I find wine fascinating, particularly Italian wines. I’m familiar with some of the big names – Soave, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Chianti – who isn’t? But I’d just love to sound a bit more informed when at dinner with some of my posher friends (yes I am that shallow). The problem is remembering all those wine names, and what part of Italy they’re from, not to mention the grapes involved. I suppose I could try just drinking more, but I’m not sure my liver could take it, and would I remember the names the next day anyway? Somehow I doubt it.

So how excited was I to discover this Wines of Italy Jigsaw, from Ginger Fox? It’s a fabulous map of Italy featuring the different wine-producing regions. The grapes grown in those regions and the famous wines are shown on the map too. As it’s a 1000 piece jigsaw, I’m confident that all that wine knowledge will be etched on my brain by the time I’ve completed it (which should be by Christmas at my current speed, but hey what’s the hurry?) Such a clever idea. I’ve just completed the Liguria region – so ask me anything you like about Barolo, Asti and Barbaresco and you will be impressed. The jigsaw also includes a fun fact sheet about Italian wines too – did you know that Italy has somewhere between 377 and 2000 different grape varieties – higher than any other country?

I’m considering an advanced game, which involves drinking the wines from the relevant region whilst completing that part of the jigsaw – only in the interests of research of course.

Thank you Ginger Fox – such a brilliant game and what an excellent Christmas present for the wine lovers in your life? Just £16.19 from Ginger Fox website.

By Dr K Thompson, 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.

When Jodie and Paris Welton started to experience unpleasant peri- and post-menopausal symptoms, they decided to explore a number of plant-based supplements which might help. Thrilled with their success they decided to share, and Adaptogenic Apothecary was born. Working with a medicinal herbalist they have developed various formulations aimed at women’s health issues, including Freedom, to help menopausal symptoms.

Freedom contains Lion’s Mane, and Ashwagandha both of which are believed to improve anxiety, together with a number of other plant extracts including cacao, rosehip and cinnamon.

Menopause can affect different women in different ways – some sail through without a problem, many of us are not so lucky. Thankfully the medical profession are much more switched on to this these days, and there are some excellent menopause clinics which offer a diverse range of therapies to deal with whatever symptoms an individual is experiencing.

I do believe herbal treatments have an important role to play in managing some menopausal symptoms and Adaptogenic Apothecary use good quality ingredients and have clearly put a lot of thought into their products. If you suffer from the symptoms they list on their website it may well be worth giving their products a try.

Freedom can be purchased from the Adaptogenic Apothecary website on special offer at £36 for a month’s supply.

By Dr K Thompson, 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.

Frost Magazine can’t believe it is so long since Margaret Graham became over excited when asked to cut the ribbon at the opening of the wonderful Columbia Community Association Centre. Fortunately she managed to behave which was as well as her mum, Annie – Stan Newsome’s sister, sitting up on her cloud would have caused a roll of thunder.

Frost Magazine have so missed sharing the exploits of the indomitable Marion and Red Shoes Bob as they guided the renovations over the last 18 months of blood sweat and tears, laughter and chat, so  Margaret has nudged Marion into bringing us all up to date. As we have come to expect, the CCA has been busy busy busy. New events have been organised, new external programmes have been welcomed, and of course there has been an autumn influx of the fabulous creative sessions.

Gentle Yoga has been a great success, and has spiralled beyond belief, three sessions are now in progress. Guess what, the CCA now also has a HATHA energetic session. When asked, Marion confessed she had not yet had time to attend, but Margaret wonders if the word ‘energetic’ might have caused her to pause. Who can blame the woman. Heavens, she rushes around such a lot as it is, probably, dare one say, yelling, ‘Keep up,Bob.’

The fabulous  dancers continue to win competition after competition but ‘Boy do they practice, no school holidays for them, they practiced every Wednesday for 9am till 3pm, dancing their little hearts out,’ said Marion.

Cultural creatives are back for ten weeks, the cakes still keep coming and Phil from Di’s Diner thinks our new treasurer Trish works better after one of his freshly made fruit scones, strangely enough, she tends to agree with him. This sets her up for the digital training she delivers to the community users on a Friday morning before our coffee morning gets underway.

Maralyn                                    Edith                                    Denise and Trish

Bob has had a bit of respite due to the rain or should that read monsoon weather in respect to the plants in the  garden? A garden which is in full bloom, by the way, and looking gorgeous.

Louise, ceo of Gentoo (on the right above)  visited on September 19th with a photographer to take photos with Julie of Equans (on the left, Marion who so loves a camera, and Dianne, the chair of CCA in the middle, and of course a few of the lovely users.

