Sleigh it isn't so.. our December edition of the Extra Mile is out now!🎄

Ho Ho Ho! 🎅 Here we are nearing the end of another year – I don’t know about you but I feel that 2021 has whizzed by in the wink of an eye! Some of us will be glad to see the back of it and look forward to 2022 with fresh hope of more normality following the last 21 months. We are unfortunately needing to up our safety with the new variant rearing it’s ugly head but we are all pros at this now so it won’t be long I am sure before we are without masks and restrictions again.

The festive season is well and truly upon us with all the preparations underway, trees and decorations are going up, Christmas dinners being bought and finding space in the freezer for the turkey! Presents are getting wrapped and placed under the trees, all waiting to be eagerly unwrapped on the 25th.

We are thanking each and every one of our drivers for getting us to and through the festive season – we know driving at any time but especially through the winter is so hard going. Our very own poet, our Ops Director has written a little ditty saying as much, look out for it later in this festive edition.

Our Northampton branch has nominated Maris Kairiss as our December Driver of the Month.

Maris is a reliable, cooperative and always agreeable Class 1 driver, working between a few of our clients including DHL, Loop and Clipper. He is dependable and never defaults on a shift.

He will work on days, night, weekends and any shift we ask in any contract we ask. He never complains and never lets us down.

Maris, you are a wonderful asset to our team and we appreciate all of your hard work. Thank you for always going beyond the extra mile, from us all at Driver Require.

How long have you been with Driver Require? 4 years and 2 months

Have you always been in recruitment? If not, what did you do before?

No, been in recruitment for 7 years now but before spent a lot of time in the hospitality business, working at snowdome, hotels and even managing a nightclub at one point.

Now for some of your favourites…

Favourite part of Xmas dinner? Pigs in blankets

Favourite Christmas song? Band Aid - Do they know its Christmas

Favourite thing about Christmas? Family

Favourite band/singer? The Killers

Favourite ‘binge watch’ series on TV/Netflix/Amazon etc? Friends, or any decent Netflix series I will give it a go.

Favourite quote from a film? No idea to be honest, I watch way too many films.

And last but not least…

What three words best describe you? Driven, Motivated, Ambitious

Proudest moments of your life to date? I can't pick one, has to be birth of both my children (Isabelle and Ruben - yes, he is named after Ruben Neves from Wolves!!!).

I think it’s safe to say that most of us will be embarking on an eating and drinking marathon over the festive period and without a doubt food and drink is among the most eagerly anticipated components of the festive period. Since many of us were unable to celebrate with our families last year we will all be looking forward to getting together for a good old knees up, sitting around the table on Christmas day with our loved ones.

Christmas dinner is a big event in many households yet planning and preparing for the occasion can be hard work. Accommodating everyone’s needs from the Brussel sprout-hating children, the solo vegetarian and an auntie who would rather eat roast beef can be an nightmare.

Here are some top tips to reduce the stress on Christmas Day and make it a winner!🥇

1. Prepare you vegetables the day before, peel your spuds and sprouts. Or even better buy ready prepared vegetables.

2. Set up your table the night before and keep your table setting simple

3. Prepare, stuff and dress your turkey on Christmas Eve so it’s all ready to bung in the oven on Christmas morning.

4. Forget the starter serve a festive cocktail and a few nibbles instead, you’ll be stuffed anyway.

5. Don’t Panic!! If something goes wrong, gets burned or forgotten it’s not the end of the world. Pour yourself another drink and remember it’s just dinner!

So, Eat, Drink and be Merry! Watch some trash tv and pop a Christmas hat on the dog!

For many out on the roads this festive season keeping the country going we want to say a huge thank you and that we will be thinking of you.

Have a safe and happy Christmas, one and all! 🎄

Andover

Clatford Arms Christmas Market
When: Sun, Dec 12 2021 at 12:00 pm
Where: The Clatford Arms Public House, SP11 7RN
Website: https://allevents.in/andover/clatford-arms-christmas-market/200021700315340

Dartford

Strood Christmas Fair
When: Sat, 18 Dec, 10:00–16:00
Where: Strood Academy, ME2 2SX
Website: https://allevents.in/gravesend/cyclopark-christmas-market-friday-17th-december/10000177252305417

Lutterworth

Christmas Indoor Hinckley Market
When: Sun, Dec 12 2021 at 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: Sketchley Grange Hotel, LE10 3HU
Website: https://allevents.in/events/christmas-indoor-hinckley-market-event-one-stop-shop-hinckley/200021637717636

Northampton

Weston Favell Christmas Grotto
When: Sun, 19 – Wed, 22 December 2021
Cost: £4.50 per child.
Where: Weston Favell Shopping Centre, NN3 8JZ
Website: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/select/uHkiqSajTLvh

Stevenage

The Magic of Christmas
Where: The Old Rectory Farm, SG2 7PD
When: Now open 7 days a week
Website: https://www.themagicofchristmas.net/

Tamworth

Christmas Fair
When: Sun, 19 Dec, 12:00–16:00
Where: The Gate Inn, B77 3BY
Website: https://m-partners.facebook.com/events/558382772134666

In the spirit of Christmas, we are sharing some easy delicious traditional recipes to bake and enjoy over the festive period!

Yummy Christmas Yule Log

If you're after a sweet treat this Christmas, this simple yet tasty yule log recipe is perfect for the festive season.

Prep: 30 mins

Cook: 10 mins

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/yummy-chocolate-log

Vegan Yule Log

A different take on the traditional yule log, if you are vegan this is a delicious recipe to follow!

https://topwithcinnamon.com/vegan-chocolate-yule-log/