Our festive gift guide is here to help you enjoy your Christmas shopping with the best that Barnsley Town Centre has to offer.

All-a-glow this festive season.

The Best of Barnsley Town Centre.

Make this Christmas the time to shop local in Barnsley. You might be surprised at the wonderful range of things you can find in the town centre, all available from stallholders and shopkeepers who won’t be beaten on quality and price.

Barnsley town centre has a wonderful choice of independent shops, specialist retailers and a thriving market packed with everything you need to make this season special.

You won’t have to travel far to find gifts for all the family, plus cards, wrapping paper, gift-bags and all the must-have items you need to turn your home into a warm and welcoming sanctuary from the wintry weather – see our gift guide, from page 4 to 7.

If you need inspiration for what to cook this Christmas, visit our famous markets where the stalls are bursting with a tempting array of meat, fish, vegetables, cheeses, bread, cakes and mince pies (of course).

Take a moment to rest and enjoy a coffee and cake at a café or restaurant – we meet Sara Headley, owner of Sara’s Flowers and Teas in Pitt Street; she shares her favourite recipe for a festive Victoria sponge cake with us, decorated with fresh fruit from Barnsley Market, where she sources much of her fresh supplies – see page 9.

And, to really set the Christmas scene, the town centre is playing host to an exciting range of events and activities to keep you – and your children -entertained whilst you shop - see our events guide to the right.

Don’t forget, you can park for free all day Saturday and Sunday in all town-centre off-street car-parks.

There are lots of things happening in the town centre throughout the festive period, so when you’re doing your Christmas shopping you can enjoy one of the many events and activities, most of which are free. You could even plan a visit to the theatre and catch one of the fantastic shows on offer.

Free live entertainment starts on Saturday 3 December with something exciting happening every Saturday up to Christmas Eve.

Music from a variety of bands including the Old Silkstone Brass Band, Carlton Main Brass Band and Keef’s Christmas Quartet will be taking place around the town centre between 10am and 3pm so listen out for some merry festive tunes. Keep your eyes out for some quirky Christmas street theatre too!

And don’t forget about the Santa Dash and Town Hall Open Day – a great day of free festive fun for all the family!

To keep up to date with all the exciting things happening follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/barnsleymarket

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Events & Festivities

Barnsley Markets at ChristmasThursday 24 – Saturday 26 November Join us for festive fun and pick up the perfect Christmas gift, sample delicious foods and lots of seasonal entertainment.

10am – 4.30pm

Theatre

The Lamproom TheatreFriday 10 December Manford’s Comedy Club presents a jolly night out with friends or colleagues, with plenty of ho-ho-ho’s guaranteed from stand-up performers including Andy Fury, Eleanor Tiernan and Will Duggan. 8pm, all tickets £12.50.

Friday 10 – Friday 30 December Cinderella is a family pantomime from The Lamproom Theatre that follows the traditional tale of rags-to-riches, a handsome prince, two ugly step-sisters and plenty of laughs along the way. Various times, tickets, adults £14.00, concessions £13.00, family ticket (two adults and two children) £46.00.

www.barnsleylamproom.com 01226 200075

The Civic Friday 2 December Holy Moly and The Crackers are described as a “gypsy folk’n’roll” band, and with their unique mash-up of folk/blues, waltz tempos and hoe-downs and French zazou in outlandish

carnival style, it’s loud, funky and fun. 8pm, tickets £12, concessions £10.

Monday 5 December Riff-Raff Hotel is a wry comedy brought to us by Barnsley Hospital Amateur Dramatic Group and tells the story of an upwardly-mobile wife whose 40th wedding anniversary party turns into a nightmare. 7.30pm, tickets £12.

Tuesday 14 December – Saturday 24 December Snow White from Pif-Paf and Tell-Tale Hearts theatre companies is a heart-warming, ingenious take on the traditional fairy tale. Set in our very own Yorkshire landscape, this production weaves aerial feats, live music, comedy and compelling performances to give the whole family a treat. Various times, tickets, adults £12, concessions £10, children £8

Kicking off in December and taking us into New Year, there are some great exhibitions at The Civic so take a peek and see what's going on.

