Category Archives: Life & Style

Great News: Yorkshire Venue Marsden Mechanics Joins Forces With Poet Laureate Simon Armitage and Band LYR To Bring New Cultural Events To Rural Communities

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Marsden Mechanics (https://www.marsdenmechanics.co.uk/) announces ‘Tenterhooks’; a community arts project led by Marsden-born Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, the band LYR and Marsden Mechanics – a large scale creative endeavour culminating in a day of celebratory performances and viewings to be held as part of ‘Cuckoo Day’ Saturday 26th April 2025.

Following the huge success of recent events at the venue which looked to the building’s history and its legacy to inform its latest series of live performances – providing rural communities the opportunity to experience high-quality concerts without coming up against cost prohibitive travel and accommodation – this latest venture embraces the same ethos, but is stepping up its ambitions with the additional goal of helping people within this rural community near Huddersfield to be actively involved in the creation of the next generation’s artistic and cultural heritage.

Poet Laureate Simon Armitage Photo credit. Paul Stuart Photography

Poet Laureate Simon Armitage was born in the rural Yorkshire village and, together with Marsden Mechanics, formed a plan to create the next phase in an ongoing endeavour to ensure that everybody should have the opportunity to access top calibre cultural and artistic events and experiences, no matter their location or financial status

Armitage will be working with the band LYR (of which Armitage is one of the three founder members) Marsden Mechanic’s Development Manager Jonny Kelly, and, vitally, the people of Marsden. The plan is to create a visionary project which invites the local community to take part in a series of creative storytelling events to uncover untold stories of Marsden and its rich heritage. Armitage will take these stories and develop a series of new poems. Then, alongside his bandmates Richard Walters and Patrick Pearson, will set poems to music.

These poems will then be returned to the community for interpretation, and local creatives will be supported by Marsden Mechanics in creating brand new art  – everything from songs to sculptures, literature to theatre; culminating in a day of celebratory performances and viewings to be held as part of  Cuckoo Day on Saturday 26th Apr 2025. The goal of which, is for Marsden’s collective voice to resonate in celebration of its past, present, and future.

“Marsden is in my blood and in my poems. It’s a modern village but one with a deep history, full of stories and myths, and the Tenterhooks project hopes to turn some of those memories, tales and legends of yesterday into the songs, tunes, paintings, writings and art works of today and
tomorrow.”  Simon Armitage

“For a village so small, Marsden’s influence on our national identity is nothing short of colossal. It’s a place that has always punched well above its weight. Tenterhooks is here to celebrate that past and look to its future. The desire to do this in such a collaborative way, was naturally driven by a collective desire to set the foundation for events and artistic endeavours that are inclusive for all community members. Connection and inclusion which encompasses the whole community are our core values and we are proud that we are continuing to help to contribute to this, not only to making our relatively rural location a more animated and vibrant place to live, but also a more compelling place to visit and to work in, which in turn strengthens and grows the community further.”  Marsden Mechanic’s Development Manager, Jonny Kelly

Top Tips for busting Perimenopause

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Top Tips for busting Perimenopause: from co-Founder of Valerie, Wizz Selvey.

These are some simple everyday tips that should be prioritised when you’re dealing with symptoms that sound like they might be Perimenopause. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may still be necessary for some people, but following these foundational strategies can help support added HRT, or help you on your way to leveling out a regular day to day.

1. Feel Strong
Overtraining, HIIT and excessive cardio will drain your natural energy levels, and deplete hormones, so focus on supporting your skeleton through resistance training. Pushing your body too hard will only increase cortisol production, which in turn can weaken your immune system. So focus on training smart, not hard.

In mid-life we should prioritise building strong bones and muscle around the joints, because of the hormonal fluctuations and the impact that has on bone health. A full-body gym (or home) strength routine that focuses on choosing a goal and slowly increasing the intensity over time gives all of your muscles a chance to rest and build strength; providing balance, flexibility, and support to your body and joints. Body-weight training is a good place to start, and there are some great beginner routines on YouTube or social media to follow along to at home.

