Surf The Wave waves goodbye three years after it was created by Pavilion Dance South West – to initiate change in how dance is showcased and toured in the UK.

The programme staged the first UK-focused dance showcase and connected more than 450 artists, producers, programmers and facilitators. It delivered 13 Intensives; 29 networking and programming events; supported 22 Seed Support projects and 10 Showcase Legacy Support projects as well as provided 32 Go See bursaries and 43 Response Pot awards.

Surf The Wave connected artists and programmers through events and workshops. It also provided 204 bursaries for artists and producers to cover time and expenses of attending networking events. It provided a safe space for artists and programmers to meet, to discuss issues and barriers that may be facing them, and to build more opportunities for dance to be presented in the UK. To this end, it also incorporated a UK Dance Showcase which allowed artists to demonstrate their work to programmers from all over the country and reinforce their touring potential. Through the programme, the power of relationship-building between artists and programmes became clear as new dance experiences were created.

Surf The Wave’s commitment to demonstrating that dance doesn’t have to be presented on traditional stages has only become more important: as the new normal changes every day, opportunities continue to open up in new and unusual ways. It is with the skill and creativity of both artists and programmers that dance will be able to continue to flourish. Surf The Wave actively encouraged non-dance specialist programmers to expand their repertoire and explore how dance can work in different performance contexts.

Dance is a small world and in these days of division it is key to reach across geographical and artistic boundaries and build a stronger foundation for support and growth. It was in the programme’s final six months that Covid-19 disrupted livelihoods, plans and tours. However, Surf The Wave honoured all the projects underway, some of which hope to complete in summer 2021, and created a new programme supported by £1000 “Response Pots” which enabled artists to reimagine their work and how to get it to audiences now.

The Surf The Wave website will be maintained as a resource for artists and programmers alike. Three newly commissioned dance films are available to view on the website. Familiar Struggle from Keira Martin follows a woman born in Barnsley with an ancient heart, ancient tears, ancient struggle and ancient fears. Marathon of Intimacies from Jo Fong and Anushiya Yarnell emerged from walking in parks and talking about race. White rooms, family, shame, power, being heard, justice, presence. For Bent Wood, Theo Clinkard spent a night dancing in the woods to embrace the wilderness in all its complex, messy glory as a home for rural queerness.

The legacy of Surf The Wave will inspire positive change and enhance communication within the industry meaning that more dance will be seen not only on our stages but in all the different places that audiences can be found. Its legacy lives on through the work of Pavilion Dance South West who are established promoters of new talent and raising the profile of dance across a multitude of sectors. Surf The Wave’s values of kindness, inclusivity, inspiration and passion remain at the heart of all Pavilion Dance South West do.

They will be hosting the website and promoting all the work through their social channels. Feedback from, and action taken by the artists, programmers and partners shows the value of the project – the conversations held will resonate for some time to come.

Twitter @SurfTheWaveUK Instagram @SurfTheWaveUK Website https://surfthewaveuk.org.uk/ Twitter @PDSW_org Instagram @PDSW_org Website https://www.pdsw.org.uk/

This Christmas is going to be like no other we have lived through, and for some people it could be the loneliest, especially for those who are older,  in other words, who are in their third age. That’s why local u3a groups (University of the Third Age) across the country are doing all they can to keep their membership of over 400,000 people engaged and in touch, whilst at the same time holding the door wide open to  new members so that these newbies can join the ‘gang’  and enjoy the many happenings.

So what is the u3a and who can join?

Membership of a u3a is open to all in their third age, which is defined not by a particular age but by a period in life in which full time employment has ceased.  Members promote the values of lifelong learning and the positive attributes of belonging to a u3a, and do all they can to ensure that people wanting to join their local u3a can do so. There are leaflets in most local libraries, on  village hall notice boards, other local hubs, word of mouth, and of course, the internet, where you can google your own town or village u3a,  find your way to their website, then Bob’s your uncle – contact them and start to enjoy all they have to offer.

So what is  on offer? For a start there are activities groups ranging from local history to ukulele to creative writing, knitting, patchwork, croquet, rambling and … just too many to list here.

Sounds complicated. How does the u3a operate?

It’s extraordinarily simple: the u3a is a self help charitable organisation run by and for its members. There are over 1000  u3as in towns and villages up and down the country whose members enjoy, not just their activity groups, but  special events throughout the year, and over the Christmas season.

