Sorted Magazine

Category: Comment & Columnists

  • Travel: How to learn a new language

    One of the most effective ways to learn a new language is to travel to your desired country and fully immerse yourself in the language of locals. 

    With 2024 in full swing, people are undoubtedly beginning to prep their travel plans for the year ahead. Whether it’s a city break or a six month backpacking trip, you may want to use your upcoming getaway as a chance to naturally pick up the language you are currently learning or intend to learn. With this in mind, the language experts at Preply have revealed seven fun and creative ways in which travellers can pick up another language while on their explorations:

    1: Take part in icebreaker games with locals 

    Once you’ve arrived at your destination, the next step is to pluck up the courage and strike up conversations with locals. To make getting to know each other less of a task, why not suggest engaging in some icebreaker activities? If you’re sharing a room with others in a hostel, this would be ideal. There are plenty of language learning games and activities out there that can help you pick up another language, and also make friends at the same time. For example, games such as charades and bingo require players to answer in the language they are learning, and this will enable them to build their vocabulary. 

    2: Go on an outdoor adventure 

    The problem with tourist hotspots is that you are bound to run into people who speak your mother tongue, and this can hinder your language-learning experience. On the other hand, exploring the outskirts of a city and going on more of an outdoor adventure will give you a chance to integrate with locals and learn from them. When it comes to exploring an area as well, don’t be afraid to get lost, as this will give you a chance to practise asking for directions in the language you’re learning. 

    3: Learn the local songs 

    If your city has a thriving nightlife, then get those dancing shoes on and shake those hips to the music played in bars and clubs. When coming across a song that you like, it might be a good idea to Shazam the track and get to know the lyrics to enable you to pick up some more words. 

    4: Eat the local delicacies 

    Who knew you could also use your love for food to aid your language development? Exploring local cuisine is a vital part of immersing yourself in the culture your country has to offer. Trying native dishes not only allows you to enjoy new delicacies, but also offers you a chance to practise your language skills with restaurant staff and vendors.

    5: Join clubs and classes

    Similarly, if you have various day-to-day hobbies, use these as opportunities to develop your language skills by joining available classes. From cooking to dance, being part of such classes will allow you to become more disciplined to the language you’re learning as you’ll be following directions. 

    6: Watch, read and listen in another language 

    Checking if your favourite TV series or podcast is available in the language you’re learning, or if your beloved books have been translated into it, would be another effective way of picking up a language. Doing this makes the whole learning process seem less of a chore, as you are still educating yourself while keeping up with the Kardashians. 

    7: Journal

    To stay motivated on your language-learning journey, take the time to reflect on your progress and the interactions you’ve engaged in by keeping a journal. Keeping a journal will also allow you to reflect on the progress you’ve made and enable you to celebrate your individual successes.

    Photo Credit: Eva Darron via Unsplash

    Source: https://preply.com/

  • Health: “The fight to end leprosy has never looked more hopeful.”

    In 2024 The Leprosy Mission marks its 150th anniversary. The baton to end the world’s oldest disease is now with a generation running the race with more tools and knowledge than ever before.

    The earliest evidence of leprosy dates to 4,000 years ago. We also read in the Gospels of how Jesus cured people with this disease during his time on earth. Leprosy should no longer exist in the 21st Century as there has been an effective antibiotic cure since 1982. Yet this disease continues to blight millions of lives today. The lives of some of the poorest and most marginalised people on the planet.

    Supporters and Leprosy Mission teams around the globe are calling on governments, philanthropic organisations, churches and individuals to join the race to end leprosy.

    Chief Executive Peter Waddup explained that for the majority of The Leprosy Mission’s existence there was no cure for leprosy. Peter said: “All those who went before us could do, was offer love and practical care for those who had been cast out by their families and communities. There was, and still is, so much fear when a person develops visible signs of leprosy. Yet today, as well as an effective cure, we have a diagnostic test and undertake contact tracing. By doing so we can detect and cure leprosy in family members before they develop disabilities. There are also scientific advances in the pipeline that will hugely accelerate the race to stop the transmission of leprosy. We have better ways to heal ulcers and world-class reconstructive surgeons to help transform the lives of people disabled by leprosy. Crucially, there is a new generation of people affected by leprosy who are empowered to fight for their rights.

    “Arm in arm with communities affected by leprosy, we want the 150th anniversary to be a launchpad to a world where no one is diagnosed with leprosy again. No one should live with a preventable disability caused by leprosy in this day and age. And no one should face discrimination just because they have this disease.

    “The fight to end leprosy has never looked more hopeful and this is thanks to the incredible compassion and generosity of supporters. We believe that, with the right backing from governments, we can end leprosy. It is a disease that has haunted this world for too long and we are better equipped now than ever before to end leprosy.”