Wednesday 20^th 6.30pm the CCA had a new evening event, Pie and Pea supper, with mushy peas of course, along with a quiz Marion devised and kept under lock and key until the day. There were 3 hand made Belgium chocolates for the winning team. Tickets went like wildfire and all 30 were sold. Marion is looking at a Halloween evening next, car park will be adapted to house all broom sticks.

Marion said, ‘Utility services never fail to amaze, in September 2022 we had a gas meter in the kitchen removed by SSC, all great, yesterday, we had a visit from the gas board to check if the gas had been turned off on the outside pipe. It appears that the Council own the pipe inside, but British Gas are in control of the external pipe. We are so delighted that we did not have a leak as I don’t think after 12 months, I would be writing this as we would possibly have been a misty memory

Food hampers are being made to raffle on Coffee Mornings with proceeds going to the Macmillan Cancer Support and Phil is the first winner. As always, Graham and Christine Thirlaway are donating so much food for this and the CCA is enormously grateful.

The next Coffee morning is scheduled for Friday 29^th. You can scan the bar code to donate, every penny makes a difference and is much appreciated.

Marion has the last word (as she so often does, and we love it)’There is always so much to say, we love sharing our stories with all the readers of Frost Magazine and I do hope we can continue to do so from time to time. We intend to start our Reminiscence sessions very soon and hope to share our stories of growing up in our wonderful Brady Square.’

Margaret will be there for some of the sessions, by hook or by crook. She can’t wait.

Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

My older grandson has reached the age where he seems to suck up information like a souped-up vacuum cleaner.  In fact it’s a struggle to keep up with him, and now his younger brother is biting at his heels so I’m really starting to feel like the feeble old grandma of fairy tales, and they’re only seven and four years old – where will it end?

I gave them a challenging construction toy one week and within a few hours they’d not only mastered it but found it ‘too easy Grandma’. So how to stay one step ahead?

Well thank goodness for Geomag – a simple but very clever toy concept based on magnets, which is geared to all age groups from pre-school to teenagers. For the younger ones there’s the Magicube series – using magnetic cubes to build, and also to make simple words. Then there’s the magnetic rod construction kits – including multicoloured, glow-in-the-dark and glitter-covered rods which are just great for all kids and introduce them to magnetic polarities in a natural way through play. These sets are a brilliant buy, as you can add to them and it’s so easy to build ambitious but stable structures just using the magnetic rods and the bases.

However I’ve now discovered the next level – the Mechanics Gravity range – and I just love them. They really take educational toys to a new fun level, and importantly the 130 piece Loops and Turns set has kept my eldest grandson totally quiet for two hours and counting. I even managed a cup of tea and a little daytime TV (oops did I really share that out loud?)

You can construct all sorts of circuits, and then set off metal balls to career through them, powered just by magnetic force – no worries that a flat battery will unexpectedly end your child’s fun. Geomag provide clear instructions to help your child build amazing structures, and as they gain more experience they can experiment with their own designs too. It’s a fabulous preparation for developing STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) skills through play.

Geomag Mechanics Gravity Loops and Turns set is available from ToysRUs for £36.99 and it really is a great longterm investment. And when your child’s in bed, it’s actually a lot of fun for adults too.

By Dr K Thompson, 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.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I should begin this review by confessing that I am in love with Tracklement’s Rhubarb and Ginger Chutney – see my earlier review: https://www.frostmagazine.com/2023/07/michael-rowan-feels-the-heat-with-the-latest-offering-from-tracklements-httpswww-tracklements-co-uk/

When reviewing, prior positive knowledge of the producer can work both ways: I knew before I tasted Special Edition English Hedgerow Chutney that I already love one of their chutneys so was already leaning favourably towards their Vegan and Gluten Free Special Edition English Hedgerow Chutney, but had they maintained the quality of their Rhubarb and Ginger Chutney? Or was I to be doomed to disappointment? Cast down? In the dumps? So many questions…

In my opinion there is something about chutney that epitomises autumn and though I am partial to a dollop on a piece of cheese or as a straight accompaniment to a good salad (and occasionally just a teaspoon straight from the jar strictly for the purposes of this review – and no I never double dip), it has to be the right chutney. So is the Vegan and Gluten Free English Edition Hedgerow Chutney the right one?

Time to stop worrying, because, packed as it is with juicy damsons grown in Worcestershire, tangy Bramley apples from Kent and blackberries from Scotland, and then beautifully balanced with a careful blend of subtle spices including ginger and nutmeg for an aromatic warmth – how could it not be utterly delicious.

