Archie Brennan: Tapestry Goes Pop! Dovecot Studios, 10 Infirmary Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1LT Friday 26th March – Saturday 26 th June 2021

How absolutely fascinating: who knows anything about Archie Brennan, pop artist, weaver, bodybuilder and former Mr Scotland, who changed the course of modern weaving and is considered one of the greatest unrecognised pop artists of the twentieth century?

No, nor me either. Unrecognised because he chose to work in tapestry. Archie Brennan: Tapestry Goes Pop! tells the story of Edinburgh native Archie Brennan (1931-2019) in the first-ever major retrospective of his work. Bringing together over 80 tapestries and works, in a thematic exhibition exploring 60 years of prolific tapestry making, as well as archive material, this is a chance to delve into the world of a master of modern tapestry. A number of the works in the exhibition have never been on public display.

Sharp, witty, and immensely talented, Brennan began his 60-year weaving career as an apprentice at Dovecot, before becoming Artistic Director in 1963. He was an innovator and iconoclast who inspired weavers all over the world from Papua New Guinea to Australia. He dedicated his life to teaching and his influence on weaving can still be felt to this day. What many don’t realise is that while Brennan was a leading force in twentieth century tapestry, he was also a central, and largely overlooked force in the development of Pop Art in Britain.

Through tapestry, an output more often associated with stately homes, the court and monumental ecclesiastical works, he explored the key concerns of pop – ephemera, popular imagery and culture, 2 and questions of value. A fascinating component of Brennan’s engagement with Pop Art is his interest in celebrity culture and media representations of individuals. Throughout his career he was drawn to public figures such as Princess Diana, and boxer and activist Muhammad Ali.

Often Brennan used small images cut from newspapers and magazines or sketched from the TV to translate pop culture imagery to tapestry. One of the keystones of Brennan’s practice is the tension between high and low art, throwaway culture and the time intensive process of tapestry weaving. Tapestry Goes Pop! gives a unique insight into this undisputed master of modern tapestry..

Celia Joicey, director at Dovecot Studios, says Archie Brennan is the most significant tapestry weaver of the 20th century.

Archie’s life and work will be celebrated at Dovecot Studios in Edinburgh, where his career flourished. Through his innovative technique, international collaborations and his commitment to weaving as a fine art, Brennan’s legacy to contemporary tapestry is unparalleled.

Exhibition co-curated with National Museums Scotland.

Archie Brennan: Tapestry Goes Pop! Exhibition Dates Friday 26th March – Saturday 26th June 2021 Monday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm Location 10 Infirmary Street, Edinburgh EH1 1LT

How to get there:  Infirmary Street is a short walk from the hive of Princes Street where you can connect via the many bus and tram routes. It is an eight minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley station.

Social Media @dovecotstudios Website www.dovecotstudios.com

Exhibition supported by the Cordis Charitable Trust. 3 Dovecot Studios Dovecot is a world-renowned tapestry studio in the heart of Edinburgh and a landmark centre for contemporary art, craft, and design.

Images courtesy of Archie Brennan Estate

Let’s consider Lockdown and the new normal. For surely it is a new normal, in which businesses can be born,  built, and to which those already in existence must respond, and quickly. With this in mind, one of the UK’s most experienced networkers, Ladey Adey, has created one of the first books dedicated to online networking.

Adey uses a combination of contributors, and topics,to take the daunting mystique  out of online networking, and replaces it with a clearly structured  resource that will inspire and sustain those embarking on utilizing the seemingly limitless opportunities of the digital age.  But to use these opportunities one must have clear goals, and the knowledge of how to make it all work for them.

Adey, the author of Successful Business Network Online – Build your Business using Powerful Online Connections told Frost Magazine: “Turning to the internet for business networking has been a direct response by business people continuing to trade through times of pandemic and lockdown. Our businesses need to survive and thrive or ‘bounce back’ and continue. A networking marketing strategy is a superb way to do this.”

