Crisis by Nicky Perfect – a triumph. Reviewed by Natalie Jayne Peeke West Country Correspondent

‘We had been there for over 12 hours. The man was still 30 feet up a tree, balancing on a branch directly over one of the main railway lines out of one of the busiest train stations in the country. He refused to talk to us, threatening to jump if we came too close. To him, we were the enemy. My job was to preserve his life.

The most dangerous time in any negotiation is when you think you’re winning.’

From kidnappings to terrorist incidents, violent armed stand-offs to talking someone back from the ledge: all these make up the day-to-day life of Nicky Perfect’s job as a crisis and hostage negotiator.

One of the first on the scene in situations that most would run from, Nicky is deployed to defuse the most volatile and fraught situations imaginable.

After a decade on the frontlines, confronting the extremes of human behaviour, these are the stories and cases that have shaped a career spent on high alert, where life often hangs in the balance. It’s about finding yourself and following your passion, and of a life lived to help others.

Review

This book is sensational. I will warn you that once you’ve started you will struggle to do anything else until you have finished. Nicky starts off with her early career and as the book progresses so does her experience, it is amazing to be taken on that journey with her. The other thing that struck me was Nicky’s compassion and understanding, her wish and desire to help people on the worst day of their lives.

With Crisis, Nicky also shares her personal thoughts and emotions, I felt like I knew her once I had finished it. I didn’t, I knew her story. I took it upon myself to follow Nicky on social media, and I am so pleased I did , for she shares weekly tips which really have helped me. Nicky Perfect is an impressive woman and I recommend this book to everyone. If you enjoyed Fighting For Your Life by Lysa Walder and The Prison Doctor by DR Amanda Brown then you need to add Crisis to your reading collection.

Crisis by Nicky Perfect. Pub Harper Collins. £8.99 for paper back.

eBook and audio are also available.

 

 

Chris Pulham, Railway Artist supreme, talks to Frost Magazine as she prepares for her exhibition in Bedale

Chris Pulham’s railway paintings bowled me over as I toured the model railway exhibition held in the  Thirsk Town Hall recently, so obviously I had to pin down this extraordinarily talented woman: why railways?

Readers, I found her and, as with many of us, Chris has liked steam locomotives since she was a small child. For her, it meant she was going somewhere exciting. So, jumping to adulthood we find Chris held true to this interest, which was as well for Rob had entered her life, and he was also an aficionado of steam railways. Off the pair of them would go – to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway – and watch the trains go by,  probably waved at the driver, and certainly, as she said, smelt the smoke, and  hot oil. Even as she said this, I could see and smell the trains myself. So evocative; and wonderful that these glorious steam trains have been saved by enthusiasts, and what’s more, transferred to stretch canvas by Chris Pulham.

Chris has been painting and drawing for as long as she remembers, though to begin with, it was horses. She continued painting once she was working full time, but after seeing Sir Nigel Gresley come out of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway shed following his overhaul. she shifted her attention to railways.

Chris had taken photos of Sir Nigel Cresley, and used these to paint Sir Nigel’s portrait in oils. Rob, of course, loved it, and commissioned many more…  (There are now the most magnificent steam engine paintings festooning the house). It transpired that it was indeed fortunate that  Chris had developed this love of a particular subject as life a took a tricky turn when ill health dealt her a blow, and full-time work became an impossibility for some years. So, art became central to her life – a lifeline if you like.

Wakefield Shed

I was curious to know which was Chris’s favourite painting, and it transpires that it is a scene at Wakefield Shed, showing an ex LNER B1 locomotive called Harry Hinchcliffe – named after a LNER director. She included 2 schoolboys peering in to see if the foreman was around. She used the boys to emphasise the size of the engine. It is her favourite because she used Rob as a model for the boys.

Though Chris started her artistic career using oils, she became allergic to turpentine and switched to acrylics. Adjustment took a while as oils stay wet and pliable on the canvas and colours can be blended easily. Acrylics, on the other hand, dry almost immediately once brushed onto the canvas, and can’t be wiped off if mistakes are made. So, nothing daunted, Chris developed her own acrylic techique, and used a bacon box and pump spray to keep the paint moist, enabling her to apply many layers of paint to achieve the depth of colour she required. Atta girl.

So, there we are: Chris had sorted her painting materials, her illness was behind her, and though she volunteered with the Guild of Railway Artists for a while, art is now her sole focus.  Where can people see her work?