    Peter explained that the lives of the founders of The Leprosy Mission, Wellesley and Alice Bailey, show that it takes a partnership to change the world. He said: “Wellesley and Alice were an ordinary couple raised during the potato famine in Ireland. Yet their lives were extraordinary when they followed a calling to help people suffering with a mysterious disease in India. Of course there was no cure for leprosy then and they did whatever they could to help these ostracised people living in terrible poverty. They were devastated when they had no option but to return to Ireland because of Alice’s failing health. But it was this change in circumstances that birthed The Leprosy Mission! On their return to Dublin the couple were asked to give talks about their time in India. A family friend volunteered to raise money so that they could help more people. From humble origins the charity has since cured and transformed the lives of millions of people.

    “This story demonstrates that whether it is a surgeon restoring movement to limbs disabled by leprosy, or an elderly couple giving a couple of pounds when they can – together we are an incredible force for good.

    “We praise our sovereign God for sustaining this mission through wars, pandemics and economic crises through the compassion of our amazing supporters. Wellesley Bailey famously said The Leprosy Mission was ‘born and cradled in prayer.’ One hundred and fifty years later, prayer remains at the very heart of everything we do. Each morning Leprosy Mission teams come together around the globe to thank God for blessing the work of our hands as we seek to end leprosy.

    “Looking back at The Leprosy Mission’s history, we stand on the shoulders of giants. There are some incredible Leprosy Mission stalwarts. These include our wonderful late patron Diana Princess of Wales. Princess Diana made huge strides in destroying the stigma surrounding leprosy. She very publicly held the hands of leprosy patients, photographs of which were splashed across front pages globally. Yet it is the amazing stories of dedication and self-sacrifice among our supporters that touch me the most. I wish I could take each one to Asia and Africa, showing them the difference they are making to people every day.”

    The Leprosy Mission Timeline

    1869: A young Irishman, Wellesley Bailey, set sail for India to pursue his career. While there, he saw for the first time the devastating effects of leprosy and was inspired to take action. Wellesley’s fiancé Alice later joined him, and they married in Bombay Cathedral.

    1874: The Baileys returned to Ireland due to Alice’s health problems. Together they began to tell people about the needs of people with leprosy. They started The Mission to Lepers, which we now call The Leprosy Mission. With the help of their friend Charlotte Pim, they set a target to raise £30 in a year. In the first year alone, they raised £600.

    1880-90s: The Mission gave grants to other missions, so they could care for people with leprosy. It also opened its first hospital, Purulia Hospital in West Bengal, India. What started out as 29 outcasts sheltering under trees, today has grown into a hospital serving 70,000 people a year. Wellesley visited Burma to open the first Mission home outside India. At this stage, most of the income came from Ireland, Scotland, and England. Wellesley toured the USA and Canada to raise support there too.

    1900-10s: Interest in the work grew and the Baileys travelled to China, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore, visiting projects, raising awareness about leprosy and asking for support. By the time Wellesley retired in 1917, the Mission had 87 programmes in 12 countries with supporting offices in eight countries. The annual income had risen to £40,000.

    1920-30s: The Mission started early experiments with a treatment using chaulmoogra oil. While injections were painful and only a few were cured, this was progress. Once only able to offer refuge, The Leprosy Mission began to develop into a medical mission.

    1940-50s: Mission doctors began experimenting with a new drug, dapsone. Although patients had to take the antibiotic for their entire life to manage their leprosy, this was revolutionary. Dr Paul Brand, a British orthopaedic surgeon, moves to India to teach at a hospital there. He encounters people affected by leprosy. Dr Brand became the first surgeon in the world to use reconstructive surgery on the hands and feet of people affected by leprosy. This is a technique used extensively today.

    1960-70s: In 1965 The Mission to Lepers changed its name to The Leprosy Mission, to avoid the negative connotations of the word ‘leper’. By 1974, The Leprosy Mission’s centenary year, TLM had 30 of its own hospitals and leprosy centres, most of them in India. It also supported 90 different Christian societies and missions working in more than 30 countries.

    1980s: In 1981, the World Health Organization recommended a new antibiotic treatment for leprosy; Multidrug therapy (MDT). This was the first effective cure and people were cured in as little as six months. The Leprosy Mission rolled out MDT programmes globally. From the late 1980s, under the theme ‘care after cure’, The Leprosy Mission rapidly increased its work to include social, economic and physical rehabilitation.

    1990s: MDT was rolled out around the world. A target was set by the World Health Organization to eliminate leprosy as a public health problem by the year 2000. This was measured by a target of governments recording less than one in 10,000 people being treated for leprosy.

    2000s: The global target was actually achieved, but unfortunately created a false sense of success. When the numbers fell below the one in 10,000 rate, governments redirected the money to treating other diseases. The number of new leprosy cases diagnosed began to drop following the Millennium, reducing to around 250,000 cases a year in 2008. They have plateaued at around this level ever since.

    2020s: There is evidence[i] to suggest that in 2020 there were four million people living with untreated leprosy. This means for every person cured of leprosy today, there are 19 ‘hidden’ cases that need to be found and treated. Age-old prejudice, lack of knowledge and insufficient healthcare means leprosy continues to blight communities in the developing world. Our fight is to end the transmission of leprosy in our generation.

