Monthly Archives: January 2023

Columbia Community Association roars into Week 27 of the refurbishment with its usual flair and energy

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The team greeted Week 27 bright eyed and bushy tailed, ready to take on all-comers and what good news the start of the week brought when up popped  Alyson Grant, like manna from heaven, as a new volunteer at the CCA. What’s more, one  who knows her way around a computer. Alyson is a Brady Square lass and everyone is over the moon to have her on board. Half the day was spent reminiscing, and Marion knew Margaret, would have been really sorry to miss the natter. Yep, Margaret is thoroughly fed up, Marion..

The lads popped in to measure the toilet floors for new flooring, courtesy of Equans. The team have decided  on sparkly ocean blue, which to Marion looks a bit grey. Is it  me or is Marion becoming a bit picky- just saying, ponders Margaret.  Marion adds hastily, and really means it: ‘But either way it is very nice.’

As a result of donations to the CCA the team is  now in a position to give something back to its beloved community. A date has now been agreed for their next FREE CPR and Defibrillator training. There are six places on offer with the lovely Nev Harris. Marion let us know that they have received an amazing response, to the extent that they are now collating a reserve list.


CCA really enjoyed Len Watson’s visit. Len is the Advice and Service Manager from Sharp.

               

‘It is really good to join forces in aid of offering help, advice and support to people in the community.’ said Marion. ‘Our invite for them to join us at our Coffee morning this Friday was duly accepted and we looking forward to seeing Eileen there. We have placed an order with PHIL at Di’s Diner for corned beef Pie and quiche.’


Cultural Creatives never cease to amaze with their ability to create stunning work. This week they did Sashiko, the art of Japanese mending and stitching. Apparently, Sashiko, which translates to “little stabs” in Japanese, usies only a simple running stitch which isn’t only for decoration; it also strengthens the cloth.

The Sparky was on site fitting a light in the cellar. Arghhh…  Ouchy…  First Aid was required for a cut, such a good job wor Bob was on hand to administer treatment. Everything went well, the finger lives and sadly no need for Marion to pop into her nursey outfit and stand by with scalpal.

While Equans was rewiring, entertainment went on at CCA as usual; cuppas were dispensed and chinwags enjoyed and, as has been proved over many years:  ‘Put the kettle on, Pet.’ solves many a problem – the CCA’s is always on.  There was  an impromptu visit from the Washington U3A group to see if CCA could offer at short notice a room for 1 hour. It was such a stroke of luck as CCA most certainly could. This has resulted in a possible permanent monthly booking.

Margaret, Editor of Frost Magazine was the default Chair of Thirsk U3A because no-one  voluteered. Margaret is always default, never first choice because she’s a menace, especially if there is a microphone involved: she has no shame, and won’t let go, just milks it for all she’s worth. So don’t give her an inch.

The CCA had great support for their end of the month Friday Coffee morning. New faces, good crack but photo shy, maybe next time, and as the week ended, the CCA’s work did not  what with a singing, dancing, church service with RCCG, and of course, Wargamers.

As Marion says, ‘We could do with an eight-day week at Columbia Community Association in good old Brady Square.‘

Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

JANE CABLE REVIEWS…

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Three books read for pleasure and another for research… My book of the month for January is the brand new family drama from Judith Barrow, Sisters, which was published by Honno last week.

Sisters by Judith Barrow

This novel about how childhood lies spiral into adulthood had me gripped from the very first chapter. One sister causes a dreadful accident and the other is blamed. The set up sounds simple enough – one moment changes both their lives. But it is the complex and realistic emotions involved that made this book as we follow Angie and Lisa from the estrangement of their teenage years into their twenties and beyond.

Judith Barrow is such a skilled storyteller I was completely immersed in the narrative, living alongside the characters as the plot played seamlessly out. It is hard to say too much about the story itself without including spoilers, but take it from me, Sisters is a first class read.

 

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

I’m not sure why I didn’t expect to enjoy this book; perhaps it was the style of the prologue and first few pages that put me off, but once I got into the story I forgot all about it.

I have to say that happened very quickly. Such brilliant characters, I think I could have forgiven them anything, and there were plenty of things to giggle at too, which I didn’t really expect. As for the mystery I enjoyed the ride and the red herrings very much, but I wasn’t completely convinced by the final outcome. It just didn’t seem as well embedded as the rest of the plot, which was a bit of a shame.

