Where to start, oh where to start… Let’s go with The Man from the Ministry by James JD Mitchell – a novel based very much on Mitchell’s family’s life during the 2nd World War. As one who has written extensively about the war, though born after it, I had no idea that a man from the Ministry could turn up at the door of a journeyman’s farming family and order them to move to a different but designated farm – just like that. But he could because the shortage of farmhands meant that the Government had to intervene in order to provide as much food as possible for the population. This meant targets for farmers, and, of course, workers to make this possible.
The Man from the Ministry tells the story of the lives of an ordinary and large faming family who travelled the south west of England in the service of the many grand estates who owned most of the farms at that time. Written in the first person, and in an honest committed style, this is a book that fascinates and resonates in its portrayal of a large almost itinerent family, the pressures it brings, the sense of the seasons, the countryside, the closeness of siblings.
Let’s stick with nostalgia and Richard Littlejohn’s Littlejohn’s Lost world. Those familiar with Littlejohn’s column in the Mail will expect a delicious and funny turn of phrase when considering serious matters. They are not to be disappointed. Born when wartime rationing was still in force (not to be finished until the mid 50s) a world where children ran about freely with friends in the streets, we accompany Littlejohn into his parents’ past, and are with him as he remembers and revisits his own. He found it changed, gone even. I know the feeling because I tried to find the house where I spent many happy childhood years, including the huge, then, pear tree I would climb. All gone, or so changed I couldn’t recognise anywhere, not even the beck where we fished for minnows with jam jars on strings, ate our jam sandwiches, with a bottle of pop to share. As I read I laughed, remembered, grew thoughtful. It’s a funny poignant read. It is a pleasure.
Finally, one of my favourite Australian authors, Peter Temple writing of one of my favourite characters: Jack Irish, in a thriller called White Dog. What can I say? From the backdrop of the Old Boy Fitzroy supporters in the local, and the horse racing trio, to the action: Jack Irish, ex lawyer, is asked to look into Sarah Longmore’s defence he’s happy to do so, after all, when somone as guilty as Sarah appears, it’s bound to be cut and dried. Oh… Oh… read it and discover that all is not as it seems, and best of all, the crime thriller is delivered in Temple’s crisp funny turn of phrase, which when required has the power to move the heart, crack it even.
‘Let’s go to the panto,’ some of the crazier of the Frost Magazine team said. So off they went, tum tum tumpetty tump, and why not when their Drama Critic, Paul Vates was causing mayhem as one of the two Ugly Sisters at the Elgiva Theatre’s production of Cinderella in Chesham Oh no, he wasn’t, oh yes he was.
Oh what a riot, what a joy… There we were sitting in the 2nd row, with our Christmas jumpers on throughout, laughing, booing, trying to catch the toilet rolls (tell you later) shouting he’s behind you – good grief how could they not see the gorilla??! Sometimes we wondered if we should have borrowed a child to fit in a bit better, but why not be a kid again? As our Medical Correspondent, Dr Kathleen Thompson, said to our editor, ‘You behave like a child most of the time, so why change the habits of a lifetime.’ ‘Well, I’m most certainly do not,’ our editor retorted, sticking out her tongue, to which our Medical Correspondent stuck her thumbs in her ears, waggled her fingers, and then she, yes she did, she stuck out her tongue until Dick who tends to keep them in line, told them both to stop talking – NOW or there would be no ice creams. So on with the show…
Let’s kick off with the lovely Fairy Godmother who did what Fairy Godmothers do – make all things better. Nicki French, ladies and gents, is superb: a lovely voice, such a twinkle, and who wouldn’t remember her Total Eclipse of the Heart which topped the charts around the world. Oh how lucky we were to see her in Chesham.
Prince Charming, aka Adam Pritchard made a great panto debut. What a voice – our editor who cries when moved, almost did… Around the team the children listened, transfixed. Of course, Adam is trained in musical theatre performance so we should not be surprised.
Dandini, the aide de camp, played by Callum Stephenson, says he is thrilled to be entertaining you all this Christmas, and let me tell you, he does this most ably.
Chris Edgerley whose blue eyes played havoc with the Frost Magazine team played Buttons and was so funny, and of course, loyal to Cinders. Good grief, he was even pleased for Cinders when she found her Prince though he probably wanted to kick the Prince’s shins. His performance was probably not far distant to presenting his hit children’s TV Show Hi-5 which aired on CiTV/ITV4/Cartoonito/and Boomerang Channels for many years. Chris loves Panto and we LOVE him, so very there.
