Ted Hughes and Michael Dawson at King’s Hall back in the day…
The north’s longest-running literature festival, now in its 51st year, began on Friday 4 October. Around 90 events run across 17 days until 20 October at the King’s Hall and in venues across the spa town.
The first festival weekend features the former leader of the Green Party, Caroline Lucas, discussing whether we can reclaim ideas of Englishness from the cheerleaders of exceptionalism and nationalism in her event Another England, and former One Show presenter, Adrian Chiles, brings his idiosyncratic takes on British life to the King’s Hall, discussing his offbeat Guardian columns that gained him a cult following.
Award-winning slam poet – and self-confessed Michael Jackson mega fan – Vanessa Kisuule starts a conversation on the pleasures and perils of fandom and the costs of hero worship. Orwell-Prize winning journalist Paul Caruana Galizia discusses the assassination of his mother, the Maltese journalist and anti-corruption campaigner, Daphne Caruana Galizia, and his family’s quest for justice in his event A Death in Malta.
To date, 24 events have already sold out across the festival, including the opening event with Patrick Grant of the Great British Sewing Bee, as well as headline authors Theresa May, Gyles Brandreth, Dame Harriet Walter, Alan Hollinghurst and Miranda Sawyer.
Erica Morris, Ilkley Literature festival director, said: “We can’t wait to welcome readers and audiences to experience this wealth of incredible writers – novelists, poets, journalists, historians, political commentators, essayists, and children’s authors. We hope people will join in, be inspired, and enjoy a raft of contemporary ideas, debate, and discussion from ethics of AI to the history of Britpop.”
There is so much more to see, hear and … But no… For the full programme go to www.ilkleyliteraturefestival.org.uk – give yourself a treat and go. Enjoy!
As the nights get darker and Autumn draws in it’s the perfect time to curl up with a book. There is no book more perfect for a wintry evening than The Woodsmoke Women’s Book of Spells. Modern magic meets perfect prose. I read this in one day. It is an absolute masterpiece and one of my favourite books of the year. It incorporates magic in a modern way that feels natural.You will love meeting the Woodsmoke women as much as I did. An evocative and compelling story about lost love and the magic of coming home. Absolute perfection.
The Woodsmoke Women’s Book of Spells follows Carrie Morgan, who expects trouble when she returns to Woodsmoke after ten years. What she does not predict is the beautiful stranger who walks into her life with the first frost.
Cecilia Ahern also loved it: ‘It captivated me from the very first page. It reminds me of why I love writing and why I love reading. It’s magical and grounding at the same time, otherworldly and natural. I absolutely treasured it from beginning to end.’
Rachel Greenlaw grew up in North Cornwall, surrounded by wild moorland. She studied English with Creative Writing at Falmouth University before moving to the Scilly Isles. She is an expert on life on a remote island.
SHADE-Y PRACTICES: I LOST MY SUNGLASSES AND BECAME A VICTIM OF ‘CREEPY’ SMARTPHONE SURVEILLANCE
A real-life story shared with the cybersecurity company NordVPN highlights the growing concern around eavesdropping devices and how much our phones might be listening to us.
It comes following a leak involving one of Facebook’s marketing partners, which revealed how the social media giant allegedly listens in on conversations to tailor ads.
A Norfolk woman has told how she was bombarded with ‘creepy’ targeted ads online after she misplaced her favourite pair of sunglasses
Adverts promoting the same brand of shades appeared after speaking to friends and family in person and in private messages asking if they had seen them
As consumers become increasingly aware of these privacy concerns, NordVPN reminds consumers of the importance of understanding and managing smartphone permissions and settings
A Norfolk woman has told how she received ‘creepy’ targeted advertisements for the sunglasses she had just misplaced – despite only telling friends and family she had lost them.
Emily Thomson, 27, misplaced her Messy Weekend sunglasses at a family barbeque this summer but didn’t realise her search would reveal a disturbing truth about smartphone privacy.
Photo: Emily Thomson in her Messy Weekend sunglasses on holiday in Barcelona
She said: “I know they are just sunglasses, but they were my favourite pair. So I was feeling really annoyed at myself for not being more careful with them.”
Miss Thomson reached out to friends and family who had joined her at the beach. She talked to them in person, sent Whatsapp and Facebook messages, and made phone calls to see if anyone had spotted her lost shades.
Most importantly, she never searched online for new sunglasses.
But within days, she noticed sunglasses advertisements for the exact brand appearing on her social media feeds.
Miss Thomson, of Norwich, said: “At first, I thought it was just a coincidence but then I realised I had never searched for these sunglasses online. I had only talked about them in person and in private messages.”
