I do despair during my weekly supermarket shops these days. Why do they all seem bent on offering an infinite assortment of poor quality, processed, pretend food. There, I’ve said it. I saw a recent TV programme, demonstrating how ‘ham’ can be formed by mincing the worst scraps of animal parts, mixing with numerous chemicals and holding the whole thing together with ‘meat glue’. Apologies if you’re having lunch dear Reader, but seriously, our grandmothers would be turning in their graves. They may not have had a lot of spare money, but they knew how to cook proper meals for their family, using real vegetables, and, when finances allowed, some real meat too.

So, I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again, thank goodness for Tracklements. As regular readers will know only too well, this Wiltshire-based family company creates quality food by hand in small batches, using proper, honest ingredients, mainly sourced from English farms and small businesses – just like Grandma used to make.

So it’s always a guilty pleasure to road-test their inspired creations, and their latest, Tracklements NEW Special Edition Sweet Carrot & Pink Peppercorn Relish, is no exception. How do they think up such innovative, delicious and healthy ideas? Although called a relish, Tracklements describe it as a clever twist on a traditional Bengal pickle. The ingredients make my heart sing – naturally sweet, earthy carrots (57%), Bramley apples, cider vinegar, raw cane sugar, garlic, ginger, coriander seeds, pink peppercorns, sea salt and red chillies – simply pure good food and the taste reflects this – a crunchy sweetness, from real fruit and vegetables with raw cane sugar, balanced by the subtle heat of just enough chilli and peppercorn, plus liberal complementary spices for the most amazing flavour. It’s vegan and gluten-free too.

Tracklements suggest this as a perfect accompaniment for an Indian meal, but it’s just as perfect with a ploughman’s so, wherever the mood takes you, make sure you take this great relish with it.

This would make a super special treat for Mother’s Day – either a gift, or for the celebratory lunch (so you can enjoy it too). But frankly, at just RRP £3.95 for a generous 200g jar, spoil mum and yourself – you both deserve it.

Tracklements NEW Special Edition Sweet Carrot & Pink Peppercorn Relish is available from fine food delis and farm shops nationwide and online at at www.tracklements.co.uk. By Dr K Thompson, award-winning 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.

A Toast to Treachery: a new dp Publishers novel: cozy small-town woman sleuth mystery (The Tea Leaf Mysteries Book 4) by J. New  Kindle Edition A wedding full of secrets. A family in turmoil. And a murder that only the glorious Lilly Tweed can unravel in the latest Tea Leaf Mystery.

Lilly, a former Agony Aunt, purveyor of fine teas, and accidental sleuth is hired to organise and cater a local wedding. She sees it as the perfect chance to expand The Tea Emporium into events. But as the bride’s family step back from responsibilities, one by one, Lilly finds herself taking on far more than she had bargained for. Thankfully, a friendly café owner steps in to help with the food. All seems to be going so well – the wedding rehearsal brings nothing more alarming than spilled wine and tense family bickering. But the big day ends – not in celebration… but murder … Read on, I beg you. £1.99 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GL7JSLYC/

Secrets of Burnham House | The gripping historical mystery in the regency era (The Sinclair Mysteries Book 1) by Bethany Swafford.  Kindle Edition

She entered Burnham House to find the truth. But behind every locked door lies another lie … The first book of the captivating historical whodunit series set in Regency England. London, 1816. Juliet Sinclair was raised a lady—but whispers of treason stain her family name, so, posing as a servant, she steps into the shadows to clear it. She enters Burnham House, opulent house of her father’s associate, with a false identity and a singular mission: uncover the truth behind the allegations that destroyed her family. But so much is not what it seems – vanishing servants, locked doors, and … Nope, read it, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. @ £0.99 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GQCCN6BR/

A Turn In Time: A time-travel romance in the Highlands (The Bridge Through Time Series Book 5) Kindle Edition by Jennae Vale, (fabulous image) Torn from the man she loves, she must choose between the past that betrayed her and the stranger who may hold her future … A spellbinding Highland time-travel romance filled with forbidden love, betrayal, and second chances

Summoned by his father to return home immediately, Dougall MacRae knows he cannot leave without his beloved Helene. He asks her to marry him and accompany him back to Castle Treun unaware that his father has plans for him to wed another in an attempt to strengthen clan alliances. He can keep Helene as a mistress, but not as his wife. Helene has lived her whole life at Breaghacraig and has left it all behind to marry Dougall. She refuses, however, to remain at Castle Treun as his mistress. Fleeing in the dark of night she pleads aloud for someone to help her and, strangely, she is engulfed in a thick fog and when it clears she finds herself in the year 2016 in San Francisco. Intriguing? I should say so. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GHMXLGG1/ @ £0.99

Milly Adams is the author of the ever popular Waterway Girls series @ £5.97 for all three https://www.amazon.co.uk/Waterway-Girls-British-friendship-resilience-ebook/dp/B0FRN1JWMF/

Content warning: there is audience participation and magical peril. Watch this production at your own risk!