Cinders was played by the glorious Laura Bazely with the 100 watt smile, swishing and twirling in her rags (wonderful costumes ElgivaTheatre, simply fantastic) and how we longed for her Prince to come, and the Uglies to get their comeuppance. Boo, boo. Laura sings like an angel too, no wonder she previously won a “Best Principle Girl” award as Princess Beauty. And now onto the rascals of the production: Boo Hiss.
The Baroness was played to perfection by Gemma Brodrick who owned the panto stage, frankly, when she was being the worst she could be. But having come fresh from the 2023 UK tour of Blood Brothers (Margaret cried at that too) we weren’t surprised.
On to the Ugly Sisters, Tess and Claudia, played by Paul Vates and Alexander Smith absolutely blasted it. Paul was as extravagantly and appallingly attired as Alexander and these two kept up the pace of the show until the final curtain, and had us roaring with laughter as they coaxed all the right responses from us, not necessarily in the right order! Absolutely fantastic, I’m laughing as I write this.
Paul Vates has, over the years, done an awful lot of theatre, television, voiceovers and comedy. As a playwright, his last work – Voltemand and Cornelius are Joyfully Returned – won the prestigious People’s Play Award at the People’s Theatre in Newcastle. Dr Kathleen Thompson and Margaret were at the launch, and were so proud. He is currently working on a new project. It all sounds very serious, but heavens, he can mince and pinch bums with the best, and throws toilet rolls like a man possessed.
Alexander who ran away to theatre as a child(!? ) Really? is thrilled to be returning to panto this year, having had a most wicked time as Abanazar in Aladdin last year at the Princess Theatre, Torquay. Was it there he learned to flounce and stamp about in the required most awfully over the top manner? Thanks heavens for it.
Then the gorilla… Oh my… such a classic panto moment, quintessentially British and ridiculous as the gorilla comes along behind the line up, the audience screams ‘He’s behind you,’ again and again, and no-one in the line up sees the gorilla, until it is too late. How hoarse we all became.
Ah yes, the toilet rolls. A version of the Twelve days of Christmas, ‘my true love gave to me’. On the 5th day it is toilet rolls, which end up winging out across the audience, only to land, to be thrown back, unrolling as they go, and again, and again. The Andrex dog would have loved every minute, but not as much as the audience at the Elgiva.
Did the Frost Team enjoy it? Oh, that’s not quite the word: you see, we realised we truly had never grown up, and neither had any of the adults in the audience. What a triumph, what fun, what pace and what on earth has happened to our voices – they are almost gone after so much joining in, so many boos, so many warning shouts, so much hysteria. But what else should we expect at a pantomime, but are frequently disappointed. Not this time though!
We loved it, and the dancers, led by Molly Mae, were the icing on the top. All such a cornucopia of delights…Book now, it’s on until the end of December. https://elgiva.com/book-a-show/theatre/ Images courtesy of Caroline Taylor.
Lovely Marion, not long back from Texas where she and Red Shoes Bob trotted to see her glorious little great grand-baby has sent a Christmas update, which Frost Magazine was thrilled to receive.
‘I can’t believe how busy we are, people wanting to use our facilities and of course we accommodate wherever possible but sadly, there are not enough days in the week. Our community centre is now on the tip of everyone’s tongue, what with our U-tube pod cast, Gento video which has promoted interest from SPARK a local radio station. We do believe that the wonderful Margaret Graham and Frost Magazine has had an immense impact on our popularity, we will be eternally grateful for the support and encouragement we received and still receiving from you all.
Our September MacMillan Cancer Support coffee morning went fantastically well with £400 raised and banked, cakes were donated and auctioned off, all had an amazing day. Early October we had a visit from Patrick Mella, CEO of Sunderland City Council who was very complimentary about our centre and added that it had a lovely feel about it. He was extremely interested in the service we provide and the courses that are taking place and was tickled pink when we told him about our fun prize bingo. Out of courtesy we invited him along to join in. On October 17th, the CCA received a response to our letter from Buckingham Palace for which we are cock a hoop. The King was particularly interested in the restoration of the 1939 GR brass door handles. His Majesty was most grateful that we took the time to write to him and share our community project.
Halloween Quiz Night, hot beef dips, hot dogs and onion was the chosen menu for the evening. I devised a 50 question Halloween quiz; Google helped me a lot. Fancy dress is optional, what a fun night. The tickets sold like hot cakes. Never a dull moment, massive tree at the side of the building that no one wishes to take responsibility for though it was encroaching on our wires. We rang the National Grid to explain the circumstances, low and behold their response was amazing, they were with us in no time at all and a Cherry Picker arrived to sort out the problem. Still some bits and bobs to tackle in relation to the refurbishment but this is all in hand.
