Professional chefs will tell you that a correctly sharpened knife is crucial in the kitchen, and that blunt knives can be hazardous. So, whether cooking is your passion, your career, or both, you absolutely must get your hands on a Tormek T-1 Kitchen Knife Sharpener. It’s the first real knife sharpener for the home chef and, unlike simpler sharpeners or honing steels, it sharpens the entire bevel of the knife, achieving professional sharpness in minutes.
This Swedish company is well-known for absolute top quality – clearly illustrated by the T-1’s fine-grained diamond grinding wheel. And if you’re not an expert, do check out this fabulous short video, where Tormek’s CEO , Samuel Stenhem, (also Innovation Team member), and Head of Sales, Sébastien Ehnevid show you simply how to use the sharpener and take advantage of all the clever technical features. I love their use of a black marker pen (even included with your sharpener in case you don’t have one to hand) to make sharpening simple for everyone.
The T-1 can handle knives with blades 12–60 millimeters (0.5–2.4 inches) high and up to 5 millimeters (0.2 inches) thick, with unlimited length. Deeper blades and cleavers can be accommodated too, simply by removing the plastic clip from the angle guide (see the linked video).
My T-1 is Carbon-black. I love the quiet understated elegance, and it’s in pride of place on my work surface (carefully positioned to be the first thing any visitor spots). RRP is £335.
However the new limited edition Tormek T-1 Florentine Vibrant, the result of an exciting collaboration between Tormek and Florentine Kitchen Knives is stunning. It features a playfully colourful handle designed by Tomer Botner, founder of the Barcelona-based knife-making studio and it speaks for itself in the illustration below. Each handle is randomly assembled from a shared colour palette, meaning no two machines are identical – each one has its own unique “fingerprint.” RRP £370 from shop.tormek.co.uk. T-1 Kitchen Knife Sharpeners carry an 8 year warranty. Treat yourself – you deserve it.
Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.
Reading The Rebel Skies Trilogy was an absolute joy. Ann Se Lin took me back to my childhood reading fantasy and obsessively reading Stephen King novels. Ann is such a brilliant writer she reminds me of King. The comparison might seem weird, considering Lin writes YA and King is very adult. Yet the standard of Ann Sei Lin’s writing is so high that she has a long and illustrious career ahead of her. She is one of the best writers writing today.
Her imagination at building a world full of paper spirits, flying ships and cities in the sky immerses you completely. The characters become your friends, or people you want your new friends to defeat. With lyrical prose and vivid imagination, Ann Sei Lin has triumphed. The Rebel Skies trilogy will stay with me.
Rebel Dawn is an action packed and vivid fantasy adventure. It took me a while after I finished it to write this review. The ending resonates so deeply. It is beautiful, with a longing that stays with you. The third and final book in the trilogy, Kuara is dealing with a lot. Guilt, PTSD (I would guess!) and the weight of her burden. The world is falling apart. Can she fix it? I cannot wait for what Ann Sei Lin does next. She is one of the best YA writers and is more talented than one human being should be allowed.
I cannot recommend the Rebel Skies trilogy enough. They are absolute perfection.
The third and final book in a pacy, lyrical and vivid fantasy adventure set in a world of flying ships, sky cities and powerful paper spirits.
Kurara and her friends have found the key to releasing shikigami from their bonds and granting them eternal freedom – if they can unlock its power. The answer lies in Kurara’s homeplace, deep in the mountains of Mikoshima. But can the crew reach it before the imperial forces catch up with them, or their own internal battles break them apart for ever?
Excellent world-building, a dramatic and pacy plot, and an array of deep and believable characters – explored through multiple perspectives – make for a thrilling final instalment in this masterful fantasy adventure.
Omega-3—the life-changing supplement that supports the heart, brain, joints, and eyes for those of all ages, from newborns to grandparents. Recommended by nutritional experts.
Mums & Bumps is the go-to omega-3 supplement for pregnancy and breastfeeding, delivering 560mg of DHA—the equivalent of a large tin of sardines—in just one easy-to-swallow fish gelatin capsule.
Approved Omega-3 Health Claims:
Supports Baby’s Brain Development: Maternal intake of DHA contributes to normal brain development in the foetus and breastfed infants.
Maintains Brain Function: DHA helps maintain normal brain function.
Promotes Heart Health: EPA and DHA support normal heart function.
Regulates Blood Triglycerides: DHA and EPA contribute to maintaining normal blood triglyceride levels.
Supports Healthy Blood Pressure: DHA and EPA help maintain normal blood pressure.
Protects Vision: DHA contributes to maintaining normal vision.
Aids Eye Development: Maternal intake of DHA supports normal eye development in the foetus and breastfed infants.
Why Mums & Bumps is Different:
Specifically Formulated for Pregnancy & Breastfeeding – One easy-to-digest capsule provides 560mg of DHA, a vital nutrient for foetal and infant brain and eye development.
