Instead of our annual year-end evening out, either entering the Crystal Maze or trying to escape from a room somewhere, this year we attempted a game of Taskmaster via Zoom. The kind folk at Taskmaster have offered a virtual version of the game; downloadable for a modest donation to @HomelessLink. It was lots of fun, providing much-needed laughs and revealing hidden depths of creativity amongst us.
If you fancy a game of Taskmaster yourself - you can donate to download the video in their web shop. It’d be a fun game to play with friends and family online if you’re not able to see them in person.
To donate directly, without playing the game:
In lieu of the usual meal out after whatever event we have chosen, this year we compiled a Christmas hamper for everyone. We tried to stay away from the supermarkets and the big names online; choosing wherever possible, local, independent suppliers; particularly those with ethical and eco-friendly approaches. Some of our preferred local suppliers were thankfully (for them, not us) too busy to help, so we had to go a little further afield for some items. We would like to mention these local and independent suppliers to offer them support beyond just buying a few things ourselves.
In no particular order:
https://www.instagram.com/themagpiespatisserie/?hl=en
Maggie’s Christmas Cookies are delicious; the red velvet has been voted top choice, but the rest aren’t far behind.
https://www.somayaskitchen.co.uk/
A small family business doing their best to supply food in this difficult time. They were quick to despatch and very grateful for the business; I wish I had needed to buy more.
An independent company, offering more considered choices and sustainable ways to clothe us. Their socks are great.
https://www.thealchemistscottage.com/
Based in North Yorkshire, they specialise in ‘Artisan Hand Roasted Coffees and Exquisite Loose Teas’. We bought hand cream. In the loveliest little cardboard pots. They were so friendly and helpful; I will definitely buy from them again.
Independent, UK artisan chocolatier who were able to still supply when our more local original choices had been forced to stop taking more orders. Not sure anyone has tried any yet, but they look great and the reputation they have built must be for a very good reason.
https://thelittlebotanical.com/
Provider of house plants – everyone now has a gorgeous mini plant to look after; we shall demand progress reports through the year. Some have already acquired names.
A platform that showcases products from independent producers. Equally helpful for consumers and the producers alike.
https://www.nancyandbetty.com/collections/christmas-crackers
Such beautiful crackers! Eco-friendly, recyclable, contain plastic-free gifts and they plant a tree for every box sold.
Fair trade and organic products – plain or customisable. Sturdy, reusable containers for all the other goodies. Very helpful, friendly customer service.
https://www.snowdoniacheese.co.uk/shop/
Makers of lovely multi award-winning cheese. Twelve mini truckles have been living in my fridge for a week.
Makers of activities and craft gifts for kids. Some of us have kids; these were not for us. Promise.
They have been recycling waste into useful products since the 90s; an environmental campaigning company we are more than happy to support. Nice notebooks too!
Wishing everyone as merry a Christmas and as happy a New Year as we are able to have right now.