Saturday 3 December – Saturday 28 January 2017 Sam Shendi: Mother and Child Explores the age-old subject of a mother's relationship with her child, through sculpture. Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm, free admission.

Santa Dash and Town Hall Open DaySaturday 3 December Come to the Town Hall for a fun-packed day of free festive activities, stalls and the opportunity to find out more about the work of the council and your local Councillors.

Family-friendly activities include face painting, arts and craft Christmas decoration sessions, and mini Christmas craft stalls selling handmade gifts. Children can also explore the museum,

visit Santa’s grotto and take part in a magical elf workshop.

And why not join Experience Barnsley’s very first Santa Dash? Come along on your own or as a team - have fun and support a great cause, Barnsley Museums Heritage Trust, www.BMHT.org

Santa Dash includes a FREE Santa suit and Trust Membership.

Santa Dash runs every 15 minutes from 11am until 12.45pm.

Tickets: £6 Adult £4 Child (under 12) £20 Family/Team of 4

Town Hall Open Day, 10am-2pm, free admission

shop.barnsley-museums.com

Saturday 3 December – Saturday 28 January 2017 Liz West: The Trolley Series Sees Barnsley-raised artist West's own visual take on shopping, building collections of block colour in the supermarket, a place where colour is in abundance. Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm, free admission. www.barnsleycivic.co.uk

Art & Crafts

Cooper GalleryUntil Saturday 24 December From Yorkshire With Love An exhibition of beautiful arts and crafts made in Yorkshire. 10am-4pm, Monday to Saturday, free entry.

Saturday 3 December Silver Jewellery Workshop Create a personalised contemporary silver necklace and bracelet. Using simple letter stamps, add names or words to your piece to make completely unique pieces, perfect for a Christmas gift. £45 per person, 16-plus only, booking essential, enquire at Cooper Gallery or at shop.barnsley-museums.com

Saturday 17 December Christmas crackers

Tuesday 20 December Angel decorations

Thursday 22 December Thumb print reindeer cards All the above drop-in workshops run 11am to 2pm and are free, with a suggested donation of £1 to Barnsley Museums Heritage Trust.

Experience Barnsley Monday 19 December Mini hanging button wreaths

Wednesday 21 December Ribbon Christmas trees

Friday 23 December Printed name places for your Christmas table

All of the above workshops run from 10am to 2pm, and are free, with a suggestion donation of £1 to Barnsley Museums Heritage Trust.

Wednesday 28 December – Friday 30 December Pop-up paper fireworks workshop

Have a go at making your own extra-special decorations for New Year celebrations.

11am to 2pm, free, with a suggested donation of £1 per child to Barnsley Museums Heritage Trust.

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Prosecco, Winter is Coming wheat ale and individual beers from £4 Arcade Alehouse, The Victorian Arcade

Kes wallet £18 Originals, The Victorian Arcade

Chocolate liqueurs £1 each Sweet Treats, Market Hall

Christmas card, pack of 10 £2.99 Cancer Research, Market Street

Gifts for him

It’s said that men are difficult to buy for, but not in Barnsley. Choose a gift-pack of special tipples from Barnsley’s brand-new micro-pub on The Victorian Arcade, find a cult classic or two whilst you’re there, then pop into the market to hunt down his favourite chocolates.

Merry

Fan brooch £12, Silver bracelet £38 Kingston Jewellers, The Victorian Arcade

Silver heart necklace £35 Moo, The Thomas Whitworth Forum

Black and orange leather clutch bag £35 Moo, The Thomas Whitworth Forum

Gifts for her

The market’s the place to find a stunning choice of cosmetics, fragrances and accessories to add sparkle and style to any girl’s stocking. Complete the look with a piece of designer jewellery from a boutique in the Thomas Whitworth Forum or on The Victorian Arcade.

W7 Beat it! Eyeshadow palette and Glowcomotion highlighting compact £5.99 & £2.99 Sally’s, Market Hall

Vintage Christmas card £2.15 Experience Barnsley Barnsley Town Hall

Merry06. 07.