Tracklements advise that we try it on the side of cheeseboards and cold cuts, with smoked fish, pork chops, roast chicken or turkey. 

They also say that it’s  a great addition for breakfast – simply mix with Greek yoghurt for a sweet treat on top of muesli – and even pudding; warm through and pour over ice cream or add a spoonful of brandy for a pancake topping.

It is never to early to begin preparing for Christmas, so it won’t be long before I am submitting my order for both this Special Edition English Hedgerow Chutney and also the Rhubarb and Ginger Chutney.

Thinking about it the Special English Edition Hedgerow Chutney would also be a great Christmas present for friends who are Vegan or Gluten intolerant.

I should also point out that the packaging is environmentally friendly; everything can be composted or recycled.

We’re in September, and I am already thinking about how this would work on Boxing Day Lunch

RRP £3.75 for 190g from fine food delis and farm shops nationwide and online at www.tracklements.co.uk.

Images: courtesy of tracklements.co.uk

It was an absolute pleasure to talk to the director of Eco Land Clearing of Margaret River (and environs), in Western Australia, after Frost Magazine became aware of this sustainable eco land clearing enterprise – and even more of a pleasure to award it the Frost Magazine Eco Award 2023.

Margaret River is a beautiful area of Western Australia, south of Perth. When I stayed there too many years ago researching my first bestseller,  Canopy of Silence,  there were forests with gums, karri and jarrah trees, wonderful surf, wineries, not to mention fire breaks. All these still exist and one day I will return because I love it, and frankly the Margaret River wine is ambrosia. (I fear the Australians keep it for themselves, as I seldom see it here – how mean is that.)

                      Before clearing                                                         After

So, trees and wineries, fire breaks … Surf takes care of itself, but what about clearing  land-bound areas of its inflammable bush – after all fire is an ever present risk in the heat of Australia. This year in particular fire is something that has come to the forefront of our minds as the media brought news of conflagrations in most land masses. So what can be done to reduce this risk?

Eco Land Clearing – vegetation management – is what ‘can be done’: ‘Our way of working is still a relatively new idea in Western Australia, ‘  director Neil Coffey explained to Frost Magazine. ‘But with bush fire issues becoming more of a danger, this environmentally friendly method is increasingly the preferred method of clearance, and certainly it is for us. You see, we mulch, rather than burn the removed bush and shrubs. Our business comprises a CAT299 posi track machine with a Fecon mulching head attachment to mulch vegetation to the point where it breaks down into the soil, thereby improving the soil quality, rather than sending such an important addition up in smoke, not only wasting a soil  asset but spreading the risk of fire.’

                                       Before                                                                After

                                   The resulting mulch returned to the soil – not burned

Neil Coffey added: ‘Let’s face it, the soil needs all the help it can get to bulk up, and provide a nutritious base for well controlled flora and fauna. The machinery is used for BAL (bushfire attack level) compliance work designed to ensure all fire hazard is at safe levels, especially around homes.’

                          Before                                                         After

‘To this end we operate near properties, not only for their protection from fire, but also to improve the views and access, and let’s not forget fence lines and wineries, where we remove vegetation close to the vines, Vegetation that has  the potential to create fire hazards,and, additionally, to accomodate pests. Again, all that is removed is mulched back into the earth. You see, our committment is to sustainability, day in and day out. It seems clear to us that there is no time to lose.‘

                   Before                                                                     After

The above images show old vines pulled out with an excavator and left neatly insitu for Eco Land Clearing to mulch. Over time, after it has broken down enough, the winery turns it back into the soil and then plants new vines.

The above image is of clearing around vines (left) for pest control which gives the birds longer to travel without cover so reduces the damage caused to crops.

Neil Coffey added, ‘Eco Land Clearing generally only clear smaller vegetation such as regrowth trees and undergrowth bush as well, of course, as non natives. We leave behind all the established trees and plants as well as protected species. We also work in with Flora and Fauna specialists to ensure we have minimal impact on animals and their habitats. This requires pre-work inspections and spotting during the process on some jobs.‘

You can understand why Frost Magazine is proud to highlight this proactive eco business – Eco Land Clearing with its committment to the land, and to award it our Eco Award 2023 and wish it all the luck in the world. Keep up the good work.

For Further Information:

+61 458 980 700

Admin@ecolandclearing.com.au

https://www.facebook.com/ecolandclear

ecolandclearing.com.au