Firstly, thank you to everyone who sent in their ballot forms and those that attended the Special Members' meeting in London.  For those of you who don't already know, we're pleased to announce the results of the membership vote on the subject of membership fees.

74 per cent voted in favour of the proposal with 26 per cent voting against.  This clear majority in favour of the introduction of a small annual subscription fee gives Coeliac UK a clear mandate on which to introduce the requested fee.  In January a letter will be sent to all Members with the results of the vote and information on the membership fee.  Paid membership can be taken up through 2008, and we will of course take into consideration the circumstances of anyone struggling to pay the fee.

We will do all we can to make this transitional period as smooth as possible, but if you have any queries or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us.

The November issue of Sainsbury's magazine included a recipe for spelt bread which unfortunately cited spelt flour as being tolerable to coeliacs.  Sarah Sleet wrote a letter to the magazine correcting them on this issue and we are now in discussion with them about follow-up coverage on gluten-free food.

Make sure your Christmas celebrations start with a bang!

Get your list of gluten-free seasonal products by clicking here.  All items are listed by shop or supplier to make your Christmas shopping easy.  With products ranging from gluten-free chocolates to gluten-free stuffing mix, you can be sure to have an extra special Christmas.

Here at Coeliac UK we're all looking forward to our first Food Conference on 6th December. 

This unique one day event is designed to educate the food service sector and food industry, as well as anyone seeking guidance on gluten-free provision.  Esteemed speakers, experts in their field, will give presentations on issues facing the gluten-free market, as well as hot-off-the-press information on the newly proposed Codex standard.

This is also a launch pad for the Food Sector Panel which will help steer the Charity in future engagements in this arena, to help engineer a positive change in the provision of gluten-free food.

To read more about the Food Conference, please click here.

Visit our online shop and check out our gluten-free stock, perfect for Christmas.

Buy your Christmas cards from Coeliac UK and support your favourite charity while you spread some festive cheer.

Stocks are limited and we have just reduced some of our prices, so hurry and order now to avoid disappointment!

To place your Christmas card order please click here.

We have three delicious Christmas puddings to giveaway, courtesy of Seriously Good Food Ltd.  All ingredients are gluten-free, fresh and hand-prepared, creating a truly indulgent taste sensation.

For more information on the puddings, go to www.seriouslygoodfood.co.uk or call 0800 849 1066.

To win a delicious pudding, simply answer the following question:

Which of these puddings would you like to serve at Christmas? 

Belgian Milk Chocolate & Orange Pudding, 454g
Seriously Good Figgy Pudding, 454g
Dark & Delicious Chocolate & Ginger Pudding, 454g

Please send your answers to competition@coeliac.org.uk with PUDDING COMPETITION in the subject line.  The first respondents for each pudding will be the winners. 

Another Christmas institution was held on Sunday 18 November in Ellesmere Port. 

The Wirral Group and Group organiser, Sylvia Hughes, put together a fantastic event for around 45 children.  This included a magician, a visit from Father Christmas and possibly the biggest gluten-free buffet the children had ever seen!

The latest Penrith Food Fair proved another great success with a number of new local suppliers attending.  Among these was Sarah Hunter, who set up Hunters Puddings, and recently won a Taste Good Food Award for her puddings.  Jean Foster, one of the organisers of the event, was interviewed live from the fair by radio Cumbria, spreading the word even further.

See our Campaign section for more information.

A Scottish Cross Party Group (CPG) in the Scottish Parliament on Coeliac Disease and DH has been approved.

The Group will seek to improve the quality of life for people in Scotland with coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis.  This group, which holds it's first meeting on 4 December, will endeavour to drive a change by putting coeliac disease high on the political agenda.  Jim Tolson MSP/Convenor said, "I am grateful for the help and assistance provided by Coeliac UK in setting up the Cross Party Group on Coeliac Disease and DH in the Scottish Parliament. I aim to ensure that the issues of raising awareness, improving diagnosis and improving access to gluten-free food will be vigorously followed by the CPG in the Scottish Parliament".

This is a great result for Scotland and for Coeliac UK, and we're really looking forward to working with the CPG.  A big thank you to Group Organisers Wilma Fraser, Frances Jones and Yvonne Murray for all their hard work in making this happen. 

A Borders TV presenter took the gluten-free challenge and spent a week living on a gluten-free diet.

Jean Foster, a member of Coeliac UK contacted her regional TV company to highlight some of the difficulties faced by coeliacs everyday, when shopping, cooking and eating out.  The challenge was taken up by television presenter, Gillian Fraser, and she kept a video diary of her progress throughout the week.  Jean was also interviewed to give a first-hand account of what it is like to live with coeliac disease.

This break through is down to Jean's hard work, so thank you, from all of us at Coeliac UK.  Getting this kind of coverage is always an asset to the campaigning work we do, so thank you for your help.

The programme was broadcast on Monday 12 November, Thursday 14th November and Friday 16th November. 