Just imagine a pandemic such as the Spanish Flu which decimated the population after a hideous war, struggling to get back on its feet, with no help from a digital age and compare it to today, with this enormous advantage. Salutary, ah? So, be glad of this comprehensive book by Ladey Adey, which is a clearly presented guide for businesses, and takes us step by step through the principles required to move a business forward using online networking covering:

• How to become successful using Online Networking post Covid-19.
• Discover the secret strategies to online networking and avoid common online mistakes.
• How to Beat Zoom Fatigue.

Using interviews with many innovators, successful business owners and seasoned networking professionals and including  her own insights  we come to understand that online networking has  tipped into the commonplace, though, as Anthony Thomson, co-founder of 86 400 and Metro Bank, opines as he ‘talks’ with Adey, that it is our children and grand-children who are already digital natives, immersed in digital technology and  in tune with this medium in a way that previous generations are not.

Though, let’s face it,  we’d be advised to get on the bandwagon pretty quickly, and for a neanderthal like me, this book is an  essential tool, as I run a small charity, as well as everything else.  And it does seem to me to be a truly ground breaking resource, one which even I can understand and appreciate.

So, buy it, read it  but, like like Anthony Thomson says, as he and Adey discussed the need for physical and digital balance:  ‘I still enjoy meeting people face-to-face.

Exactly, and surely this is where hospitality will flourish, as some, not all of course,  remain in their home offices within four walls, alone… and out they’ll go, to meet in a hub,  face to face with others in localised towns. I daresay  the metro-centric way of life will respond and release its grip   as people spread out of cities into the country.  But that’s a whole other subject. Or is it, because we are talking about the new normal.

 Successful Business Networking Online by Ladey Adey  has received endorsement by networking gurus from around the world, Dr Ivan Misner – BNI Founder, Brad Burton – 4N, Networking Authors: Andrea Nierenberg, Andy Bounds and Michael Heppell and Professor Gary Bosworth, Newcastle Business School who said “This book should be an essential resource for all Business School Libraries”

Well, quite.

Available in e-Book and physical at Amazon.co.uk
and all good book stores.

https://www.ladeyadey.com/

Annie Clarke: author of the Home Front Girls series, the latest of which is Wedding Bells on the Home Front. 

‘Busy day?’ asked my wife when she found me in the kitchen surrounded by 7 opened bottles of wine.

I did worry that her eyebrows would hit the ceiling, as I tried to explain, that I was in fact helping to save the black and white Rhinoceros threatened with extinction.

Let me explain…

Darren Gough, renowned cricketer, who together with his wife, are ambassadors of the Rhino Sanctuary, chose World Rhino Day (September 22^nd) to launch an exciting range of charming South African wines.

You can easily identify the wines by the beautiful labels which feature a Rhinoceros and not just any Rhinoceros, Odin and Arthur, named after two of the Rhinoceros who are currently resident in the Wild Rhino Sanctuary. Each label is a work of art, but then again so is the wine.

The Care for Wild Wine Collection will be available to purchase online from 22nd September, 2020 on www.slurp.co.uk after which a launch is planned with the major UK grocery and On Trade chains. Twenty percent of all the profits from sales of wine from this range goes directly to the Save the Rhino Sanctuary in South Africa.

Now, it is at this point, I have a confession to make. I have spent years dismissing Rose wine, and I was already convinced that Pale Rose was not going to be to my taste. Instead, it became my damascene moment. It was glorious, a hint of raspberries but not sickly sweet, this was clean fresh and delicate with good acidity, ideal for summer by the pool, in garden or at a picnic, though I can’t promise to wait until next summer. Priced around £10.00 – £12.00.

The whites were no less impressive beginning with the crisp Sauvignon Blanc, priced around £7.00 with soft citrus and tropical fruit and a hint of gooseberries on the palate, an easy drinker, which would go well with chicken or fish at a very affordable price. A South African wine which would give New Zealand wine a run for its money.

Staying with Sauvignon but this time, a zingy wine blended with Semillon to offer tropical fruit flavours with subtle mineral notes. The wine is smooth and satisfying and priced around £10.00 – £12.00 this over delivers, and one could easily pay another £5.00 for this wine and not feel short changed.