Chris is will be at the Village Hall, Station Road, Newton-le-Vale, Bedale, Lower Wensleydale, DL8 1SP for her exhibition RAILWAYS ON CANVAS. 9th and 10th September – 10am  – 4pm. Free Entry with refreshments  in aid of Breast Cancer Now.

I implore you to go along. Her work is fabulous.

Let’s leave the last word to Chris Pulham: ‘I hope to continue painting well into my dotage, with perhaps one or two exhibitions along the way. I’m thinking I may paint other subjects from time-to-time. I quite fancy painting wild life. There is certainly a lot to inspire me living in the Dales.’

www.chrispulhamrailwayartist.co.uk

 

Neom Organics Bath Milk -Relaxation Has Just Reached A New Level – by award winning author Dr Kathleen Thompson

I’m feeling rather smug at the moment, having just returned from trekking in the Bulgarian mountains – lovely forests and fabulous wild-life, plus a rare excuse to stuff myself guilt-free with carbohydrates. However, since my return, every single muscle has been screaming accusations at me every time I try to move.

So what a great time to give those poor muscles some love and try out Neom Organics’ newly released Perfect Night’s Sleep Bath Milk. And I’m so glad I did – in fact my limbs have almost forgiven me, with the proviso that I never abuse them like that ever again.

But what’s so special about Neom Organics Bath Milks? Well, pretty much everything. Neom Organics was founded by Nicola Elliot, whose long hours as a journalist were leaving her permanently exhausted. She retrained as an aromatherapist and started creating fabulous aromatherapy-based products aimed at improving her own wellbeing and that of her family – now she is sharing the love with us.

So what’s her secret? Well she creates 100% natural fragrances using only the purest possible essential oils, blended with organic oils.

Not only do these two new Bath Milks smell amazing – I can vouch for that, having almost fallen asleep in my luxurious bath, but they also contain nutrients to benefit and relax your aching muscles and feed your skin.

Perfect Night’s Sleep Bath Milk treats us to Lavender, Chamomile, Patchouli, Jasmine, Sweet Basil, Lavandin and Cedarwood (are you beginning to see why it was so hard for me to pull the plug out and get dressed?). This blend not only smells amazing – so many different layers of beautiful perfumes – but these particular essential oils are known to help better sleep, reduce stress, boost energy and lift mood.

And if you’re desperate for a destress – check out Real Luxury Bath Milk – with a different great blend of aromatherapy oils including Jasmine, Sandalwood and Clove Bud.

But that’s not all – oh no – these Bath Milks are also infused with magnesium which has a direct effect on tired muscles – relaxing and preventing cramps, plus organic jojoba, argan and olive oils which are packed with antioxidants and vitamins to soothe and smooth your skin and Aloe Vera too, making your skin even softer and smoother. My skin felt and looked great afterwards and my muscles were so relaxed that I’m almost tempted to sign up for another mountain holiday (but please don’t tell them).

So do give these amazing Bath Milks a whirl – your body will truly thank you and you deserve it. Launch Day is 1st September 2023, when you can buy both of these on the Neom Organics website and at major retailers, RRP £40 for a nice 300 ml bottle.

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.

Project Greenfingers by Alex Bannard Wellbeing and Wellness editor

Last year a psychic told me I loved gardening, not to mention dirty hands covered in soil. This couldn’t have been further from the truth – my garden was, quite frankly, like the Day of the Triffids with head high weeds dominating  the space the trampoline didn’t monopolise. Gardening felt like housework and it was the one mindful activity I just couldn’t embrace.

But his words had sown a seed:

I had  been exploring a more Ayurvedic approach to life and menopause. Ayurveda is the sister science of yoga, steeped in ancient tradition, and is recognised by the WHO as one of the oldest medical systems. It’s a beautifully holistic, whole-body approach to physical, mental & emotional wellbeing, with herbs an essential part of Ayurveda: cooking with them, herbal teas & infusions, herbal tinctures for specific aliments.

I am also increasingly drawn to natural surroundings, and the seasons. I began to admire those living more self-sufficiently,  perhaps even off the grid. In fact I discovered someone in Melbourne who had been off the grid and self-sufficient for 15+ years and  felt inspired. After all, if it could be done in the middle of a city surely/maybe I could do the same in the Vale of Evesham.

So I decided to plant a small herb garden & Project Greenfingers was born.

