It’s Christmas time again! - Actually, I suppose it has been for the last two months or more. At least that’s how long the shops, stores and media have been telling us what’s on offer. We have all those weeks to think about what has to be done and what we have to buy but do we ever stop and wonder why we go to so much trouble.

Everyone agrees it’s an occasion for children and it’s easy to see why youngsters look forward to it but what about some of the older folk? Is it still all joy and happiness for them and are they just as keen to continue the tradition as they were in the past? Unfortunately, the bombarding the public get from the pre-Christmas advertising put out by the major stores and media only exacerbates the stress that most families are already subject to these days.

Instead of being a happy and peaceful time with pleasure and fun derived from planning it as a family, it has developed into a chore that many would opt out of it if they were given the chance. By the time Christmas day finally gets here many women are too stressed and tired to enjoy it. 
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We still have Christmas trees and trim up to make everywhere look pretty and then meet up with our relatives and friends to exchange presents and cards and have lots to eat and drink.

Children are content so long as they receive what they asked Santa Claus to bring them. Even so, it is all very different to the way it was celebrated by our forefathers.

Several things have contributed to the changes. The whole event was built around the Nativity although many of the customs went back to before the birth of Jesus.

All churches were well attended at this time and many choirs joined the Salvation Army around the streets rendering carols for all to hear. The children also joined in going from house to house singing their favourite verses before knocking on the door for a donation towards their Christmas presents.

There was no television to be switched on and watched all day. Even after most households got radio it was only tuned in at three o’clock when everyone sat and listened to the king’s [or Queen’s] speech.

Click here for Queens Speech in 1957, now on YouTube

When folk were not at the table eating, those not involved in the household chores passed the time playing games. Cards, ludo, snakes and ladders, draughts and later monopoly were all popular. When everyone was there they would organise pastimes they could all join in, musical chairs, pass the parcel, statues, oranges and lemons etc. The adults always seem to enjoy those as much as the youngsters.

While all that was going on biscuits, sweets, fruit and nuts were usually on the sideboard so everyone could help themselves. In the evening, after the children had gone to bed, the adults relaxed with a drink. Most families managed to afford at least a bottle of ginger wine or sherry and a bottle or two of stout or brown ale for the men.

Then, as the fire died down to glowing embers it was time to bite into the chestnuts and place them on the grate. Warm mince pies were passed round while they were cooking. They always tasted much better when all was quiet and peaceful in a warm room filled with the smell of the roasting chestnuts.

In those days Christmas was here and gone in two or three weeks and culminated in two days of joyous celebration. Children at school spent time in the last week before they broke up making Christmas cards, trimmings and presents. Some rehearsed and presented a nativity play to their parents and friends.

Out of school they scoured the countryside for holly loaded with berries while the more agile climbed the likely trees searching for mistletoe. Then of course they had to wrap the presents they had saved their pennies to buy. There was no pretty wrapping paper or sellotape, people used brown paper or old paper bags and tied their parcels with string. Those children that had no money would often make something or perhaps find a gift they had been given on another occasion or a possession they could spare and wrap it up for a friend.

The decorations on the cards we send have also changed. They still express love and good wishes but very few have reference to the reason why we are celebrating. This is a time for family and friends when we should count our blessings and extend a hand of friendship and goodwill to everyone.

One thing that was missing this year was the usual cry from the Postal Service telling everyone to ‘Post Early For Christmas’. Does this mean they are now able to cope with the sudden increase in letters and parcels or are there less for them to deal with? Perhaps the time is approaching when something like an Email will replace the familiar greetings card: Let’s hope not!

Let us all make a resolution before the New Year: To do what so many of the greetings cards tell us, ensure we have a ‘Happy Christmas’. We must help each other to plan and make light of the work so the chores are no longer a burden. Make time in our busy schedule to relax, look around and take stock of what we have. First scrutinise our material possessions and then turn our concentration to our loved ones and those things in our life we hold dear and are impossible to evaluate. Set aside the constant ongoing worries and spend these special days feeling relaxed, happy and above all, content. We might even find that it’s catching!