However, if I was going to treat myself, I would be plumping for the Chenin Blanc, which should be served fridge cold, not ice bucket cold if you are going to fully appreciate the apricots and peaches on the palate. A perfect accompaniment to Dover Sole or Pea Risotto and even with a good cheese. This wine is priced at £20.00 – £25.00 a bottle so something of a treat but we all deserve a treat from time to time.

Having sampled some delicious whites I hardly dare think what the reds might deliver.

Red Blend is a versatile blend of Pinotage and Shiraz which benefits from 20 minutes in the fridge before serving. Great with Chicken and Fish or perhaps a tomato- based pasta. It’s not pretending to be complex, but priced at £7.00 a bottle, this is a great everyday wine.

The Syrah Viognier is a deliciously complex wine made up of 97% Syrah and 3% of Viognier which is just enough to soften out the Syrah, gifting the wines with soft tannins and a pepperiness and red fruits on the palate. The wine would keep for a year or two and continue to improve, but why wait when it is drinking so well? Priced at £10.00 – £12.00 and to be honest I would pay another fiver for this wine and still feel very satisfied.

The Shiraz 2018 had me smacking my lips and at 14% packs a punch, delivering much for the money. It’s a wine of great refinement that could take on the best of Australian wines, offering good length with a soft velvety finish, packed with powerful fruit flavours.

This is a serious wine which would pair well with rich meat dishes, but also strong cheese. Priced at £20- 25.00 this is worth every penny and indeed much more.

I think that it is worth repeating that twenty percent of the profit on each bottle will go towards the Rhino Sanctuary which rescues, rehabilitates and releases orphaned rhinos back into their natural habitat, which is protected from poaching and other threats.

Money is needed to upgrade their perimeter fences, purchase high quality winter gear for their dedicated anti-poaching unit and ensure that there is a stockpile of milk for all the orphan rhinos in their nursery.

This is a fantastic opportunity to drink delicious, superb wines in aid of a good cause and even my wife raised a glass rather than an eyebrow

These wines are available from Slurp www.slurp.co.uk and currently have a special offer so these wines can be bought even more cheaply until early October.

The Super Premium wines feature Odin the Rhino and the Premium Wines features

Arthur the Rhino – to find out more about their stories please click on the links below.

https://youtu.be/yTJO8W0XiHs

Website: https://www.careforwild.co.za/

​

Skin is astoundingly good at absorbing things. Hence a moisturiser can soak right in and give us a lovely peach-soft face. However there’s a downside – any harmful ingredients can pass through the skin and into our blood stream, so we need to be very aware of hidden nasties in our beauty products.

Parabens are used in many skin and hair products, because they prevent harmful bugs growing and so extend the shelf-life. However, if absorbed, they can act as ‘hormone disrupters’ by mimicking our natural oestrogens. Although more research is needed to understand the extent of this possible danger, there’s a theoretical concern that they could promote breast cancer in women and cause sex hormone problems in both teenage girls and boys. Both FDA and European regulators have restrictions on paraben use in beauty products– however if we use several products, each containing parabens, we may be absorbing more than we realise.

Some beauty companies have made a real effort to eliminate potentially harmful chemicals from their merchandise, however these are often designed for women. Teenage boys are using skin and hair products more and more, but what’s available for them?

Not much according to Stephanie Capuano, mother of two teenage boys, which is why she’s created her own range and, as a Californian, she’s called it 31^st State. It includes cleansers, anti-blemish and hair styling products and I’ve been reviewing the Foaming Face Wash and Easy Hold Styling Gel.

Visually, the packaging is attractive and understated. Both products had a pleasant but subtle perfume – nothing to cause embarrassment for even the youngest teen. All 31^st State products are free of parabens and other suspect chemicals, and are suitable for vegans. They use natural ingredients wherever possible.

As we know, teenage boys frequently suffer with acne and spots, and of course this causes as much embarrassment and confidence-issues as for girls. The Foaming Face Wash, which is formulated to gently cleanse and keep skin soft and clear, was very light, smooth and pleasant to use. It contains Tea Tree, which apparently works over a 12-hour period, decreasing chances of skin irritation and redness. Antibacterial Manuka fights spots, and Magnesium, Copper and Zinc work to prevent further breakouts.

