Severodonetsk early March 22 taken by Artem

Regular readers know that I’m a keen ballroom and latin dancer. With the Blackpool Grand Finals careering towards me far too fast and, it seemed, the whole world getting a new dance frock, I decided far too late that I needed one too. After much research I approached Grace Company Crafts – a well-established dance dress company, based in Ukraine.

Grace Company Crafts were like a dream. A brother and sister team – Artem and Marina, nothing was too much trouble. Under Marina’s instruction, I sent detailed measurements, and within just a few weeks they had made and shipped to me a fabulous plain black dance dress – perfect fit – all ready for me to add oodles of crystals ready for the competition. It all seemed so effortless, and it was … for me. All I had to do now was to imagine myself gliding across the dance floor beneath the lights in the Empress Ballroom, Blackpool.

But hang on, what about Artem and Marina? How is it for them, living and working as they are in a war-torn country ravaged by missile strikes, though Artem had made no mention of difficulties? Concerned, I asked the question and for a moment the imagined lights of the ballroom dimmed as I heard a little of the extreme difficulties they had to overcome in order to continue their business. Though not just them, this must apply to so many other Ukrainians in various walks of life.

It is indeed a credit to the professionalism and resilience of Artem and Marina and their amazing employees, that I had to ask the question, because I really had no indication of the reality of the extreme difficulties and the resourcefulness required just to get that dress to me. This is a little of their story, told to me by Artem.

Artem and Marina lived and worked in Severodonetsk prior to the war. They ran a successful business making dance costumes – ballroom, latin, Argentine tango and more, with operations throughout Ukraine.

Severodonetsk is just 100km from the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, occupied by Russia since 2014, and was itself invaded and occupied by Russian troops earlier this year – you may remember seeing the city name in the news at the time, as Ukranian forces battled so hard to save it. These photos, taken by Artem just before he left, say more than any words could. He tells me that now the city is almost completely destroyed – there’s no electricity, gas and water and many civilians have been killed:

                            A                                                                  B

A. ‘The basement of a residential builiding where 100 were hiding. This is my ‘room’, however I couldn’t stand it because of the rats and smell.    B. Many died in their own gardens trying to heat their food.  (words and images by Artem)

In March they fled their home. I leave it to Artem to describe then, and now. :

‘When I was in the city in March, dead people were buried in the courtyards of houses, because it was impossible to leave and bury people outside the city due to constant shelling. In a few months, a new cemetery appeared in the city centre, there were about 800 graves.

‘We left the city on March 13 under regular mortar shelling. Nearly all of our old team is gone. Only the accountant remains, my sister Marina, who helps me with clients, and the purchasing manager. We are all in different regions of Ukraine now. The accountant is in Zaporozhye, Marina is with Mom, Dad and her son in the Sumy region – about 600 km from me. I’m in Dnipro, where I control the production facility, and there are some employees in Kyiv who help deliver the goods.

‘There are constant interruptions of the internet and electricity in Dnipro. Therefore, we’ve created jobs for several people in different parts of the city. This helps when the lights are turned off. When there is no light on the outskirts, it may be on in the centre so people can work there. Some work in apartments when they have electricity. The guys in Kyiv receive all the parcels with orders from Dnipro. Postal services in Ukraine don’t work now, so they have to take them by car to Poland* and from there send them to the US or Europe. Vika is our purchasing manager in Cherkasy. She was also from Severodonetsk, but can work remotely. My former seamstresses, designers and cutters now work in different companies all over Ukraine. Some make military uniforms, others make winter clothes.

‘Two apartments and a house remain in Severodonetsk. The house has been completely looted. Now we live in rented apartments. But in general, we are better off than others. Not everyone had the money to leave the city and some remained. My cousin Kostya remained in Severodonetsk, because he decided to stay to look after his house and his mother (my Godmother). Kostya worked as a courier for my company. Also, our storekeeper, who has an old sick mother, remained in Severodonetsk. She used to check the quality of sewn products and packing orders.

‘The last time I spoke with the people who remained in Severodonetsk was in the summer, when communication was still possible through Ukrainian mobile operators. Now we receive news once a month from friends who sometimes visit the city. I’ll keep in touch with my old team. They, like me, lost their homes and left for different regions of the world. However, almost everyone plans to return to their hometown. I’m going to restore production and my old team after the end of the war.’