Thank you very much to those that sent your case studies to us following the article in the November eXG. 

We had a great response and the new case studies are already making a difference: within a week of receiving a new case study, we were able to use it in Reader's Digest.  We're on our way to reaching our target of 100 new case studies, but we still need your help!

If you have a story about struggling to maintain your lifestyle while you manage a gluten-free diet or you have ever become ill after being assured that the meal you ordered at a restaurant was gluten-free, than we want to hear from you.

Help others by telling your story by downloading the attached form, filling in as much detail as you can and return to case.studies@coeliac.org.uk. 

Please note there are no guarantees your story will be used by the media.

A big thank you to everyone who supported the Charity by purchasing raffle tickets for the Christmas Draw. If you've not yet returned yours, please do so for your chance to win a Peugeot 207 or £8500 cash alternative and lots of other prizes.

The closing date is 21st December 2007 and the draw will take place on 11th January 2008.

We are happy to announce that Paul Tucker, Jo Livermore, Elizabeth Fullwood, Steven Haynes and Gavin Morgan have been successful in joining the Coeliac UK 2008 Marathon Team.

Each runner has committed to raise a minimum of £1000 in sponsorship. To help them on their way, you can sponsor them online at www.justgiving.com/coeliacuk

We are also calling to anyone else who has been successful in getting a place through the independent ballot system. Join our Team and we will send you your very own fundraising pack and running vest.

For more information contact our fundraising team.

Several studies indicate the importance of social support in the management of chronic disease.  The aim of this study was to explore dilemmas problems experienced by close relatives living with a person with coeliac disease (CD), and to describe the strategies used to deal with these problems.

23 close relatives (spouses, cohabitants and parents) of people with CD were interviewed. Disease related worries included feelings of guilt that they were not affected by the condition, anxiety and witnessing the vulnerability of the affected relative in social situations.  Dilemmas related to increased domestic work (such as preparing two types of food, using separate utensils), restricted freedom (e.g. often not possible to be spontaneous at meal times) and changes in social relationships (such as decreased visits to friends and relatives).

In managing domestic life, the interviewees described that the person with CD automatically had a 'preferential right of interpretation' since it was them who reported to know best what to eat and how to prepare it.  In some cases this implied that they also had the power and control in the family, both in food situations and generally. 

Four different coping strategies were reported: planning carefully in advanced for all meals; 'one for all, all for one' (all family members eating gluten-free food); avoiding potentially problematic situations (eating out, visiting relatives, friends etc); teaching their social network about CD.

The authors conclude that CD can influence the lives of close relatives in a negative way.  This study has highlighted the need for information and increased knowledge of CD in society and for the family and friends of those with the condition.

Sverker A, Ostlund G, Hallery C, Hensing G. (2007) Sharing life with a gluten-intolerant person - the perspective of close relatives. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 20, 412-422.

Here is just a sample of what is going on over the next few months but there is so much more happening in and around your area. To find out dates, times, details and other events please click here.

To keep up to date with Juvela's whereabouts click here.

At Asda we have some great new lines to make your Christmas a gluten-free delight.

Why not try our delicious gluten-free mince pies or Christmas cake, and finish Christmas dinner in style with our gluten-free Christmas Pudding? We also stock all the products you'll need to fill your cupboards at this busy time of year.

All our stores stock Gluten Free products, although range varies by store. To find your local store with the largest range, ring 0845 300 1111. Or shop online at www.asda.com

We wish all our customers a really Happy Christmas.

Lamb Shank Rogan Josh

Makes 4 servings
Preparation time 5 mins
Cooking time 2 hours

Ingredients:

• 2 x 200g Rogan Josh Passage to India Simmer Sauce

• 500g lamb shanks cut into 30mm size pieces

Method:

1.  Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a medium size saucepan.
2.  Add lamb shanks and cook for 5 minutes on high. Keep lid on and stir while cooking, until browned off.
3.  Add 2 x 200g packs of Rogan Josh Sauce. Stir in contents, cover with lid and reduce heat and leave to simmer.
4.  Simmer for at least one and a half hours.

Serve with gluten-free naan bread or basmati rice available from your local Morrisons store.

Thank you to Passage Foods for sponsoring this recipe. For more information, click here.

"Tis the season to be jolly" and the Juvela Team are planning a Christmas full of festive food, fizz and fun!

As usual, we have our Christmas Recipe Booklet, providing inspiration alongside tradition! For your free copy, please contact us on our new completely free advice line: 0800 783 1992 or email us at info@juvela.co.uk

We've also enjoyed developing - and tasting - some new ideas for this festive season, all of which can be found on our new and improved website! From divine ideas for sumptuous Christmas Eve suppers to decadent Christmas Day starters and lazy Boxing Day Brunches, simply click here: www.juvela.co.uk and follow the link to the Christmas recipes on the recipe section. 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Juvela Team!

An irresistible slice of Sweden for the festive season.

Stuck for ideas on what to serve the whole family over Christmas and New Year?  Then why not try our delicious gluten- and wheat-free Swedish frozen desserts.