The Easy Hold Styling Gel was clear and light to the touch and non-greasy. It contains naturally-derived ingredients, such as Tamanu Oil which provides UV protection and makes hair shiny, and hydrating Shea Butter for extra conditioning.

So if you’re looking for extra surprises for your son’s stocking, why not try the Christmas box, which includes the awarding winning Face Wash, Body Wash and Hair Putty and costs £25.

Stockists include ASOS, Amazon, Flannels, Ocado, Next and Liberty London, or you can buy direct from the 31^st State website.

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

[slide 3 my book]

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.

It’s Dover, in 1939, and the big question of the day is – could there be another war brewing? Though dreaded, it seems inevitable. If so, Nellie Castle’s husband suffered enough in the 1^st World War, and perhaps it is best that he is not alive to see the start of another.

So, is Nellie all alone to face what is to come?

Certainly not, for within the circumference of the Dover Cafe is formidable Nellie Castle’s six off spring, who help to run the cafe – for now. On the whole, the Market Square community is supportive of the widow and her family, and use the cafe, but there are some who turn their noses up at Marianne, Nellie’s eldest daughter, and mother of an illegitimate son, Donny.

While Marianne in her turn is thankful that she has the cafe kitchen in which to hide from the gossips, though ten year old Donny her ten year old son, has to on occasions run the gauntlet of his friend’s father, intolerant of the fact that Marianne is, in his opinion, a woman of easy virtue..

Though staunch in defence of any of her family Nellie’s tongue lashes her own children too. She is rescued as a character by her strength in adversity and the humour she brings to the story.

But who is Donny’s father? Or was his father, for he is dead – isn’t he?

And who is this mystery man wooing Evie, Marianne’s younger sister.

Then there are the brothers. What about Jimmy whose love for someone is about to prove dangerous? And Rodney, working at the castle, but on what. And as the war clouds gather and drift into the phoney war, and then Dunkirk, will Jasper ever take Nellie into his arms, and give her a smacker?

So many questions and hopefully a raft of more books in the Dover Cafe series to provide answers, though probably a great many more questions too, as the family storm through life.

This novel has a great cast of characters, and somehow new author Ginny Bell keeps all the balls in the air, never faltering, never missing even one of them as she powers through the lives and loves of the Dover Cafe offspring in this beguiling panorama of a family facing the well researched trauma and challenges of war, not to mention the razzmatazz of their own lives and loves.

A triumph. Just wish I could take a trip to Dover, and sit in the cafe, and chew the cud with the cast. It should be a film. Bagsy me the part of Nellie. Bravo.

The Dover Cafe at War by Ginny Bell – the first in the series: available in pb, audio and eBook.

I am lucky enough to live in the beautiful West Country which is full of history, beauty and culture so let me tell you of  some favourite places that I love to visit time and time again.

First is Wells which is famous for being, not only historic with its wonderful Cathedral, but also  the picturesque location for one of my favourite films,  Hot Fuzz. So, as well as walking around Wells admiring its history, I like matching places to scenes from the film. I also love the incredible outdoor market which is held every Wednesday and Saturday. The market has a diverse range of stalls from books, jewelry and clothes to delicious cheeses, meats and ciders. I can not even mention Wells without talking about the fascinating  cathedral with its tranquil greens which make for an exquisite picnic spot.

Then there is Glastonbury which is renowned for its Tor which legend states was the site of hundreds of witches executions. Despite this Glastonbury has a very magical feel to it with lots of spiritual shops dotted along the high street one can’t help but feel as though they have been transported to another world.

Cheddar also makes my ‘favourites’ list –  it is a great place for tourists and locals alike. There is the incredible Cheddar caves and gorge which is a must for anyone visiting the area. I personally love Cheddar for it’s cheese and cider shops which always have samples on hand for you to try. Just like Glastonbury and Wells, Cheddar is steeped in history and is incredibly scenic.

