We had some fantastic entries and it was really difficult to choose our top 10 as we really enjoyed reading all of your Tales!
The 10 shortlisted stories are below – to vote for your favourite please visit our Facebook Page
Tale 1
One snowy eve at Clipper HQ Mrs Simkins was baking up a Christmas treat…..delicious Clipper tea cakes! Mrs Simkins said to her assistant “pass the Clipper please” only poor Ralph had ear muffs on to keep the cold out and mis-heard ‘Kipper’ for Clipper!! Oh dear. The recipe was ruined. “Nevermind” said Mrs Simkins, and dashed to the emergency store room, luckily this was the second batch of the day so all was not lost. The Kipper cakes served as a tasty treat for Santa’s exhausted reindeer, and the Clipper cakes were enjoyed by all!
Tale 2
One snowy eve at Clipper HQ Mrs Simkins was baking up a Christmas treat….. When all of a sudden the door burst open and Father Christmas stood there looking Terrible in his uniform! “what” has happened to you Santa? I have been to weight-watchers and have gone to far!!! Can you help me put on weight before Christmas Eve?? Come in and start eating my Delicious Treats and we will have you back to normal.
Tale 3
One snowy eve at Clipper HQ Mrs Simkins was baking up a Christmas treat…..she was huffing and puffing and whisking and mixing whilst looking outside at the snow and the sleet. Her gingerbread cake went into the oven – this was something her husband was seriously loving! She popped on the kettle and made some tea…Clipper’s is best, that’s clear to see! One hour later and the cake was ready, Mrs Simkins removed it from the pan nice and steady! The delicious aroma wafted through to her hubby…who was starting to become curiously chubby, he sat at the table with his cake and his Clipper’s and said, “Ho Ho Ho Mrs Clause, will you fetch me my slippers??”
Tale 4
One snowy eve at Clipper HQ Mrs Simkins was baking up a Christmas treat Suddenly the fire spluttered And from out of the chimney Santa fell at her feet. She sat him down, The soot settled, he cleaned his snowy beard off. “Why Santa, what is wrong” she asked But Santa in reply did only cough. “I know what you need to put you right” Said Mrs Simkins wielding her teapot She poured a nice cup of Clipper Fairtrade “you drink that whilst its hot”. Sipping his tea, a calmer Santa admitted “I just don’t know what to do The elves are sick, my list not quite done I have so much still to get through” “Worry not Santa” Mrs S advised “I will gladly come to your aid Our teas are loved and better still All organic and fairtrade” Black teas of quality, and green or white Plus infusions, either herbal or fruit Fairtrade coffees, chocolates galore And a range of gifts to suit T-shirts and prints, tea cosies to knit And hampers to give as gifts Linens and books, crockery and more We’ll finish every item on your lists.” “Mrs S” Santa beamed This is the answer to all of my wishes” “let’s give Clipper gifts this year So Natural, Fair and Delicious”.
Tale 5
One snowy eve at Clipper HQ Mrs Simkins was baking up a Christmas treat…..when she heard an echoing distant chime from outside the snow-kissed window. She clutched her shawl tightly around her and ventured outside, the smell of sweet spices escaping past her shoulder to mingle with the blistering cold darkness. To her surprise she saw before her an old clipper ship bedecked with sparkling stars and comets sailing past on the Thames, leaving in it’s wake a myriad of luminescent swirls in the murky depths, etching its way into the darkness. It quickly disappeared into the fog, into the silence. Blinking against the snowflakes, Mrs Simkins returned inside and reached for her cup of clipper tea, swirling the perfumed bliss in her favourite mug before asking herself if she had been dreaming. She pondered on the moment and realised that the simplest things in life can make you happy, leaving a lasting mark on your inner peace.
Tale 6
One snowy eve at Clipper HQ Mrs Simkins was baking up a Christmas treat when she heard a noise on the roof. As she was alone in the building she got quite a fright, she stood a while and listened just in case she was imagining things but no there it was again. It sounded a lot like something sliding on the roof ” oh gosh I hope thats not the satalite dish coming off again”she said to herself as she walked to the window. as she peered out all she could see was the bottom of a pair of black boots. ”here what you doing up there she shouted” and promptly there was a scuffling sound. As she gazed upwards a round red face appeared over the edge of the roof it was adorned with a long white beard. the red hat with the white pom pom slid to one side as he gazed down at her, I’m sorry I didn’t mean to frighten you but I am tired,cold and bit lost can you tell me where I am?” ” I tell you what Mrs Simkins said why don’t you come down and i will make you a lovely cup of clipper tea and you can have one of my hot mince pies to go with it” After his hot drink and a browse of google earth the bearded stranger disappeared off the roof to the sound of fading sliegh bells. As Mrs Simkins turned to clear up she noticed a large wrapped parcel with her name on and a note saying not to be opened util the 25th December Love Santa
Tale 7
One snowy eve at Clipper HQ Mrs Simkins was baking up a Christmas treat of coffee favoured shortbread biscuits in the style of a snowman with coffee beans as the eyes, nose and mouth! Mrs Simkins however left the kitchen for two minutes, and in that time heard a ho ho ho and returned to find the shortbread cookies gone and all that was left was presents! So, she excitedly unpacked them (even though it was not christmas day yet!, but christmas eve!) she discovered a Clipper Coffee set! Just what she asked for as her number 1 on her Christmas list! She whispered thank-you and went to bed with a nice de-caff coffee in her new coffee mug!