Light-up wooden Noel blocks £7 Homewares, May Day Green Market

Santa is coming to Barnsley book £4.99 The Cooper Gallery, Church Street

Christmas Tree and gingerbread man soaps £1.75 & £2.10 Essential Soaps, The Victorian Arcade

Gifts for kids

Bring a smile to their faces with games, toys and stocking fillers from the market and independent shops. Visit Barnsley’s award-winning museum, Experience Barnsley, and the renowned Cooper Gallery to find unusual ideas with a local theme. And don’t forget to stock up on Christmas sweets from the market too!

Thomas the Tank Engine £4 Barnsley Models & Games, The Victorian Arcade

Hat, part of Christmas fancy dress outfits from £11.99 Carnival, Eldon Street

Christmas Tree card, pack of 10 £3.49 British Heart Foundation, Market Street

& Bright

Silver reindeer £10 Gifted-UK, May Day Green Market

Tree centrepiece £8.99 M.Stobart, May Day Green Market

Christmas jug £3.50 Homewares, May Day Green Market

‘Deck the halls’ Country Candle Company Candle £3.50 Candleberry Lane, The Victorian Arcade

Christmas pudding bath bomb £3.49 Essential Soaps, The Victorian Arcade

Gifts for home

Indulge your home this festive season. Head to the market for an amazing choice of ornaments, tableware and decorations to really bring the spirit of Christmas alive, and create a welcoming aroma with delicious candles and pampering goodies for all the family from specialist retailers in The Victorian Arcade.

All shot on location at Sara’s Flowers and Teas, Pitt Street, Barnsley

Gold star candle holder £4.99 Experience Barnsley, The Town Hall

Vintage “Co-op” tea towel £4.99 Experience Barnsley, The Town Hall

Snowdrop Christmas card, pack of 10 £2.99 Cancer Research, Market Street

Artist Christmas Card £1.70 Cooper Gallery Church Street

All wrapping paper £1 for 10 sheets Card Corner, Market Hall

Sara’s Flowers and Teas Sara Headley — Owner

Sara Headley lives and breathes the true spirit of Christmas. Last year she and her volunteers served 140 free Christmas dinners at her cosy café-cum-florist on Pitt Street to people who were alone, vulnerable or in need of company on Christmas Day.

And she is planning to do it all again this year, offering breakfast and dinner for those in need.

“We will be open from 8am until 6pm for anyone in the community who is homeless, families that are struggling and anyone who is feeling lonely and isolated on Christmas Day,” says Sara, “Everyone will be welcome”.

To help fund this, Sara runs the gift-a-meal scheme which costs £9.95 and gives people the opportunity to pay for a Christmas dinner for someone who couldn’t otherwise afford it. Enquire at the café for details.

A self-taught cook and baker, Sara creates magnificent cakes, buns and scones, and also offers a full menu of snacks and main meals to customers during the day. This year for Christmas

Slack’s Greengrocers, May Day Green Market

Slack’s is a family business, established in 1914. As well as supplying Sara’s Flowers and Teas, the stall sells fruit, vegetables, eggs and bread to a range of cafes in Barnsley town centre, including Bailey’s, Hilton’s and The Albert Street Diner.

“One of our most popular sellers is the Romanesco,” says stallholder Laura Whittington. “It’s a cross between a cauliflower and a broccoli, and we sell loads of it.”

“But our Christmas best-sellers are definitely leeks and sprouts,” she adds. “We find that a lot of people come and buy them in advance, blanch them and freeze them so they are ready-prepared for Christmas dinner.”

Laura's colleague John Slack has worked on the stall for 48 years and is passionate about offering great customer service. “We have customers who come to us because they know we look after them,” says John. “For example, we always give our carrier bags for free to help them out. We love having the stall here right at the front of the market and we’re always busy.”

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“On Christmas Day, everyone will be welcome.”

Farm to fork.

Sara Headley — Owner, Sara's Flowers and Teas

she will be making continental delicacies inspired by family recipes from her Dutch husband.

Sara sources many of her fresh supplies from Barnsley Market, including meat from the wide choice of butchers, fruit and vegetables from Slack’s in the May Day Green Market and teacakes from Potts’ in the Market Hall.

Sara shares her recipe for a classic Victoria Sponge cake, decorated with fresh berries, fruit and a hint of festive glitter – see page 10.

