Sorted Magazine

Category: Featured

  • Invitation: I’d like to meet you in person!

    Following the success of a six month pilot scheme Sorted Digital online magazine will officially launch at the Christian Resources Exhibition (CRE), Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey from October 15-16th 2025. I’d like to meet you in person! Here is your free ticket!

    In order to accurately gauge existing good will I’ve intentionally refrained from promoting Sorted Digital during the six month pilot scheme. I’m excited about speaking publicly about it for the first time at CRE.

    Back in February 2025 it was announced that Sorted Magazine would become an online magazine called Sorted Digital published monthly via Substack. Within the first ten minutes of going live this announcement attracted two thousand views and a further ten thousand views by the end of the first day.

    Since then ten issues of Sorted Digital online magazine have been published over a period of six months achieving an aggregate total of 72,000 views. It has been read across 27 countries and 14 US States. For context, during my time as Digital Editor of the official Sorted Magazine website, traffic grew to around 84,000 views over a 12 month period. Current data indicates that Sorted Digital is on track to achieve an aggregate total of somewhere between 100-135,000 views over its first 12 months in operation. It’s a promising start which means Sorted Digital holds the potential to match the annual reach of the print magazine.

    Sorted Digital is a Christian ministry which aims to publish content to inspire, encourage and challenge. The healthy traffic numbers are very satisfying because they confirm what I believe; that Steve Legg’s vision lives on in the hearts of our readers.

    Engagement directly via Substack has been understandably tentative because it’s an unfamiliar platform for many UK readers. Switching from a glossy print magazine which pops through the letter box every two months to an email delivery is quite a leap. And yet dozens of readers have jumped on board with their likes and comments such as:

    “Thank you to Val for this bold vision that builds on the legacy of Steve Legg . . .”

    “. . . thank you: an inspiring and uplifting read . . .”

    “Thank you Val – it’s great to have Sorted back in a new format.”

    “Well done for this initiative – supporting you and cheering you on!”

    “. . . So happy this has been allowed and a great legacy for Steve.”

    The analytics reveal that around one hundred Sorted Digital readers have clicked the ‘share’ button attracting a further 719 views and additional subscribers. Knowing that these readers feel confident in the work I’m doing is priceless. I feel they are behind me and want to keep Steve’s legacy going into the future.

    I’ll be in attendance at the Steve Legg Arts Theatre and the Sorted Digital stand at the CRE Conference, Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey on October 15-16th. Come and say hello! Here is your free ticket!

    Sorted Digital is free, sign up to receive the regular monthly issues, and occasional Sorted Specials here: Sorted Digital | Val Fraser | Substack

    Main Photo Credit: Vladislav Klapin via Unsplash

  • Announcement: Jeff Lucas joins Sorted Digital Talent Pool

    I’m very pleased to announce that Jeff Lucas has joined the Sorted Digital Talent Pool. Jeff is a prolific writer and longstanding, much-loved friend of Sorted Magazine. His bi-monthly column Lucas Aid was a regular feature of the printed version of Sorted Magazine for many years. Please do give Jeff a warm welcome!

    Jeff is very well known as an international author, speaker and broadcaster. His passion is to equip the Church with biblical, practical bible teaching, marked by vulnerability and humour. He has been privileged to address many conferences and churches worldwide. A former vice-president of the Evangelical Alliance UK, Jeff is a bestselling author of 34 books, which have been translated into many languages across the world. He broadcasts a weekly radio show with Premier Radio. He is a monthly contributor for the UK magazine Christianity. Jeff writes daily bible reading notes Life with Lucas in printed and digital format. Jeff is also a certified LifePlan coach, working with the Paterson Centre, Colorado. He and his wife, Kay, live in Colorado and England; they have two adult children and two grandsons.

    The more of Jeff’s carefully crafted writing I get to read, the more I’ve grown to appreciate his considerable talent. He is a rare treasure – one of those writers who wholeheartedly “gets” the Sorted ethos. At the risk of sounding corny, I have to confess that it’s a genuine privilege and honour to publish writing of such high calibre. All of us at Sorted Digital are pretty excited to have him on board!

    Jeff Lucas: “We believe in Val’s vision.”