Before the pandemic, holidays were arranged by many local u3as, and, of course, day trips to places of interest like Beamish The Living Museum of the North (see image above) Both will resume when all is sorted. Headquarters, a fount of guidance and information especially during this strange time, will make sure local u3a’s are given the go ahead to get back into their village halls, or a coach to somewhere interesting the moment Government’s guidance allows.

Should you think, however,  that with the lockdown and Tier system,  local u3as are at a loss… think again, because nothing daunted, they have swung into the virtual world, relishing zoom, whats app and email’s ability to help them to keep in touch. As for monthly speakers… without missing a beat they have made a friend of technology, taken on their new normality, asking their speakers to  give the monthly talks on zoom. I can vouch for that, because I have done a number of zoom talks for u3as on various aspects of writing.

‘Thank heavens for zoom,’ one member told me, as I did a virtual talk on short story writing. ‘We’ve had such interesting talks, and have sat at home drinking coffee, learning and laughing, interacting, and all the while wearing our comfortable slippers. Yes, we’ve felt part of it, even though we haven’t gathered at the Hall.’ Their speakers, I was impressed to learn, were many and varied, their groups too. What’s more, wherever I’ve been, either physically before the pandemic,  or virtually  during it, the common thread  of the local u3as has been: inclusivity, fellowship, enjoyment and interest, and the creation of long lasting friendships that spill over into other facets of their lives. One member, when she knew I would be writing this, said, ‘Tell them: ‘We’re here, come join us, we’re friendly, busy and if we don’t have a group that appeals, let’s see if we can start one.  Let’s not wait for the old ‘normal’ because we can more than handle the new one.’

She reminded me that as a u3a member you have access to a range of bespoke events including the summer school programme, their national UK wide events with partner organisations, or simply receive an invitation to take part in their u3a conference and AGM.

So the message is, don’t wait for the old ‘normal’, make contact and join in, extend your circle of friends and interests, and don’t be alone. Or if you are not yet in the third age,  make sure you let any friends or family who are, know there are friends  waiting for them.

Find out more: here.

Annie Clarke is the author of the Home Front series. Her latest is:

With 2021 almost upon us many will make a new year resolution to get into shape and lose weight. I fully recommend using the EX-Belt in your workout regime, not only is it comfortable and easy to use, it is practical, versatile and increases the amount of calories burned by 30%. The Ex-Belt works the upper body while on the move, and is suitable for all ages and abilities. What’s more, it can be added to all types of movement – anything from running to sofa sitting.

The EX Belt is available in two different sizes , XS-S which is a 22”-29” belt or M-XL Which is a 30”-40” belt. For the price of £25 you will get a belt, 2 red (light) and 2 blue (medium) resistance bands. For a further £5 you can buy additional bands of a higher resistance.

If like me you are body conscious prefer to workout in the privacy and comfort of your own home then you can easily do so with the EX -Belt, their social media accounts are full of workout video and ideas which you can follow to help you workout with confidence.

I was so surprised when I received my belt because the design is so simple I couldn’t believe that no one had thought of it before, its simplicity is genius.

For more information and to purchase visit: www.exbelt.co.uk

Frost Magazine was so impressed with the sample hamper from Delicario.com that it seemed the ideal solution for some  family members, with the added bonus of our personal messages included with the hamper. So, we collapsed into  absolutely trouble free ordering and extremely helpful advice which was a boon for us at one of our busiest times of year.

It was also great to hear from them the other day with some images of the founder, Marco Rosa and co-founder Alex Scasny manning the Delicario  farmer’s market stall at Rye, at which they virtually sold out (we’re not surprised). The produce is of the highest quality, and so interesting and we urge you to try both the wines and the food, all accessed from small European artisan providers. And remember, though their Christmas service and deliveries are spot on, Delicario are not just for Christmas but all year round.

At Frost Magazine we are in awe of how many small artisan businesses have thrived during this strange year, by improving their online arm, and even locally here, in my home town, the small shops and providers swung into action overnight, and set up efficient delivery services, with online, email and telephone ordering. Now that they are opening again they are stronger still, as they have two threads to the business and are rushed off their feet.