November: saw Bob and me jetting off to meet Duke, our great grandson in Texas who may I hasten to add is just the most adorable little human being on this planet. On our return we put the Christmas trees up, what a massive difference a year makes. Celebrations galore, the wonderful Edith Bradley donated a Christmas Hamper to the value of £100 and this was won by Jean Moody one of our bingo ladies and ticket sales reached £300.
We thought it only fitting to take a group of our loyal supporters out to Christmas lunch, a little gift of a scratch card was very productive with about ten tickets winning a prize. Of course, Bob – yes that him with the red shoes was chosen to receive the certificate of being on Santas “Nice List”
Friday 22nd December is our Christmas Quiz Day, Turkey and stuffing sandwiches or ham and Pease pudding if you prefer plus, an array of cakes, sweets, nuts, you name it, we have it.
All in all, this has been an amazing year, a wonderful donation came in from the local ladies darts team for which we are extremely grateful. Nothing can ever compare to the joy of seeing our community flourish, and know that people just love coming here and to be able to tell them that we love to have them. From all here at Columbia Community Association, we hope that this Christmas brings you much joy and happiness, and may your New Year be merry and bright.
Thank you all for being such good friends and taking the CCA to your hearts.’
I would be the first to admit that the humble chickpea has every reason to remain humble, and equally that it is hard to get over excited about Hummus.
And yet Truffle Hummus is a marriage made in heaven that rewrites the rules. If you are trying to eat healthier this, and their new snack pot, could be for you. Personally, I will be buying in a supply of Truffle Hummus for Christmas, as I like show off my latest finds over the holiday period. I know I should get out more, but it has become expected of me, that I will have those tasty treats unknown to most.
As a vegetarian I may well add this to my vegetable Wellington, the centrepiece of Christmas lunch, especially as it is also suitable for vegans, and I am sure that it will make an appearance, as a part of my Boxing Day Buffet.
Quite often foods advertised as ‘Truffle’ have very little truffle taste, so that one wonders why they bothered, but with this the taste of truffle is sufficiently strong, yet well balanced, with the Hummus to tickle the most tired of tastebuds. The texture is velvety smooth, and the truffle comes through to the last mouthful.
In true ChicP fashion, the Truffle Hummus follows suit of the core range by using surplus vegetables, whole foods and locally sourced produce where possible. All ChicP products are 100% natural, rich in protein, fibre and healthy fats, completely free from additives and suitable for vegans.
Not content with this alchemy ChicP has come up with a UK first.An ambient snack-pack of ChicP’s velvety hummus and breadsticks. It has a 12 month shelf life and requires no refrigeration. The packaging alone took seven months to design to ensure the hummus stayed at the highest quality without the need for chilling and to keep its shelf-life long. So, people can pop the snack pack in their bag, perfect for travellers, commuters, families on-the-go or those who love to stay active – hiking, camping, cycling etc. It’s high fibre+high protein but low fat, sugar and salt.
Like a healthy hummus Dairylea Dunker has just launched on Amazon and I suspect will be a boon to parents making up a healthy lunch box and office workers who would prefer to snack without resorting to junk food.
ChicP Truffle Hummus is stocked in Ocado, Planet Organic and 21 Selected Booths Stores – Burscough, Clitheroe, Garstang, Hale Barns, Hesketh Bank, Ilkley, Kendal, Keswick, Knutsford, Longridge, Longton, Lytham, New Poulton, Penrith, Penwortham, Ripon, Scotforth, Settle, St Annes, Ulverston and Windermere or online at chicp.co.uk
A few of the Frost Magazine team decided to sit themselves down to a bit of a lunch break to try what they had been told were the most delicious pheasant burgers, created by Frank Butchers in Thirsk. Editor, Margaret Graham, lives there, and takes her food very seriously, oh yes she does.
But what to drink with the pheasant burgers? Ho hum. Well, Margaret had been sent the Greasy Fingers luscious red so yes, she bagsied that though it was pointed out firmly, by the team, that it must be shared. Others chose the Buttery Chardonnay. Both wines are tailored for accompaniment to indulgent but casual greasy burgers, or any casual food really.
First they laughed and laughed because the screw tops show greasy drips – do look closely, which totally set the mood, down went the shoulders, work was forgotten. The chosen few were off, eager to taste both the burgers and the wine. The pheasant burgers were delicious and just that little bit different, but not greasy, of course. ‘Top quality, and original,’ came the cry.