‘Warmest Greetings’ and best wishes for a ‘Very Happy Christmas’ to you all!

NHS Norfolk wishes everyone a Merry Christmas, and is urging people of all ages to drink sensibly over the festive period.

The Chief Medical Officer recommends that men should not regularly drink more than 3-4 units of alcohol daily. Women should not regularly drink more than 2-3 units daily. A glass of wine or an average pint of beer can often be the equivalent to three units.

This year NHS Norfolk is warning about the dangers of binge drinking, and about the dangers of mixing alcohol and prescription drugs.

The NHS classifies binge drinking as drinking more than double the amount of recommended daily units in one session. For men this is over eight units (more than 3 pints of medium strength lager), and for women, over six (more than 2 glasses of wine).

Euan Williamson, NHS Norfolk's Lead Commissioner for Substance Misuse, said: "Binge drinking amongst younger age groups is well documented. Binge drinking can increase the risk of sexual and physical assault on women, and risky sexual behaviour of men and women. It also plays a large part in violent behaviour amongst men and women, especially when out in pubs and clubs.


"We urge everyone to drink sensibly this Christmas. By being aware of how much you're drinking, and sticking to the recommended guidelines you can still have a good time - and remember it afterwards."

In Norfolk, it is estimated that about 35,000 people have a mild, moderate or severe alcohol dependency. Among the risks associated with binge drinking are unsafe sex, unplanned pregnancies, high chances of accidents and aggressive behaviour.

Alcohol-related hospital admissions are increasing at a rate of 70,000 per year in England. Alcohol costs the health service £2.7bn each year.


* Certain types of cancer, especially breast cancer
* Depression
* Memory loss, brain damage or even dementia
* Increased risk of heart disease and stroke
* Liver disease, such as cirrhosis and liver cancer
* Stomach damage
* Potentially fatal alcohol poisoning

If you are taking prescription drugs, mixing them with alcohol can be particularly dangerous.

Dr Ian Mack, Chair of NHS Norfolk's Clinical Executive Committee, said: "If people are drinking alcohol and taking prescribed medication it can have a very complex effect on the body. Alcohol affects the way the liver processes many drugs.


"This means the drugs may not do the job they were intended for. Mixing alcohol and prescribed drugs can cause nausea and vomiting - and can have even more serious side effects."


* Setting yourself a limit and keeping to it
* Sticking to lower strength beers, wines and spirits
* Sticking to smaller measures
* Trying to avoid drinking every night. Have a few nights off
* Alternating alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks
* Finding alternative ways of socialising
* Never leave your drink unattended

To calculate how many units of alcohol you are drinking visit: www.nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/Alcoholcalculator.aspx

• Best Caravan or Holiday Park
• Best Broads Holiday Experience
• Customer Care Award

The festive season is the perfect chance to spend more quality time with our family. As the children take a break from school and the grandparents come to visit, why not spend some time together being active at Sportspark. Sportspark based at the University of East Anglia, is the UK’s largest indoor sports venue with plenty to offer those of any age, whether it’s a relaxing swim, friendly badminton match or a challenging climb on Norfolk’s largest indoor climbing wall.

Sportspark is celebrating its 10th anniversary year and there are now more ways than ever for families to have fun and get active over the Christmas holidays. Plus the Sportscafé offers delicious hot and cold food and drinks so you can relax and reward yourself for getting out of the house and taking some exercise.


• Family Splash Sessions in the swimming pool Monday and Wednesday 10am – 12pm in the school holidays.

• Hire an indoor court and play badminton, basketball or volleyball together.

• Hire a table and host a mini table tennis competition.

• Come for a drop in session at the ESKA Karate club, for anyone over the age of 4.

• Play doubles on our floodlit tennis courts.

• Get a group of neighbours, friends and relatives and play 5 or 7 a side football on our floodlit state of the art 3G or Astroturf pitches.

• The grandparents can drop in to one of our specially designed Fitness in Later Life classes for the over 50s.

• Hire a squash court for a competitive game.