Tale 8
One snowy eve at Clipper HQ Mrs Simkins was baking up a Christmas treat, a lovely batch of mince pies. She had just taken them out of the oven when she heard a commotion outside. She opened the kitchen door and there stood Santa Claus. He was coughing and spluttering everywhere. Excuse me, Mrs Simkins, could I trouble you for a glass of water, my throat is so dry that I’ve lost my “ho, ho, ho!” ”Come in Santa” said Mrs Simkins please sit down. Santa sat down and Mrs Simkins went to get him a glass of water when she stopped in her tracks and said “what you need Santa, is a refreshing cup of tea”. With that,she made Santa a pot of tea using her newly purchased box of clipper tea. “here you go Santa, drink this and why not have a freshly baked mince pie as well”. Santa merrily sat and drank two cups of tea, one to help with his throat and the second to wash down the wonderfully baked mince pie. Soon Santa was ready to be on his way. “Thank you, Mrs Simkins, you have saved Christmas” “Oh thank you Santa”said Mrs Simkins blushing as she lowered her head. With that, Santa got back in his sleigh and commanded”Okay Rudolph, you know what to do” and slowly the sleigh started moving and in no time, Santa and his sleigh were up in the sky. “Ho, ho, ho, Merry Christmas” shouted Santa as he and his sleighed sped out of sight, and that was the night that Mrs Simkin saved Christmas with a cup of Clippers tea.
Tale 9
One snowy eve at Clipper HQ Mrs. Simkins was baking up a Christmas treat….. When all of a sudden, there was snow on her feet. She shook them, wiggled them and danced all about, ”Where is this snow from” Mrs. Simkins did shout. Then all of a sudden, by the white window ledge, Stood a little robin, who came from the hedge. ”What you need now…” the robin did tweet, ”Is a nice cup of clippers to go with your treat?” Mrs. Simkins stood still, all in shock, Whilst a merry elf, tugged on her frock. “Why, Mrs. Simkins do you look so tragic? We’re here to make your Christmas more magic!” Mrs. Simkins smiled and put on her slippers, ”Relax now dear lady, and drink some clippers” As she boiled the kettle, Christmas elf does enquire “What is your favorite?” And puts on the fire “Herbal tea, hot chocolate or even fruit? You see Mrs. Simkins we have all types to suit!” Mrs. Simkins replied, with minimal fuss “What about something, fitted with Christmas?” “Oh Mrs. Simkins, why didn’t you say so?!” Little elf reached in his sack, replying “Here we go!- Infusion red fruits, with Aronia Berry, Will have you feeling, ever so merry!” She pours in the tea, and stirs very slowly as robin hops in, and watches so closely. She takes a sip of the fruity drink, Whilst elf and robin are watching her think. Then from her face, a smile does appear Whilst robin and elf let out a cheer! “Oh my, little friends, I guess you were right! This drink has filled me with joy and delight!” When all of a sudden, elf starts to run “I’m sorry to say, our job here is done!” Leaving Mrs. Simkins, who then went to say “Thank you little ones, for making my day” At the window sill lay a present All wrapped and glittery, looking so pleasant. As she unwraps it, she sees that they Left her with all types of tea for every day. “Byyyeee Mrs. Simkins!” She, hears from outside Up she glances, her eyes open wide She leans out the window seeing footprints in the snow All of a sudden she hears “HO, HO, HO!” Its robin and elf, running with SANTA! Rudolph, Dasher, Vixen, dancer, Cupid, Blitzen, Comet and Prancer But wait, there’s one missing surely? She looks in the kitchen, a reindeer laughs, immaturely. “I’m sorry Miss Simkins, I couldn’t resist, But what I wanted, you wouldn’t have missed! As I’m under the assumption You forgot all about your treat in the oven!” Mrs. Simkins gasps! Hands over her face “I can’t believe I could have burned this place! Thank you dear, to meet you; such an honor” “No problem my lady, my name Is Donner.” Off he did trot, to rejoin his brothers For they have to visit so many others. She watched from the window, the sleigh disappear As little elf shouted “The same time next year!”
Tale 10
One snowy eve at Clipper HQ Mrs Simkins was baking up a Christmas treat…..placing all the ingredients out in front of her she set to work. In went the raisins, currants and cranberries. Then the orange peel and cinnamon..and a few secret ingredients. The smell of christmas was in the air as she blended the spices to infuse into a new christmas tea. The gorgeous scents poured out of the kitchen and into the winter night. All the carol singers who passed were stopped in their tracks trying to figure out where the delightful smell was coming from. Glancing out of the window Mrs Simkins realised there was a crowd gathering outside her front door. She went to see what all the fuss was about. A huge crowd had gathered and at the front was a little girl, ‘What is happening out here?” Asked Mrs Simkins. “We couldn’t resist the aroma of your tea! Please may we all come in for a cup to warm ourselves?” “Of course!” Said Mrs Simkins and in poured half the town, desperate to try the new Clipper Christmas delight and warm themselves.
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