The wine? Ah, the Greasy Fingers wine… What an adventure, from the innovative screw top bottles and their no fuss labels which truly set the mood, to the wine. How did each work with the burgers?
Margaret thoroughly enjoyed the Greasy Fingers Luscious Red 2022. A medium-bodied blend of Shiraz and Grenache, featuring luscious cherry and strawberry notes with soft, approachable tannins. It was beautifully velvetty, and is said to be great with a good cheeseburger or buttermilk fried chicken. But what did the Frost Magazine team say: try it with pheasant burgers too – a sublime coupling, a match made in heaven.
And the Big Buttery Chardonnay? Margaret of course had to taste it, and agreed with the team that there were hints of peach, vanilla, and cinnamon spice, with a deep buttery feel. It is a soft wine, ripe and oaky with lower acidity making it the ideal match with portobello mushroom burgers or lighter meat. It would also suit the pheasant burgers. I know I’m going on, but one has to face the facts.
The team feel that, in a world where wine consumption among the under 34s is dwindling, this hoot of wine packaging, together with the quality of the wine must surely appeal to those unaware of the sheer delight of a casual wine, with casual food. Come on, Gen Z, give it a try. Margaret knows she doesn’t have to encourage the existing wine ‘enjoyers’ amongst Frost Magazine’s readers. They’ll be out at the supermarkets or ordering through Amazon or Ocado tomorrow.
Just read what Lucy Bearman, Wine & Champagne Portfolio Director for Pernod Ricard UK had to say: “With Greasy Fingers, we’re returning to the heart of wine, which is pairing it with food, but in a way that resonates with the next generation of wine drinkers who adore gourmet fast food**. We know that over a third of wine occasions centre around indulgent moments*** and we’re making that possible for everyone with this fresh and innovative wine launch.”
Greasy Fingers is available now in Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Morrisons, with e-commerce options through Ocado and Amazon.
I would like to begin with an apology, because the opera on which this review is based was fabulous but, unfortunately, if you haven’t seen it already then you have probably missed it. Keep reading, though, because there is still the rest of the programme to enjoy.
Florencia en el Amazonas by Daniel Catan – taking its reference from the works of Gabriel Garci Marquez, is sung in Spanish, and is a treat for the eyes as well as the ears. The puzzle is, if this beguiling opera first appeared in 1996, how has it passed me by? The singing is sublime and successfully marries first class puppetry and ballet; comedy and pathos. The scenery and puppetry immediately transport one to a tropical rainforest complete with animals: a monkey, a shoal of piranha fish, a crocodile are just some of the characters we meet on this journey up the Amazon, which rather contrasts with the miserable weather conditions that greeted my arrival at the cinema.
Miserable conditions in New York? Nope, for rather than crossing the Atlantic, I enjoyed this at my local cinema but that is the whole purpose of live streamed performances, of which Live from the Met is one of the best.
I would not pretend that the cinema experience is the same as sitting in the Met (or the Royal Opera House or La Scala). However, for the price of a cinema ticket around £18.00, you can feel as though you are sitting in the orchestra stalls or even on the stage itself. As you take your seat the audience in New York are taking theirs, and when the lights dim, that same feeling of anticipation manifests itself on a cold rainy December evening in the UK.
I had been invited to review three operas, and whilst making my selection I discovered another advantage. Thanks to the low cost and the proximity of the cinema to home, one can afford to be a little adventurous. My first selection was first staged at the Metropolitan Opera House 10 years ago so, I thought, if this was going to be revisited it must have merit. My second choice, the aforementioned ‘Florencia en al Amazonas’ was an opera completely unknown to me, but I could afford to take a chance, which is a luxury I can’t permit myself when the tickets are around the £200 mark. If priced lower, I am invariably sat somewhere close to the roof. (Please note this is not a criticism of the cost of tickets for the opera. When you see what is involved it represents value for money but is not an amount that I am willing to risk on an unheard-of (to me) opera.)
So, if you get the opportunity to experience, ‘Florencia en al Amazonas’ snap it up. Believe me, you will not regret treating yourself to a ticket. If, however, you are kicking yourself for missing this gem, check out what operas are still to be beamed live into a cinema near you.
The next opportunity to enjoy a ‘Live from the Met’ performance is on January 6th and it is the classic Verdi’s ‘Nabucco‘, an opera I last saw in Verona, I know it is one I will hugely enjoy – just as well it’s not too long a wait.