*[editor’s note: They make a 1200 km (16 hours) round trip from Kyiv to Polish border to post the orders]

And there you have it, the story behind the unbroken service from Artem – and just how is all this summarised on their website might you ask? Simply ‘We moved our production to another region of Ukraine.’

These brave and uncomplaining people need and deserve our continuing support. To quote the slogan on Ukranian dancers’ tops at the recent International Dance Championships at the Royal Albert Hall, ‘The War In Ukraine Is Not Over’.

So what can you do to help? Can I suggest three things?

1. You can donate via this Etsy link: Pray For Ukraine Artem will make sure funds go to where they are needed. If you wish to give another amount please message him via Etsy:

2. If you are a dancer or just want a lovely tailor-made dress, trousers, skirt or top – check out their Etsy page or website. They will make to any measurements (I am certainly not a size zero and I’ve been delighted with their tailoring), they will also amend colours, sleeve lengths, skirt lengths or anything else. (Note: At President Zelenskyy’s request Boris Johnson suspended tax on imports from Ukraine – meaning purchases from Ukranian companies are particularly good value).

3. Please share this story on your social media accounts so we can reach as many people as possible

To finish on a happier note, I won Blackpool in this lovely dress from Grace Company Crafts, and the accompanying picture is the fabulous ballroom skirt they’ve just made for me.

So please – Pray For Ukraine.

By Dr K Thompson, award-winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q
http://faitobooks.co.uk

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

But before we get to the Christmas tree, just stand back and cheer, because:

The unstoppable CCA team had a positive meeting with the surveyor, and after many lengthy debates and negotiations with Sunderland City Council in relation to public concerns about the demolition of the Air Raid shelter, it has finally been agreed that the Air Raid shelter remains in place and the plans to demolish it will now be withdrawn. Hurrah Hurrah.

Margaret gathers that Red Shoes Bob had a bit of a do getting into position to take the photo – the shrubs bit back. He is scratched, so Frost Magazine is grateful for his efforts and will leave it to Marion to slap salve upon the afflicted parts.

As Marion says, ‘This shelter is part of our heritage, although some work needs to be carried out to the structure to make it watertight, preventing damp seeping into the main building. We knew though we had to fight to save it from demolition. (Girl Power and Brady Blood got us through) Our surveyor is returning on Friday to take some structural measurements.’

‘What a week, ‘ Marion continued, ‘Out and about meeting people, introducing ourselves, inviting people to pop in to our CCA and promoting Frost Magazine, a bit of name dropping works every time (I bet your ears were burning Margaret).’ ‘Well, actually… ‘ said Margaret.

It seems the CCA have a new friend, Michael, whose kindness leaves the team enormously grateful as they took delivery of a dresser (delivered with loving care by Emmaus North East), £10 plus £7 delivery which should have been £10 but they received a rebate)

On Monday Equans had their weekly meeting as usual and Denise from VSA came for a catch up, Richard the surveyor also called to discuss the Refurb, so Frost Magazine bets the kettle was on the boil for most of the day.

CCA has had some info regarding the electrical work to be carried out, so fingers crossed there will be some progress very soon.

John from 999 Fire and Safety came to do the yearly Fire Extinguisher check.

Davey from Equans called in to tell CCA that they are going to decorate the office, and the relief and gratitude was obvious (see picture above). Marion really does feel that these people are totally amazing, when she considers what they do for the Community Centre. ‘It’s beyond belief, it is like having our very own Fairy Godmother. Date to be confirmed but it is all so exciting. The team promised to pop in to our coffee morning later on in the week.’

On Tuesday, the CCA had its drains cleaned, however the assistance of a plumber was needed as flora in the guttering causing some blockage. This was soon sorted out by Anthony and all was well.

There were more hats donated courtesy of Plain and Purl dropped off by Belle Cummings, and collected Thursday morning by Andy Hayes. They are now on their way to Sister Mary with sincere thanks from the CCA to all involved.

Now we come to the Christmas bit. Beth from Equans had arranged to come on Friday to help decorate the Christmas tree. Given that the tree is 7′ this could have been a bit of a do. However the man with the red shoes put the tree up ready for decoration which took 2 hours even though the branches are colour coded. (says Marion – leave me out of it) There she stands in her majestic splendour.