• Enjoy a festive meal in the Sportscafé.

• Bring friends and relatives together for a special climbing, archery, football or sports hall party.

This Christmas greeting, shown in cinemas in 1946, boasts a charming animated sequence in which toys come alive as children slumber, recalling a similar scene in 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' :)

Christmas is traditionally a time when many of us pile on the pounds, but with a little forward planning, you can also make January - the traditional time for losing that extra weight - much easier.

That's the philosophy of Mary Iginla, Project Co-ordinator for the Joy of Food, who believes that having a strategy during the party season can reap rewards in the long run.

Mary said: "Christmas is time when we all like to party, and that often includes plenty of food and drink. Don't feel that you have to miss out - by following just a few of these tips you'll make your New Year easier. Make sure you enjoy the splash-out of the traditional festive season which is from December 24 to January 6, not to mid January.


"It’s also a good time to remember how many meals can be provided by one Christmas roast. The butcher can tell you how long your joint will take to cook. An average chicken takes about 1.5 hours. Remember you can use the carcass to make stock and soup afterwards."

Here are Mary's ten top tips:

1. At a party, try not to stand next to the buffet where it is easy to keep picking at food. If you have no option, hold a glass in one hand and a plate in the other - it won't be so easy to keep picking. Watch out for those fried morsels and pastry treats when making your selection! Try to buy mince pies that aren’t made of thick pastry as well.

2. Try to maintain as much of your regular eating routine as possible. Make sure you have a good breakfast - particularly if you're going out to a Christmas party later in the day.

3. When you choose food from the party menu, try to avoid the creamy sauces, and opt for tomato-based sauces and French dressings instead. Avoid pastry dishes and gateau, and don't overdo the cheese board. Don't feel you have to eat everything, unless it’s a vegetable, which includes sprouts.

4. Keep your fluid levels up. Drink water regularly, and don't skip meals during the day. If you're hungry, you're more likely to opt for high-calorie foods.

5. Eat slowly. We often eat more when we eat quickly. Take your time with your meal, and enjoy it!

6. Remember that alcohol contains calories too, particularly those creamy liqueurs we are more likely to choose in the festive period.

7. Make a shopping list. It's easy to get sidetracked into buying the best Christmas food bargains - and then feel you have to eat it all when you get home! A list means you're prepared, and less likely to buy food on impulse.

8. Try to restrict sugar to meal times rather than in between meals. It will be better for your waistline - and your teeth. If you're a grandparent, try not to supply too many sweets and chocolates to your grandchildren as presents. Think about choosing a gift that lasts longer like a book, a game you can play with them, or a DVD. Satsumas and pineapple are in season now and can provide a delicious, and sweet, alternative.

9. There's more than one way to say "no". "Maybe I'll have one later" is easier to say than "Sorry I'm not allowed", and still a polite way to refuse extra portions.

10. Walk off those calories! Walking is one of the easiest forms of exercise, and can be a really enjoyable part of the festive season, especially a brisk walk on the beach before going back to the leftovers.

Mary added: "Christmas is a fantastic time of year. We don't want to be killjoys, and are keen for everyone to have a good time. Remembering at least some of these simple tips can just make life easier in January, and hopefully lead to a happy - and healthier - New Year."

The Joy of Food is a community based programme funded by the Big Lottery, hosted by NHS Norfolk, to increase fruit and vegetable consumption by teaching basic food skills and raising awareness of the social pleasure of food. For more details, call 01603 257219.

Richard Ellis, founder of Norfolk Country Cottages, one of the county’s leading tourism businesses, is the new Chairman of Norfolk Tourism, the public and private sector tourism industry partnership. Mr Ellis succeeds Michael Timewell, Director of Blue Sky Leisure

Mr Ellis originally trained as a management accountant and worked for multinational companies before moving into the food industry. He was instrumental in bringing Kettle Foods to Norwich and was their Chief Executive until 2000. In January 1992 he started Norfolk Country Cottages, with his wife Lesley, in a room at their cottage in Reepham.

