INDEX news
Editor’s Eye
Welcome to the
December issue of The Canterbury Index. Now that advent has
started, it’s offi cially socially acceptable to crack open the crate of decorations and Jennie Buist Brown shares her pleasure in this particular seasonal ritual on the antiques page. There’s so much talk about on-line shopping these days, but in the run-up to Christmas the High Street comes into its own. Stroll down The King’s Mile and drink in the historic atmosphere as you pick out creative gifts for your loved one, and you can’t beat Canterbury’s continental market for atmosphere – the twinkling lights, Glühwein and sizzling bratwurst will make festive shopping a sensory pleasure. Or head for the coast and enjoy a boutique experience in Whitstable. Our fashion and
beauty editors have come up with a few luxuries and a few inexpensive trinkets to delight those who take an interest in their appearance, and our gift guide is packed with recommendations from shops and businesses across the area.
Of course, Christmas is not just about the gifts. Being a cathedral city, Canterbury has plenty to offer on the spiritual side – look at our Arts page to see Katie Turrell’s carol concert recommendations. However you mark this midwinter holiday we hope it brightens the darkest days of the year. And we wish you all – readers and advertisers – a prosperous and harmonious 2012.
Did you know… …Tarot parties
are where it’s at
Canterbury tarot reader Cheryl
Simmons is the fi rst in the
country to offer parties, at which she will do individual readings for groups of six to eight people. She is also available for corporate and social events, as well as one-to-one readings. Léonie Johnson met Cheryl, who has more than eight years of experience, for a reading:
“I was privileged to be invited to a one-on-one tarot experience. In a large room, lit by candles that enhanced
the atmosphere, I sat with her as she carefully laid out the cards. While I have a reasonably down-to-earth view on life, I was surprised by the relevance the reading had to my personal situation. “Cheryl struck me as a truly open and warm person. Through my time spent with her, she expressed her view on tarot as not being about predicting a ‘set-in-stone’ view of the future, but as a tool useful for guidance; a means of advising the individual to reach a desired outcome.” If you would like to contact Cheryl, she is available on 07760 191647.
Festive time travel
Two historic attractions in Canterbury are offering family events to celebrate Christmas. Visit Canterbury Heritage Museum on Stour Street between 2 and 4 December to see Santa in his Grotto and take part in some great hands-on activities. Try making paper chains, crackers and a cut-out Christmas crib. Costumed characters will help you journey through Christmases past to the present day, and there will be seasonal refreshments and gifts in the garden at the front of the museum.
Later on in the month (10-22 December), Westgate Towers and City Gaol will be expanding minds with a 12 days of Christmas quiz. Find out why Cromwell wanted to make Christmas illegal, and what was kept alight for 12 days.
The fi rst Emmaus community was started in Paris in 1949 by Abbe Pierre a catholic priest and former member of French resistance.
Charity of the Month St Martin’s Emmaus
Emmaus is a fantastic social enterprise providing a home and work in a community setting for 21 previously homeless men and women, known as companions. They sign off benefi ts and observe the basic rules of the community – to respect all other people, not to bring
alcohol or illicit drugs into the community and to be available for work for up to 40 hours each week. If these rules are broken, the companion will be asked to leave the community for a period – but never forever. The community accepts donations of money and good quality furniture and household goods. including washing machines and fridges. The items are sold in the Canterbury and Dover shops
and the income supports the community. The new shop in Canterbury makes for rewarding browsing and Emmaus welcomes visitors to the lovely English Heritage site in Dover. It’s a converted fort, and the views are magnifi cent. The offi cial opening of the Canterbury shop, at 47 Northgate, will be performed by the charity’s patron Terry Waite CBE on 13 December at midday. For more details see www.
stmartinsemmaus.co.uk.
www.indexmagazine.co.uk
9
The INDEX magazine December 2011
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