Meanwhile Sara and her volunteers are getting ready to welcome their Christmas guests, and need our help.

“We’re very grateful for anything anyone can donate to help at Christmas and throughout the year. We can use warm clothing, coats, non-perishable food, sleeping bags and blankets. People can just come and drop them off at the café.”

Find Sara’s Flowers & Teas on Facebook, or call the café on 01226 283886.

Potts’ Bakers, Market Hall

The Christmas cake sold by Potts’ stall in the Market Hall is made to a recipe dating back to 1891. It was created by Emily Potts, who founded the family business when she was left widowed with five young children to support.

Today, that Christmas cake – with or without marzipan – is the Christmas best-seller on the stall, says Vicky Emmerson, along with mince pies, jam tarts and lemon tarts. “People have been coming here for generations,” she says. “They know that our food is fresh every day. And they come to the stall because they always know they will get a bit of banter - people like that.”

The bakery, which is based in Stairfoot, supplies several town centre cafes including Sara’s Flowers and Teas, Bailey’s, The Albert Street Diner, Hotjacks, and local Co-operative supermarkets and schools.

“I think the main thing is that our customers know they are going to get quality,” adds Vicky. “That’s why they keep coming back to us.”

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4. Mix together all ingredients with the mixer.

5. You will need to place both bottoms of the cooled sponges together to form a neat sandwich.

6. Spread three-quarters of the jam evenly on the bottom sponge, and spread half of the buttercream on top of this.

7. Sandwich both sponges together.

8. Spread the rest of the jam on the top of the sandwich, leaving a two-inch border all around the edge.

9. Then spread buttercream on top of this all the way to the edge.

TOP TIP – use an ice-cream scoop to distribute the buttercream around the top of the sandwich. This prevents the surface of the sponge from being disturbed too much. Then swirl out each scoop together with a spatula.

10. Arrange the fruit on the top, starting with the strawberries. You will need at least 15 of these to go around the edge. Next add the raspberries, then the blueberries and the rest of the fruit if using any extra.

11. Add a fine dusting of icing sugar.

12. Finish off with a touch of non-toxic silver or gold glitter for a proper festive look.

MethodFor the sponge:

1. Switch on oven to 160 degrees C, 325 degrees F, Gas Mark 2/3.

2. Soften the butter. Then mix all the sponge ingredients together using a hand or stand-based electric mixer for 4/5 minutes.

3. Pour half of the mixture into each tin.

4. Put tins in oven for 45 minutes. Do not open the oven door during this time or the sponges may not rise well.

5. After 45 minutes, remove tins from oven and test the sponge is done by inserting a cocktail stick into the top. It should come out clean. If not, return the sponge to the oven for five minutes and check again.

6. When removed from the oven, leave the sponges in the tins for 10 minutes.

7. Then turn each tin upside onto a cooling rack, ease out the sponges, gently remove lining paper and leave for at least two hours until completely cool.

For the filling/topping:

1. Whilst the sponges are cooling, make the buttercream filling/topping.

2. Start by softening the butter.

3. Into a large bowl, in this order, place the icing sugar, milk, vanilla extract and softened butter.

IngredientsFor the sponge:

8 large free-range eggs

450g self-raising flour

400g caster sugar

400g unsalted butter

100ml full-fat milk

2 tsp baking powder

For the filling/topping:

Full jar raspberry jam

300g unsalted butter

650g icing sugar

2 tsps vanilla extract

100ml full-fat milk

Small punnet each of strawberries, raspberries and blueberries

Plus other fruits in season – for example, pomegranate, grapes, sliced kiwi

Non-toxic silver or gold glitter, available from White Rose Homebrew, Market Hall

You will also need:

2 x 9 inch diameter (approx. 23 cm) x 4 inch (approx. 10 cm) sandwich tins, lined with a circle of greaseproof paper and greased with butter.

Festive Victoria Sponge.

Look out for the next exciting issue of B Magazine in Spring 2017 and the opening of the new Market Parade.

The old semi-open market will have been transformed into a new temporary home for the Market Hall traders.

Watch local press and social media for full update and of course our next issue of B Magazine.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year – See you in 2017!