'Christmas is for sharing'

With the numerous Christmas adverts appearing on our screens all at once this month, it seems to have become something of a `Battle of the Christmas adverts', with everyone pulling out the stops this year to create something touching and memorable. A somewhat unlikely contender for the prize is Sainsbury's, however following the release of their Christmas advert yesterday, the response so far sets them above even the John Lewis advert with Monty the penguin.

With it's timely release just a day after Remembrance day, the advert has been made in partnership with the Royal British Legion, and depicts the extraordinary events of Christmas day in the trenches in 1914.

A touching advert which depicts the theme 'Christmas is for sharing', extending further than just sharing food, Sainsbury's may have chosen the harsh realities of war yet it sounds like many are preferring this to the others out there.

What do you think?

The chocolate bars shown in the advert are on sale now in Sainsbury's and all profit will go to the Royal British Legion.

Remembrance Sunday

Remembrance Sunday is held on the second Sunday of November every year, and this year it falls on the 9th November.

Remembrance Sunday marks the end to hostilities of the First World War, and the poppy has been the symbol of remembrance since 1921. Inspired by the World War I poem; 'In Flanders Fields', they were initially used by the American Legion to remember the American soldiers lost in the war, and were later adopted by other countries. Today, they are largely used by the UK and Canada, to remember all men and women who have died in all conflicts since 1914.

So if you want to remember the day with others, don't forget to head to a local church or War memorial this Sunday morning. Newport Pagnell Remembrance parade takes place on Sunday starting at 10am, and starts at Queens Avenue going along the High Street and ending at the church and war memorial.

Let's remember.

Weekend what's on Listings...

As always there's a weekend filled with activities and various things to do coming up, why not visit one of these events with family or friends this weekend?

Macmillan Coffee morning, run by Jane Smith financial planning. Come along between 9.30am and 12.30pm to 7 Osier Way, Olney for cake, coffee, entertainment and shopping from a range of local shops and businesses.

Ampthill Fireworks- Possibly one of the last local fireworks events of the year, the Ampthill display features a pre-show of live acts, fairground and various food outlets, with the lighting of the Ampthill beacon at 7.30m and fireworks starting at 8pm.

'The Pad Presents' Heaven 17 and Blancmange at Bedford Corn Exchange. Kicking off at 7.30pm, it's a show featuring two of the UK's most original experimental synthesiser bands. Tickets cost £22.50.

Olney Senior Citizens Club run every Friday, this week it's a night of whist.

Bedford Art Society- featuring John Somerscales. 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start. John Somerscales has been involved in the visual arts his entire working life. He has staged exhibitions, exhibited at the Mall gallery in London and has published articles in Paint and The Artist magazines. He will be at the art society in order to talk about composition, and demonstrate watercolour landscape painting. Entry is free for members, £5 for visitors.

The Bedford branch of the Royal Anglian Regiment Association meets on the first Friday of the month at The Keep, Bedford Road, Kempston. The bar opens at 7.30pm and meetings begin at 8pm. Ex Servicemen/women from any arm are invited to join.

Coffee morning and bric-a-brac table top sale at Olney United Reformed Church. From 10am-1pm.

Cliff Richard tribute pub night, at Westbury Grange, Newport Pagnell. Come along from 7.30pm to enjoy an excellent evening's entertainment at a modest cost (only £6) As well as the tribute act there will be a raffle and nibbles, and the bar will be open for drinks.

HULA animal rescue- Winter warmer at Glebe farm, Aspley Guise. Open form 1-3.30pm, there will be a wide variety of events, including dog parade, children's workshops, bazaar, book sale, Christmas goodies and more. Refreshments will be available in 'the Trough' cafe. Dogs are welcome. Admission is £2 for adults, £1 for children.

Bletchley Park Presents- Remembrance Parade. Held by the Royal British Legion from 9am-11.20am. Starting from Bletchley Park and ending at the Bletchley cenotaph, the Parade will be followed by a service in St Mary's Church, all are welcome to attend.

Plus local remembrance services and parades at your local church or war memorial.

The Club at Hanslope- Beer Festival.  A number of beers and ciders from local breweries, 12 real ales and 3 ciders. Free admission all weekend.
Friday- 6pm-11pm, chip van from 9.30pm
Saturday 12 noon-11pm, International rugby England vs New Zealand at 2.30pm
Sunday 12 noon-11pm, Brazilian Grand Prix at 4pm, Quiz at 7pm.
Sky and BT Sports available all day, games and competitions including skittles, darts and wheel of fortune.

WW1 remembered

The campaign: 'lights out', featured in this month's Phonebox Magazine, took place this Monday. The idea was that people across the country would turn out their lights and leave one light or candle on, in order to commemorate 100 years since the outbreak of WW1. A National Grid estimate reckons that over 3 million households turned their lights out on Monday, between 10pm and 11pm, and over 143,000 tweets with the hashtag '#lightsout' were tweeted over the course of the day.

With the aim of the hour to be to create a shared moment of reflection, it seems this was achieved, with not only households but also famous landmarks taking part. Watch the video below to see the significant lights being turnout out across the country to remember this day.

Did you get involved and turn out your lights and light a candle? We'd love to hear from you and see your pictures!