The experience led Miss Thomson to suspect that her smartphone was listening to her conversations and using that information to target her with ads.
This practice, often referred to as “eavesdropping”, has been a subject of debate and concern among privacy advocates for years.
While tech companies have repeatedly denied using smartphone microphones to gather data for advertising purposes, many users remain sceptical.
Miss Thomson’s experience highlights concerns about digital privacy and the extent to which our devices may be monitoring our daily lives.
She added: “It’s creepy and slightly annoying. It felt like my phone was mocking me, as if to say ‘we’ve heard you lost your sunglasses, why don’t you just buy another pair’.
“It’s like you can’t have a private conversation anymore without it being used to sell me something.”
Photo: Emily Thomson, centre, in her Messy Weekend sunglasses with friends
As consumers become increasingly aware of these privacy concerns, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and managing smartphone permissions and settings.
Marijus Briedis, Chief Technology Officer at NordVPN, comments: “In today’s digital age, protecting your online privacy is more important than ever.
“Emily’s experience highlights the need for vigilance in managing our digital footprint.
“To safeguard your privacy, make sure to review and limit app permissions on your devices. Be particularly cautious with microphone and location access. Remember, convenience often comes at the cost of privacy.
“Regularly audit your social media privacy settings and be mindful of the information you share online. Even seemingly innocent details can be used for targeted advertising or more nefarious purposes.
“You can also encrypt your online communications and sensitive data by using a VPN service, such as NordVPN, when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks to prevent eavesdropping.
“Be wary of phishing attempts and suspicious links. Always verify the sender’s identity before clicking on links or downloading attachments, even if they appear to come from known sources.
“Use strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts and consider employing a password manager to keep track of them securely. Never use the same password for multiple accounts.
“By implementing these strategies, you can significantly increase your online privacy and security, ensuring that your digital life remains under your control — not in the hands of advertisers or potential cybercriminals”
I hear about magnesium all the time. From muscle aches to better sleep, it is having it’s moment. I decided to try Magnesium Water from BetterYou. I’m now a firm fan. Not only are they refreshing and taste great, but they also make me feel healthier. From hydration, focus and energy, there is a drink for that. I will definitely be drinking these again.
Award-winning British wellbeing brand BetterYou has long been recognised as the market leader in magnesium innovation. Their latest launch BetterYou® MagnesiumWater™, is designed to refresh, hydrate, and optimise mental and physical performance and wellbeing needs through the power of magnesium.
BetterYou magnesium drinks provide the optimal level of essential magnesium (180mg per serving) in a great-tasting recipe. The range includes:
Hydrate – A low-calorie citrus and botanical-flavoured Magnesium Water with added electrolytes to maximise magnesium absorption and rehydration. This drink can be enjoyed any time of the day.
Energy – Energising Magnesium Water with a B vitamin blend to support natural energy levels, flavoured with an uplifting blend of pomegranate and rhubarb. This drink is best enjoyed during the day to boost energy and help to optimise energy before or after a workout.
Focus – A functional magnesium drink with blueberry and mint extract, vitamin B blend and caffeine to support concentration. This drink works well for those looking to boost mental clarity and concentration throughout the day. It can also be helpful for those working long hours needing something to help refresh and support focus.
Added benefits: Electrolyte-rich • Low calorie • Naturally low sugar • No artificial sweeteners • Zero additives
BetterYou Magnesium Water RRP:4-pack (mixed flavours) £5.9712-pack £19.99 24-pack £34.99
BetterYou Magnesium Water is available online at betteryou.com, in Holland & Barrett stores/online, on Amazon and in independent health foods store retailers nationwide. According to the NHS, the amount of magnesium you need per day is:300 mg a day for men (19 – 64 years) 270 mg a day for women (19 – 64 years)
Expert opinion “Magnesium is a naturally occurring mineral essential for various biochemical reactions, from nerve function and muscle contraction to bone development,” says Dr Naomi Newman-Beinart, PhD. “It plays a vital role in converting food into energy, repairing DNA, and ensuring the regular function of the heart and lungs. It can also help to promote sleep, boost mood, support healthy bones, boost exercise performance, and relieve muscle tension.”