Bravo all of you, and on another note, if you haven’t been to Rye, do try and go when all is sort of back to normal. It is an enchanting town, and it’s where E F Benson set the Mapp and Lucia series, which is sniggeringly quirky (though he called it Tilling). Benson moved to Rye, (Lamb House) in 1918 and eventually became Mayor. The books became a  TV series with the glorious Prunella Scales, Geraldine McEwan, and Nigel Hawthorne… et al. Heaven. I have the box set, it is nearly worn out.

And of course, remember, remember – you are still in time to place an order with Delicario

2020 will be a year to remember, there is no doubt about it, it is a year that my grandchildren will ask me about. It has been  turbulent, full of extreme highs and lows and I believe that it is vital that we try to find the good in the bad – after all every cloud has a silver lining, in the words of Winston Churchill “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference”

Reading is my form of escaping the real world if only for a short while, I would like to share with you my top books that have helped me through this year. First up is the Twins of Auschwitz by Eva Mozes Kor. 

When Eva Mozes Kor and her family arrived at Auschwitz in 1944, they were immediately separated. Her parents and sisters were taken to the gas chambers, while Eva and her twin, Miriam, were herded into the care of Dr. Josef Mengele, who quickly became known as ‘the angel of death’.  They were 10 years old.  In a narrative told simply, with emotion and astonishing restraint, The Twins of Auschwitz shares the inspirational story of a child’s endurance and survival in the face of truly extraordinary evil.   I flew through this book and it gave me a huge wakeup call, yes life is hard now but is no where near as trying as I can imagine it was during world war two. It is so beautifully written I found myself simply unable to put it down, I was forever telling myself “one more chapter” I simply had to know what happened to Eva and Miriam.

I found strength from this book which is why it has made my list. I would recommend this  to fans of historical memoirs, biographies and auto biographies. If you were captivated by “The tattooist of Auschwitz” then this book is for you.

Next up is Wedding bells on the home front by Annie Clarke

March 1942: As the war continues, wedding bells are ringing for the factory girls . . .  Sarah is happily settling into married life with new husband Stan, whilst Fran is busy planning her upcoming wedding to sweetheart Davey, who’s still conscripted to Bletchley Park. With limited resources, the girls must make do to create the perfect day. Meanwhile, Beth has other things on her mind. She hasn’t heard from her husband Bob since he returned to the navy, and she’s starting to fear the worst. And new friend Viola is still recovering from a nasty accident.  Life on the home front can be challenging, but with the support of one another, the factory girls can get through anything.

This sensational book is the third book in The Factory girl’s series. I am a huge fan of the first two books, and I could not wait to read the third instalment and I was as far from disappointed as I could get. Again, this book is set during world war two, with the story taking place in a small mining village in northern England. What I enjoy about this series is how the fictional characters all pull together to help one another despite every hurdle  thrown their way – a hurdle they overcome, together. Yes, the book is fictional, but I like to think that that was how most people would have behaved.

After reading this I stopped and reflected and we can try to struggle on by ourselves or we can ask for help, there is no shame in it, quite the opposite in fact, it shows great courage and determination to ask for help, We can only get through this together.

If like me you are a fan of historical fiction, and Margaret Graham,, Milly Adams and Annie Clarke (one and the same person)  then you must-read Wedding bells on the Home Front.

One of my most memorable reads of this year is In The End by Donna H Duhig.

In 1919, a sudden tragedy tears Betsy’s family apart. Her childhood and life, and that of her siblings, will change irrevocably.    Betsy grows up in the years between the two wars. During this time of hardship, she faces many struggles and losses. Will she develop the strength and determination to find her own way in life? Will things work out In the End? I approached Donna on Instagram and asked if I could review her debut novel for the magazine. She very generously agreed to send me a copy. I was pre warned to have the tissues ready as it is a tear jerker, I am not one to cry easily, but I was bawling by the end of the first chapter. I am in absolute awe of Duhig’s incredible ability to draw you in as a reader and keep you hooked from the first sentence to the very last. I hope that 2021 brings us more books by this outstanding author.

If you are a fan of Downton Abbey and Historical fiction in general then you will love In The End.

I have read 4 Linda Finlay novels so far and each one has been incredible , The one that I read this year was The Seashell Girl.   Seventeen-year-old Merryn Dyer has been helping her mother to knit fisherman’s jumpers in a small Cornish village since she was a young girl. Growing up without a father, Merryn is used to barely scraping a living and her mother has always instilled pride and honesty in her. But she dreams of one day having more in life. So when she gets the chance at a job in a nearby city she jumps at it, despite her mother’s reservations. However, once out of her village she begins to uncover long-buried secrets about her past that threaten to unravel everything that she thought she knew.