2. Feed Your Body Right
Stay as close to ‘whole and natural’ as possible and have a full range of nutrients. Think about groups of protein, fat, and carbs. As our bodies age and hormones begin to fluctuate, our nutritional needs change too. The most common nutrient that women lack in mid-life is protein. Generally speaking, we should have at least 1 gram per 1lb of body weight just to manage our normal nutritional health. These protein requirements change with hormone fluctuations, infections, and other types of stress, depending on the person.

Understanding the role and basic principles of nutrition is never more important than as we transition through to menopause. Our bodies need fats (cholesterol) and protein (amino acids) to make hormones. It is important to make sure that whatever diet you follow, you are nurturing yourself with the correct amount of protein, fat, and carbohydrate. To manage Oestrogen really effectively it’s crucial to eat these as whole foods and both insoluble and soluble fibres; supporting a healthy gut microbiome.

3. Manage Everyday Stress
We all know it’s harder to cope, think and function at your best when you’re stressed, but this is amplified by fluctuating hormones. Try meditating (apps I recommend are: Calm, Headspace, Healthy Minds Program, and Smiling Mind – the last two are free.), focusing on diaphragmatic breathing, or some grounding practices like forest bathing, to bring you back down to earth. Or mitigate the stress before it starts to mount by keeping your environment toxin and clutter-free, phone-free time, trying some novel activities, and socially connecting in person.

Another way to decrease stress can be limiting your alcohol intake; because it is a stressor to the brain and body — and its impact is worse in Perimenopause stages. If drinking is on the cards, make sure you stay optimally hydrated with foods/electrolytes and take supplements to help support your liver and brain function (suggestions below).

4. Recharge Your Body and Mind
Sleep’s one of the hardest things to maintain when mid-life gets to you, but it is really important for your the brain and body to maintain a regular circadian rhythm by going to bed and getting up at the same time each day. As we age our Lymphatic System starts to slow, which is one of the reasons we don’t feel refreshed from sleep. One way to manually stimulate this is through diaphragmatic breathing.

Diaphragmatic breathing gets the Lymphatic system moving, but also works to relax the nervous system. Do your best to breathe through your nose in bed, as this will decrease the chances of sleep apnea, which can limit diaphragmatic breathing and create stress in the nervous system. These things act as a gateway for jaw clenching or grinding, that can further impede Lymphatic flow. 

Wearable devices can really kickstart your sleep routine, such as Oura, Sensate, and Whoop. Manual lymphatic techniques such as Body Brushing are also great ways to help improve your overall circulation. I always have a Herbal Tea before bed, and Pukka make a really great Nighttime Tea that I recommend to everyone.

5. Supplements
I know, supplements are a minefield, with endless options! As this field is not very well regulated, it’s really important to know what you’re looking for, read the labels and stay aware. 

Here are some key points to look out for when choosing a high-quality supplement:

What are the therapeutic effects? Find this by checking the dosing amount of ingredients in the bottle. 

What fillers and other potentially toxic compounds are included? These can diminish the benefit of the supplement. What else, besides what you need is in there?
What is included in the supplement to help manage your symptoms? Nutrients such as Magnesium, Vitamin D, Omega fatty acids, and Adaptogens are very important to have and perhaps best in a blend. 

Lastly, what’s the delivery method? (pills, liquids, sublingual etc.) The right delivery method is going to help the nutrients get to work as quickly as possible. Liposomal formulations (like Valerie’s liposomal product) really are the best to ensure quick absorption and assimilation or bioavailability.

EMILY IN PARIS Premium Ready-To-Drink Kir Royal Cocktail Launches in the UK

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Quintessential Brands have launched a delicious and stylish premium kir royale ready-to-drink cocktail, Chamère, in collaboration with EMILY IN PARIS. Created by executive producer Darren Star. Season 4 part two is on Netflix now.

Chamère 250ml can – RRP £4 per can. Available to order in a case of 12 x 250ml cans for £48 from neatandshaken.com

Chamère 200ml bottle – RRP £7.95 per 200ml bottle. Available to order in a case of 6 x 200ml bottles for £47.70 from neatandshaken.com

During Season 3 of EMILY IN PARIS, Emily tasted and loved the French cocktail kir royale and pitched it as an RTD to her agency clients. Consumers picked up on the idea of a ready-to-drink version of the French cocktail and the kir royale became one of the most searched for cocktails online, with consumers suggesting this could be the new Spritz, becoming an overnight viral sensation. 

