the success of last year’s Eco Elves Tree-Cycle, where children transformed magic beans into miniature Christmas trees; this year the focus is on upcycling teddies. Mrs Claus can’t wait to welcome all the children and giving them a fun and engaging way to learn about sustainability and showing that even small actions – like repurposing toys – can make a big difference.”

For those without a teddy to trade, a selection of spares will be available, ensuring every child leaves with a special friend dressed in a cosy Christmas jumper.

Tickets for Eden’s Eco Elves Teddy Trade are £3.50 & booking fee and must be pre-booked and are available via the Eden Shopping Centre website. 100% of sales will go to charities, with support from Heart of Bucks.

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Support Treloar’s Winter Appeal

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

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Treloar’s Winter Appeal launches on Giving Tuesday, December 3rd. Can you contribute to their fundraising?

This year’s Treloar’s Winter Appeal will focus on raising funds to replace 54 hoists across the school.

Hoists are a life-changing piece of equipment that allow individuals to maintain their independence and dignity, by safely manoeuvring them within their classrooms, learning areas and residential houses.

The Maxi Sky 600 hoists used across Treloar’s are coming to the end of their working lives and will become obsolete by December 2025. The school currently has 154 of these hoists – all of which are in constant daily use. Each new hoist costs £910.

The school is urgently fundraising to replace the remaining 54 hoists. Over the years, the complexity of Treloar’s students’ needs has increased, and today all students are wheelchair-users. The majority have a sensory impairment and over half use assisted speech technology to communicate. For nearly all students, getting out of their wheelchair is impossible without assistance. Having hoists enables students to get out of their wheelchairs in their classrooms, bedrooms, living rooms, swimming pool and leisure areas.

Clare Bradford, Joint Head of Physiotherapy at Treloar’s said: “Given our students’ complexities, hoists are an absolute necessity for safely manoeuvring our students within their classrooms and learning areas and in the residential houses. The hoists also enable students to access a variety of equipment and environments. This includes being able to get onto their trikes or access the trampoline, swimming pool and soft play. Hoists are found in all common rooms, physiotherapy rooms and in students’ bedrooms and bathrooms. Having hoists available in each room plays a huge role in unlocking the potential in our students and enabling them a greater level of independence, choice and comfort. If you are able, please help us provide hoists for all our students by donating to our winter Appeal.”

Treloar’s Student, Leon, said: “It’s nice to be out of my wheelchair. I had never been hoisted before I got to Treloar’s so it’s nice to not be sitting down all day now. I like getting out of my chair – it’s not good to be in it all day so it’s good to do other stuff.”

Another student added: “Having a hoist in class is marvellous, I can now do walking and standing with my friends and not miss out on anything else.”

Can you help?

This winter, help us lift lives at Treloar’s – JustGiving

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Balancing Family Life & Live-In Care

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As the holiday season approaches, many families are faced with the challenge of balancing caregiving with their daily lives. For families supporting elderly or disabled loved ones, live-in care can be a wonderful solution to ensure they receive around-the-clock assistance while keeping family life intact. 

In this post, we’ll explore how integrating live-in care into family life can be both seamless and rewarding, how it impacts family dynamics and how it can create time for family celebrations during the holidays.

How can live-in care be integrated into family life?

Live-in care brings a professional carer into the home to provide 24/7 support, allowing your loved one to remain in familiar surroundings. While this offers many benefits, integrating live-in care into family life does require some thoughtful planning. Here are a few steps families can take to ensure a smooth transition:

1. Open Communication: Before a live-in carer moves in, it’s important for family members to discuss what this change will mean. Consider holding a family meeting to set expectations and address any concerns about privacy, space and responsibilities.

• Clear Roles and Boundaries: Each family member may have specific tasks or routines they prefer to handle themselves, such as cooking meals or running errands. Defining roles and setting boundaries early on helps everyone understand how they’ll collaborate with the carer, reducing potential friction.

• Build Trust Gradually: Introducing a new person into your home can be a big adjustment. A gradual approach to building trust can help everyone feel more comfortable. Consider introducing family members slowly whenever possible to allow your family to form a natural bond with them.

• Involve the Carer in Family Activities: Inviting the live-in carer to occasional family dinners or gatherings helps them feel integrated into the family unit, fostering a sense of harmonious living. This also helps your loved one feel that the carer is a part of their daily life rather than just a professional presence.