    Main Photo Credit: Chief Executive Peter Waddup chats to leprosy patient Lawal in Nigeria about the difference a prosthetic leg has made to his life. Photo © Jeffrey Chukwu.

  • Health: Top tips to beat the winter blues

    Strategic Sunlight Exposure: No matter how dreary the weather outside may be, make it a point to step outside for 10-15 minutes every day before noon. To maximise the benefits of this exercise, position yourself to face east, as this aligns you with the direction of the morning sun. It’s also important to repeat this practice in the evening, during sunset. This time, you should face west as the sun sets in that direction.

    Exposure to natural light in this way and time frame is essential for supporting your hormonal system. This is because the amount of light that enters your eyes during these times directly influences the production and regulation of hormones in your body, such as serotonin, melatonin and cortisol, which play a critical role in mood and sleep patterns. This effectiveness extends even to areas with cloudy weather, as the light can penetrate through clouds.

    Grounding is also known as earthing, is a practice that involves physically connecting with the earth’s surface to absorb its natural, subtle electrical charge. The idea behind grounding is that in our modern lives, we are often insulated from direct contact with the earth due to the prevalence of rubber-soled shoes, buildings, and other non-conductive materials. Some recent studies indicate that grounding may reduce inflammation, help manage stress levels, and improve sleep patterns.

    To practise grounding, all you need is to locate a patch of grass, sand, or even mud and let your bare skin make contact with the natural earth. In winter conditions, there are several alternative approaches to choose from to practice grounding. One method involves physical contact with a tree or your dog while standing on natural surfaces like stone, sand, or grass. Another option is to wear grounded shoes, with or without grounding socks. Unlike typical footwear, these shoes incorporate conductive materials such as carbon, silver, and copper in both the outer and inner soles, facilitating ground energy transfer to your feet. Aim to spend at least 20 minutes every day practising this to see the benefits.

    Bedtime Routines: Set a fixed bedtime for every night, and as the clock ticks, put away your phone, turn off the lights, and gently close your eyes. This simple lifestyle adjustment is often underrated, yet it stands as one of the most effective anti-stress habits. Going to bed at the same time every day offers multiple benefits: It aids in regulating our circadian rhythms, ensuring our body’s internal clock is in sync. This, in turn, helps stabilise the production of crucial hormones like melatonin and cortisol. Such regularity not only contributes to improved sleep quality but also plays a vital role in stabilising mood and promoting better mental health.

    Connections: While the natural reaction when experiencing SAD symptoms might be to isolate oneself, it’s essential to try the opposite by nurturing connections with others. Engaging in social activities, whether with friends, family, or support groups, can offer a sense of connection and belonging that acts as a potent antidote to the winter blues. These interactions not only provide emotional support but also serve as a reminder that you are not alone in your battle against SAD.

    Please note that cases of SAD with more severe symptoms should be evaluated and treated by medical professionals. Treatment options may include cognitive-behavioural therapy, antidepressant medication, or a combination of therapies. In such cases, your GP should be your first point of contact for guidance and appropriate care.

    Listen to Sorted Founder, Steve Legg chatting with Sorted columnist Dr Ken about SAD and other health issues here: Men’s Health Matters on Apple Podcasts

    Source: Brainworks Neurotherapy

    Main Photo Credit: Nik Shuliahin via Unsplash

  • Opinion: Ending extreme poverty

    A group of celebrities and activists have joined forces for a powerful video for international development charity Tearfund. It shows how working through the local church can bring life-changing benefits to some of the world’s poorest communities.

    Bridgerton actor Adjoa Andoh, Friday Night Dinner star Tamsin Greig, climate activist Vanessa Nakate and Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin are among those speaking out about the difference the church can make to those living in poverty.

    Actor Adjoa Andoh said: “As a Lay Reader in the Church Of England, I know how a local church can effectively sit at the heart of a community meeting the need to transform lives. In many communities, Tearfund chooses to set itself within the church’s beating heart where people come together, in order to identify their needs, whether that be to build a school, set up a health clinic or to plant drought resistant crops to cope with climate change.”

    Actor Tamsin Greig (pictured above) said: “In times of crisis, churches are often the first responder after an emergency but they are also there for the long term. As a Tearfund Ambassador I have seen the holistic change brought about by working through churches in the countries I have visited, creating self-sufficiency, changing mindsets and building resilience.”

    Ugandan climate activist Vanessa Nakate said: “With 2.6 billion members, the global Church is bigger by far than any national population or multinational corporation. It often holds a position of influence and can be the voice that speaks truth to power, advocating for the rights of a community.”

    Tearfund’s work through local churches involves training pastors to look outwards and meet the needs of their communities, using locally available resources. Recent research has shown that this process supercharges donations turning every £1 invested, alongside community contributions, into up to £211 of social value. Tearfund works with 25,000 churches in more than 50 of the world’s poorest countries but has a vision to increase that number to 250,000.