The ‘ last Friday of the month coffee morning’ took place, 10.30am till whenever. OK, it’s supposed to be 12 noon but when they get chatting, usually putting the world to rights, they fail to watch the clock. Well, who does, when you are having fun? Bob, the Barista as the ladies call him ensured cups were always replenished and he apparently never ceases to amaze everyone with his multitasking exploits. They had the most fantastic time, Allison Williams, ASDA Community Champion came along with a beautiful hamper, which we raffled, Linda our lovely cake maker was the lucky winner.

To finish off, another £100 was raised for the Ukrainian appeal. All in all a fabulous week was had by one and all at CCA.

Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

Let’s start with the Book of the Week, always a good ‘un. This week Joffe offers a brand-new, page turning crime thriller from bestselling author Charlie Gallagher LAST ONE ALIVE which  is out now for the special launch price of just £0.99 | $0.99.

Daisy-Mae is now sure she’s awake. It’s not the cutting breeze or the musty smell that has her convinced, it’s the pain. You can’t dream pain. She is being held down, something tight over her arms, her chest too. Time is running out. Detective Maddie Ives is her only chance to get out alive. 

CLICK HERE TO BUY LAST ONE ALIVE BY CHARLIE GALLAGHER FOR £0.99 | $0.99.

DETECTIVES LENNOX & WILDE: BY HELEN DURRANT: GET TWO BESTSELLING MANCHESTER-SET CRIME MYSTERIES FOR £0.99 | $0.99 – a smashing deal. 

Meet detectives Harry Lennox and Jess Wilde in this great-value box set of two page-turning mysteries full of twists from #1 bestselling author Helen H. Durrant.  Perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Kimberley Chambers, Damien Boyd, Rachel Abbott or Mark Billingham

A FALSE PRETENCE BY VERONIC HELEN £0.99 | $0.99

A DELICIOUSLY QUIRKY COZY MURDER MYSTERY.  Bea’s assistant’s ex, Zander, believes he’s to blame for the death of his boss. When he asks Bea for help, she can’t turn him away. When bodies begin to pile up, Zander is the police’s first suspect in more than one murder . . .  Will Bea and her gang of misfits be able to uncover the deadly pretences in time?  I rather feel they will. Goiod fun all the way. 

DEATH’S BRIGHT DART BY V.C. CLINTON-BADDELEY £0.99/$0.99

LET’S MEET Dr R.V. Davie, an opera-loving, puzzle-solving amateur sleuth, in a series of classic crime mysteries set in Cambridge by acclaimed author V.C. Clinton-Baddeley. This launches Joffe’s  brand-new list of crime classics, originally published by Ostara Publishing — read on to the end of this newsletter to find out more – get books 1-4 in the cambridge classic murder mysteries series for £0.99/$0.99 each, and while on the subject of Ostara Publishing:

Interesting news: 2022, Joffe Books acquired Ostara Publishing, hurrah, says Frost Magazine. Ostara Publishing is an independent publisher whose remit is to rediscover and republish quality crime writing for new readers.  Under consultant editor, Mike Ripley, an award-winning crime writer and former crime fiction critic for the Daily Telegraph, Ostara acquired a well-deserved reputation for the superlative quality of its crime list: from Golden Age mysteries of the 1920s, to classic spy thrillers from the 1960s, to delightful 21^st century cozies, Ostara has breathed new life into a range of fantastic books which must not – heavens no,  be forgotten. 

With Joffe Books’ digital expertise, they are looking forward to introducing a new generation of readers to tmany new and fabulous books, which is great good news. Hurrah again.

JOFFE’S INDIE AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT this week is on  internationally bestselling author Mel Sherratt

Mel writes police procedurals, psychological suspense and crime dramas — fiction with a punch. Shortlisted for the prestigious CWA (Crime Writer’s Association) Dagger in The Library Award, her inspiration comes from authors such as Ian Rankin, Martina Cole, Lisa Jewell, Mandasue Heller and Clare Mackintosh.

To date, she has sold two million books. All of her crime novels have been bestsellers, each one climbing into the Kindle UK top 20, and several reaching number one. Mel has also had numerous Kindle All-Star awards, for best read author and best titles. She lives in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, with her husband and terrier, Dexter (named after the TV serial killer) and makes liberal use of her hometown as a backdrop for some of her books.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN MEL SHERRATT’S MAILING LIST AND KEEP UP-TO-DATE WITH ALL HER LATEST NEWS AND PLOTTING

Mel tells us more about herself and her work.