High Strength & Purity – Provides the same DHA as a large tin of sardines, without the need to consume fish daily.
Recommended by Experts – Trusted by nutritionists and healthcare practitioners who prioritise quality and efficacy.
IFOS Tested & Certified for Purity – Every batch meets the most rigorous international standards for freshness and purity, with additional in-house quality control checks.
Sustainably Sourced – Made in Norway and the UK from wild, sustainably caught fish, with environmentally conscious packaging.
Each bottle contains 30 capsules, providing a full month’s supply with just one capsule per day. It’s an essential supplement to support both mum and baby during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
I exercise a lot so I feel like I am always battling muscle pains. I will try anything that can make a difference. I don’t like to suffer unless I really have to. I absolutely adore Wildsmith Body Cleansers, £38 each. They clean while also hydrating. I smell gorgeous after and my skin feels soft and smooth.
Introducing the innovative Body Cleansers from Wildsmith, the skincare brand that uses natural ingredients and sustainable practices to craft beautifully botanic products designed to support and transform skin health. The trio of Wildsmith body cleansers are formulated with carefully selected actives, to ensure your body stays clean and refreshed, and there’s something for everyone:
Everyone I know is obsessed with magnesium and I don’t blame them. It helps with sleep and muscle soreness. I have definitely noticed a difference. That said, always check with your doctor before supplementing.
Bare Biology Ready & Rested is brilliant for those with an active lifestyle, with its approved health claims supporting muscle function and recovery. Magnesium replenishes what’s lost through sweat, making it ideal for active lifestyles and post-workout recovery.
Award-winning ready-to-drink cocktail brand The Drinks Bureau has launched a fun and sweet cherry-licious ShirleyTemple (0% ABV) and vodka-based Dirty Shirley (5% ABV) cocktails. If you love, pink, fun, sweet things then we can recommend these fun cocktails and mocktails.
Whether you’re planning a cosy night in or celebrating with friends, The Drinks Bureau’s award-winning Shirley Temple and Dirty Shirley cocktails are the perfect pre-mixed cocktails. The Dirty Shirley, with its delicious blend of vodka, real cherry juice, ginger, lemon and bitters is scrumptiously sweet and zingy. The alcohol-free Shirley Temple provides all the flavour without the spirits – ideal for designated drivers or those looking for a non-alcoholic alternative. Both variants come in Instagram-worthy pink and red cans that capture the spirit of fun. Plus, with no mixing or measuring needed, you can spend less time playing bartender.
Frankie Snobel, The Drinks Bureau Founder, said: “Serving a seriously tasty cocktail couldn’t be easier with our fun and fabulous Shirley Temple and Dirty Shirley canned cocktails – just chill and enjoy! Or if you’re feeling fancy, pour over ice, garnish with a cherry and serve! They are mouth-watering, combining moreish cherry and a ginger zing for a refreshing and cheeky little sipper. ”
The Drinks Bureau’s premium cocktails have gained nationwide recognition with both the Dirty Shirley and Shirley Temple cocktails winning ‘GOLD’ in the 2023 Global RTD Masters. The full portfolio also includes the world-leading Spicy Margarita – crowned best ready-to-drink cocktail in the world last year at the Global RTD Masters in a blind taste test by industry judges – alongside delicious flavours such as Espresso Martini, Passion Fruit Martini, Lychee Martini, and Strawberry Daiquiri.
Let me explain, but first for those of you who haven’t been to Blenheim Palace it is set in over 2,000 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped parkland and designed by Vanbrugh in the Baroque style, it was financed by Queen Anne, on behalf of a grateful nation, following the first Duke of Marlborough’s triumph over the French in the War of the Spanish Succession. Today it houses one of the most important and extensive collections in Europe, which includes portraits, furniture, sculpture and tapestries.
Frankly, it is stunning. I was fortunate to live fairly close by and loved going and it is worth remembering that Blenheim Palace is also the birthplace of one of Britain’s most famous leaders, Sir Winston Churchill, and it was his father who described the vista on entering the Estate from the village of Woodstock as the ‘finest view in England’.
And the good news is… roll of drums…. Visitors to Blenheim Palace can now enjoy personally tailored tours, thanks to a new state of the art app, ‘Archie – your interactive guide’, named in honour of the Palace’s former Administrator and first Chief Guide, Archie Illingworth, (such a touching tribute) , who worked there from 1950 to 1972, and retired after the death of the 10th Duke.
The new multimedia platform has been created through Culturati, a groundbreaking Horizon Europe RIA project, for which Britain’s Greatest Palace is the UK pilot site.