I couldn’t put it down I simply had to know what was going to happen. Full of refreshing characters and plot twists that you do not see coming The Sea Shell Girl makes for a gripping and beautiful read. Set in the 1880’s in the beautiful west country Finlay captures the stunning scenery of a small Cornish village.  If you are after a book that will capture your heart and will keep you hooked until the very end then this is the book for you

until 5th January 2021

“Absolutely brilliant!”

Several years ago I travelled to the scariness that is south London (apologies if you live there!), to the tiny Theatre 503, to watch this company’s production of Scrooge and the Seven Dwarves. I was attacked by a T-Rex during the show. I laughed a lot. I joined in a lot and, finally, left the theatre on a high… still talking about it.

Times have changed. Live, intimate theatre seems so long ago. Companies and creatives have pummelled their audiences with virtual shows – productions that we watch through the screen. But how to keep the essence of ‘live’ even though we are, basically, watching a tv programme?

Simple – sit back and join John, James and Joshua of Sleeping Trees as they tell you a story… although you won’t be resting for long. You’ll throw paper at the screen, hide under a sheet, peer through toilet rolls, even row a boat with kitchen implements – all manner of madcap antics that turn a simple muck around with these three chaps into an ‘interactive’ 50-minute long show that will make children AND adults laugh out loud.

They play all the characters bar one (but no spoilers!) and pull us into their crazy world. It is hilarious fun. All shot in someone’s house – which means there could be neighbours with their ears to the walls saying, ‘They’re at it again! What IS going on in there?!?’ Unlike other offerings on the web this year, this production is imaginatively shot and edited by Shaun Reynolds and neatly directed by Kerry Frampton.

Sleeping Trees specialise in melding different stories together – creating a fusion that turns the whole experience into a ‘live cartoon’. Absolutely brilliant! As for the baddie of the piece…

This is King Rat… BOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Photography Shaun Reynolds

Producers Alice Carter & Sleeping Trees – with support from Battersea Arts Centre

Writers John Woodburn, James Dunnell-Smith, Joshua George Smith and Ben Hales

Director Kerry Frampton

Music Ben Hales

Running Time 50 minutes approx

Tickets https://sleepingtrees.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/the_legend_of_moby_dick_whittington

Shows until 5th January 2021 – go to www.thesleepingtrees.co.uk for details

Price From £5

Twitter @WeSleepingTrees

SAS Band of Brothers by Damien Lewis was, for me, unputdownable, and not just because I have my own small charity which helps veterans.

This is a story which should be told, and boy, is it told well, and rivals any thriller  on the shelves today. But what makes it riveting is that it is true, painfully so.

In June 1944 twelve SAS parachuted into occupied France, led by Captain Patrick Garstin MC, who bore wounds from previous  battles. It was a  small elite band, which included Thomas ‘Ginger’ Jones and Serge ‘Frenchy’ Vaculik, who destroyed enemy targets. However, they were captured, imprisoned and tortured. Hitler ordered their execution and only Jones and Vaculik escaped. You can imagine the hue and cry, the hunting…

Later in 1945 the Nazis hunters became the hunted,  and those in pursuit of these who committed such war crimes were the SAS including  ‘Ginger’ Jones and Serge Vaculik until… Ah, but no more, because this is a tale that needs to be read properly from beginning to end.

Damien Lewis’s exploration of this whole incident tears at the heart strings exposing what I consider injustices, quite apart from the executions. These were brave men, who acted on their country’s behalf  and, for me, Damien Lewis has not only told a story of bravery in the face of barbarity, but he has also exposed what amount to post war deceits.

Read it, give it to others. In this time of the pursuit of our esteemed military for historic so called  ‘crimes’ let us read through a different lens, the valour, the sacrifice, the commitment to the protection of our country and their comrades, and be proud of, and grateful to, them ALL, including those serving today.

SAS Band of Brothers by Damien Lewis pub by Quercus Books Hardback @ £20.

Margaret Graham is a bestselling author, who writes under the names Annie Clarke and Milly Adams Her latest by Annie Clarke is the Girls on the Home Front series.