I was mindful that a small herb garden was a realistic start. It wasn’t plain sailing as my Percy Thrower-ess is severely limited: I bought marjoram instead of oregano, then potted & unpotted mint only to discover it was sage. There were many other comedy moments.

I bought  house plants for some much needed interior greenery.  The kids began to think I devoted more time to the plants than to them as each day I dreamed of how I could extend the transformation of the garden.

Then one day, completely out of the blue one of my neighbours asked if I wanted some sleepers and top soil. I hadn’t anticipated my dream would manifest so quickly but 2 days later my son and his best mate transported it all around the block. I piled on manure to fertilise it and bought packs of wild flower seeds which I scattered on top. Suddenly I was being given all sorted of plants, sunflowers, pumpkins, squash, courgette, tomatoes, more herbs.

It’s all higgledy-piggledy and very random but I have loved every minute of creating, planting and getting my hands dirty. I have watered and nourished my plants, watching them blossom and bloom.

I had no idea when I embarked on Project Greenfingers how quickly it would evolve and how much I would truly enjoy creating a more natural haven in our garden. It had not – ever – occurred to me that I would be a participant in the joy of creation, but indeed I was, and grateful beyond measure for the seed of inspiration the psychic shared.

Alex is a yoga teacher, mindfulness coach & menopause mentor & you can find out more about her antics on my socials or blog:

Website: alexbannard.com

For free resources check out:

Facebook group: Mindfulness & Yoga for Self-Care: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MindfulnessYoga4Relationships

YouTube channel: https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCQlKZJ7MeyYc6lqkv6seISw

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexbannard/

Geomag –Educational Toys Which Are Way Too Much Fun – by award winning author Dr Kathleen Thompson

Are you reaching that point where getting the kids back to school sounds more tempting than you care to admit? You’ve gone through your list of fun things to do and it’s starting to look a little threadbare.

‘Oh not that again Mum?’ ‘I’m bored’ ‘What can we do?’ – Striking any chords?

Well if you haven’t discovered Geomag yet, this could be the answer to your prayers. In fact these toys are such fun for all ages that I’m sorely tempted not to share.

Like most of the best toys, they’re simple but clever. Magnetic brightly-coloured plastic rods and metal balls, with variously-shaped bases – that’s it.

But what fun – the magnets are powerful, making it really easy to construct all sorts of stable buildings -from houses and towers to pyramids – even a dodecahedron (yes I had to look that one up too).

You can also use them on a flat surface to make stick men, flower shapes and stars – the only limit is your imagination. This means that kids from 3yrs upwards can enjoy them at different levels – and this includes big kids too, did I mention that I just can’t stop playing with them?

But there’s more – they’re also great for helping school age kids with STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths). You can build all sorts of geometric shapes in either 2 or 3 dimensions and these toys help kids understand magnetic polarity – if you try to attach two positive ends together you’ll see what I mean.

I personally love the Supercolor set with brightly-coloured rods. The 42 piece set is perfectly big enough for hours of fun and makes a great introductory set, although larger sets are available too.

If kids are looking for something a bit different the Glow set pieces contain natural plant minerals which absorb sunlight and then start to glow – fun for night-time.

The sets come with small storage boxes which mean they take up almost no room at home and are really easy to take on journeys. The other big plus of the magnets, is that individual pieces are less likely to fall – thus avoiding the ear-piercing screams and demand that you stop immediately on the motorway and retrieve pieces from the car footwell (or is that just my painful memory?)

You can add to the sets too, with lots of different selections suitable for different age groups.

You’ve probably noticed, I simply love these. If you want to grab some for the rest of the holidays check out the links below but you’d better hurry – there’s a serious risk I’ll be buying out all supplies myself. Well I am in the middle of building a rather impressive space craft.

Geomag Supercolor 42 Piece, £29.99 from ToysRUs.co.uk

Geomag (329) Glow 42 Piece Set £19 from Amazon

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.

Dumbledore Is SO Gay at Southwark Playhouse, London reviewed by Paul Vates, Drama Critic “A great show – fun but slightly frivolous”

Fancy seeing a show that’s gloriously uplifting and very funny? You couldn’t go far wrong than this one: Dumbledore Is SO Gay – do have fun stressing the ‘so’ – which is a look into the world of Jack. He’s a fan of Harry Potter, suffering teenage angst and, on top of it all, coming to terms with the fact that he’s gay. Could things be any more frustrating?