When it comes to skincare nothing is as important as SPF so I’m always on the lookout for a new one. This one from Elemental caught my eye. It’s SPF50+. Let’s take a look…
It’s time to get smarter with your skincare regime, with the latest launch from award-winning skincare and spa brand, Elemental Herbology.The Smart Screen SPF50 is a feathery-light SPF moisturiser, enriched with skin-loving vitamins including Provitamin B5 and Vitamin E, and highly protective ingredients such as Pollustop and Aquaceria to shield skin from every day sun damage, blue light from screens and environmental pollution.The vegan, silicone-free and fragrance-free formulation is perfect for all skin types for everyday use either as a lightweight moisturiser, or in addition to your current skincare routine.SmartScreen SPF50+ 50ml, £45.00, www.elementalherbology.com
Vitamin E & Provitamin B5: contains antioxidant properties to protect from free radical damage and pollution, while locking in hydration and strengthening the skin barrier. Anti-Pollution: contains the unique ingredient, Pollustop, to shield skin from damage and dullness caused by pollution, helping to maintain healthy, glowing skin. Blue Light Protection: creates a physical barrier between the skin and blue light rays using the ingredient Aquaceria to reduce oxidative damage and early signs of ageing including fine lines and wrinkles. Elemental Herbology is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and the five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. The new SPF is the latest member of the Fire Element, perfect for all skin types and use across all the elements. Each element is associated to a personality type, a season, colour, and even a taste and TCM informs us that each person has a unique balance of these elements. The Fire-dominant character is likely to be sociable, charismatic and often possess an infectious enthusiasm. They make great leaders and friends, but exert a lot of energy which, when out of balance, can leave them burnt out. This new SPF, and the rest of the Fire range aim to bring this back into balance, re-energising skin, body and mind.
The Danish government is determined to secure victory in the looming general election. Concentrating on the war on terror, the administration steps into an unexpected turn of events: Islamist terrorists take a Danish soldier hostage in an unknown undisclosed location.
Chaos threatens, enter Holger Berg, an expectional lawyer with an added bonus, he was a special forces soldier. Soon he is up to his neck in a nightmare. What is true? What is a lie? What is a threat, to him and his family – not to mention the honour he holds essential to life itself? Could the cost of trying to save his nation and its soldiers from the scurge of terror prove too high? Can he actually play the appalling game to the end?
I love thrillers; good, well researched pacey twisty thrillers. Frederick Forsyth comes to mind. Lee Child, (oh, give me a Reacher to escort me wherever I need to trek) and now Anders M Hansen. A mixture of politics, authenticity, a dollop of emotional intelligence so we care, and frankly, a darned good read. I was sorry to finish it, but glad to turn out the light earlier than I had over the last few days – why? Because I couldn’t bear to put it down. Now for some sleep.
King’s Gambit by Anders M. Hansen pb Biteback Publishing (One of my favourite publishers) £10.99
The awards, which launched in 2014, offer new television writers based in the North of England unique and career-changing opportunities.
The ceremony featured speeches from the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, Head of Partnerships and Skills at Channel 4, Kevin Blacoe, and CEO of New Writing North, Claire Malcolm.
Funded by Channel 4’s 4Skills, the awards are part of the Northern Writers’ Awards – New Writing North’s flagship writer development programme – and form part of Channel 4 and New Writing North’s Talent Development Partnership. Launched in 2022, the Talent Development Partnership aims to identify and support new writers, particularly those from backgrounds that are currently underrepresented in the television industry.
All three receive a package of support including a nine-month placement with either Bonafide Films (Mood; The Last Post), Red Production Company (It’s a Sin; Happy Valley) or Rollem Productions (Love Lies & Records; Girlfriends), alongside mentoring with an industry professional and a £3000 bursary.
Winner Rebecca Glendenning-Laycock, from Newcastle Upon Tyne, won the placement with Red Productions. To date, her work has been commissioned and staged by Live Theatre, Freedom Studios, and the Alphabetti Theatre.
Rebecca said: “I feel so excited and privileged to have won the Channel 4 Writing for Television Award with Red Productions. The opportunity to work and collaborate with Red Productions and develop myself and my work is truly incredible. I can’t wait to see where it takes me.”
Emily Low was awarded the placement with Rollem Productions. A performer, writer, and storyteller based in Tyne Valley; her first commission was staged at the Alphabetti Theatre this year, and she was selected to join the Live Playwriting community.
Emily said: “It means so much to me that New Writing North read my script and saw its potential as an original comedy drama. Before I won this award, I would watch brilliant shows on TV and daydream about what story I would tell if I ever got the chance. I feel very astonished and excited that I now have the opportunity to develop my own script with the wonderful Rollem Productions.”
Nana-Kofi Kufuor from Stockport was awarded the placement with Bonafide Films. A British-Ghanaian playwright and screenwriter, his work has featured at Leeds Playhouse and the Edinburgh Fringe. He has written for Hollyoaks, Waterloo Road and has been commissioned by Sky and the BBC to write original works, which lean towards social and political stories through a hyper surreal lens.
