Frost Magazine’s editor, Margaret Graham popped in with Dick for a catch-up with the CCA last Friday, and guess what, we were in time for the raffle, and Bingo. Not to mention a piece of Birthday cake. Just look at Linda spoiling Red Shoes Bob with a surprise birthday cake. A modest number of candles had to be blown out, and there were quite enough slices for us all to enjoy. Then it was onto the Bingo which was huge fun. We all had to stand, Bob told us a word. As your number was called, you yelled (and I mean yelled) the word and sat down. The last one standing won a prize. Then there was another round, another word… another prize… And always so much laughter and chat…

We had all bought raffle tickets, and the lucky winner was presented with a basket of goodies. How the time flew, but Margaret managed to catch up with wonderful Marion and Bob, who steer the ship. They filled her in on just a few of the CCA activities.

Everyone loves the Quiz night held every couple of months.(above) This involves a wheel, 14 prizes and if your number is called, you get to spin the wheel for another number. Honestly, the fun these wonderful people have is splendid.

Do you like music? Well, how about the Guitar group for senior citizens on Wednesday evenings 7 – 8. Here at Frost Magazine we long to hear they have written a rock number which has topped the charts. You can be sure there’d be another party with a massive cake. Margaret feels that the ladies should be considering producing a WI type calendar in good time for Christmas, complete with carefully placed fruit of course. The heating would have to be on high. Should she mention this? She will mull. And no, there will be no suggestion that Margaret should be involved, as, she, after all, is not actually a resident of Brady Square, so very there.

Yoga classes are held weekly, with the ‘armchair’ session in the morning and the more energetic session from 2-3 in the afternoon.

Aimee’s dancers are going from strength to strength with classes during the week from 4 – 6.30 and such is the size of Aimee’s following that there is also a larger class at a larger venue on a Saturday.

Of course, there are the war gamers, and the sitting room just for chilling… Heavens, Frost Magazine could go on and on for there is a cornucopia of sessions to choose from at the wonderfully renovated Columbia Community Centre. None of which would be happening without the efforts of Marion, Bob and all their wonderful friends. How proud Frost Magazine is to be associated with them, and it’s just so wonderful for Margaret Graham to be able to whizz up the road to Washington from Thirsk, and in particular Brady Square, where her mum was born, and grew up, and where Margaret often stayed during the summer holidays, in her Uncle Stan’s off licence, which had been his and Margaret’s Mum’s father’s, (Percy) called the Long Pole, or the Long Pull – recollections vary!

On the subject of recollections. Marion is hoping that people will get their memory hats on and jot down any memories they have of Brady Square, and memories they remember their parents’ talking about. So do just jot them down, let Marion have them, and they will all be kept at the CCA for anyone to read, and enjoy.

One morning Margaret will come to the CCA and make notes, and record anything that people remember over a coffee – oooh, yes, and cake please. Date to be advised.

Simply can’t wait to see you all again.

For more information: Columbia Community Association   Memories of Brady Square Columbia uk Community Forum

Twenty books and counting, and this is, arguably, the best so far. Yes, it even tops, in my opinion, the Number One bestseller Somebody Someday with Robbie Williams which was a huge success. After all, there aren’t many authors who can claim that their debut crime novel was longlisted for the Independent on Sunday’s 2014 Alternative Booker prize and also selected as the Mail on Sunday’s Thriller of the Week, I particularly love this quote from Mail on Sunday Thriller of the Week ‘A marvellous set of unsavoury suspects… good, nasty fun with a ring of truth.’

Well, how about this from Frost Magazine for Murder on Tour ‘Worthy coach tours pale into insignificance when compared with a rock star’s crazy sex, drugs, rock n roll tour, liberally sprinkled with a good dose of suspicious deaths. Fun it certainly is, page turning too. Come on, live a little…’

Wanna hear more (well, one does get influenced by these crazy musicians).

Crime Writer, Francis Meadowes, has been offered his first paid detective gig, and goes on the road with a gender-fluid rock star, Jonni K, tagging along as the musician’s entourage travels from Copenhagen to Berlin and on round Europe. What could possibly go wrong?