 

A Christmas Miracle for the Railway Girls by Maisie Thomas

I can hardly believe that this is the sixth Railway Girls saga; I have enjoyed them all so much and the stories still feel fresh. Of course the characters are familiar and this book focuses on Cordelia, Mabel and the return of Colette. I had a hunch that would happen, but how it came about, and how this important strand of the story was hold surprised me.

The tension attached to this storyline had such emotional power I was so invested at one point I had to put the book down. I couldn’t bear to carry on reading, and yet I had to know what happened. Always an excellent writer, think is Maisie Thomas hitting a new high. Challenging, uncomfortable, and it made me angry.

But the book ends at Christmas and of course miracles do happen. And the gentler counterpoint of Cordelia’s story was perfect foil to Colette’s making it a brilliantly rounded read.

 

The Four Swans by Winston Graham

I love a Poldark novel; they are fast becoming a go-to comfort read, although in this case I read the next in the series to immerse myself in the era in Cornwall. Although I am writing some fifteen years later I was delighted to discover that the family inspiring me, the Bassets of Tehidy, had more than walk on parts in The Four Swans.

The swans are the four women in Ross’s life and although I loved the full richness of the tapestry drawn, the thread that drew me most was Demelza’s and Hugh Armitage’s pursuit of her. As ever the whole novel was superbly written and brilliantly researched. These are not modern classics for nothing.

 

 

WRITERS ON THE ROAD: SUZANNE FORTIN

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When I first started out writing, my novels were all contemporary, so I didn’t need to do a great deal of research as most of the things I wrote about were within my own experience. However, when I moved into writing historical fiction and, in particular, the Second World War, research became one of the key elements. With so much information out there, it was important that I got my facts right.

Prior to this point in my writing, I had never been much of a historian. I moved into historical fiction by accident really, when my editor wanted me to expand on the backstory of one of my characters. I wasn’t sure if I could do it at first. Researching the Second World War seemed a huge task but the internet, friends, family, colleagues and the local library/bookstore have all been my assistants in helping me in this area.

Most of my novels have been partly set in France – a country that has been close to my heart for many years. Me and my husband first started visiting France in the early 90s and fell in love with the country and culture, so much so, that in 2003 we bought a cottage of our own to renovate in the Morbihan department of Brittany.

Little did I know back then how the area would influence and inspire my writing. Since then, I have found a wealth of information, a lot of which is widely known and many things that are smaller more personal stories of events during the occupation and the efforts of the local French Resistance who fought to disrupt the German war effort as much as possible, proving invaluable in the lead up to D-Day and beyond.

One of my research trips in Brittany took me to the Musée de la Résistance Bretonne in Saint-Marcel. It is, in fact, built of the very site that was once woodland where the local resistance group lived, trained, organised their attacks from and saw actual fighting as Brittany was liberated after the D-Day Landings.

Some of the displays within the museum have recreated scenes of the fighting as well as what every-day life was like under the occupation. All the displays are very detailed. There are some personal accounts, and these helped greatly to the authenticity of what I was writing, rather than just relying on well-documented war facts.

As with so many villages and towns within the area, memories of the war are never far away. On the edges of a village near to our cottage, is a small stone cross on the side of the road with the names of three local men engraved who were captured and executed by the Germans for being part of the Resistance. I have always felt a great sadness when I pass this memorial and initially it was hard to find out any information about the local men but over time this has become recorded online. Their personal stories have stayed with me and although not directly recounted in my writing, I hope I have managed to include the sentiment and acknowledge the sacrifice made by so many men and women in Brittany during the occupation.

 

 

Book link: https://bit.ly/3Z0ECxk

 

Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin™ Ectoin®-Infused Cream – Wow, Just Wow – by Award Winning Author Dr Kathleen Thompson

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As a woman of a certain age, I’m on a permanent quest for facial creams which work miracles. And as a doctor, I like reassurance that these products are powered with scientific justification and not empty promises. So I was super excited to road test Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin™ Ectoin®-Infused Cream.

Dr Jart+ has a great pedigree, originally founded in Korea but now part of the Estée Lauder group, they pioneered the invention of BB cream and, working with dermatologist advisors, their focus is on ‘creating skin care that works wonders’ – this sounds exactly what I need.

And Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin™ Ectoin®-Infused Cream is good because?

Firstly, it’s a highly-concentrated, fast-absorbing cream which contains not just one, but five different ceramides. Our bodies produce ceramides naturally, which form a barrier to protect our skin cells and keep moisture in. They’re incredibly good at hydrating skin, but, alas, even in our 30s we’ve already started to lose these natural ceramides. So thank goodness for Dr Jart+.