Do you prefer writing police procedurals or psychological thrillers?

A: Hmm, that’s a difficult question to answer as I find all my books to a certain element are psychological thrillers. There is usually a ‘whydunnit’ instead of a whodunnit in my books. I like to get into the minds of my killers, so that as a reader, you may feel you understand why a killer did what he or she did, mostly because of their past.

Crime thrillers in general are an everyman/everywoman genre — they feature regular people in circumstances we all dread. They confront our deepest fears — murders, serial killers, errant or abusive spouses, lost children, etc. They are gripping and thrilling but also contain mysteries that readers love to figure out. We all analyse the people around us and readers can draw on their experience and gut instinct, not just to work out the mystery, but whether or not to trust the main character.

Q: What author, dead or alive, would you like to have dinner with?

A: I’m very lucky that over the years I’ve been writing, since 2012, I have been to many crime festivals in the UK and met most of my favourite authors. I actually can’t believe how many, and often get starstruck when I talk to them.

But there is someone I keep missing and that’s Lisa Jewell. Whenever I’m on a panel at an event, she will be on one the next day, and vice versa. It’s very frustrating.  So I would love to have dinner with her, and a good natter about her books as I’ve read every one since she started out writing women’s fiction, and now she writes amazing dark psychological thrillers.

Q: What’s the strangest thing you’ve had to research for a book?

A: Over the years, I’ve not researched so many strange things, as my stories are mostly about social issues, but I do have a fascination in twins. For my book Ten Days, I learned about twinless twins — either a twin dying at birth or later in life and how it affects the surviving twin. It was fascinating to read about how some  feel a part of them is gone; others felt as though the twin was still with them.

Also, the DNA around twins is fascinating, in how identical twins do have differences. Of course, I can’t go any further as that would spoil a plot in one of my books . . .

Q: Who would you want to play your main characters in a film/TV adaptation — any why?

A: I have a few series written but for my main one about Allie Shenton, who starts out as a detective sergeant and then a detective inspector, it would be actress Rachel Shenton, star of All Creatures Great and Small. I’ve met her several times now, as she is local to me, and I remember chatting to her about Allie, and Rachel said that she could see herself running around the streets of Stoke-on-Trent as a cop.

Incidentally, I can’t believe Allie Shenton and Rachel share the same surname — surely a twist of fate . . .

Q: What are you currently reading and watching?

A: I have just finished the second book of the Detective Joanna Piercy Murder Mysteries by Priscilla Masters. As an author who writes about, and lives in Stoke-on-Trent, although it makes me smile to see local readers recognising places in my city, it was only when reading Priscilla’s books that I actually got to experience it for myself. In Burnt on the Moors, I found myself thinking, ‘I’ve visited The Roaches’, ‘I know where the village of Flash is,’ ‘I’ve been to the Winking Man pub’, with a smile on my face as I read on.

I enjoy the books because they are set in the 1990s, so most of it is good old-fashioned policing, with all the bias and stereotypes of the police force during those years.

I’ve just finished watching Gangs of London. I watched series one as soon as it came out, so as it was a while ago, I rewatched it and then watched series two. It was phenomenal. I have to admit to looking away at the levels of violence, but I love that the story is really about families at the heart of it. I felt like each episode was like a separate movie and I just wanted more.

I’m now four episodes into The Devil’s Hour and am loving it for its creepy vibes!

Find out more from Joffe Books here

For Christmas this year, two of Yorkshire’s finest food producers have collaborated to create two excellent  new  festive food gift packs to treat friends and family.

Award-winning Rosebud Preserves, famed for its chutneys, pickles and preserves, has worked with the Wensleydale Creamery, makers of the world-famous Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese, on two new gift sets to add to the popular Yorkshire Wensleydale and Chutney Gift Set already available.  (Available for home delivery throughout mainland UK, you can shop the range at wensleydale.co.uk)

But before we look at the newbies on the block, let us remind you of the ever popular:

Yorkshire Wensleydale and Chutney Gift Set (£12.95) A perfect gift for lovers of the award-winning Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese. This gift pack contains a Yorkshire Wensleydale Waxed Cheese Truckle (200g) and a jar of Rosebud Preserves Yorkshire Wensleydale Chutney (198g), a classic combination of fresh Bramley apples, plump sultanas and traditional spices. A perfect combination, the chutney complements the creamy, crumbly cheese that has been handcrafted by master cheesemakers at the Wensleydale Creamery, in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, to a time-honoured recipe using milk from local farms.