Jonni’s manager is already troubled by a fatal overdose on a tour bus, but then the star is attacked on stage. Then, guess what, the lead guitarist is electrocuted by his own instrument.

It is when another band-member drowns in a hotel bath Francis realises he must earn his money and find out what exactly is going on. Well, yes… I should say so. Does he do his job?

Oh come on… You know me better than that. Read, enjoy, worry, snigger, and see if you can guess who dun it. You’ll love it.

Murder on Tour by Mark McCrum pub Bloodhound Books 9.99 and ebook.

As we all know, sometimes less is more – and this little play falls into this category. I usually bemoan the fact that sixty-minute (or one-act) plays haven’t been fleshed out and can leave an audience yearning for more … but Wish You Weren’t Here is an accomplished piece of writing by Katie Redford.

Mum Lorna (played by Eleanor Henderson) and daughter Mila (Olivia Pentelow) are on a weekend break to Scarborough, where they used to come when Mila was a child and Nan was still alive. But Mila is now 16, has just received her GCSE results and would rather be partying with her friends back in Sheffield than hanging about arcades, Wetherspoons and the hotel room with her embarrassing mother. However, Lorna just wants to have fun – she is only 32-years-old – and longing for her lost twenties. Mila shows classic signs of teenage angst.

They love each other but somehow can’t connect no matter how they try. Two generations breathing the same air but unable to articulate their differences. So much frustration about the world, about each other, about the loss of Nan. But this isn’t a sad piece – there is a lot to enjoy and laugh at. Genuinely real performances, full of tenderness and detail, come from both actresses. It’s an hour very well-spent.

A simple and effective set, designed by Bethany Wells, allows a surprising amount of movement from a small show that has been touring the UK, with Brighton and Guildford still on the horizon after this London sojourn. Director Rob Watt has created a piece that is full of warmth, leaving just the right amount of breathing space for the two performers to fill.

Photography Chris Saunders Writer Katie Redford Director Rob Watt

Movement Director Kiren Virdee Designer Bethany Wells Musical Director Ellie Verkerk

Running Time 60 minutes Age Restrictions 12+ Until Saturday 2nd March 2024

Check with the theatre for show times . Venue Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, London W1D 3NE vhttps://sohotheatre.com/events/wish-you-werent-here

Website https://www.theatre-centre.co.uk/shows/wish-you-werent-here

Instagram @sheffieldtheatres @theatrecentre Facebook @shefftheatres

@TheatreCentreU Twitter @crucibletheatre @TCLive #WishYouWerentHere

Future Tour Dates 7th-8th March 2024 Brighton Dome

https://brightondome.org/whats_on/

14th-15th March 2024 Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford

https://www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/whats-on/wish-you-werent-here

Most of us are familiar with Memoirs of Geisha. Is there more we need to know about sexworkers In early 20th C Japan? It turns out there is and it’s quite a tale. Based on real life events, this is a different story with the same beginning – a girl from a poor family sold to a brothel. 

In 1903 fifteen year old Aci Ichi, daughter of a female sea diver, is taken to the most exclusive brothel in Kumamoto, Japan where she becomes the protegee of the highest ranking courtesan. As she is educated in the ways of the work, she comes to understand the power of sex and money intertwined. But the new recruits are also taught to read and write, and encouraged by her tutor, Ichi learns to think clearly and express herself in writing. Gradually the women of the brothel begin to work together to take control of their lives and, influenced by the local shipyard workers, they take decisive action and go on strike.

Really interesting, and key to the story, is the use of literacy. Ichi expresses herself through the poetry she writes in class, full of vivid ideas and emotion, which contrasts with the smooth, over-complimentary letters the courtesans write to their clients.

Possibly a little long, but well-worth reading to the end, whilst appreciating our ability to do so.