Richard Ellis explained: "I wanted to develop my own tourism business based on a strong set of personal values about quality of service, attention to detail, valuing and respecting people, as well as playing an active and responsible role in the community."

Norfolk Country Cottages is now the leading self catering agency in Norfolk with sister brands in Suffolk – Suffolk Secrets, Kent & Sussex – Freedom Holiday Homes, and Devon – Marsdens Cottage Holidays. Now collectively known as The Original Cottage Company, the business has grown to be one of the largest independent holiday cottage agencies in the UK.

Mr Ellis was appointed Chairman of EEDA in December 2003 and retired at the end of March. He is currently a trustee of Norwich Theatre Royal, The Forum Trust, Norwich and the Holt Festival.

Richard Ellis added: "I am very pleased to have joined the team at Norfolk Tourism. We live in challenging economic times, but these are also times of great opportunity for those of us involved in the county’s tourism industry. With more people holidaying at home and the Olympics approaching fast, there is growth to be had. But with reducing public funding it is imperative that the private and public sectors work more closely together to ensure that we both attract and delight more visitors."

In 2009 tourism in Norfolk was worth £2.6 billion to the local economy. Tourism related employment was 49,652, comprising 14% of the county’s workforce.

Norfolk Tourism is the county's established public and private sector industry partnership. Funded by its 55 partner organisations, the partnership is designed to act as a forum for all Norfolk's tourism businesses and local authorities, www.visitnorfolk.co.uk, tel. 01603 222846. See our free to use image library at www.norfolk-images.co.uk.

Sportspark, based at the University of East Anglia, would like to give advance notice of opening times over the Christmas break. The centre will be closed on the following days:

Friday 24th December 2010

Saturday 25th December 2010

Sunday 26th December 2010

Friday 31st December 2010

Saturday 1st January 2011

The usual opening times will be in place during the rest of the festive period.

Sportspark is also holding extra Family Splash Sessions in the swimming pool over the school holidays. Splash sessions are a chance for families to have fun and exercise in the shallow pool with a depth of just 90 cm. There is no lane swimming during the Family Splash Session ensuring swimmers have maximum space to play and use floats. Under 5’s swim for free. The extra Family Splash Sessions will run:

Monday 20th December 10am – 12pm

Wednesday 22nd December 10am – 12pm

Monday 27th December 10am – 12pm

Wednesday 29th December 10am – 12pm

Monday 3rd January 10am – 12pm

Details of prices are at http://www.sportspark.co.uk/informationcentre/Swimming.pdf

Birds need food during cold weather, but they also need water. Nick Baker presents Wild Life Skills and shows us a handy way to keep the water from freezing, thus making it available to the birds for longer.

Sportspark has launched a new series of gift vouchers in time for Christmas. Vouchers can be purchased for a wide range of activities, including taster sessions, courses and swimming sessions as well as for set monetary values. Starting from just £5, Sportspark Gift Vouchers are an affordable gift idea for friends and families. Taster sessions and short courses in a new sport are also an excellent way to introduce new activities to people and improve their health and wellbeing.

Vouchers for taster sessions cost from £11.50 to £14.00 and can be purchased for select activities, including climbing, archery and squash in January and February. Adults and children over the age of eight can experience 90 minutes of the chosen activity with qualified instructors in a small group, ensuring a quality teaching experience in a safe environment.

Courses run in activities including Badminton, Pilates, Yoga, Squash, Archery and Climbing and cost between £34.50 and £53.00 depending on the activity. All Gift Vouchers are valid for a year, so they can be redeemed at the most convenient time.

Maria Rowe, Assistant Director of Sportspark said: “A gift voucher for something like a taster session is a great present for someone who may be interested in a certain sport, but never gets around to doing it. The courses are also a brilliant way to introduce a new activity to someone and encourage them to exercise and socialise more. With vouchers available from just £5 and covering such a range of activities, we really can offer something for everyone this Christmas.”

For more information about Sportspark visit www.sportspark.co.uk

These clips were taken along side my photographic projects during December 09.

For a high res image go to: www.wildaboutimages.co.uk
© Paul Bunyard