    Main Photo Credit: Tamsin Greig, photo courtesy of Sally Hope Associates

  • Nissan Ariya e-4ORCE: “seamless power delivery …”

    Nissan made a splash when the Ariya was unveiled.

    As an exclusively electric SUV, it was among the first of its kind and gave us a glimpse into the future.

    Style, performance, and sustainability go hand in hand – and that’s certainly true if you opt for the range-topping e-4ORCE model. This edition adds a second electric motor, meaning it’s all-wheel drive.

    Like the rest of the range (which comprises two-wheel drive models with 63kWh and 87kWh batteries), the e-4ORCE version is available in a couple of trims: Advance and Evolve.

    Nineteen-inch wheels, LED matrix lights, a powered tailgate, a snow driving mode, dual-zone climate control, an around-view camera and SatNav are standard.

    The more expensive Evolve version gets part synthetic suede upholstery, a Bose premium audio system, an openable panoramic sunroof, and a head-up display.

    All models get a ‘shield’ front grille – this houses the sensors for the ProPILOT driver-assist system.

    Inside, you’re treated to a minimalist and modern cabin with two 12.3-inch displays, heated front seats, and a host of high-tech features that make driving a breeze.

    The two electric motors that produce a combined output of 306PS and the all-wheel drive system ensure optimal power, traction, and stability in all conditions.

    Is this Nissan pretty? Well, that’s up for debate – it’s certainly memorable, with its stocky design and very pronounced mouth.

    The car’s sleek lines, coupe-like silhouette at the rear (thanks to a sloping roofline) and futuristic design elements give it a unique and eye-catching look.

    The acceleration is fierce in the e-4ORCE versions, taking just 5.7 seconds to get from 0-62mph thanks to a burst of instant torque, ensuring rapid acceleration and seamless power delivery.

    For an SUV, the handling is okay, but there’s a bit of body roll in the bends, and some competitors with all-electric offerings offer a dash more entertainment.

    The ride comfort is better in the e-4ORCE models compared with the rest of the range, though. This is thanks to a revised multi-link rear suspension setup which helps deal with the additional heft of the second electric motor.

    The Ariya includes a feature it calls e-Pedal, which enables one-pedal driving by automatically applying the brakes when you lift off the accelerator. This enables regenerative braking – a common feature on electric cars but, as a new technology, some manufacturers’ creations aren’t particularly intuitive. I’m pleased to report that’s not the case on the Ariya – its deceleration when using the e-Pedal feels consistent and predictable.

    The cabin is functional and stylish, with the black and copper colour scheme giving a classy, modern feel. Indeed, the minimalist design gives the Nissan a premium vibe of quality and makes the interior seem spacious and airy.

    The infotainment system is a standout feature, sitting alongside an identically sized digital instrument screen. The system is intuitive to use and packed with features like Nissan Connect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

    As you might imagine, practicality is a strong suit, with five seats offering ample space for all occupants, ensuring a comfy ride even on long journeys. The boot space is generous, too – so the family’s shopping will more than fit in.

    Being an electric vehicle, the Ariya emits zero CO2 and, depending on trim, offers a range of over 300 miles on a single charge of its 87kWh battery, making it a sustainable and economical SUV.

    You will get up to 329 miles of range if you opt for the two-wheel drive edition, though, while a smaller 63kWh battery will get you up to 250 miles on a full charge.

    Euro NCAP gave the Ariya a five-star safety rating when it was crash-tested, giving it 86% for adults, 89% for children and 93% for safety assists.

    The latter score is due to the breadth of features like ProPILOT, intelligent forward collision warning, intelligent emergency braking, parking sensors, intelligent key, a driver alertness monitor, blind spot intervention and warning and rear cross-traffic alert.

    Cruise control, lane intervention, object detection, and lane keep assist are other examples of safety tech – and even that’s not the full list.

    The Nissan Ariya E-4ORCE is a car that ticks all the right boxes. It is stylish, powerful, practical, and sustainable.

    So, if you’re in the market for a premium electric SUV, the Ariya E-4ORCE is definitely worth considering.

    Fast Facts – Nissan Ariya [e-4ORCE, Evolve trim] as tested:

    Max speed: 124 mph

    0-62 mph: 5.7 secs

    Range: 309 miles (87kWh battery)

    Engine layout: Dual electric motor with all-wheel drive

    Max. power (PS): 306

    CO2: 0g/km

    Price: £58,590

    All Photo Credits: Courtesy of Nissan Ariya

  • Comment: Getting real about getting older

    Alan and Eric share their experience with grief and bereavement.

    “I thought my life was ending when my wife died. I loved her so much and she supported me all the way.” Alan is in his eighties and lost his wife, Audrey, almost two years ago.

    Eric, also in his eighties, is an avid gardener and is most proud of the rose tree he planted on his golden wedding anniversary. His wife and daughter passed away within weeks of each other last year.

    Alan and Eric have become fast friends at the Pilgrims’ Friend Society housing scheme that they both live in. The more people they meet, the more they realise how many are experiencing grief. And how few people are talking about it. That’s why they’re sharing their insights as part of a new film in the Getting Real about Getting Older series, Discussing Life after Loss.