Honestly, totally delicious.

And now, onto the newbie treats:

Yorkshire Wensleydale & Cranberries and Chutney Gift Box (£12.95)  includes The original sweet, fruity, Yorkshire Wensleydale & Cranberries waxed cheese truckle (200g) and a jar of chutney for Yorkshire Wensleydale & Cranberries (198g).  This rich, dark and sticky chutney with plump dried fruits, maple syrup and warming spices is the perfect match for this cheese. Very delicious they are too. 

 Fountains Gold Cheddar and Pickle Gift Box (£12.95)  is a particular favourite of the Frost Magazine team. It  includes a Fountains Gold Cheddar waxed cheese truckle (200g) and a jar of Yorkshire Black Sheep Riggwelter Ale Pickle (198g). This dark, rich, British classic pickle uses local Black Sheep Ale.  It is the perfect match for Fountains Gold Cheddar with its rich, mellow and buttery flavour, with a golden appearance and a smooth, creamy texture. Handcrafted in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales using milk from local farms. Really scrumptious.

Elspeth Biltoft, owner of Rosebud Preserves, says: “We are delighted to have worked with our Wensleydale Creamery neighbours, at opposite ends of the Dale, for many years. Our head chef John Barley worked closely with them to develop these products including the Yorkshire Wensleydale Chutney, a fruity and delicate combination of Bramley apples, sultanas and traditional spices, to complement their most famous Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese.

“Paired in an attractive pale grey box, these sets have proved to be one of the most popular gifts the creamery has to offer and so much so that they recently asked us to partner our chutneys with two more of their most popular cheeses.  Dark, rich Black Sheep Riggwelter Ale Chutney is a perfect match for Fountains Gold Cheddar, as is the naturally sweet stickiness of plump dried fruit, maple syrup and warming spices in our Chutney for Wensleydale & Cranberries cheese.

“They make lovely gifts at any time of year and most especially at Christmas.”

Frost Magazine has to agree.

Sandra Bell, Marketing Manager at Wensleydale Creamery, says: “As champions of local produce, we really value our partnership with Rosebud Preserves with whom we share many of the same values, from the sourcing of local ingredients to the use of time-honoured techniques.

“It’s fantastic that we have been able to work with them to create these delicious chutneys to perfectly partner with our handcrafted cheese in these two new gift sets.

“The original Yorkshire Wensleydale and Chutney Gift Set has been incredibly popular with our customers both online and in the Creamery Shop all year round, and we think these new pairings will prove just as popular.”

So here you have it. Three little beauties – just the sort of surprise that will be welcome in many households this Christmas.

The gift sets are available to buy online at wensleydale.co.uk

 Delivery costs £3.95 and is free for orders over £50.00. The creamery aims to deliver within 2 – 3 working days of receiving payment. To ensure your cheese arrives in perfect condition deliveries are dispatched Monday to Thursday.

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RUBIS COLIBRI SCISSORS £25.86 Amazon

The Rubis Colibri scissors combine elegant design efficiency and a unique shape. They fit perfectly in the hand and have been specially designed to cut brow hairs precisely and cleanly thanks to the fine tip of the scissors.

COLORSPORT BROW LIFT £13.68 Amazon

Harnessing the power of Advanced INSTANTLIFT and Hydrolysed Sesame Protein, this highly concentrated formula works to contract the skin for an instant visible smoothing effect. It instantly smooths out fine lines, wrinkles and crow’s feet, improves appearance of the forehead, the brow, and the area around the eyes, and hydrates skin for a youthful glow. This lightweight and non-greasy cream absorbs quickly, can be worn under makeup, and is suitable for all skin types.

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Designed with the popular and original Colorsport formula, which has been used for over 20 years, with this brow tint (available in dark brown and black) natural-looking and defined brows are just minutes away. Apply in 1-2 minutes, lasts for up to 30 days. A truly waterproof colour for brows. Up to 16 applications per pack