By focusing on these steps, families can make the process of integrating live-in care into family life smoother, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.

Challenges of Balancing Family and Live-In Care

While live-in care offers many advantages, families may face certain challenges when balancing family life with a live-in carer in the home. Addressing these challenges proactively can make a significant difference.

Here are some of the common challenges and how families can overcome them:

1. Privacy Concerns: One of the most common challenges is privacy. Having an additional adult in the household can make family members feel like they have less personal space. Setting up a designated living area for the carer, separate from family common areas, can help maintain a balance between privacy and support.

• Adapting Family Routines: Live-in carers often follow schedules to meet the needs of the person they’re caring for, which may impact family routines. Families may need to adjust their routines slightly to accommodate these caregiving schedules, especially around meal times or social gatherings.

• Managing Family Dynamics: Introducing a new person into the family environment may temporarily shift family dynamics. Open conversations can help family members adjust to this change, especially when young children or teenagers are involved.

By recognising these challenges, families can create a plan to address them and establish a stable, collaborative environment that respects both the family’s needs and the carer’s role.

How Live-In Carers Impact Family Dynamics

Live-in carers inevitably impact family dynamics. Their role within the home affects relationships, routines and responsibilities – often in positive ways but sometimes it can be a challenge and require adjustment. This is absolutely normal, and for most families, it gets easier over time. 

The benefits often outweigh any potential early concerns. When a live-in carer assumes the daily responsibilities of caregiving, it can significantly alleviate the emotional and physical strain on family members. This shift allows families to focus on nurturing their relationships with their loved one instead of constantly being preoccupied with caregiving tasks. By reducing the burden, family members can experience greater peace of mind, which enhances their ability to be fully present and emotionally available.

Live-in carers bring a level of professional support that goes beyond what most family members can provide. As trained professionals, they are skilled in assessing and responding to various health needs, offering a reassuring layer of security for families. This expertise often elevates the standard of care, benefiting everyone involved and fostering a sense of overall well-being.

With the day-to-day caregiving tasks managed by a professional, family members have the freedom to enjoy quality time together. Freed from the constant demands of caregiving, families can focus on meaningful connections and shared moments with their loved one, making their time together more enjoyable and memorable.

Additionally, the presence of a live-in carer can create a more positive atmosphere within the household. Family members, no longer feeling solely responsible for caregiving, may experience increased happiness and relaxation. This uplifting environment benefits everyone in the home, including the loved one receiving care, as the supportive, relaxed atmosphere promotes a sense of warmth and comfort.

Live-in carers often bring emotional benefits as well. By joining the family in celebrating special occasions and bonding with the family member they care for, carers often bring a sense of warmth, stability and familiarity that adds value to the family dynamics.

Celebrating the Festival Season with the Help of Live-In Care

With the holiday season around the corner, live-in care offers families an incredible opportunity to enjoy the festivities without the usual caregiving stress. 

Here’s how having a live-in carer during Christmas, New Year and any other religious or cultural festivals can make the season more enjoyable:

1. Freeing Up Time for Celebration: Live-in carers manage daily care responsibilities, allowing family members to focus on holiday planning, shopping and decorating without added pressure. This extra time lets everyone fully embrace the holiday spirit without feeling stretched thin.

• Support During Family Gatherings: During family gatherings, the carer can assist with mobility support, dietary needs, or personal care, ensuring that the loved one receiving care can be comfortably involved in the celebration. Their assistance helps family members to relax, knowing their loved one’s needs are professionally met.

• Helping with Holiday Preparations: Carers can be a huge help during the holidays by aiding with food preparation, gift wrapping and other tasks that require an extra hand. This allows families to focus on spending time together rather than being pulled away by holiday chores.

• Ensuring Safety and Comfort: If your loved one has specific needs, such as medication schedules or health monitoring, the live-in carer’s presence can provide invaluable peace of mind during the excitement of the holidays. Families can rest assured that their loved one’s needs will be met while they participate in the holiday cheer.

With the support of a live-in carer, families can experience a more relaxed, meaningful holiday season; focusing on togetherness and joy rather than juggling care duties with festive obligations.

Final Thoughts

Integrating live-in care into family life can provide numerous benefits, from reducing the burden on family members to enhancing the quality of life for loved ones who require assistance. While challenges may arise, a proactive approach to communication, boundaries and family dynamics can create a balanced and positive home environment.