    Jeff said: “I’m so delighted that Val is keeping Steve Legg’s vision alive with a digital version of Sorted Magazine. In its original magazine format, I believe that Sorted was the very best Christian men’s magazine in the world, and I’m totally confident that Val is going to continue the commitment to creativity and excellence which has been the hallmark of Sorted. I am thrilled to be able to continue as a regular contributor. We believe in Val’s vision. Our ministry will also be supporting Sorted Digital on a regular monthly basis, and we want to encourage others to help too. We look forward to what the Lord will do in the days ahead – men everywhere need Sorted Digital!”

    Connect with Jeff here: jefflucas.org and on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/Jefflucasuk

  • British Churches will gather to pray

    In a world fraught with uncertainty, organisers today announced the upcoming National Week of Prayer (NWoP) inviting individuals across the British Isles to return to the foundational practices that have historically united and strengthened communities in the United Kingdom.

    The tradition of national days of prayer has acted as a beacon of hope at pivotal moments in the history of the UK. Most notably, King George VI proclaimed a total of seven National Days of Prayer during World War 2. In response to these calls to prayer, churches across the UK and Commonwealth  were packed with ordinary people seeking God’s divine guidance and intervention, on their knees. These collective acts of faith demonstrated the strength of Christian unity and the power of prayer to overcome adversity. Following these days of prayer, God’s providence was demonstrated by miraculous  testimonies of deliverance in the war, including, God’s miracle at Dunkirk, the Battle of Britain, and El Alamein.

    In 2024, the National Week of Prayer (NWoP) saw 20,000 people engaged in the call to prayer across the UK and Channel Islands. What has made NWoP so unique is the many organisations who have come together in an unprecedented show of unity centred on prayer.

    Representation has cut across party political lines, including Christians in Politics, Christians in Government, Christians on the Left, Christian Liberal Democrats and the Conservative Christian Fellowship and new YouVersion, CCLI, Christian Vision adding their support this year.

    Peter Lynas from the Evangelical Alliance says, “the NWoP creates a moment to gather across the UK to recognise what God is doing, to pray for lives transformed by Jesus, and for spiritual renewal across our nation and beyond.”

    Phil Loose on behalf of Spring Harvest commented “involvement in the National Week of Prayer is a beautiful opportunity to unite in faith and see the power of prayer bring hope, inspiration, and transformational change to our nation.”

    This year, people across the country are invited to join together in the National Week of Prayer, from 6-14 September 2025 or host a gathering for those local to you, to come together to pray. Sign up for an introductory webinar on 2 July at either 2pm or 8pm, to find out more.

    To find out more about National Week of Prayer 2025, visit: nationalweekofprayer.uk 

    Main Photo Credit: Jack Sharp via Unsplash

  • Announcement: A new future for Sorted Magazine

    In September 2024 the founder and editor of Sorted Magazine, Steve Legg, went to be with Jesus. Before his death, Steve and his wife Bekah came to the difficult decision that the print magazine simply could not go on without Steve’s unique and sacrificial input. Following Steve’s death Bekah shared: “Now the race has been run. Steve has been, in his words, promoted to Glory. Please pray for those of us left behind as we face a future without our funny and faithful man – that we would continue to find joy in unexpected places and to find our security in the unshakeable kingdom of God.”

    Just a few days before the final print issue of Sorted Magazine dropped through letter boxes, God birthed a new vision in the heart of our Digital Editor, Val Fraser. She explained: “The vision of a digital future for Sorted Magazine had been burning in my heart for months. I couldn’t keep it to myself any longer and I finally plucked up the courage to outline a proposal to Bekah.”

    Now, many meetings later, Sorted Magazine has been lovingly re-imagined for you, our reader. We are calling it Sorted Digital. The editor of Sorted Digital, Val Fraser, is committed to faithfully upholding Steve’s vision for a wholesome magazine aimed primarily at a male readership. Sorted Digital will continue to offer all the great things which readers loved about Sorted Magazine.

    So what is different? Sorted Digital could be likened to a nimble, more frequent, mini version of Sorted Magazine. It’s lighter, leaner and faster than the printed version. It’s free to all (with an option to financially support). It’s monthly, shareable, paper-free, ad-free and algorithm-free. It’s an online magazine published via email (with an associated website). Expect to scroll through features, culture, cars, columns and humour, along with comment and conversations about life and faith.