Nana-Kofi said: “Being able to work with Bonafide and Channel 4 will push my career to new heights. Having people there to help me focus and improve my craft is priceless. I am unbelievably grateful for this opportunity and cannot wait to get started.”
Kevin Blacoe, Head of Partnerships and Skills at Channel 4 said: “Congratulations to the incredible winners of this year’s Channel 4 Writing for Television Awards; they have all shown immense talent and creativity. 4Skills is proud to fund the awards and support new local talent. The placements and mentoring opportunities the winners have earned will undoubtedly open doors to set them on an exciting path in the world of television writing.”
Channel 4 and New Writing North have worked in partnership since 2014.
The awards have already launched the television careers of several writers, including Sharma Walfall, who has gone on to work on productions including Noughts and Crosses and A Town Called Malice, and Jayshree Patel, whose Hollyoaks episodes were submitted for a BAFTA.
Former winners of the award were also in attendance, including Taiba Ahmad, and mentors from the programme, such as the West Yorkshire actor and writer, Kat Rose Martin.
Will Mackie, Senior Programme Manager (Talent Development) at New Writing North, said: “The partnership between Channel 4 and New Writing North provides pivotal opportunities for screenwriters in the North. We are delighted to reveal three such gifted talents as Emily, Rebecca and Nana-Kofi as this year’s awardees and look forward to seeing them thrive during the exciting year ahead of them.
“The winners of the Channel 4 Writing for Television Awards will now have chance to work with three of the UK’s leading TV companies in Rollem Productions, Bonafide Films and Red Production Company. The dedication, innovation and expertise of our production company partners lies at the heart of what makes this programme so special. We are enormously grateful to Channel 4 and the brilliant 4Skills team for their ongoing support.”
The Northern Talent Partnership also delivers a year-round programme of activities and opportunities for new and emerging television writers in the North of England. It operates a Channel 4 Northern Talent Network, which features script hubs in Newcastle, Bradford and online, screenwriting events delivered by industry professionals, and online masterclasses.
An additional ten shortlisted writers from the Channel 4 Writing for TV awards will be offered placements on the Script Development Group, with a bursary, peer-group sessions with agents, writers and producers, and in-depth script feedback.
LPO Principal Conductor Edward Gardner – Photo: Jason Bell
The atmosphere in the packed Royal Festival Hall was electric. The orchestra assembled slowly but surely, taking their positions, warming up their instruments. Then, as if by magic, Edward Gardner appeared – and before he conducted the evening, he welcomed us like old friends.
The London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Edward Gardner
First – Samuel Barber. A twentieth-century composer from America. Crossing the divide between classical and contemporary. His 14-minute piece Medea’s Dance of Vengeance from 1955 was originally for a Martha Graham ballet based on Euripedes’ classic story. It is the climactic moment of the ballet and features a xylophone akin to Saint-Saëns’ Danse macabre. The piece itself reaches a climax that makes the spine tingle.
The London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Edward Gardner with soprano Joyce DiDonato
The buzz in the auditorium hadn’t quite died down when Gardner returned with the special guest of the evening: soprano Joyce DiDonato. She has performed on opera stages and with opera companies all around the world – and was gracing us with a performance of Hector Berlioz’s The Death of Cleopatra written in 1829. This 20-minute cantata is a soliloquy, the Egyptian Queen resolving to commit suicide on hearing about her consort Mark Antony’s defeat in battle. It is dramatic and powerful. Towards the end, she clearly acts out the snake biting her arm as the music envelops her. A child behind me whispered, ‘Is she going to die?’ As if to answer her, the double basses become her heartbeat and they grow in strength, then slow down. They recede in volume and pace until there is silence. Superb.
The second half of the evening was a performance in full of Beethoven’s Symphony No.3 in E flat major – or Eroica to lesser mortals. Written between 1803 and 1805, it was for and inspired by the young Napoleon Bonaparte. Once Bonaparte declared himself Emperor, Beethoven removed the man’s name from the head of the score as Napoleon’s actions didn’t chime with his libertarian stance.
The London Philamonic Orchestra conducted by Eward Gardner
Even though this was an inspiring and uplifting evening, it is only the start of the LPO’s 2024/25 Season. It also launches Moments Remembered, the theme running throughout the concerts and exploring the crossroads of music and memory. To come, a vast range of events at various venues around the country. Check out their website for details – https://lpo.org.uk/whats-on/