However, it is very funny. Rufus Hound (who I last saw co-starring in a national touring production of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, either on its way to the West End or fresh from it – can’t remember) is so affable and watchable, it’s amazing we don’t see more of him. Especially on tv.

Rufus Hound

Yet, in the intimate Palace Theatre, he holds this solo show together. And it’s all about magic, illusion and mesmerism. A full-on, large-scale magic show that has wit, improvisation and topicality thrown in for good measure.

It seems odd to have to say that I can’t really explain what happened during the show. There should be no spoilers! However, it’s enough to know that Rufus recently discovered that his estranged grandfather was a touring showman called The Mesmerist. Gaining access to all the props and instructions, he has recreated what the show would have looked like with the assistance of consultant magician Scott Penrose. So this is his take on his grandfather’s show.

Rufus as The Mesmerist

Overall, I do think there just needs to be a tiny bit more showmanship about the illusions. Many times the audience were unsure whether to applaud at the trick’s climax, or whether there was more to come. We so desperately wanted to appreciate him and we needed guidance with a few more ‘Ta-Daas’. It’s a lovely production and certainly one that will have audiences discussing it long after they have left the theatre.

Rufus Hound pictures Ross Kernahan

Poster Design Watford Palace Theatre

Writers Maheni Arthur, Georgia Crowther, Lancelot Ellis, Christopher York

Director Steve Marmion

Set & Costume Design Jasmine Swan

Magic Consultant Scott Penrose

Dates until Saturday 21st March 2026 Times Show times vary, check with website for details

Location Watford Palace Theatre, 20 Clarendon Road, Watford WD17 1JZ

Box Office https://watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk/events/the-mesmerist

Running Time 2hrs – with an interval Age Guidance 12+

The days are getting longer and snowdrops and daffodils are smiling from the borders – which all means that Mother’s Day is rushing towards us.

As a card-carrying mother, this always fills me with excitement. So what hints to drop to my lovely children? (After all I wouldn’t want them wasting their money on anything other than the perfect gift).

Well, I’ve just one word for you, Readers – Superdrug. That’s because Superdrug are running an unbelievable set of special offers for this Mother’s Day. There are fantastic savings across their premium fragrance range, with big-name brands for under £40 and discounts of up to 65% off.

I want to give a shout out to one of my favourite fragrances (kids are you still reading?), it’s L’Imperatrice Eau de Toilette by Dolce & Gabbana – discounted by 50% to just £33, how amazing is that? For those who haven’t tried L’Imperatrice, it’s classical Dolce & Gabbana, with a wonderful blend of sensual musk, exotic flowers and fruits – top notes of rhubarb, red currant and kiwi; heart notes of pink cyclamen and watermelon; and base notes of musk, sandalwood, grapefruit and wood. I’ve had so many people stop me and ask what I’m wearing.

But don’t stop at the fragrance bargains, there are some fantastic deals on makeup and beauty products too. Seriously my dear Reader, stop what you’re doing right now, and head straight to the Superdrug website. After all, your mum deserves it (and so do you).

By Dr K Thompson, award-winning 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

Under Snowflake Skies: A heart-warming seasonal contemporary romance (Seasons of Love Book 1) by Kristina Beck Love sparkles brightest under snowflake skies.
A glittering holiday romance filled with snowstorms, sapphires and star-crossed sparks under the New York City lights. And don’t you just love the jacket.

When a winter storm blows Sophia Krose into jeweller Drew Devlin’s store, neither of them expects such sparks – in a good way. She’s only in town for six months, chasing new experiences but guarding her heart. He’s the talented but cautious designer whose latest creation – a snowflake-and-sapphire collection – suddenly has a muse. What about the twinkling sparks, though? Will hearts be damaged or soar to the stars? For now, this lovely kindle is FREE, so cheer yourselves up, especially if it’s still raining. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0G24SJM1S/

If I Were You is quite different, no sparks, no melting snow, but is equally gripping – by Helen Matthews – a domestic thriller with a heart-pounding twist (Kindle Edition) She needs your help. But the truth she is hiding could destroy you both. A jaw-dropping thriller about two sisters that will keep you up all night