A Woman of Pleasure by Kiyoko Murata Translated by Juliet Winters Carpenter 

ISBN 978-1-804-44101-5 Pub: FOOTNOTE Press £12.99

The above card was personalized by Karrie Barron Cards some years ago, when my book The Waterway Girls was published. It was a gift from the Frost’s Food and Drink Critic Michael Rowan and I keep in under a glass dome. It is precious beyond words.

With Mother’s Day on the horizon, I felt Frost Magazine must visit Karrie Barron Cards again, and take a look at a few Mother’s Day cards, bearing in mind that there is an offer of 20% off Mother’s Day cards if ordered before 15th February. Do remember they can be personalised.

Garden Heart is the perfect combination of card and gift. Unique and lovingly hand made in London it comes personalized( free of charge), and is ideal for Mother’s Day. Although this ‘Little World’ seems delicate and fragile, rest assured it comes well packaged in a white presentation box with matching ribbon gift wrap.Dimensions are H15.5 x W11 x D3.5cm @ £23.00 (As each card is individually hand made, please be aware that colours and compositions will vary from the product images.)

Sewing, another one of the lovely Mother’s Day range that I also love. Made in a choice of three colours. Dimensions H15.5 x W11 x D3.5cm @ £26

And another: Mother’s Day Pink/White Bouquet from £13.00

SMALL CARD H15.5 x W11 x D3.5cm

LARGE CARD H19 x W15.5 x D3.5cm

Aren’t they all just gorgeous. And the detail… How on earth do they do it?

Tilly Barron, Creative Director, told Margaret that Karrie Barron Card’s was founded in 1994 by her mother Karrie. Karrie’s concept was to create a miniature world within a greeting card.

She began designing and making from a back bedroom in their family home in Fulham, London and would take them, once a week, to her stall in the Apple Market, Covent Garden. As a child, Tilly’s love of doll’s houses and creativity fired what has become a lifelong passion for miniatures. She worked along side her mother from a very early age, and over the years developed the patience, passion and skills to make and design their ‘little worlds’ herself. In 2007, when her mother retired, Tilly took over their small family run business, and has been running it ever since. The cards unsurprisingly reach a much wider audience worldwide now – online, though thankfully they are still sold from the stall in Covent Garden.

In this world of mass production, you can all see that each creation is made with love and care. No two are ever the same, and I can vouch that they are truly a pleasure to both give and receive. But Tilly says that ‘It is the greatest pleasure of all to make, for which I am truly blessed.’

Covent Garden, London, UK The Apple Market, Covent Garden, Covent Garden Piazza, London WC2E 8BE

Opening hours Wednesday – Sunday 10:00am to 6:00pm TEXT ON THE DAY TO CONFIRM THEY ARE THERE +44 (0) 7533 859220

To have a dekko at all the other occasion cards, hurry off and have a look: https://www.karriebarron.com

Lynda La Plante and James Lee Burke are 2024’s recipients of the Diamond Dagger – the highest accolade in the genre, such iconic authors, each with a hugely discerning following. I love them both, but James Lee Burke has a row to himself on my bookcase. I adore his writing, I re-read his books and see something I hadn’t noticed before. I sag into the lyrical writing, the settings in southern states of America… Enough, control is necessary.

It goes without saying that the award recognises authors whose crime writing careers have been marked by sustained excellence, and who have made a significant contribution to the genre.

Lynda La Plante CBE began her career as an actor in TV and theatre. She graduated from RADA, where her fellow students included Anthony Hopkins and John Hurt.

Vaseem Khan, Chair of the CWA, said: “The Diamond Dagger judges almost came to blows this year and for good reason. Ultimately, they have chosen to recognise two incredible bodies of work that have each, in their own way, made their mark.”

Image credit: Gemma Day

La Plante wrote her first treatment for TV, Widows, which went on to become one of the highest rating series in the 1980s. She became a sought-after crime writer, with her debut novel, The Legacy, published in 1987 but in particular I remember Prime Suspect, which made everyone sit up, recognise the presence of women in the police.