Almondy SNICKERS® combines an irresistible almond biscuit base and butter nougat cream with caramel and roasted peanuts, all deliciously smothered with milk chocolate.

Almondy DAIM combines an enticing almond biscuit base and golden buttercream with crunchy almond caramel all covered in mouth-watering smooth milk chocolate.

You can enjoy the tårta (as we say in Sweden) as they are or topped with fruit, berries or ice cream to jazz them up for the happy festivities.

Both Almondy DAIM and Almondy SNICKERS® can be found in the frozen dessert aisle at Tesco Superstores and Tesco Extras.

www.almondy.co.uk

At Sainsbury's we understand that it can be difficult for people with coeliac disease to find foods that are safe to eat that don't compromise on flavour during Christmas. That's why with Sainsbury's freefrom range, you can enjoy the true taste of Christmas to the full, with tempting seasonal favourites - that are reassuringly gluten, wheat and dairy-free.

Look out for our fruity iced Christmas cake, rich moist Christmas pudding, deep-filled luxury mince pies, creamy-tasting vanilla custard, and new this year, our irresistible iced minced pies.

Visit our website for more information about our freefrom range.

Christmas cooking all wrapped-up

It's that special time of year again! Using Glutafin mixes, you can cook Glutafin mixes any tasty festive recipe you choose, from traditional pies and puds, to a delicious bread sauce.  To help you get the big day just right, we're playing Father Christmas and giving away a limited number of free Glutafin Christmas recipe books.  We think they'll be as popular as hot mince pies on a cold night, so click here now for your free book!

Be good to yourself this Christmas.  Or put peace of mind under a friend’s tree.  DietaryCard will giftwrap free-of-charge all Multipack orders received before 20th December. 

Classic Coeliac Multipacks cost £20, whether Euro (English, French, German, Italian & Spanish), EastEuro (Czech, Hungarian, Polish, Romanian & Russian), East (Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian & Thai) or Med (Arabic, Greek, Italian, Spanish & Turkish).  www.dietarycard.co.uk  01506 635358.

The fantastic Il Pane di Anna Bread, Pizza and Cake Mixes are now available on prescription.

For a free sample please call 01757 289200 or e mail IPDA@gffdirect.co.uk Further details are available our website www.gffdirect.co.uk the supermarket for coeliacs! 

Johnson's has been in search of the finest gluten-free products to make your Christmas the best ever.  Why not treat yourself with a fantastic hamper or order one for someone special.  Visit our website or call our free-phone number today.

Web: www.johnsonsprovisions.co.uk  Tel: 0800 688 8969

What’s in Your Gluten Free Pasta?

Rizopia Gluten Free Organic Brown Fusilli Pasta is full of all the goodness of whole grain organic brown rice.

Compare it to other gluten free pasta manufactured from processed bleached flours, starches and e numbers. Which do you think is best for you?

It is now available from selected Waitrose stores see our website for a 50p off coupon www.pgrhealthfoods.co.uk

New Smooth Chip Shop Style Curry Sauce now available!

As well as our popular Fish & Chip Shop Batter Mix which is authentic, crispy, golden, delicious and easy to use.

Enjoy all your favourites with Glu-2-Go!  Visit our website www.glu2go.co.uk to purchase online.  Telephone: 01324 717273

Relax without concern with a full board, gluten-free weeklong holiday.

Sponsored by JUVELA: their  fine products, our gourmet French cuisine.

7 Beautiful bedrooms.  Heated pool.  Private, quiet.  Beautiful park.  10 day 'Family Break' in August!  Access from many UK airports to Limoges. 2008 Schedule now available on our website. 
+33 (0) 5 53 03 41 58
www.chateaudevillars.co.uk

Fibrex, a naturally gluten-free fibre (67% AOAC) from sugar beet, can supplement your diet.  Use in bakery and meat products or sprinkle at breakfast.

Find recipes and order from www.theingredient.co.uk
2 x 200g packs £2.20 + £2.00 P&P.

Bia Nua has launched this year with a range of premium quality gluten-free baking recipes.

Every recipe is wheat-, gluten- and dairy-free and they have been created by a food scientist who has specialised in dietetic products for nearly 20 years.

Go to the web site and download one of the free taster recipes.  If you like it, buy a recipe as each one bought by a member throughout December will generate a donation to Coeliac UK direct from Bia Nua.

Every recipe download is also an entry into the Prize Draw to win a luxury hamper- so click now and happy baking!

Choose from Standard Gluten-free Wafers, made from rice flour, potato flour, tapioca flour and natural gum or Low Gluten Wafers made with wheat starch.  Both conform to within the Codex standard.  Each wafer is square so can be distinguished from gluten-containing wafers, and is packaged in a resealable bag.

These unique products are handmade by the Sisters at an Anglican and Catholic convent and the business is non-profit organisation.

Place your orders on 01293 517658 or email glutenfree@btconnect.com