But, there’s more, Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin™ Ectoin®-Infused Cream also contains a new unsung hero of the anti-aging world – Ectoin. This little molecule was discovered in salt-lake dwelling bacteria of all places, where it prevents them from drying out despite the concentrated salt. And, great news, scientific studies have shown that it protects our skin in the same way – it’s an excellent moisturiser and provides a protective barrier, hence it’s a brilliant anti-aging product (tick).

So that’s the science, but what was it like to use? Well it comes with a handy sunshine-yellow spatula which is great for scooping out a suitably-sized dollop. The cream was quite firm, almost waxy but melted as I applied it to my face and disappeared super quick. Then, wow, within minutes my skin felt plump, soft and almost completely wrinkle-free. I couldn’t believe it. And several hours later – the same – I can’t stop sneaking a glance in the mirror and smiling.

If you want to smile at your reflection too, it’s £50 for a 50 ml jar from Dr Jart+ website – a great price for such an innovative cream. I love it.

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.

My Sister’s Secret by Diane Saxon – the book launch by Natalie Peeke West Country Correspondent

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As some you may know I am a fan of Diane Saxon, not just as writer but also as a person, she’s a natural born storyteller. Naturally I jumped at the oppourtunity to attend a third virtual book launch that Diane hosted. This one was for her latest book called My Sister’s Secret and here is the blurb:

Four sisters, four secrets. Who has the deadliest of them all?   Something happened to me when was nine. My childhood memories before that fateful day are gone. Extinguished. The aftermath became a living nightmare with a guilt that runs so deep that I’m not sure I can ever tell anyone. I fear I’ve left it too late….

The burden of my secret and the hurt and the pain that silence cost each and every member of my family is too overwhelming.  But you can’t avoid fate and now I have the opportunity to right the wrongs inflicted on us. There was no justice. Not then. Not now. But I can change that.   The big question is, how far am I willing to go?

At the book launch Diane treated us to a reading and I have to say it was phenomenal, i didn’t want her to stop. She also shared with us  where she gets her inspiration: it could be from one of the many walks she goes on with her dogs, or from a conversation with a stranger. What I love most about Saxon’s writing is that it is effortlessly brilliant and as the reader you genuinely do not know what is going to happen at any given point in the book.

The virtual launch was not just limited to those in the UK, there were attendees from South Africa and America which was absolutely brilliant and shows how internationally adored Diane is.

We then proceeded to the games of the evening: prior to launch each attendee was sent a package which consisted of a personal signed copy of the book, some chocolates, a drink and a bookmark.

Those who had black Lindor Chocolates would have their name in her next book. Those who received a pink can of gin and tonic had the opportunity to name a object that she will include. I was one of the lucky three that had a pink can. The other two selected a Care Bear and a red Buddha. Me – being me – chose Derigible, I explained  why and  will share this reason with you: after a few glasses of wine one evening I turned to my partner and said ‘Derigible is such a fun word for a massive thing that floats around in the sky. Who looked up at that and said ‘I know exactly what to call that: a derigible?’. The look I received from him needed no words …

These games are not only a lovely way for Saxon’s readers to feel included in her books but it is fun to figure out when and where the names and objects will appear. However we did all ask Diane to not hurt the Care Bear. Whether or not she will is anyone’s guess.

I cannot reccomend her books highly enough. Even if you’re not a fan of the psycological thriller genre, do give Diane’s books a try, they will convert you.

My Sister’s Secret by Diane Saxon  is available in Paperback, eBook and audiobook.

A new wave in nutrition: Meet the company behind the rise of ‘Smart Foods’

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A new wave in nutrition: Meet the company behind the rise of ‘Smart Foods‘

In a country where 40% of people resort to junk foods when hungry, Smart Foods are set to revolutionize our relationship with nutrition

Noel Bollman, CEO of food-tech innovators, yfood, discuss the importance of Smart Foods as an alternative to junk foods 

‘Smart Foods‘ are the forward-facing answer to our national nutrient deficit. Their popularity has seen a stratospheric rise in both Europe and the UK. With the smart food market in Germany, the UK, France and the Netherlands alone is estimated to be worth around €10-20 billion in the medium- to long-term, with annual growth rates of up to 50 percent. Having tripled their revenue in 2020 and doubled the figures in 2021, yfood recently announced their run-rate of €100 million in just four and a half years of trading.