    “We’ve discovered people who lost their partner ten years ago, some even longer, and have still never dealt with it,” says Alan. “We made a list, when we both lost our wives, of all the comments that other people said to us. Some of them were okay but others were annoying. And I’m thinking back, did I ever say that to somebody?”

    Alan and Eric found that there just isn’t much out there by way of support for people who have lost someone. So both men started a group where people can come and talk about bereavement, grief and the whole range of emotions that go alongside it. 

    The group atmosphere allows people to feel free to open up and share some deep feelings, many times when there may be nowhere else to talk about it. They acknowledge that talking about it may be uncomfortable at first, but it is one of the most important steps in processing your grief.

    Talking about it may sound simple, but Alan has seen first-hand the power of sharing: “Sometimes people are embarrassed about what they do, after a person that was important to them, dies. You know, like kissing a photograph of your partner every night, and they might feel silly doing this or doing that. But we found when we were talking to each other that we were doing the same thing, things that we previously found quite silly. It was a shared experience.”

    Eric says: “Of course, everyone’s got to find their own way through bereavement. You don’t know what loss means until you’ve walked through it. But it’s something that we’re experiencing and should be talking about.”

    If there’s one thing that’s certain in life, it’s death. Each of us will die one day, but before that, we probably will experience the death of someone we know. This sad truth should be a reminder to each of us, that we aren’t alone in our grief and our experiences with death.

    Groups like Alan and Eric’s enable people to process grief one small step at a time. Eric reminds us that sometimes that happens through seeing things from a different perspective.

    “When my wife died I just stared at her empty chair, where she used to be. It made me sad. I thought about removing the chair, but just before I did, I thought, why not sit in the chair? Then it won’t be empty. I sat down and realised that she had a perfect view out to the garden that I went out into every day, with our golden wedding anniversary tree right in the centre. She’d had a much better view than I’d ever had!”

    You can watch the full conversation between Alan and Eric on the Pilgrims’ Friend Society website, and access resources about ageing, grief and bereavement, like Coping with Grief and Loss a special resource created by Pilgrims’ Friend Society and other things to guide your thinking about later life.

    Main Photo Credit: Courtesy of Pilgrims’ Friend Society

  • What do footballers eat on Christmas Day? Football with an extra helping of football!

    Tis the season to … totally overindulge. While that may be true for many of us looking forward to a break from work, relaxing with the family and indulging this Christmas, it’s definitely not the case for top-level footballers.

    Football is a particularly treasured part of British culture and outdates many other well-established Christmas customs. And so Boxing Day remains a staple of the footballing calendar. Beloved by fans as one of the highlights of the Christmas schedule, it can prove to be a tricky time for the players, who will be readying themselves for a heavy schedule of festive fixtures.

    Boxing Day football means players must prepare like they would for any other game, and the prospect of training and travelling at some point on December 25th is the reality for many. So, while good food is a huge part of the Christmas festivities, the gruelling, physical demands of the beautiful game leave players and nutritionists counting the calories, and they can soon add up.

    “Focus on preparation around the Christmas period is very high,” said Performance Nutritionist Ed Tooley. “It’s a very busy schedule match-wise, so performance and medical staff will be flat out making sure that players physically prepare and recover as best as possible. Injuries are managed, and players refuel after matches to prepare for the next with the short turnaround in games involved.

    Tooley, who consults in elite and amateur sports and corporate business, has worked in top-level sports for well over a decade, with teams like Manchester City, Manchester United Academy, West Brom, Brighton, Norwich, and Crystal Palace engaging his services in recent years. 

    We asked Tooley, a huge advocate for gut health supplement brand Bimuno®, whether footballers enjoy some parts of a ‘normal Christmas’ and whether they can have their fill when it comes to the most epic roast of the year.

    “A Christmas dinner happens to some degree at some stage,” added Tooley. “However, it may not be on Christmas Day as these are often days where teams will have some training or perhaps even travelling. So, a Christmas dinner on Christmas Day might be at home or as a squad, but without the trimmings. Or with the trimmings may have to be enjoyed before or after the big day depending on the schedule.”

    For most of us, the Christmas period comes with a month full of Prosecco popping, chocolate gobbling and mince pie munching, not to mention your feast of choice on December 25th. Christmas is when we’re encouraged to have too much of everything; TV, food, time with family, and football.

    From gorging on roast turkey and crispy roasties to a glass of fizz, a copious number of Quality Street, and many other Christmas non-negotiables, it’s easy to see why Christmas Day can represent a minefield of temptation for footballers.

    “The majority of players are well adjusted to the schedule around the Christmas period, but they know the importance of it and how crucial that period can be to the team,” added Tooley. “If a player were to dip into a ‘normal’ Christmas Day during this busy schedule, practitioners like myself from the club often would have advised players on what and what not to do. This advice would include information around quantities, any foods to try to minimise or avoid and what to replace them with so that they can still enjoy a tasty meal but are not hampering their fuelling and/or recovery.”