    Bekah concluded: “I’m entrusting the future of Sorted Digital to seasoned media professional, Val Fraser, who has served Steve’s vision faithfully for almost five years. Won’t you join us for this new season? Whether you’re a longstanding reader or you’ve never even heard of us, we would love to have you on board. Existing email subscribers will automatically receive Sorted Digital online magazine. New readers can start receiving Sorted Digital online magazine (for free) by signing up here.”

    Main Photo Credit: Val Fraser

  • Health: Why quitting smoking is so hard, and what you can do to make it easier

    Smoking is one of the leading causes of death and disease worldwide. A study on global smoking prevalence among adults shows that this dangerous habit is more prevalent among men (32.6%) than women (6.5%). This means men are more likely to develop health problems linked to smoking, like heart disease and lung cancer.

    Concern about these increased health risks can be an important factor in motivating smokers to quit. Unfortunately, the CDC reports that of the 30-50% of smokers in the US who make at least one quit attempt every year, only 7.5% of them manage to succeed.

    However, smokers should not be discouraged from quitting because of low success rates. There are a few reasons why smoking cessation is difficult, and identifying them is the first step towards discussing strategies that can reduce smoking prevalence among men in particular and help them quit for good.

    Barriers to smoking cessation

    Among the primary reasons why quitting smoking is difficult is the addictive quality of cigarettes and other tobacco products. Aside from containing a mix of cancer-causing chemicals, tobacco activates men’s reward systems more than women’s, as shown in results from neuroimaging studies. Therefore, men are more likely to associate smoking with dopamine release and become dependent on its stimulating effects.

    The withdrawal symptoms that come with quitting smoking, especially when using the cold turkey approach, also serve as barriers to successful cessation. These withdrawal symptoms are experienced by both men and women and may be physical and psychological, such as headaches, nausea, and mood swings. The increased urge to smoke in order to alleviate symptoms is what contributes to slip-ups and relapse.

    Research on gender differences in smoking cessation found that the barriers to successfully quitting differ between men and women. Whereas women struggle to quit because emotional and/or stressful events trigger them to start smoking again, men are hindered by social and environmental factors.

    For one, the large availability of cigarettes can cause men to buy and smoke again even after quitting. Smoking was also associated with social activities and drinking alcohol, which makes it difficult for men to resist the urge when they find themselves in these situations.

    Strategies that help with smoking cessation

    Nicotine replacement therapy

    The finding that men smoke more frequently to reinforce its effect as a stimulant is consistent with the observation that men have a higher nicotine dependency. In this light, male smokers can turn to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) as a way to get nicotine delivery comparable to cigarettes but without the danger of addiction and harm to their health.

    Looking for nicotine pouches online can prove to be effective for smokers seeking a smokeless, tobacco-free alternative. The nicotine delivery provided by pouches is direct and fast-acting, as it only has to be tucked between the upper lip and gums to instantly relieve withdrawal symptoms. Nicotine pouches are also discreet; they do not emit any smoke, odour, or residue, hence allowing the user to satisfy nicotine cravings even in places where cigarettes and tobacco products are traditionally banned.

    Goal-setting

    Since smoking cessation is a healthy lifestyle change just like weight loss, the same strategies for staying consistent with weight goals can be applied to your cessation journey.

    When it comes to goal-setting, avoid being too vague by following the SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) principle. For example, specify how many cigarettes you want to quit per day/week/month. You can also reinforce your emotional connection to this goal by drawing inspiration from your family and friends.

    Support groups

    We know social activities influence men’s smoking urges; you can also counteract this by applying a social context to your smoking cessation strategy. Nowadays, there are gender-specific support groups, both in-person and online, that can motivate you to quit smoking and make progress in improving your health.

    The benefits of quitting smoking on your health and quality of life will always outweigh the challenges. Even if you slip up from time to time, revisiting your reasons for smoking cessation will help keep you on track.

    Main Photo Credit: via Pexels

  • Motoring: The Hyundai Ioniq 5 handles well

    Hyundai has been producing plug-in hybrids for a while now, but the Ioniq 5 was its first attempt at a fully electric car when it was unveiled.

    It shares much of its DNA with the Kia EV6 – a car that has garnered rave reviews.

    There are a bunch of trim levels, but it’s the Ultimate grade focused on for this assessment. In this guise, the Ioniq 5 has features such as 20-inch wheels, leather-faced powered seats, a Bose speaker system with a subwoofer and a head-up display.