A future facing concept being ushered into the mainstream – Smart Foods are nutritionally complete ‘meal alternatives’ that supplement 26 key minerals and nutrients. Having all of the caloric and nutritional benefit of a full meal, but in the form of a shake, powder or protein bar. Instead of feasting over a soggy midday sandwich or snacking on crisps to keep satiated, ‘Smart Foods‘ provide a viable alternative for those of us who are on-the-go. If we are to stick to the age-old adage that food is fuel – why not choose foods that actually fuel us as opposed to sugar-laden snacks and sodium-saturated sandwiches.

European food tech innovator, yfood, has recently hit supermarket shelves – introducing its range of protein bars, powders and shakes to the British diet. Aiming to reform the country’s relationship to unhealthy eating, yfood has launched their Classic Choco and Smooth Vanilla with Co-Op, with the drinks retailed at £3.50. The meal alternatives offered by the smart food innovators comes complete with 26 key nutrients and is available in a variety of flavours and plant-based options, with one serving (500 ml) of yfood providing consumers with around 34 g of protein, 68% of your daily protein needs.

yfood, smart eating

Why ‘meal alternatives’? 

yfood‘s nationwide launch leverages the benefits of having a nutritionally complete, yet delicious, product that is not meant to replace all your meals – but compliment a healthy and varied diet. The concept of the ‘meal alternative’ slots in with our faced-paced lives – in between work, school and personal responsibilities it is unrealistic to have perfectly planned meals for every occasion. yfood‘s modern approach to nutritional nirvana aims to work around speedy lifestyles that lend themselves to poor eating habits. A survey conducted by yfood revealed that 40% of Brits only resort to junk food when on-the-go, indicating a huge gap in the market for a product that not only comes in delicious flavours like Classic Choco and Smooth Vanilla, but contains essential nutrients and vitamins to keep us going throughout the day.

Noel Bollmann, CEO and co-founder of yfood comments:

“Smart food is not intended to replace classic eating with fresh and high-quality foods – on the contrary: a varied and diverse diet is and remains essential. Nevertheless, the reality is that many people do not always manage to eat a balanced diet due to lack of time or availability problems. In these situations, Smart Food helps people to eat better in the long term. Thus, Smart Food is a completely new category of food that competes with junk food and bad eating habits, but not with conventional food.”

I tried Smart Food on a busy week working while also taking care of my toddler. They are filling, delicious and made me feel healthy. Highly recommended.

What a bunch of goodies from Joffe Books this week, but when isn’t it?

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On this beautiful weekend, with hoar frost transforming the landscape, and perhaps creating a slightly mysterious feel, Joffe’s book of the week seems fitting. This London-based crime thriller series by Michelle Kidd — SEVEN DAYS TO DIE is out now for the very special launch price of just £0.99 | $0.99, and very gripping it is too. 
Meet Detective Jack MacIntosh in this absolutely new crime thriller complete with a fabulous twist – gasp – you won’t see coming

                            

Dectective Michael Angel by Roger Silverwood Books 22-28 £0.99/$0.99

What about this for a great buy – a 7, yes SEVEN book box set to keep you out of mischief for ages and ages…

Detective MacIntosh is hunting a brutal killer on the streets of London. A killer who delights in playing twisted games. Who will win this battle of wits…?

Filled with quirky characters and heart-stopping suspense, Roger Silverwood’s enthralling mysteries are perfect for fans of R.D. Wingfield, Colin Dexter, Peter Robinson, Reginald Hill or Agatha Christie.

Detectives Paterson & Clocks by Steve Parker Box set Books 6-8 £0.99/$0.99 (fabulous jacket) 

Be still my beating heart: tension and laugh aloud humour. What’s not to like… and love… and adore…    Meet Paterson and Clocks — the detectives who never play by the rules. Love it, love it.

Falling in Love at Nightingale Farm by Emma Bennet  £0.99/$0.99

For the romantic at heart, try this: Polly, a Londoner through and through is asked to help John save his farm. The only problem is that John’s son doesn’t think she knows anything about farming. It’s a tricky start, but soon farm and Polly and… Nope, read it. Ahhh.

Now, let’s lift the curtain into Joffe Books back-room gang and hear from the newbie  – Jasmine Callaghan  who, amongst other things, writes the blurb for Joffe’s books. This, my friends, is a tricky job as I have found when my publishers once upon a time asked me to try my hand at blurbs for my own books. Disaster! So I was pretty smartly relieved of the task.

