It’s already Christmas season all over again, with not-so-subtle hints of Christmas trees, baubles and silver sparkly decorations everywhere I look, from the Paperchase displays to the Whiteleys Christmas tree. The Christmas marketing machine is well under way only 17 days into November and even Take That has already lit up Regent’s Street’s lights last night. But this year, for a change, I’ve decided to look at giving to charity rather than spending my time finding more gifts for a) my children who have more toys that they know what to do with and let’s face it, become more spoiled by the day b) my husband who will feign happiness at the wallet/socks/tie/sweater that I will get him and c) my mother who doesn’t need any more candles, perfumes or beauty products from my complete lack of imagination.

The Rugby Portobello Trust, a charity for local, disadvantaged young people, is having their 25th Christmas Market in the 20th Century Theatre on Westbourne Grove on Tuesday November 18th and 19th. There will book signings by local children’s author Emma Chichester Clark, Yottam Ottolenghi for the Ottolenghi fans, and India Knight for my ‘ageing’ mother. There will be plenty of stalls with jewellery, arts and crafts, and cashmere which will be provide great gift ideas for Christmas stockings and Christmas gifts.

So stop by on your way home from work or after your children’s school drop off and hope to see you there!

http://www.rptchristmasmarketauction.co.uk/auction/index.php

xx

NHYM