    An assortment of powertrains is available, and all are quick off the line. Furthermore, the Ioniq 5 handles well, feeling nimble around twisty corners, thanks to a firm suspension setup that provides stability without making the ride uncomfortable.

    The selectable driving settings make a difference, too. For example, Sport mode packs a punch, Eco conserves battery life, and Normal mode bridges the gap. You get a Snow setting as well.

    The interior is impressive, with a minimalist design. You get two screens sitting next to each other in a single unit, with the infotainment screen crystal clear and intuitive.

    Separate climate control buttons are available, but they’re touch-sensitive, so they aren’t the most convenient.

    Nevertheless, the Ioniq 5 is roomy in the front and back, and the rear seats can slide to adjust the available legroom. Mind you, headroom in the back might reach its limit if you’re very tall.

    Boot space is 527 litres, expanding to 1,587 litres with the rear seats folded in a 60:40 split.

    The Ioniq 5 earned a five-year safety rating from Euro NCAP, with safety systems including adaptive cruise control, forward collision avoidance, and intelligent speed limit assist.

    Overall, the Ioniq 5 is a cracker: tech-laden, practical, roomy, and quick, and it handles well, too.

    If you want a sports car, a Kia EV6 will suit you better, but the Ioniq 5 is much the same vehicle with some added convenience.

    Fast Facts – Hyundai Ioniq 5 (73kWh, Ultimate RWD) as tested:

    • Max speed: 115 mph
    • 0-62 mph: 7.4 secs
    • Range: 298 miles
    • Powertrain layout: single electric motor with 73kWh battery
    • Max. power (PS): 217
    • CO2: N/A
    • Price: £46,090

    All Photos: Courtesy of Hyundai Ioniq 5

  • From the archive: “They wanted fireworks but what they got was a bloke talking about a mustard seed.”

    In the ‘now’ culture, we often expect quick results. But real change, that lasts, takes time.

    In my last job, I was praying about and preparing what I might say at a parliamentary launch, and the phrase, “They came expecting fireworks” dropped into my mind. It seemed appropriate for an event happening in the Houses of Parliament on the 5th of November! I resisted the temptation to arrive in a Guy Fawkes costume.

    It’s in the nature of a launch – with a new website with thousands of hits, a storm of positive Twitter messages and huge amounts of enthusiasm (140 people squeezed into a room designed for half that) – to expect some fireworks and glitz. Energy was high.

    So I pointed out that …

    In first-century Palestine, they also came looking for fireworks. An oppressed people were looking for liberation and they wanted it now. They were hoping for a mighty explosion of energy and light to restore their status as God’s chosen people, back in charge of their own destiny. Some were looking for a military extravaganza. And it looked like this carpenter of Nazareth might just light the touchpaper.

    They wanted fireworks, but what they got was a bloke talking about a mustard seed; a story about something practically invisible. He said, “This isn’t necessarily going to be fast. This might be slow.” He said, “This isn’t going to start huge; it’s going to start infinitesimally small.”

    The Japanese theologian Kosuke Koyama wrote a book about this kingdom called Three Mile an Hour God. Our God seems to move slowly. For him ends never justify means. For him it is about people, and he cares as much about the journey as the destination. You could say that the ‘how’ is as important as the ‘what’. He wants people to get to know him, as well as for his ways to shape the structures of our world. That is why, in politics especially, we must be in it for the long haul ~ because we care about people, not just ideas.

    We must not get sucked into the instant culture of the 21st century, where so much is about overnight sensations and the ‘next big thing’. We must be prepared to do the hard yards of building relationships. Change in political thinking and practice is rarely fast, but we must believe that the mustard seed will produce fruit. There is also something of sacrifice and death about that seed. We will not necessarily be lauded for what we do, but we can still prepare the ground.

    Andy’s book Those Who Show Up is available online.

    Main photo credit: Francesco Gallarotti via Unsplash

  • Motoring: The SEAT Ateca blends performance and value for money

    SEAT’s Ateca was the Spanish manufacturer’s first-ever SUV.

    Quite an entrance it made, too, getting impressive reviews when it was launched – and, several years on, it’s still going strong.

    It is no surprise, though, as SEAT is part of the Volkswagen group. So, it’s based on the same platform as the Skoda Karoq and VW’s Tiguan, which are also highly regarded.

    There are many trims, but the Xperience version is tested here. It includes 18-inch alloys, front comfort seats in Microsuede, a heated windscreen and a rear-view camera.