    Tooley added: “Most players now understand how important the Christmas period is and the tolls that a short turnaround can have on their bodies, so most players will be sensible around the Christmas eating and drinking. Some coaches do, of course, bring players in, and they will eat together, which adds a sense of control. However, this is often tied in with training and/or travel, and controlled food at the club ensures they fuel and recover well and enjoy a Christmas meal as a squad for some additional togetherness during a challenging schedule rather than trying to ‘moderate’ consumption. Also, you must remember that many teams now have very impressive teams of performance chefs, so the food isn’t only nutritionally ideal, it’s very tasty too.”

    With the fixtures coming thick and fast over Christmas, players can’t afford to indulge to the extent the rest of us do. With that in mind, the prebiotic supplement brand Bimuno® is here to tell you how a professional footballer’s menu compares to your traditional Christmas feast.

    YOUR CHRISTMAS DAY V A PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALLER

    We start a day of festive feasting with: A family-sized tin of Quality Street, a couple of glasses of Buck’s Fizz and an avalanche of wrapping paper to force into the recycling bin.

    They wake up to: A tasty breakfast containing protein and complex carbohydrates, such as poached eggs on toasted sourdough. And perhaps a smoothie alongside their typical tea/coffee. During these periods we would often look to support players’ immunity more than usual as they are susceptible to illness with the high workload and usual seasonal illnesses. This is where a product such as Bimuno® Immunity, a soluble powder that supports immune health might be found mixed into either their hot or cold beverage.

    We gorge on: Endless tubs of chocolate and sweet treats! Think Quality Street, Celebrations, Roses, etc. And maybe an After Eight, too. Oh, and some posh crisps.

    They snack on: Fresh fruit, yoghurts, nuts, biltong, hummus, or even perhaps some homemade/chef-made snacks like fresh cereal bars, flapjacks, protein balls, and let’s be honest, the odd hand into the sweet tin probably happens too.

    We feast on: Roast turkey, pigs in blankets, roast spuds and all the trimmings, followed by Christmas pudding, Yule Log, or cheese and biscuits, all washed down with a glass or two of wine and maybe even a glass of port to finish.

    They lunch on: Something very similar, but much less in quantity and minimal to no alcohol.

    We glug: Buck’s Fizz, a couple down the local, sparkling wine to accompany lunch and potentially spirits we’d never ordinarily touch during the rest of the year.

    They drink: Water or squash and the odd hydration/electrolyte drink to support pre-match hydration.

    We unwind with: Several glasses of Baileys, perhaps a Mulled Wine, a couple of mince pies, followed by the inevitable snooze on the sofa.

    They end the day with: A snack containing some protein and simple carbs, preferably some antioxidants in there too. Simple examples include granola with pouring yoghurt, berry fruit and honey (quick way to help refuel glycogen stores and repair muscles). Depending on kick-off times, the pre-bed snack would be similar, but might just be a bit more carbohydrate-dominant. 

    Main Photo Credit: Sandro Schush via Unsplash

  • New Honda Civic Type R : “like a cheetah ready to pounce …”

    The Honda Civic Type R takes an otherwise normal family car and adds copious amounts of zing and a touch of oomph into the mix.

    Except for one-offs like the famous NSX, the Civic Type R has been Honda’s flagship in terms of bold declarations of its racing prowess.

    Not only that, though, it’s a machine that’s as practical as it is exciting.

    Buying a Type R is a lifestyle choice as much as it is a car – aimed at those who crave the thrill of a high-performance machine but still need an around-town runabout that can handle the rigours of daily life from commutes to shopping trips.

    It is a car that doesn’t just turn heads; it makes a statement along with it.

    As the crème de la crème of the Civic range, it boasts many features that make it a standout performer and a hot hatch that’s been given a generous sprinkle of Honda’s magic dust.

    The exterior is adorned with a sporty body kit, 19-inch matte black alloy wheels, and a rear spoiler that screams speed.

    The LED headlights and fog lights are the cherry on top, illuminating the road ahead with a crisp, clear light.

    Front and rear parking sensors, an alloy gear lever and sports pedals, a triple-exhaust, rear-view camera, SatNav with live traffic info, DAB radio, red suede front sport seats and a wireless charger offer many sprinklings of sugar, too.

    Civic Type R (2022-)

    Its aggressive lines and aerodynamic design give it a predatory look, like a cheetah ready to pounce.

    The Championship White paint job is a classic choice. But if you’re feeling bold, the Rallye Red also does the job, along with three Pearl colours: Sonic Grey, Crystal Black and my personal favourite, Racing Blue, which makes it pop.

    Indeed, the Type R transforms from an otherwise-mundane family motor to a real head-turner.

    The bonnet houses a turbocharged 2.0-litre VTEC engine that churns out a beastly 329PS mated to a slick six-speed manual gearbox – a nod to the purists who crave the tactile thrill of shifting gears.

    Slide behind the wheel, and you’ll find that the Type R is as much a performer as it is a stunner.