As the holiday season approaches, the gift of live-in care can be particularly meaningful. By easing the caregiving load, it enables families to focus on what truly matters: spending time together, making memories and celebrating the season without the usual stress of caregiving duties. With a live-in carer by your side, you and your family can enjoy a season filled with warmth, joy, and harmony.

For more information about how Eximius Live-In Care can support you and your loved ones needing additional support please call us on: 0203 794 9933

Or email: [email protected]

www.eximiussupport.uk

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Taste nostalgia at Six by Nico

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

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Running for six weeks, December 16th to January 26th, this latest cast of courses brings a delicious return to the past

Get ready to taste your way down memory lane. Six By Nico, Oxford, is serving up deja food with its latest six-course tasting menu, Nostalgia.

Perfectly timed for the festive season, this menu captures the nostalgic magic of Christmas and New Year. Diners will have the chance to relive the joy of their childhood through flavours that feel like home, while younger guests can ride the wave of a golden era and experience delicious retro moments for the first time. 

It’s a menu that brings the taste of yesteryear to life, with each dish crafted to capture those classic flavours and playful twists from the past – think the comforting bite of a fish finger sarnie, the warm, smoky flavours of a campfire feast and the unmistakable nostalgia of a VHS-era movie snack.

Known for reinventing its menu every six weeks, Six by Nico transports diners to new worlds with each visit. With Nostalgia, its inviting guests to enjoy a taste of the past, where familiar favourites get a fresh, modern twist. Each plate offers a delicious reminder of childhood memories, reimagined with inventive flair, one playful bite at a time.

Chef Nico Simeone, the creative mind behind Six by Nico, reflects on the inspiration for the menu: “Our final menu of 2024 and the first of 2025 pays homage to nostalgia, inviting guests on a journey through flavours that evoke personal memories. Inspired by reflections on my childhood, it draws on moments spent watching films, playing games, or enjoying time outdoors with friends.

“While New Year often focuses on resolutions, this menu celebrates traditions and revisits the timeless magic of Christmas through familiar and comforting tastes.”

Priced at £50 per person, bookings are now open for a taste of Nostalgia at Six by Nico, Oxford. Guests can also enjoy their meal with either optional wine or cocktail pairings. Each course is crafted to bring back fond memories of childhood favourites, reimagined with a modern twist, while letting the festivities linger just a little longer.

Here’s a throwback to the childhood favourites diners can look forward to:

Snack – ‘Space Raiders’

Crushed Baby Potato, Pickled Onion, Garlic Emulsion & Fermented Melon Hot Sauce

Course 1 – ‘Blockbuster’

Aged Comté, Hazelnut & Serrano Ham in a “Taco”

Course 2 – ‘Super Mario’

Roasted Maitake, Smoked Celeriac, Cep Gnocchi, Lovage, Truffle & Sherry Cappuccino

Course 3 – ‘Let’s Go Camping!’

Smoked Pork Sausage, Aged Belly, Red Pepper Romesco, Nasturtium & Almond

Course 4 – ‘Fish Fingers’

Barbecue Coley, Miso Carrot, Lobster Emulsion

Served with a Crispy Fish Finger, Shellfish Bisque & Salted Kumquat

Course 5 – ‘Guess Who’

A classic game inspires our dish, but can you Guess Who?

Course 6 –  ‘SNOWBALL FIIIIGHT’

Coconut Parfait, Lime Gel, 55% chocolate & Yoghurt “Snow”

Book at Nostalgia – Oxford – Six By Nico

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Pantomime japes, jeers & jokes

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

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Love them or loathe them, pantomimes are most people’s first introduction to the theatre, the tales of good triumphing over evil are as old as time but that doesn’t stop their enduring allure. So book your tickets and take your seat…

Boo, hiss or sealed with a kiss, if it’s December then it must be panto month so start practising your jeering and cheering and tuck into those sweets as you enjoy the tale of Sleeping Beauty at Oxford Playhouse. Evil fairy curses baby, baby grows into a beautiful teenage princess, princess pricks her finger on a spindle and… time travels across 1,000 years. Oh no, she doesn’t? Oh yes, she does in this spellbinding new production. This Aurora must summon all of her fairy-given gifts – true friendship, intelligence, bravery and a good night’s sleep (along with a teddy bear and a mysterious 1985 Smash Hits Yearbook) to put things right and regain her rightful place in the kingdom of Oxland. Find out if she succeeds until Jan 5th. Tickets at Sleeping Beauty | Oxford Playhouse