Tessa, a former career woman with long Covid and depression, lives a reclusive life in a London suburb. When her long estranged younger sister Maddie suddenly turns up with a baby, events spiral. Maddie claims she’s fled a controlling partner who is threatening to take the child. Overwhelmed at first, Tessa wants to help—both her sister and herself. But the situation grows murkier. Hang onto your hats. @ £0.99 instead of £4.99 for a limited time. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0G64HJ23M/

The Torch Betrayal: A high-stakes WWII espionage thriller (A Conor Thorn Novel Book 1) by Glenn Dyer. Kindle Edition:A disgraced agent… A missing battle plan… Will he find redemption or damage the Allies beyond repair? A high-stakes WWII thriller inspired by true events.

London, 1942. OSS Agent Conor Thorn is desperate for a second chance. After a botched mission in Tangier, Thorn knows failure is not an option. When confidential directives for Operation Torch, the invasion of North Africa, go missing, the agent must recover the plans before the Nazis thwart the crucial mission. Thorn teams up with MI6 agent Emily Bright to seek out the traitor in their midst… My kind of book, it romped along, fingernails were chewed. @ £0.99 instead of £1.99 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Torch-Betrayal-high-stakes-espionage-thriller-ebook/dp/B0FLJTHDY7/

Ex and the City: A fun and flirty second chance Romantic Comedy (The Logan Brothers Book 4) by Sally Clements. Kindle Edition Her career is on the brink. Her ex-husband holds the key. A fun, flirty second-chance romance that starts with a singing squirrel – and changes everything.

It’s a leading role? As the voice of a singing squirrel? Stacy Gold will take it – because she has no other choice. Her manager has betrayed her, her home is gone, and the career she built from nothing is slipping through her fingers but this isn’t the height of it, surely… @ £2.99 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GL4FT4DJ/

King of My Scars: A romantic suspense of desire, lies and second chances (The Kingdom Book 1) Kindle Edition

“He’s kryptonite to my intentions. The exception to all my self-imposed rules. The one to have stolen my heart and the man who I willingly give my body.” An exciting blend of spice and thrill marks the beginning of The Kingdom series. Arianna has left everything behind: her past and the men who broke her. She seeks refuge in Las Vegas, determined never to trust anyone again. Until she meets Denham King. He is dangerous, yet her safest haven… @ £1.99 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FVDVZQVZ/

Milly Adams is the author of the ever popular Waterway Girls series @ £5.97 for all three https://www.amazon.co.uk/Waterway-Girls-British-friendship-resilience-ebook/dp/B0FRN1JWMF/

Gorgeous image courtesy of Emily Boyle – Williams Handbakes

Mother’s Day will be here before we know it and Williams Handbakes, my favourite baker in the whole wide world, has just the thing to celebrate the mums, grandmas and mother-figures who deserve something special. Oh yes we do!

Choose from their extra special biscuit tins, their glass jars of mini biscuits, or their calorie free (no, I’m fibbing) range of hampers, jam packed with their biscuits, cakes and traybakes.

Let me show you a few that you might like to lead your children towards. Or perhaps for you to deliver to your mum, who, trust me, will be thrilled.

Williams biscuit hamper £28.95 (there are larger ones – see here )

I bought this for myself last year – no, I am not Billy-no-mates. The kids gave me money. I wanted biscuits, so when asked, I said I had used it for essentials, wiping the crumbs from around my mouth and not mentioning the diet, which always starts so well, and then goes terribly wrong.

Then there are the flapjacks. I always feel one should not travel anywhere without a flapjack. I am an author, and the friend of a daughter said ‘Your mum does have a lot of flapjacks in her books.’ He meant the bits I dropped in the books when re-reading.

Flapjack hamper £24.95

Or perhaps something smaller, in an elegant tin.

Signature Collection Biscuit Tin. £16.95. Also Ginger and Chocolate.

And surely these little beauties, in a useful clip jar, are just the thing for a quick cup of coffee and a tiny treat. I don’t know about you, but I feel coffee, and indeed tea, deserve at least one small but sweet companion.

Mini All Butter Shortbread Glass Clip Jar £14.95. There are other varieties, of course.

Finally, for today, there is the ‘spoil you because you are fabulous’ hamper. And we should all know that we are fabulous, and so are our Mums. These Big Hampers are as fabulous as we all are. Have a look at one.