WHAT I DO

Joining at the very beginning of 2023, I’m the newest proud member of the Joffe Books team. In a nutshell, I project manage some of our incredible titles (both new and from our backlist) and have the exciting job of writing our blurbs and briefing our amazing catalogue of talented cover designers.

WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS YEAR

I can’t wait to publish lots of brilliant books! I’m privileged to be working alongside an incredibly talented bunch who I have lots to learn from. I’m also excited to make my own mark on Joffe Books, especially regarding diversity in the industry.

FAVOURITE BOOKS

I love the Gothic, so naturally I’m a huge fan of Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. Fun fact: German soldiers used the book as a code to send secret messages during WW2. I also regularly find myself re-reading His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman, The Stranger by Albert Camus and The Decagon House Murders by Yukito Ayatsuji. I’ll stop now because I could go on forever.

You can find out more on offer with Joffe Books here 

 

Wainwright Memories: a heartwarming gem from Wainwright aficionado Chris Butterfield, one which details three little known stories about the much missed fellwalker who opened the eyes of so many to the joys of walking in the Lake District

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 Wainwright Memories is required reading but more than that, it must be kept safe. For it is a book worth stroking, reading, and basically treating  like a precious treasure. Could that be anything to do with the author,  Chris Butterfield, who is an ardent admirer, not to mention collector of all things Wainwright? Well, of course.

Butterfield has turned his passion for Wainwright’s life and work into 220 pages printed on high-quality photographic paper, containing invaluable insights from Wainwright’s former publisher, Andrew Nichol and recreations of beloved Wainwright photographs. It is  beautifully presented, and quite frankly, is the No 1 gift for a walker, or Wainwright fan.

‘Never let it be said that you can’t turn your life’s passion into your work,” says Butterfield. ‘I can’t think of anything more worthwhile than introducing more people to Wainwright and to the Lake District itself. There’s no more beautiful place on earth to walk and lose a day… or two.”

Hmmm, actually the Yorkshire Dales are pretty good too, just saying, and Hadrian’s Wall has views that satisfy. Perhaps an idea for Butterfield to pursue? But enough of my ramblings…

So, what is within the covers?

Wainwright Memories chronicles three little-known stories involving Alfred Wainwright that took place over three consecutive years, 1988-90. The stories are based on reminiscences by Wainwright’s former publisher Andrew Nichol and include illustrative maps by Pictorial Guide reviser Chris Jesty.

Chris Butterfield, an inveterate walker, grabs us by the hand, and revisits several locations featured in each story. In this way past and present photographs and stories take us into another world, one we are reluctant to leave.

The Scotland Trip: Alfred Wainwright loved Scotland and visited regularly. A close friendship developed with his publishing manager, Andrew Nichol, and Wainwright decided to invite him on his next holiday – and the wives came too.  So all four walked amongst  the  stunning beauty of Scotland. It is a trip that Butterfield revisits, and therefore so do we.

Story Two is The Unfinished Book: Wainwright started work on a new book to complement his best-selling guidebook A Coast to Coast Walk. It was intended for those who prefer to meander and sightsee rather than tackle the hills, but would it ever come to fruition? It starts at St Bees on the Cumbrian Coast and ends at Robin Hood’s Bay on the North Yorkshire Coast that crosses three of England’s finest National Parks. I found it fascinating accompanying Wainwright and Andrew, and then Chris and Priscilla Butterfield.

The Langdale Shoot: way back Andrew wanted some new photographs taken of Wainwright to be preserved as part of his legacy. Their good friend Ken Shepherd would be the photographer for one of Wainwright’s final photo shoots in the Lake District. This project produced some stunning photographs, as does Butterfield as he revisits some locations. These include-

But… hang on.  Enough.  You need to read the book yourselves, but carefully. It is beautifully presented, and holds within its pages the essence of Alfred Wainwright, this quiet, reserved walker who opened the eyes of so many to the glories of our wonderful country. Just as Chris Butterfield does, just as evocatively as his hero.

Butterfield explains: “This book was a true labour of love, and it’s been fantastic to see the impact it’s already had on those who’ve read it. Whether it’s their first introduction to Wainwright, or whether they see him as a lifelong guide to the fells, Wainwright Memories has something for all to explore and discover.”

Frost Magazine couldn’t agree more. It truly is a must read, and keep safe book. And should be bought as a gift for all those friends who love to walk.

Wainwright Memories is available now:  https://chrisbutterfield.com/books and

https://www.alfredwainwright.co.uk/               @ £24.99