The new Chamère ready-to-drink cocktail is 10.5% ABV and is available in cans and bottles in the UK.The 250ml can and the 20cl bottles feature the words ‘kir royal’ which is the French spelling of kir royale. The packaging was developed in collaboration with Paramount and Sunhouse Creative agency.

@chamere_emilyinpariswww.chamere-emilyinparis.com

Café Solo – A Taste Of Elegance – by Award-Winning Author Dr Kathleen Thompson

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With torrential rain battering my window and temperatures sinking fast, my thoughts are switching from chilled Chablis in the sun to something warmer and cosier. The usual suspects are great but I’m seriously excited to discover Café Solo. The clue’s in the name, meaning Just Coffee in Spanish.

As an amateur coffee aficionada I’m thrilled that this UK company majors on the quality of the cold brew coffee in this fabulous liquor. Consisting of 100% arabica beans and 80 plus speciality grade, it’s directly traded from Brazil and Colombia. You can also buy the coffee as a concentrate – cleverly combining high quality coffee with convenience.

Café Solo liqueur combines this fabulous coffee with premium vodka and natural sugar – that’s it. It’s described as a bold, rich flavour profile with hints of dark fruit acidity, chocolate, and vanilla notes, culminating in a subtle sweet finish. I can’t better this description and I can confirm it’s totally delicious. Warm, powerful, comforting, perfect for a cold dark winter evening, which will be with us only too soon. With an ABV of 25% the vodka packs a punch and the delicate sweetness blends perfectly with the rich coffee flavour. And this isn’t just my opinion, Café Solo Original achieved both Gold and Country Winner at the World Liqueur Awards 2024.

However there’s more. Café Solo recently launched their ready-to-drink Espresso Martini in a can. Usually I’m wary of canned alcoholic combinations but Café Solo Espresso Martini is pure joy. Made using Café Solo Original Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur, Premium British Vodka and SOLO Coffee Espresso Strength Cold Brew, you simply shake the chilled black-and-white can and pour, then enjoy a bar-quality 15% ABV martini – shaken not stirred and beautifully frothy. Such a clever idea.

So if you’re as excited as I am about these great new bevvies, give them a try.

Café Solo Original Coffee Liqueur RRP: From around £30 for a 70cl bottle. ABV: 25%. Available from Amazon and Drink Supermarket.

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://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.

Frank’s Closet at Wilton’s Music Hall, London reviewed by Paul Vates ‘…it is an example of crowd-pleasing theatre’

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It’s always a pleasure to visit Wilton’s Music Hall. Both decaying and salubrious in equal measure, the place reeks of history.

And none more so, when, early on in Frank’s Closet, Marie Lloyd springs out and sings The Boys of London Town – appearing on the same stage she actually performed on many years ago. This time it was Luke Farrugia as the Diva, in his first incarnation portraying Lloyd.

Luke Farrugia – the Diva – as Marie Lloyd

The eponymous Frank, played by Andy Moss, is about to get married to the man of his dreams, but he’s getting cold feet. First, he must rid himself of some iconic costumes from his life. These costumes represent the gay icons of his youth: Julie Andrews, Judy Garland, Agnetha Fältskog and more. Each character pops up, all played by the fantastic Farrugia. Frank mentally battles them all, more than ably assisted by his very own Greek Chorus of brilliant burlesque dancers – Patrick Cook, Taylor Watson-Braithwaite, Olivia McBride and Daniel Walford are the Gaiety Girls and they not only dance and sing, they look superb, too!

As the story unfolds, the songs – all by Stuart Wood – create vibes of other musicals. I bounced from Little Shop of Horrors, to Betty Blue Eyes, to Copacabana, to Avenue Q. The live band creates a genuine Music Hall feel and keeps the whole thing rolling along. The costumes are stunning, the set compact and neat.

Andy Moss – as Frank – with his Gaiety Girls

Director Sasha Regan has created a tightly-knit company who perform to exceptional standards. Andy Moss almost gets lost in the crowd as the colours and vibrancy of the show threaten to overwhelm him. My one question, though, is The Sailor… why is the character there? Has he got anything to do with Frank’s story?