    There are a few engines to choose from in the Ateca range, but I drove the 1.5-litre petrol. You can choose an automatic or a six-speed manual transmission.

    It is arguably the best engine in the line-up, providing a lovely blend of performance and value for money. Although not lightning quick, the 1.5-litre makes good progress with a thick dollop of low-end performance, which helps you move away without delay.

    It returns 42.2mpg with the automatic, as driven for this review, producing 151g/km of CO2.

    The ride is comfortable but firmer than its nearest rivals, but the stiffer setup means it handles very well for a taller car. It is responsive when chucked into a bend, and it’s pretty fun to drive.

    Inside, the Ateca impresses, with lots of silver trim brightening things up. The SEAT is roomy in the front and back, too.

    The infotainment system has a high resolution, and it’s nice to look at. But some of the icons on the screen are on the small side, so they’re tricky to operate unless you’re stationary.

    Boot capacity is 510 litres, expanding to 1,604 litres with the rear seats down, which fold away in a 60/40 split.

    The Ateca was awarded a five-star rating by Euro NCAP, with safety systems including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, traction control, a driver tiredness alert, traffic sign recognition and rain-sensing wipers.

    Overall, the Ateca is an excellent all-rounder, offering sharp handling, good equipment levels and all the practicality you need in an SUV.

    The Xperience trim is quite expensive, but if you’re after a small SUV, the Ateca deserves serious consideration.

    Fast Facts – SEAT Ateca (Xperience trim, 1.5 TSI, 7-speed Auto) as tested:

    • Max speed: 126 mph
    • 0-62 mph: 9.0 secs
    • Combined mpg: 42.2
    • Engine layout: 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
    • Max. power (PS): 150
    • CO2: 151 g/km
    • Price: £31,900

    Photos: All courtesy of SEAT Ateca

  • News: Author wins prestigious book award

    Digital Editor’s Note: It is with great delight that I welcome Louise Jane, the CEO of the prestigious Christlit Book Awards as a Sorted Magazine Guest Writer. My little book Notes from the North End of Nowhere was shortlisted for the Creative Future Writers’ Award, it has also won a Christlit Book Award and The Christlit Book of The Year 2024 Award. Louise has very kindly written this lovely endorsement. It’s very humbling to see my work standing alongside authors I admire, such as Joyce Meyer and Louie Giglio.

    Louise writes: Val Fraser’s Notes from the North End of Nowhere is a brilliant concept for a book that feels refreshingly original. I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I picked it up, but I found myself laughing out loud more than I ever have with any other book!

    The warmth and familiarity of the narrative enveloped me, making it the ideal companion for a laid-back weekend spent on the couch with a hot brew in hand. It’s the type of book that draws you in so completely that you lose all sense of time and space. As I read, I often found myself wishing I could sit down with the author to discuss her intriguing and inventive thoughts. Her unfiltered, candid writing style makes the reading experience feel so intimate and engaging.

    With a remarkable ability to weave beautiful metaphors, Fraser showcases a talent for imaginative and thought-provoking writing. While I was engaged with the text, I also found myself longing for the magnificent northern landscapes, like those in Wales and the Lake District, as each description stirred a deep appreciation for the beauty of our planet.

    One part that particularly stood out to me was the brilliantly written Notes on Noticing, which made me chuckle more than a few times. Val cleverly weaves together religious themes and humour, using sheep as a metaphor to demonstrate how Christianity can be a force for good, all while keeping that classic Northern wit. I couldn’t resist sharing some quotes with my Northerner pals, who enjoyed the humour just as much as I did. Additionally, the author’s references to TV shows like The Repair Shop and Gardeners’ World not only piqued my interest in watching them but also highlighted her ability to draw connections between everyday life and faith.

    Altogether, this unique and brilliant book is a must-read! And I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a delightful literary experience.

    Notes from the North End of Nowhere, published by scm, won The Christlit Book Award, The Christlist Book of the Year Award and was shortlisted for The Creative Future Writers’ Award. Available here Notes from the North end of Nowhere: An uplifting collection of narratives exploring northern resilience, cake and proper chips: Amazon.co.uk: Fraser, Val: 9780993574993: Books.

    Photo Credits: Getty Images. Book cover Val Fraser. Photo design and badge courtesy of The Christlit Book Awards.