The play is short, just over an hour long. There’s a stunning cast of three actors playing all the parts and, for Rowling fans, there are plenty of references to the books and films (albeit with a couple of spoilers, just in case you haven’t read/seen them all…)

Alex Britt plays Jack, full of energy, sincerity and joy. He is joined by Martin Sarreal and Charlotte Dowding in this madcap scenario. All three have a blast in their parts, fizzing the story along at a blistering pace. Look out for Charlotte’s swimming – hilarious upstaging, but worth it! It can’t be a coincidence that there are two men and one woman on stage here as the main protagonists – just like at Hogwarts!

Directed by Tom Wright, simplicity is the key here – letting Robert Holtom’s script and the performers do the rest. I specifically enjoyed the subtle soundtrack music by Peter Wilson.

In style and vigour, the production puts me in mind of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. But here, the two shows differ. Curious Incident is a full-length theatrical event and makes Dumbledore feel a little on the small side, a play that rushes to get everywhere and touch all the bases as fast as it can when, perhaps, it should slow down and take its time. The emotional scenes hit just as hard as the comic, but could the levels of Jack’s self-identity and his relationships with family and friends be explored more in depth? It is performed in the ‘first-person’, mainly as reportage and commentary – whereas some longer, deeper scenes would not go amiss.

Dumbledore Is SO Gay is a great show – fun but slightly frivolous. I think it should take itself a little more seriously. I want to know more about Jack and his world; so, although I had a good time, I do feel short-changed. This production was performed in 2020 at VAULT Festival and at The Pleasance Theatre the following year – it is obviously growing in confidence and power. It is going to keep evolving. Hopefully, I’ll be able to see a full-length exploration of Jacks’ amazing story – in the West End and on tour very, very soon…

Photography David Jenson

Producer Hannah Elsy Productions

Production Mgmt Harry Fernley-Brown for New Wolf Productions

Director Tom Wright

Movement Director Rachael Nanyonjo

Set and Costume Natalie Johnson

Running Time 75 minutes (no interval)

Dates until Saturday 23rd September 2023

Monday to Saturday at 8pm

Tuesday & Saturday Matinees at 3.30pm

Venue Southwark Playhouse, 77-85 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BD

Tickets https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/dumbledore-is-so-gay/

or Telephone – 020 7407 0234

Age Guidance 14+

Content Warning Homophobia, strong language, sexual references and themes of racism,

suicide, and sexual assault.

Instagram @swkplay

Twitter @swkplay

Facebook @SouthwarkPlayhouse

Goodness – Joffe Books has news of Awards plus new books… read on.

A cracking book of the week from Joffe Books – The Widow’s Boyfriend by E.V. Seymour – a new unputdownable psychological thriller with a breathtaking twist — THE WIDOW’S BOYFRIEND is out now for just £0.99 | $0.99*. This is a special launch price:   Verity’s widowed mother has been secretly dating a man she met online. Verity should feel pleased for her but she can’t help doubting his intentions. Then a dead bird and surveillance photos are delivered to her mother’s front door and Verity’s suspicions are confirmed — but can she prove it.

Now for my own pick of the week from Joffe’s offerings this week.

                                     

Rather a Vicious Gentleman by Frank McAuliffe @  £0.99/$0.99

This is a classic spy thriller full of twists from the pen of master writer, McAuliffe, who died in 1986. Do read this, it’s a steal at the usual  £0.99/$0.99

Augustus Mandrell aims to commit the ultimate ‘locked room’ murder. His plan is perfect . . . but even the best-laid plans can go awry.  With the guards onto Mandrell, he must think of a new plan — and quick. He’s found a way in. Now he must find a way out.

Plus another favourite author of mine: the fabulous Simon Brett with The Complete Mrs Pargeter Cozy Crime Mysteries 1 – 8  @ £0.99/$0.99

‘Murder most enjoyable.’ Colin Dexter     ‘Like a little malice in your mysteries? Some cynicism in your cozies? Simon Brett is happy to oblige.’ New York Times.

Now for a couple of Choc Lit newbies.  Remember there are more on Joffe Books website

                                      

Morton S. Gray’s ( a lovely author) The Truth Lies Buried  is a romance full of mystery @ £0.99/$0.99

Jenny is instantly drawn to widower and sculptor Carver Rogers — but is it his handsome good looks or their shared twenty-five-year history?  Now they’ve found one another, can they solve the decades-old mystery? Perhaps they can find a way to move on from their pasts . . . together?