If you fancy a trip to the theatre but without the booing and hissing and calls of ‘he’s behind you’ then how about the powerful emotive First World War tale War Horse, Dec 10th-Jan 4th at New Theatre, Oxford. The National Theatre production takes audiences on an extraordinary journey from the fields of rural Devon to the trenches of France. Filled with stirring music and songs, at its heart are astonishing life-sized horses by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, who bring breathing, galloping, charging horses to thrilling life on stage. Tickets from War Horse Tickets | New Theatre Oxford in Oxford | ATG Tickets In the new year look out for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jan 7th-11th and get ready to sing along with all the familiar tunes, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Tickets | New Theatre Oxford in Oxford | ATG Tickets

This Christmas The North Wall will be transformed into an atmospheric winter wonderland full of magic, mystery, and misadventure. Join Hansel, Grettel, and a host of bewitching characters and feathered friends as they serve up a musical menu of catchy songs, mystical spells, and just a touch of winter magic. Journey deep into the heart of the woodland, where the Witches of Winter rise from the frozen earth to prepare for the awakening of their leader, a mysterious witch known as the Priestess of Winter. Only the birds can save them from the most powerful witch in the land. Join Hansel & Grettel from Dec 1st to Jan 4th. Book tickets at Hansel & Grettel – Creation Theatre

It’s never too early to introduce your little ones to the magic of theatre. Head to Burton Taylor Studio at Oxford Playhouse where the sleigh is loaded, the elves are ready but Father Christmas can’t find his keys or his glasses or his boots… and now he’s making a flask of tea! Hurry Up, Father Christmas! It’s Christmas Eve and it’s time to go! This interactive show is perfect for children aged 3 to 6 years. It’s off to the North Pole for stories, songs, activities, and adventures and to help get the sleigh on its way. Dec 4th-29th. Book at Hurry Up Father Christmas! | Oxford Playhouse

Chipping Norton Theatre’s Christmas panto reaches for the clouds with the most gigantic panto of them all Jack and the Beanstalk. Join Jack on his giant adventures to the Viking kingdom of Smorgasbord with a talking cow and a band of musical horned helmets in search of true love and world peace! This festive treat runs until Jan 12th. Tickets from Pantomime | Jack & the Beanstalk | Chipping Norton Theatre

Join Buttercross Theatre Productions for a delightful adventure with Puss in Boots! This hilarious and heartwarming production promises an unforgettable experience for the entire family. Step into the whimsical world of Much-Rabitting-on-the-Dale, where a clever cat with magical boots sets out to transform the fortunes of his master, the kind-hearted but humble Jack. Packed with lively songs, enchanting characters, and plenty of panto fun, this show has everything you love about traditional pantomime. Dec 19th-24th & 28th-31st. Book at Buttercross Theatre Productions event tickets from TicketSource.

Younger ones will love A Winter’s Tale at The Beacon, Wantage on December 22nd. The snow is falling. Ratty wants everything to be really rat-tastic! But will her friends make it through the snow to the winter woodland revels? Can you help them on their journey? There’ll be excitement, adventure, play-acting, games, music, a splattering of silliness and lots of snow! The show includes a stay and play session, and is created for ages 2+ and their grown-ups. Visit A Winter’s Tail – The Beacon Wantage to book. 

Put your glass slippers on for a night out at Cornerstone Didcot, where you’ll find Cinderella, the girl who dreams of a life more exciting, far away from her wicked stepsisters. Thanks to her faithful friend Buttons, the Fairy Godmother and her wand and the dashing Prince Charming anything is possible. Expect plenty of laughs, professional performers, stunning sets and lavish costumes in this dazzling spectacle from Dec 18th-31st. Book at Cinderella | Cornerstone

Of course pantos aren’t just for Christmas, many local theatre groups are spreading the joy and fun into the new year. Follow the adventures of Dick Whittington with Sinodun Players in the classic tale of young Dick and his loyal cat as they set off in search of fame and fortune in London, where the streets are said to be paved with gold. Take your seat at the Corn Exchange Wallingford from Jan 17th – Feb 1st. Ticket info at » Dick Whittington

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