‘Archie – your interactive guide’ allows visitors to choose exactly what they would like to see and hear, and allows them to delve into over 300 years’ worth of stories – many of which have never been told before – with several of the narratives shared directly by staff members, giving authenticity and depth to the cultural heritage experience.
Some of the fascinating stories contained within the interactive guide include:
Learn how the Long Library was used as a convalescence hospital during World War I, for soldiers recovering from a variety of ailments and injuries, from gunshot and shrapnel wounds, to shock, pneumonia, and dyspepsia. It must have been a touch of heaven after the brutality of the Front.
Hear how the grounds of Blenheim Palace were used during World War II to test Spitfire fighter aircraft guns.
Imagine what it was like as Archie Illingworth shares his own memories of welcoming the House of Dior to Blenheim in 1954, for the first of two fundraising fashion shows organised by the 10th Duchess in aid of the Red Cross
The app not only harnesses cutting-edge digital technologies to deliver personalised content; it also uses sophisticated sensors at Blenheim Palace to monitor and manage visitor flow, helping to optimise the guest experience through strategic crowd management.
David Green, Head of Innovation at Blenheim Palace, who is also Culturati Project Manager, commented: “It is a real honour for Blenheim Palace to be the UK pilot site for this unique collaboration, which retells stories using the latest digital technologies with elements of AI.
“This innovative initiative aims to revolutionise how cultural heritage and arts content is collectively created and shared across Europe. With the more traditional audio guide, our visitors were able to listen to a description of what they saw before their eyes – and that description would be the same for everyone. With ‘Archie – your interactive guide’, every visitor can enjoy a bespoke, unique experience.”
Culturati is a collaboration between 14 European partners, bringing together an interdisciplinary consortium of computer scientists, cultural and creative industries professionals, academics from various disciplines including social sciences, SMEs, public authorities, and non-profit community organisations. The project is funded by the European Commission and coordinated by Bilkent University, with additional UK partner funding through Innovate UK. Blenheim Palace has also been working closely with Oxford Brookes University, which conducts comprehensive user research to enhance the platform’s effectiveness.
To experience ‘Archie – your interactive guide’, and tailor your own visit to Blenheim Palace, go to: culturati.blenheimpalace.com/ You will enjoy it immensely, and return often.
In 1969, in a dark room that smelled mostly, of stale cigarettes and musty papers, Michael Rowan, together with 15 or so other boys, waited for the arrival of the Music Master, Mr Phillips.
In the centre of the room a record player was balanced on some books, which were themselves stacked on a wooden chair. The Music Master arrived and began to explain the story of the Symphonie Fantastique before placing the needle on the vinyl and I became lost in the moment. I wonder if my 13-year-old self, would have ever believed that 50 plus years later, he would be sitting in the Royal Festival Hall, listening to the same piece, but this time without the crackles.
Back to 2025, where the evening began with the World Premier of ‘Sphinx’ written by British Composer David Sawyer, who was present at the concert. Sawyer explained that his inspiration had come from this mythical beast in the Greek, rather than the Egyptian form, that he had once seen in a picture and how he had considered the human head, (often a women) vertically erect moving left and right, up and down; the four legs and the rhythm of running; and finally, the wings giving flight.
The different sections of the orchestra at first heard quite bluntly, then changes, morphs and mixes together. At times sonorous and gentle and then abrupt and discordant this piece had a filmic quality, underscoring the drama. Not my favourite piece of the evening, as it was a little too discordant for my taste, but others in the audience were clearly enjoying it, and it is aways good to experience new things.
The second piece, Benjamin Britten’s Violin Concerto Op. 15 was breathtakingly good, soothing, brooding, and the soloist, Augustin Hadelich is described as one of the great violinists of our time. His playing, so beautiful at times made me well up, and according to the programme, he is renowned for his phenomenal technique, persuasive interpretations and ravishing tone, and based on this performance I wouldn’t argue with that.
If you get the opportunity to hear him, do whatever you must to get a ticket, you can thank me later. He plays a violin made in 1744 on loan from the Tarislo Trust, and you could see just how much he revered his instrument, and how he repays the compliment to the Tarislo Trust. The piece was hauntingly sorrowful, (hence the tears), deliciously soporific followed by a fast movement which was quite simply breathtaking.
At times Hadelich drew heartfelt notes from his violin that I have certainly never heard before. It was how I imagine the Pied Piper must have influenced the children of Hamlin, and at that point Hadelich’s audience would have followed him anywhere, hypnotised by the sound of his violin. At the end of his performance, much of the audience was on its feet and thunderous applause threatened to lift the roof.
Having been called back to the stage by his adoring fans, he performed a welcome encore. If you only take one thing from this review, it is to take any opportunity to hear Augustin Hadelich.
Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique was the first piece of classical music I ever heard. Described as the representation of an opium dream, where a young man faces rejection, and in his dream murders his beloved, later to be taken to his execution where he witnesses a Witches’ Sabbath. I don’t recall my music master going into such detail, but I do recall him asking us to imagine a man been taken to his execution, and the terrifying sight of Witches swirling overhead.
This was a performance in 3D, with notes of the flute soaring above the audience, a solo oboe playing from a box somewhere behind, and the haunting sound of bells ringing out. The music in each of the five movements had an intensity that left me wanting to soak up every note, and after each movement the urge to break out into applause grew stronger, but the wonderful conductor, Edward Gardner, was having none of it, driving the orchestra on, to ever greater feats.
The final movement ends in violent uproar, as the witches dance manically, and then abrupt silence, a silence broken only by the unleashed applause, of an impressed and grateful audience. The images conjured up by Gardner were no less vivid for the passing of more than 50 years, thanks to Berlioz, the London Philharmonic, and yes good old Mr Phillips. https://lpo.org.uk/tickets-and-discounts/
Saturday 1 Mar 2025, 7.30pm – Royal Festival Hall. Three very different composers, but in Omer Meir Wellber’s hands, they’re all part of the same unforgettable story. He is joined by another artist who strikes sparks – violinist Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider – for Tchaikovsky’s hugely popular Violin Concerto.
Repertoire
Mahler/Schnittke – Piano Quartet, arranged for piano and strings Haydn – Symphony No. 49 (La Passione) Tchaikovsky – Violin Concerto
Wednesday 5 Mar 2025, 7.30pm – Royal Festival Hall
‘Unforgettable’ was how one critic described Fleming’s 2022 Gala with the LPO, and tonight she returns to sing Richard Strauss’s radiant Four Last Songs. Music that never grows old, sung by one of the supreme voices of our time.
Repertoire
Wagner – Prelude and Liebestod from Tristan und Isolde. R Strauss – Four Last Songs. Wagner – Overture and Venusberg Music from Tannhäuser. Wagner – Prelude to Act I of Lohengrin. Wagner – Overture, Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg
Friday 7 Mar 2025, 6.30pm – St John’s Church, Waterloo
Six LPO players immerse themselves in the contemporary culture of Britain and America; hear them break away, jump for joy and hit the dancefloor in a concert of music by five composers who defy convention and genre to create some of the most original music of the 21st century.
Wednesday 12 Mar 2025, 7.30pm – Queen Elizabeth Hall. Kevin John Edusei presents Zappa, Martinů and a new clarinet concerto with phenomenal Syrian clarinettist Kinan Azmeh.
Repertoire
Zappa – The Dog Breath Variations/Uncle Meat; Outrage at Valdez; G-Spot Tornado. Dinuk Wijeratne – Clarinet Concerto (European premiere). Martinů – Symphony No. 6 (Fantaisies symphoniques)
Wednesday 26 Mar 2025, 6.30pm – Royal Festival Hal. In a time of revolution, Prokofiev’s First Violin Concerto wove fairytale magic – and no-one makes it dance like Alina Ibragimova.
Saturday 29 Mar 2025, 7.30pm – Queen Elizabeth Hall
Eva Ollikainen rediscovers two modern classics, and Colin Currie – in the words of one critic, ‘surely the world’s finest and most daring percussionist’ – explores new ways of listening, with the extraordinary, culture-crossing Water Concerto by Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon composer Tan Dun.
At time of writing, my book, Where The Light is Hottest, came out yesterday. It has been a long time coming. It took me a long time to figure out how to write a good book. Writing a book is hard, but one that is readable? Really hard. Anyone who is trying to do that now, keep at it. You will get there in the end.
When you are lucky enough to become a writer the amount of time you spend writing can go down. I am busy marketing and doing publicity for the book. I am also on TikTok, Instagram, Threads, X, YouTube, Facebook and Bluesky. Phew! Then there are interviews, podcasts and articles to write for various publications.
While being an author is a lot of work I can say that it never feels like work. I love what I do. I love writing and I also love meeting people. The writing and book community are amazing.
My publisher is busy printing more copies of my book as they ran out of stock. There are only eleven copies left on Amazon. It is also available on kindle unlimited and on ebook. The blurb is below.
Natasha Jones has everything – a successful acting career, an Oscar, a wonderful husband and beautiful kids. But what does she have to go through to get there? From humble beginnings in a small town, Natasha’s path to stardom is paved with setbacks, heartaches and moments of doubt.
In the glittering world of fame and fortune, where dreams are spun from starlight and ambition fuels the relentless pursuit of success, one woman’s journey stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Beneath the facade of glamour lies a story of unwavering determination and unyielding courage.
Where the Light is the Hottest is a gripping tale of ambition, perseverance and the enduring power of hope. Through Natasha’s journey, we are reminded that the road to success is rarely smooth, but for those who dare to chase their dreams, the rewards are beyond measure.