It was in 1990 that La Plante began work on Prime Suspect, which was released in 1991, starring Helen Mirren as DCI Jane Tennison. In 1993, she received the Dennis Potter Award from BAFTA and was made a fellow of the British Film Institute. The success led to her forming her own television production company, La Plante Productions. She also wrote and produced multiple shows in the US, with actors including Vanessa Redgrave, Sam Neill, and Rob Lowe. In 2014, she formed a new global rights and production company – La Plante Global. Her current book series features Detective Jack Warr. She received a CBE for services to Literature, Drama and Charity in 2008.

Vaseem Khan said: “Lynda La Plante’s Prime Suspect redefined the role of women in police procedurals and made a star of Helen Mirren, while Widows remains a talismanic – and wickedly entertaining – female-led heist caper.”

Lynda La Plante said: “In 2024 I will publish both the final book in the young Tennison series, and a memoir detailing my long career as an actress, television producer and crime writer. To also be awarded the Diamond Dagger from the CWA makes 2024 even more special, and I look forward to thanking all those involved in person at the awards ceremony on July 4^th.”

Image credit: Deborah Feingold

Born in Houston in 1936, James Lee Burke’s first novel was compared to the work of Faulkner and Sartre by the New York Times. Despite this, he was – extraordinarily – out of hardback print for 13 years until his third novel, The Lost Get-Back Boogie was published and submitted for a Pulitzer Prize, after being rejected over 111 times (whaaat – madness). Over the years, he’s taught at universities, worked as a case worker with former felons, as a pipeliner for an oil company, a long-distance truck driver, and a newspaper reporter.

James Lee Burke has two Edgar Awards, a Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America, and has been a Guggenheim Fellow. 

Vaseem Khan said: “James Lee Burke’s lyrical depiction of the American South transcends crime fiction – his prose is often considered among the best to have graced the genre. For many, Dave Robicheaux is the very embodiment of the dogged, morally incorruptible detective beset by personal demons – a beautifully rendered character.”

James Lee Burke said: “I wish to thank the judges of the Diamond Dagger committee for honouring me with such a prestigious award. I’m honoured and humbled to receive it. It is also an honour to have my name among the best mystery and crime writers in the world. I cannot thank you enough.”

Nominations for the CWA Diamond Dagger are recommended by CWA members. Industry experts then narrow these down to a shortlist.  The winner is then voted for by a panel of past Diamond Dagger winners comprising of Peter James, Walter Mosley, Lee Child, Lawrence Block, Ian Rankin, Michael Connelly, Lindsey Davis, Andrew Taylor, Martina Cole, Ann Cleeves, Val McDermid, Robert Goddard, Martin Edwards, Catherine Aird and Simon Brett.

Lynda La Plante and James Lee Burke join icons of the genre who have been recognised with the accolade, including Ruth Rendell, PD James, Colin Dexter, Reginald Hill, and John Le Carré.

Maxim Jakubowski, Chair of the CWA Daggers’ committee, said: “By an extraordinary quirk of fate, due to our new voting process, this year’s Diamond Dagger is, for the first time in seven decades, being awarded to two authors. If the Booker Prize can do it, so can we! Both such wonderful and deserving writers who, between them, demonstrate the marvellous diversity of crime writing.”

One of the UK’s most prominent societies, the CWA was founded in 1953 by John Creasey; the awards started in 1955 with its first award going to Winston Graham, best known for Poldark. The CWA Daggers are now regarded by the publishing world as the foremost British awards for crime-writing and as the oldest awards in the genre, they have been synonymous with quality crime writing for over half a century. The Diamond Dagger is presented at the annual CWA Dagger Awards, dubbed the ‘Oscars of the crime genre,’ which take place this year on July 4.

The CWA supports as yet unpublished writers with a bespoke group, The Debuts, many of whom enter the Debut Dagger competition and the Margery Allingham Short Mystery competition. The CWA also run an annual conference and hold chapter meetings throughout the UK, so members can access face-to-face networking and socialising. It also runs National Crime Reading Month in June: www.crimereading.com

The CWA supports libraries and booksellers, with three Library Champions and a Booksellers Champion. It has links with various festivals and other writers’ organisations, such as the Society of Authors.