Sometimes the old traditions are the best aren’t they? And what’s more traditional than clutching a post-Christmas lunch Baileys whilst puzzling over your elderly uncle’s silent contortions, which apparently depict either a book, film, TV or song – AKA Charades of course. Personally I just love it, particularly after a second or perhaps third large Baileys. But what about the kids? After all Christmas is about the kids too, isn’t it?
Fear not, that marvellous games company, Cheatwell has produced a solution – Kids Charades. Staying true to the original game, the only real difference is that the categories are child-friendly and the category tokens are brightly coloured with easy to read numbers. How great, as it means that the kids can feel part of the fun too, and improve their reading, self-expression and confidence in the process.
Recommended ages are six and above (and that does include adults too). There are a choice of six categories on each card, ranging from very easy mimes such as ‘washing the car’ or ‘hamburger’ to the more challenging ‘The Wizard of Oz” or “Free Kick’ so even the younger children can find something they can mime. The rule book also includes tips on how to help the most junior family members join in, which is useful.
The game comes with three decks of category cards, a sand timer, dice, tokens to collect for each category and rules. The first team to guess a mime in all six categories wins.
Of course I had to road test this with my seven and four year old grandkids and I can confirm it is a lot of fun. Oh, and the grandkids enjoyed it too. The seven-year old did a great impression of a unicorn (I think you can imagine) and whereas the four year old’s portrayal of eating spaghetti was somewhat abstract, fortunately Grannie was able to make an inspired ‘guess’ due to the fact that she’d helped him to read the clue in the first place, but that didn’t seem to detract from his pleasure.
So I can really recommend this fabulous game, for Christmas day, kid’s parties or any family gathering. Whilst six-year olds could handle it easily with adults present, they’d probably need to be a little older to play it completely amongst themselves. Available from the Cheatwell website for £17 it makes a lovely stocking filler.
By Dr K Thompson, award-winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows
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.
Alcohol is a true preservative in so many ways, isn’t it? I’m not just talking about that jar of cherries in brandy which magically appears at Christmas. The history of a nation, its culture, a whole way of life is so often captured within a fine glass bottle. And no, these aren’t the ramblings of someone who’s already had a few drops too many, at least not on this occasion.
Wine of course is the best-known example – the taste and character reflecting the country, the very soil, the workers, their methods and the love with which it has been made and stored.
The different rums of the West Indies tell a whole tale within each bottle, as do the home-made Rakias of Bulgaria and Czechian Slivovitz.
But closer to home we have our own custodians of tradition. What stories of hardship and survival in the Scottish Highlands or the Lowland moors are stored within a bottle of malt whisky? So many differing choices – their individual tastes reflecting the region, the local peat, the casks in which they’re matured, the pure Scottish air and the struggles of the people themselves.
So I was super excited to discover a particularly special blend of malt scotch whisky – The Guard Bridge, created by Eden Mill. Even the names conjure memories of a distant time.
The Eden Mill story started in1655, when Robert Haig of Throsk was summoned before the kirk session for the crime of distilling whisky on the Sabbath, on the banks of the Eden Estuary. By the mid-1800s this same site was home to the Seggie Whisky Distillery until it closed and was replaced by a paper mill. But now Eden Mill are continuing the tradition in this unique location, which is responsible for the gentle, light character of their single malt, Eden Mill St Andrews, described as having accentuating notes of citrus, honey and delicate spices.
Eden Mill have gone one step further however. By blending their own malt with at least ten other single malts from across Scotland, including an 8 year old, they’ve created The Guard Bridge. It combines the sweet, grassy, floral profile of the Lowlands with the robust, barley-sweet and dried fruit notes of Highland whiskies. It’s described as creamy vanilla with barley sugar leading to mellow oaky spice and finishing with sherried fruit and light warm gingerbread. I can only agree with all of this, I found it simply delicious – many layers of flavour and very smooth.
Even the name reflects local tradition, inspired by the 15th century Guard Bridge, said to have been used by both pilgrims and St Andrew’s University students.
At £45.00 for a 70cl bottle in a beautiful presentation box The Guard Bridge would be a welcome gift for any devotee of malt whisky.
Unusually, Eden Mill also produces some rather good gins, using finest botanicals combined with traditional distillation techniques and modern innovation. I’m particularly impressed by their Passion Gin – a fusion of passion fruit, coconut and orange, which comes as a very attractive gift set with a beautiful hand-made candle for £45.
So I’m planning to have a very merry Christmas. How about you?
By Dr K Thompson, award-winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows
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.