    The handling is razor-sharp, the ride comfort is surprisingly plush for a hot hatch, and the engine performance is nothing short of exhilarating.

    It goes from 0-62mph in just 5.4 seconds, topping out at a salivation-worthy 171mph.

    The gearbox is a joy to use, too, with a short throw and precise action that makes every cog change a delight.

    One interesting tidbit is the Type R’s +R mode, which sharpens the throttle response, stiffens the suspension and tweaks the steering for an even more engaging driving experience.

    It is like having a racing car at the push of a button.

    Despite its sporty nature, the Type R is surprisingly comfortable.

    The suspension does a great job of soaking up bumps, meaning it’s great to live with every day, while the engine is also hushed at cruising speeds, adding to the car’s overall refinement.

    Civic Type R (2022-)

    Inside, the Type R is a delightfully modern-day blend of sporty flair and everyday practicality.

    The black and red colour scheme is a nod to Honda’s racing heritage, while the high-quality materials give the cabin a premium feel.

    The Type R’s cockpit is driver-focused and designed to keep you in control, with the bright red sporty bucket seats offering excellent support to keep you firmly in place, even when you’re pushing the car to its limits.

    Its dual colour scheme extends to the leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear gaiter, adding a touch of sportiness to the cabin.

    The infotainment system is a nine-inch touchscreen that’s a breeze to use, with clear graphics and responsive touch controls, and it comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Plus, there’s a useful 10.2-inch digital instrument display.

    The eight-speaker audio system delivers crisp, clear sound, making every journey a joy, even if that means you’re having your music pulsated through you rather than delivered civilly to your ears.

    Space is a strong suit of the Type R, too, offering seating for five, with ample headroom and legroom for all passengers.

    However, the convenience extends beyond its airy cabin, as it comes with a host of storage solutions, including a large glovebox, door bins, and cup holders.

    The boot space is generous, too, offering 410 litres with the rear seats up and an accommodating 1,212 litres with them folded down.

    The boot is easy to load, thanks to a wide opening and low-load lip.

    Despite its performance credentials, another feather in the Type R’s cap is that, for a hot hatch, it’s not as thirsty as you might think.

    It returns 34.4mpg and emits 186g/km of CO2, which is okay for a vehicle with this much grunt.

    A standard Civic was crash-tested by Euro NCAP in 2022 and earned a five-star rating, scoring 89% for adults, 87% for children and 83% for safety assists.

    The model comes with Honda Sensing as standard, which includes a suite of driver-assistive technologies designed to keep all occupants safe. These include collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, as well as lane-keeping assist.

    Overall, the Civic Type R is a masterclass in balancing performance and practicality, delivered in a stylish package that’s as at home on a racetrack as on a school run.

    Is it worth buying? Yes, without a doubt.

    It delivers on all fronts, making it a compelling choice for anyone seeking a hot hatch that doesn’t compromise on convenience or (at least in context) economy.

    So, if you’re in the market for a car that can do it all, the Type R should be near the top of your list – as long as you have fifty grand stuffed down the back of the settee.

    Fast Facts – Honda Civic Type R as tested:

    Max speed: 171 mph

    0-62 mph: 5.4 secs

    Fuel economy: 34.4mpg (WLTP)

    Engine layout: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder VTEC petrol

    Max. power (PS): 329

    CO2: 186 g/km

    Price: £49,995

    All Photo Credits: Courtesy of Honda Civic

  • Rev Andy March: “A wonderful insight”

    Digital Editor’s Note: I’m pleased to welcome Rev Andy March as our Guest Writer. Todays’ post is a short extract from Andy’s new book Wonder: An Advent and Christmas Collection – Halwill Publishing.

    Rev Andy March writes: I once heard a story about a cockney from the East End of London who had a real dilemma because he was in love with two very beautiful women. And he couldn’t decide. One was called Sharon, and she was blonde and very beautiful, and the other was called Maria, and she was a brunette and also very beautiful. He wasn’t a churchgoer, but not knowing whether it was Sharon or Maria, he thought: “Well, I’ll go into a church and pray.” So, he went into a local Catholic Church and he knelt down by the altar and he said to the Lord, being a Cockney East Ender, he said: “’oom shall I ‘ave?” And he looked up, and he looked at the stained-glass window and he saw in gold letters: Ave Maria!

    Mary remains a source of great fascination, devotion and inspiration for art and literature, and yet we know so little about her. In a day and age where we love to know everything about everyone, the gospel accounts are so tantalising; frustrating, even. We know very little about these people who, after all, played such a significant part in world history.

    It’s therefore so precious that Luke has recorded these glimpses into the domestic life of Mary and her most famous son, Jesus. In fact, at the beginning of the Gospel Luke writes: “I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account” (v3). It is likely that Luke chapters one and two were based on Mary’s own reminiscences, giving us a wonderful insight into the domestic life of Mary and her relatives.

    Main Photo Credit: Ken Cheung via Unsplash

  • Ford Focus ST [with Track Pack]: “pleasingly powerful …”

    Once upon a time, if you wanted a hot hatch, you’d go for the Golf GTi – but those days are long gone.