CWA website, Facebook, Twitter #CWADaggers and YouTube.

So it’s cold, wet and stormy, Christmas parties are history and hot sunny days seem light years away. We can’t even comfort eat thanks to those extra Christmas kilos and it’s dry January, so what to do?

We really need a hug. Yes, OK a literal hug from our nearest and dearest would be great too, but how about a self-indulgent hug? A little something to get us through January and February, labelled by some as the toughest months?

For my hug, I usually head straight to Perfume Direct. After all, a beautiful fragrance has the power to create instant happiness, not just for you, but everyone within range, so really I’m performing a public service. What’s great about Perfume Direct is the oodles of useful information and advice, so comprehensive that you can easily choose a new perfume even remotely. Do check out the Perfume Direct Guide to Fragrance Strengths and Types. Their Fragrance Wheel explains perfume types – Floral, Woody, Oriental etc – and you can even search Perfume Direct by your chosen type which is so useful if you’re looking for inspiration.

They’re a UK company, with a large purchasing network meaning that they can offer an amazing range of the best perfumes – from pure luxury to everyday fun, all at a very competitive price.

So what’s my top pick for this wet January? Well I’m super impressed by Musc Noir For Her By Narciso Rodriguez.

I could subject you to my description of this beautiful multi-layered scent, but I’ll spare you, as Perfume Direct’s experts have created their own, which is eminently more useful. They tell us that it’s floral and woody; a bold, creative fragrance with hints of mystery and intrigue; addictive with a dark and seductive essence. It’s a classic signature scent with top notes of plum, middle notes of musk and heliotrope, and suede base notes, enhanced by white cedar and rose. I really can’t improve on this description.

I particularly love the gift set, consisting of 50ml Eau de Parfum, 50ml Shower Gel and 50ml Body Lotion at just £65.99.

Or check out its sister, Musc Noir Rose By Narciso Rodriguez at £67.99for 50 ml EDP which is one of the new rose fragrances (see below), so popular on the catwalk this year.

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.

I was intrigued to see how such an epic opera would translate from the stage to the screen and wondered if anything might be lost in the process. I needn’t have worried.

Almost halfway through the current season and The Met are providing a thrilling programme. Verdi’s Nabucco is the story of the Hebrews enslaved by the people who worship Baal and the destruction of the Temple.

As ever there is a love story at its heart, the trials and tribulations of the father and daughter Nabucco (more commonly known as Nebuchadnezzar) relationship, and of course the evil ruler, Abigaille who, due to her jealously, wishes to break up the young lovers by any means, and tries to turn father against daughter.

In many ways the story is the least of it, it is the singing that is sublime and with a full orchestra and large choir it would be possible to close one’s ears and simply let the music wash over you.

However, for those with their eyes open there was much to enjoy. The sets are stunning and used to great effect. The setting fire to the Temple was worth the price of the ticket alone.

Because this was beamed live into cinemas across the world everyone on stage had to continue acting regardless of if they were the focus of the action or not, which greatly added to the spectacle, especially in close up.

I had forgotten just how much choral work was a part of this opera and of course the big song from this opera is the goose bump inducing, ‘Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves,’ sung so plaintively and with such feeling that I cannot be the only one to have a tear in my eye.

The cinema experience is not the same as being in the theatre (in this case at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York) but as that was not available to me, it is very much the next best thing.

In terms of cost and ease of access it is very much the best thing, and in addition we are treated to a variety of interviews with the stars, behind whom we see stagehands and singers rushing around to ensure that the next act begins on time. This is something that you wouldn’t see if you were at The Met.

There are still some gems left in this season, so my advice would be to find the cinemas near you who are showing the Live From the Met Program and treat yourself to some top quality opera.

Images courtesy of The Metropolitan Opera

https://metliveinhd.co.uk/

Carmen (27th January)

La Forza del Destino (9th March)

Roméo et Juliette (23rd March)

La Rondine (20th April)

Madama Butterfly (11th May)