Big Favourites Hamper Gift Box. £38.95

There you are, just a sample of what’s on offer, take a look and decide which should be on your Mother’s Day list with 10% off your first order. Williams Handbakes know that choice can be hard, and there could be questions needing answers. So they have told us that if anyone needs to chat to them about – no, Mum, not Joe Bloggs down the street – but the BISCUITS, their phone number is 01772 724 888 or by email: online@williamshandbaked.co.uk Also, find this wonderful brilliant baker here

Conservation, Old Royal Naval College

I was lucky to visit the Painted Hall seven years ago, when this magnificent Baroque masterpiece was covered in scaffolding, as part of a major conservation project. The scaffolding was important, because we were allowed to view the ceiling from 2 metres distance and could see the various ‘in jokes’ and graffiti that the painters 250 plus years earlier, assumed that no one would ever see, including the signature of one artist on the chest of one of the ladies portrayed.

Painted Hall, Sir James Thornhill, 1726, Old Royal Naval College, courtesy of the Old Royal Naval College

So, I was intrigued to see it again post conservation, and to view the ceiling as it was intended from the floor. If you have visited the Sistine Chapel doubtless you were impressed by the painting, but I suspect that your abiding memory is one of been jostled by the other tourists, and shouted at and prodded by the guards who urged you to move through the space. The contrast with the Painted Hall could not be greater, peaceful and calm, with helpful guides (of which more later) and space and time to enjoy the ceiling, they even provide a number of wide seats from which to appreciate the art.

Audio guides are available, but I prefer a human guide, one with whom you can check understanding, and ask supplementary questions as they arise. I am sure that all the guides are well trained and friendly, but if you get a guide called Salvatore you are guaranteed a treat, he makes it feel like he is sharing gossip with you, and really brings the historic to life. The other advantages of the guides, is that they each have a torch and can highlight things of interest on the ceiling.

Old Royal Naval College copyright Hugh Fox.

The Painted Hall was painted by James Thornhill from 1707 to1726 and, unlike Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel, painted the ceiling standing up.The Hall came about after Queen Mary (of William and Mary fame) declared that men who had served their country in the navy and returned injured and destitute, deserved to be treated with respect and dignity. This main hall would become the dining hall of the sailors, the images overhead designed to inspire.

A donations board records the Queen’s contribution, though in fact it came from the booty of Captain Kidd’s captured pirate ship. Another donor exceeded the donation made by the Queen, which was considered bad form, so the artist skilfully painted an arm of one of the peripheral figures, so that it obscures part of the amount donated. Various luminaries of the time including Copernicus, Issac Newton and Sir Edmond Halley (Halley’s Comet) are depicted, as is John Flamsteed, who predicted the first recorded full solar eclipse 2 years before it happened, and within 30 minutes of the actual occurrence. He is shown holding a map with a large black dot in the middle.

Around the periphery of the ceiling are the signs of the zodiac and I defy anyone not to try to pick out their own, regardless of how sceptical the viewer.

My personal favourite is one John Worley, a resident sailor at the time that the ceiling was being painted. His long white hair and beard give him something of a biblical look, and John Thornhill felt that Worley would be the perfect model, but was advised that he was a dissolute character, renowned for drunkenness, gambling and womanising, and worst of all, he never went to chapel on a Sunday. Undeterred, Thornhill struck a deal with John Worley: if he would reform his ways, he would be immortalised in the painted ceiling, and so he is.

The Upper Hall celebrates the Hanoverian dynasty and is no less full of surprise and intrigue. To the right is a fireplace, if you stand beside the wall to look along the fireplace you can detect reality from trompe l’oeil. On the far wall the entire Hanoverian family is depicted and to the right the artist James Thornhill, arm outstretched, palm open as if requesting payment for all his work.

The real intrigue is not who is represented but who is not. Sophia, the wife of George 1^st had a scandalous affair with a Swedish Count. The Count was murdered and Queen Sophia banished to a remote castle. James Thornhill was presented with a problem. His work was to be the permanent record of the Hanoverians, how could he omit Queen Sophia? It is alleged that he sought the advice of the King, who told him to sweep her under the carpet. In the foreground of the painting is a carpet and below on the marble step is the very faint image of a woman’s hand. This is only one of several theories, but I would like to think that it is true.

These are but a few of the stories from the Painted Hall, and I left fascinated, entertained, and resolved to return soon. Greenwich is full of interesting spaces and great places to eat. You can travel there by boat or water taxi, or by more conventional means, but there is enough to do to make a full day of it. Whatever you choose to do, you should most definitely visit the Painted Hall, oh, and take the guided tour, you won’t regret it.

Adults £17.50 First Sunday of the Month admission £5.00 Children are welcome at the Painted Hall. Children aged 16 or under go free (up to four children per paying adult) https//ornc.org