    So many manufacturers surpassed the GTi that VW itself decided it needed to introduce a new model called the Golf R.

    One of the cars that overtook the GTi’s legendary brilliance was the Ford Focus ST.

    While it’s not quite in the same bracket as the full-beans Focus RS, the ST is a smorgasbord of impressive features.

    It boasts 19-inch alloy wheels with a Magnetite matte finish, Dynamic Matrix LED headlights, power-folding door mirrors, and an ST body kit. It is also equipped with sports suspension, limited slip differential and dual-zone climate control, plus heated six-way electrically adjustable front seats with powered lumbar support and a heated steering wheel.

    You also get a 13.2-inch touchscreen with a DAB radio, voice control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, a keyless entry/start, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

    The model reviewed includes the Track Pack, which adds Recaro shell seats, lightweight alloy wheels, Brembo brake callipers, larger brake discs and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres. But, as you’ll read in a bit, it has even more to offer.

    It is a package that screams performance.

    The ST is propelled by a 2.3-litre turbocharged EcoBoost lump that pumps out an enthusiastic 280PS and 480Nm of torque.

    The blue-badged hatch comes with a six-speed manual ‘box, which will please the purists. But a seven-speed automatic is also available, albeit not with the Track Pack.

    It is a beauty to look at, too, with its muscular body kit, aggressive lines, and distinctive fins on the front air intakes giving it a menacing look.

    There are several colours to choose from – the default being Racing Red. But Fantastic Red, Frozen White, Agate Black, Magnetic Grey, and my favourite – Mean Green – are also available.

    Picking a shade will likely make life difficult for a while.

    Sadly, one of the Focus ST’s main criticisms was that it was compromising something in terms of being considered a proper hot hatch.

    While reviews were mixed, some felt the kingpin Focus RS got in the way, as it meant the ST was a dumbed-down version deliberately engineered to be slightly inferior in every department.

    This is put right with the Track Pack, which, although a £3,000 option, gives the ST the final weapon it needs to complete its arsenal.

    While it remains front-wheel drive only, the Ford grips the road exceptionally well, and the engine note sounds pleasingly powerful.

    Zero to 62mph is dealt with in 5.7 seconds, topping out at 155mph.

    The ST Track Pack adds that extra edge, with weight saving, grippier tyres and improved braking power optimising the overall feel in the bends.

    The ride manages to feel firmer and yet more comfortable at the same time, thanks to new dampers which absorb bumps better, yet offer more rigidity where it matters.

    This added to the 1cm lower ride height, means body lean is even more limited, and, as a result, the cornering feels enriched.

    And, if you’re the sort of person who likes to tinker with cars, the dampers are manually adjustable, with a toolkit supplied by Ford as part of the Track Pack.

    The six-speed manual gearbox is exquisite for its simpleness. There is no clever tech around it, but that means it’s blissfully straightforward to shift through the gears.

    In truth, the cog-changer can feel clunky, but it’s not a deal breaker, and I’d still recommend it over the automatic (which, as I said earlier, isn’t available with the Track Pack).

    Thanks to a recent mid-life facelift, the inside of the Focus ST looks better than ever.

    That said, Ford could have made more of an effort to make the ST version stand out from the rest of the range. Why? Well, other than the odd ST badge dotted around, there’s little to remind you you’re not sitting in an ordinary Focus.

    At least the Track Pack adds the Recaro seats. Meanwhile, the 13.2-inch infotainment system and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster are both nice to use.

    Of course, if you want to go tearing around Silverstone with your brand new flat-pack drinks cabinet in the back of your Focus ST, then you’ll be delighted to know practicality remains one of its strong suits.

    Track Pack or not, the seats are comfy, and there’s plenty of head and legroom for everyone, front and back.

    The boot space is 358 litres, which isn’t as impressive as some rivals, but it’s good enough. What’s more, folding the rear seats down expands the usable room to 1,320 litres.

    Despite its performance credentials, the Focus ST is surprisingly economical. It returns 35mpg and emits 183g/km of CO2.

    The standard Focus earned a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP in 2018, scoring 85% for adults, 87% for children and 75% for safety assists.

    The ST comes with emergency assistance, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision assist with autonomous emergency braking.

    In conclusion, the standard Focus ST is a decent car, and the individual differences offered by the Track Pack all add up, causing a transformative effect on its handling.

    It is spacious inside; it has a nice (if a little too understated) interior, and ticks both boxes: offering a great family car that enthusiastic drivers can also enjoy.

    Fast Facts – Ford Focus ST (with optional Track Pack) as tested:

    Max speed: 155 mph

    0-62 mph: 5.7 secs

    Fuel economy: 35.3 mpg (WLTP)

    Engine layout: 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost petrol

    Max. power (PS): 280

    CO2: 183 g/km

    Price: £39,950 (£36,950 + £3,000 Track Pack)

    All Photo Credits: Courtesy of Ford Focus