Last by no means least is Bristol. I have been to Bristol hundreds of times and  never bore of it, I even support the Bristol rugby team and love to watch them play at Ashton Gate stadium. A visit to the docks is an must. It   showcases ships new and old including the SS Great Britain which was the first iron steamer to cross the Atlantic in 1845. Bristol is also home to the sensational street artist Banksy and his artwork is dotted all over the city adding to the multicultural vibe.

So if you ever find yourself in the West Country I highly recommend that you visit at least one of these incredible destinations.

Following the success of the acclaimed Godspell 50^th anniversary online concert, some of the biggest West End talent will reunite to recreate their performances live on-stage, as part of an exciting one-off concert screening at the West End Musical Drive In (Sunday 4^th October). The event will see cast members, Jodie Steele (SIX; Heathers), Danyl Johnson (The X Factor finalist), Jenny Fitzpatrick (Tina, The Musical; Our House), John Barr (The Story of Bart; Tommy), Sally Ann Triplett (Mamma Mia!; Viva Forever), Matthew Croke (Aladdin), and Alison Jiear (Jerry Springer: The Opera), all taking to the stage.

Alongside the live spectacular will be a streaming of the recorded concert, featuring incredible performances from Darren Day (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat; Priscilla, Queen of the Desert), Ruthie Henshall (Chicago; Billy Elliot), Jenna Russell (The Bridges of Madison County; Fun Home), Sam Tutty (Dear Evan Hansen) and more, all filmed in their homes and edited together with striking visual animations.

Title West End Musical Drive-In Dates Sunday 4 th October, 2.30pm

Location The Drive In, Troubadour Meridian Water, Harbet Road, London, N18 3QQ

How to get there Situated just off the North Circular (A406). Conveniently located and easily accessible for those traveling from London and those travelling from a little further afield.

Website www.westendmusicaldrivein.co.uk

Tickets  priced from £65. Tickets are available here for cars and car-free options: www.westendmusicaldrivein.co.uk

Social Media #WestEndMusicalDriveIn, @westendmusicalbrunch, @Gingerqmedia @hopemilltheatr1, @ActingforOthers, @NAT_AIDS_Trust

Producers Neighbourhood Events Ltd Thomas Hopkins & Michael Quinn for Ginger Quiff Media

Annie Clarke is the author of the Home Front Girls saga series. 

I came across A Box Of Stories on social media, and was interested in their advert so proceeded to check out their website. I knew instantly I had to get in touch with them to talk about their incredible business.

As a massive bookworm I was shocked to hear that 177 Million books get destroyed every year in the UK alone and only 17% of books are lucky enough to receive a decent marketing budget to make it to the ‘Bestsellers’ list, meaning some of the best books published do not make it to the shelves and go unread. I could not help but think of all the books I could be missing out on.

As we communicated, I learned the very clever way in which they pick their books – bu using an algorithm which combines reviews from forums, blogs, rankings on websites, and sales figures. So, you are guaranteed to get a book that has been well received by other bookworms. All the boxes are hand picked so you will never receive the same book or box twice.

There is a great selection of boxes to choose from;

YA Box

Crime, Mystery and thriller box

Historical fiction box

Mixed box

Non fiction box

Light reads box

Each box contains 4 brand new books. Boxes start from £14.99 which is a absolute bargain in my opinion. Not only does A Box Of Stories save books from destruction but they also donate a percentage of their profits to charities working for literacy.

I was lucky enough to receive a box from them (I chose a mixed box) and I couldn’t wait to get it, I felt like a child at Christmas I was so excited to see what I would be reading. I was not disappointed, the books in my box were

It started with a tweet by Anna Bell

To keep you safe by Kate Bradley

Buried by Lynda La Plante (Hardback)

The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri

I love all of the books selected, I wouldn’t have normally pick them for myself but I love the sound of them and can not wait to read them, especially The Beekeeper of Aleppo which has been on my wish list for so long.

The boxes will make a fantastic gift for someone else or a treat to yourself and with every box you buy you would have saved 4 books from being destroyed and that is extremely rewarding. You can select how often you would like to receive a box; you can choose from every 1,2, 3 or 4 months or as a one off.

www.aboxofstories.com