Meet me on the Buddy Bench by Hannah Pearl is a love story that will pull on your heartstrings. £0.99/$0.99

Could a serendipitous meeting change the lives of two lost souls?   Ava didn’t expect to meet the perfect Dr Sam at the buddy bench. Is their memorable encounter a one-off, or could the pair become so much more?  Ahhh, me to know, you to find out.

Now for a new one from LUME – a box set for only £0.99/$0.99

The Warwyck Saga by Rosalind Lake. Three historical tales of love, loss and family. Set in the seaside resorts of Victorian England, this evocative historical romance trilogy follows the Warwyck family through three generations. ‘One of the genre’s leading lights.’ Kirkus Reviews.

Anyone for some Lovely Award News? Thought so – drum roll.

RNA WINNERS — KATY TURNER AND SALLY JENKINS-  two of Joffe Books incredible authors – took home a clean sweep of awards at the annual Romantic Novelists’ Association (RNA) Conference. And let’s not forget  congratulations are due to Katy Turner for winning the Joan Hessayon Award for New Writers with her novel LET’S JUST BE FRIENDS, and congratulations also to Sally Jenkins for winning the Elizabeth Goudge Award for her one-thousand-word opening for a novel on the theme: Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder.

Hang on, not finished yet, the good news keeps on coming: 2023 NGAIO MARSH AWARDS Blood Matters by Renée is a finalist at the Ngaio Marsh Awards 2023 for Best Novel, with this fascinating New Zealand crime novel. Have you visited Porohiwi and discovered all its secrets? Why not discover Renée’s award-winning crime fiction today for just £0.99/$0.99.

Which seems to make it a ‘wrap.’ Great news all round, and more fabulous books at Joffebooks.com   https://www.lumebooks.co.uk/

 

 

 

 

Bottega Veneta – Quiet Luxury From Perfume Direct – by Dr Kathleen Thompson

According to my favourite on-line perfume store, Perfume Direct, Quiet Luxury is rocketing in popularity. It’s all about subtlety and choosing timeless quality products.

So what does Quiet Luxury mean for perfume? Well think refined and understated – perfumes which exude sophistication without being overtly flashy – a shift from ostentation to nuanced and discerning, they subtly say ‘confident class’. Sounds good eh?

 But what makes a Quiet Luxury perfume? Well firstly it’s superior ingredients. Luxury perfumes often incorporate higher concentrations of natural, rare, and exotic ingredients whereas cheap perfumes tend to use synthetic or less costly raw materials. Secondly it’s about skill. Luxury perfume houses employ skilled perfumers and olfactory artists who blend and balance aromatic notes which can even evoke specific emotions. Finally the hallmark of a high-quality perfume is longevity and projection. Luxury perfumes contain higher concentrations of aromatic compounds, creating a potent and long-lasting scent. The quality of ingredients, careful formulation, and meticulous blending produce perfumes which make a lasting impression.

 But how to choose? What I love about Perfume Direct is they make it easy for you. They’re a UK company who, through their extensive purchasing network can offer genuine products at the best price and importantly their website provides oodles of information to help you choose. I’ve mentioned their Perfume Direct Guide to Fragrances before. The Fragrance Wheel explains perfume categories – Floral, Woody, Oriental etc – just choose the scent you like then search Perfume Direct by that category. The Strength Guide explains how long each perfume will last.

They’ve even picked out some great Quiet Luxury perfumes for you, some of which are pictured below. I particularly like Bottega Veneta – it means Venetian Artist’s Studio – doesn’t that just embody the ethos of Quiet Luxury? But as Frost Magazine hasn’t the technology to allow you to smell for yourself yet, let’s do the next best thing and borrow Perfume Direct’s expert description for you:

The Bottega Veneta fragrance type is Chypre (citrus/rose/jasmine) and Floral. It was inspired by an Italian house in a leafy, quaint countryside, watching nature unfold through an open window as the soft Spring breeze dances in and out. The fragrance has blended notes of Italian bergamot, brazilian pink pepper, indian sambac jasmine, oak moss, patchouli and indian patchouli, with a distinct leather accord in the trail.

How evocative is that? And if you’re tempted, It’s currently on sale at £59.99 from Perfume Direct. Or check out one of their other suggestions below – you won’t be disappointed.

 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.