Frank’s Closet has been around for quite a few years. It doesn’t appear to have found a natural home where it can settle down and become the cult it so promises to be. After all, it is an example of crowd-pleasing quality theatre.

Paul Vates.

Presented by Labdon MacLeod Barnes Union Theatre

Director Sasha Regan Choreographer Jo McShane Writer / Composer Stuart Wood

Images Mark Senior.

Musical Director Anto Buckley Designer Catherine Phelps Head of Wardrobe David Furnell

Running Time 2 hours – with an interval Dates until Saturday 14th September 2024 Ages 13+

Check with the theatre for show times Venue Wilton’s Music Hall, Graces Alley, London E1 8JB

Instagram @franksclosetshow X @frankscloset24

Box Office Tickets are available from: https://www.wiltons.org.uk

Mental health crisis faced by family carers 

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The growing mental health crisis faced by UK family carers revealed

  • The daily struggle faced by family carers looking after elderly relatives is fast producing a mental health crisis, according to new research from Home Instead 
  • A worrying 61% say their mental health is impacted by the burden of care they face
  • Stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia are now commonplace for millions as they juggle caring for ageing parents alongside their own families and careers
  • Nearly half of all family carers (42%) take prescribed medication to deal with mental health issues 
  • Home Instead has launched a campaign, What About You?, to spark debate on the health crisis faced by family carers 
  • A  hard-hitting film accompanying the campaign brings to life the health crisis facing this exhausted and stressed segment of society

The daily struggle faced by family carers looking after elderly relatives is fast producing a mental health crisis impacting millions of people across the country, new research reveals.

Almost two thirds (61%) of multigenerational carers say their mental health has been impacted by the issues they face supporting ageing parents and other family members. 65% of carers admit they struggle with their mental health generally. 

And nearly half (42%) of all family carers are now reliant on prescribed medication to cope with mental health issues. 

These are some of the worrying findings from new research conducted into the lives and lifestyles of the nation’s multi-generational carers and the basis for a new campaign from Home Instead, the UK’s largest provider of private home care, to highlight the intolerable burden they are under. 

This snapshot study of the state of the voluntary care sector – typically middle aged people attempting to look after their ageing parents while also working and looking after their own families – exposes a group dealing with unmanageable pressures. 

A lack of sleep contributes to mental health issues for carers, according to the research. 

Almost two thirds of carers (65%) say a lack of sleep has left them suffering with depression, stress, or anxiety. 49% using sleeping medication (occasionally or regularly). 

The mental health struggles faced by family carers impact every aspect of their lives including work and friendships. A staggering 75% says they are neglecting their careers and 58% feel they are letting employers down. 71% say they are not putting enough into work.

85% say they are neglecting friendships and 68% say they rarely see friends socially. 

Over half (57%) say trying to organise care for elderly relatives is one of the most stressful situations they’ve ever faced. 

Significant numbers of family carers self medicate with alcohol (23%) and illegal drugs (17%) to cope with the stress of their daily lives. Of those who struggle with mental health 32% receive therapy or counselling to cope.

There are an estimated 5 million plus people [1] providing unpaid care in the UK but they are given minimal support from the government or local authorities and so find themselves increasingly struggling, without understanding the other support available to them in the market. The problem is set to get worse as our ageing population grows – there are now more people aged 65 and over in England and Wales than children aged under 15. The number of people aged over 64 has surged by 20% over the past decade in England and Wales, to 11.1 million people. Nearly one in five people are aged over 65.[2] 

Key mental health stats at a glance: 

  • 65% struggle with their mental health
  • 31% feel they are at breaking point
  • 42% are on prescribed medication to cope
  • 65% say a lack of sleep has caused mental health issues

And for many, there is no end in sight – with some 39% saying they expect to be in this situation for more than five years.

Martin Jones, Home Instead CEO, said: “It’s heartbreaking, and indeed shocking, to see the level of stress many family carers are under. As a society we’re reliant on family carers to look after our increasingly ageing population – but this situation is unsustainable because many of the people we’re relying on are themselves struggling to cope.

“More must be done at a Government and policy level to ease the burden this segment of society is under or what is a bad situation will only get worse. Younger families get subsidised childcare and that is never questioned. 

“We need to think seriously about the introduction of an elder care allowance and to make sure more is done generally to help this group navigate the complex social care system.

“It’s impossible to think of a group that does more for less in this country than family carers – yet their wellbeing is almost entirely neglected.”

Concerned about the scale of the mental health problems facing this under-acknowledged group, Home Instead, which commissioned the study, launched the What About You? campaign to spark a much needed debate about the pressures this segment of society is under and what can be done to support them. 

Home care can provide much-needed respite to these under-pressure carers, restoring important family relationships that can suffer when somebody takes on a caring responsibility.

To accompany the campaign, the home care provider has commissioned a short, hard-hitting film, based on interviews with representative real life family carers. The film is an unapologetically raw exploration of what day to day life is like for millions of multi-generational carers across the UK.

The research was carried out by Savanta interviewing a sample group of 2,000 people from across the UK.  

The film and stills What About You? can be viewed and downloaded here. 

Elevate Your Skincare Routine with Elizabeth Grant Skincare’s Bestsellers

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Elizabeth Grant Skincare is a renowned luxury skincare brand known for its innovative and effective products. Founded by Elizabeth Grant herself, the brand’s origins date back to her personal quest for skincare solutions after suffering severe skin damage during World War II. Central to the brand’s success is its proprietary ingredient, Torricelumn™, a blend of natural sea vitamins, minerals, and proteins designed to rejuvenate and repair the skin. I have tried their Vitamin C Hydra-Moist Gold C High Performance Dark Spot Corrector Serum. It’s fantastic and makes a real difference to your skin. I also thought it was reasonably priced. Grab some now and look at the other products in the range.

Vitamin C Hydra-Moist Gold C High Performance Dark Spot Corrector Serum, £35.00

A highly concentrated, vitamin C Serum supercharged with Gold, Ferulic Acid and boosted with Torricelumn™ and time released to infuse fresh vitamin C into the skin all day and night. This high performance concentrated serum with Ferulic acid targets the appearance of fine lines, deep wrinkles, age spots, dull, tired looking skin and helps to revitalize, repair and rejuvenate the look of the skin.

Wonder Effect Night Wonder Concentrate, £44.00

A potent overnight treatment designed to transform the skin while you sleep. This concentrate combines the power of retinol, glycolic acid, and hyaluronic acid to deliver a comprehensive anti-aging and skin-renewing experience. Retinol helps to accelerate cell turnover, reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. Glycolic acid gently exfoliates the skin, removing dead skin cells and revealing a smoother, more radiant complexion. Hyaluronic acid provides intense hydration, ensuring the skin remains plump and moisturised.

Advent Calendars Have Just Become Much More Fun, Thank You Insight Editions – by Award-Winning Author Dr Kathleen Thompson

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I’m old enough to remember when Advent Calendars were two small sheets of cardboard stuck together. Every day my brother and I would open a numbered window in the glitter-covered top cardboard to reveal a small picture on the cardboard below – a star, an angel, and, on 24th December, the nativity scene and the promise of Christmas presents just one sleep away.

Now my grandkids enjoy chocolate versions of the stars and angels – a yummy treat each day before going off to school. However Insight Editions have taken advent calendars to a fabulous new level.

Whatever your child’s passion, Insight Editions probably have a themed advent calendar to suit, including Harry Potter and Disney’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. Books Are Magic is perfect for junior bookworms and adults haven’t been forgotten either – I was rather drawn to the Gilmore Girls calendar.

Each calendar looks like a beautifully illustrated A3-sized book, but when you open it, instead of pages, you discover 25 different-sized pockets inside, each displaying an attractive themed picture and a number. You know the rules – you open the correctly-numbered pocket each day from 1st December onwards. Some of the prizes are really great. I road-tested Christmas Town, based on The Nightmare Before Christmas, and in the interests of the review I broke all the rules and opened every single pocket at once (which was a lot of fun by the way). I’m now the proud owner of skeleton key rings, pencils, miniature themed cards, coasters, Christmas decorations and more. Some of the gifts were quite substantial, others were smaller, but that all adds to the excitement of the surprise.

At £26.72 from the Insight Editions website, these are very entertaining, and the gifts will last significantly longer than a small chocolate – and won’t damage your waistline either. Check out the large selection of different themes. Available from 3rd September 2024. Great for your kids, your friends (and you – treat yourself).

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.