A fabulously crafted novel from award winning author, Jane Cable, who seamlessly merges the 2nd World War with present day. Not easy, but Cable makes it seem so.

So, let’s meet Rachel Ward, Cable’s main character, who is as flawed as many of us, though perhaps some of us avoid her particular failing which is falling repeatedly for a wrong ‘un. Oh yes she does, and is yet again having to extricate herself from a dead end affair, this time with her married boss.

Unsurprisingly she is forced to leave her long term posting in Southampton, and the love affair,  and head for a temporary role as an Archaeology Lecturer at Lincoln University.

But does a change of scene make any difference? Will she still run full pelt towards disaster when a male student makes it clear he is attracted to her, or will she sort herself out, once and for all, and stop all this self induced pain. But in order to find some balance in her life, and in her emotions, does she need to reflect on why she repeats this self-destructive behaviour? If so, how can she brings this journey of self discovery about?

 In an effort to prevent herself heading for the immediate danger she distracts herself with extra work – for Jonathan Daubney, a property developer.

It is through Jonathan that she visits a 2nd World War RAF base, a base that gives off a disturbing atmosphere. But why?

Well, she wanted a distraction, and it seems she has that in spades as she delves into the local history of life at the RAF station during that painful period.

As well as meeting new friends, she finds a world that might well lead her towards a greater understanding of herself, and towards a happier future. Echoes … echoes …

With a father who was a Battle of Britain pilot I know something about the world Rachel reveals (or Jane Cable I should say) and let me tell you, it’s pretty damned accurate. 

A delicate, thought provoking heartfelt exploration of balance, emotional patterns and love.  Bravo Jane Cable, a triumph, but this is nothing less that I would expect from this outstanding author.

Endless Skies by award winning author Jane Cable  availabe in pb and eBook

Annie Clarke is the author of the Girls on the Home Front series, and also writes as Margaret Graham and Milly Adams.

A glass of wine with your meal is the default. But what if you don’t drink wine, or you’re simply trying to cut down on alcohol? Previously it would be a rather boring, sugary drink or a glass of water, but now some innovative alternatives are appearing, with just as much ‘treat factor’ as wine.

I’m particularly impressed by Saicho Tea, developed by Charlie and Natalie Winkworth-Smith. Natalie is from Hong Kong and so understands the fantastic world of amazing teas, which, FYI, is a little more involved than ‘builder’s’ versus Earl Grey.

In China there are whole streets devoted to tea-sellers where you can sample some of the world’s best teas. Experts ‘know’ the different teas, as a sommelier knows good wines – they can tell you about the type, the size of leaf, the estate and terroir, the grade, what ‘flush’ (harvesting time) – and it all makes a difference to the taste, enjoyment – and price –you can absolutely pay as much for a good tea as a very good wine.

The leaves of Camellia sinensis have many attributed health benefits, including boosting immunity, reducing heart disease and obesity. Certainly they are rich in anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals and some studies back up these claims. As a doctor, I’ve been particularly interested in the claimed anti-cancer properties of green tea.

But now Saicho have taken the leap of developing a tea-based sparkling drink, more akin to prosecco than your morning cuppa.

They’ve taken three teas with distinct and different properties and cold-brewed each one for twenty-four hours to extract the delicate and complex flavours. They’ve aerated the liquid and added a small amount of grape juice to complement the natural umami of the tea.

The three distinct teas complement different foods and so are perfect for a special meal.

First I tried Hojicha, made by roasting Japanese Bancha green tea, apparently it pairs well with Asian salads or cured meats. I really liked it. A strong and complex mixture of flavours, mainly on the side and back of the tongue, which appeared and developed over several minutes, all mixed with the delicate slight sweetness of the grape juice. The fizziness was reminiscent of a pleasant sparking wine. Chilled definitely worked best.

The Saicho Darjeeling – appropriately known as the champagne of teas was a deep yellow ochre, resembling a muscadet, and indeed its flavor has been described as muscatel, and it’s good with grilled meats.

Finally, and maybe no surprise, Saicho have used a green tea from the Fuding mountains of China, infused with jasmine flowers. This is much paler, and I note they have incorporated natural oak flavours, perhaps to emulate a chardonnay? This is delicious chilled, and works well with deserts.

So which is my favourite? I can recommend them all – a real treat, with health benefits and no hangover – well worth a try at just £8.99 a bottle. Available at Saicho Drinks, Borough Box, The Whisky Exchange, Yumbles and The Artisan General Store

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.

Did Lockdown make you stop to appreciate the simple things? Quality time, quality food, healthy life-style? Of course the coronavirus pandemic was, and is, terrible, but at least for some, being forced off our treadmills has made us take stock perhaps?

I always try to eat healthily, but I certainly put more time and thought into cooking delicious food from good raw ingredients whilst I was stuck at home (and my growing waistband is testament to it). But with an eye for quality not quantity we can eat better without piling on the pounds too.

Not only does good food taste great, but it keeps our immune system strong – so important when faced with unseen assassins like viruses.

If we study ingredients on many foods it’s a real eye-opener. I mean, why put sugar in a meat pie? No wonder our bodies are so confused they don’t know what they need anymore.

If you want to get back to great quality ingredients, from Kent, the Garden of England, by a long-established family firm, look no further than Opies. I’ve reviewed their foods before and they never disappoint.

Many of their ingredients are grown locally and are picked at the prime time for best flavour. Opies produce traditional savoury pickles such as capers, onions, olives, and, their speciality, pickled walnuts, which are absolutely delicious – on their own with cheese and biscuits, or in stews, in beef, ale and walnut pie (see illustration) and even scotch eggs (recipe on website).

As a doctor I’m very interested in the importance of our gut bacteria. Increasingly we’re discovering their influence on our immunity, our body fat, and whether we develop Type II Diabetes – just to name a few health effects. Our diet is key to making sure that we have plenty of ‘good’ bacteria, and pickled foods can help.

However, as you can see from the photos, Opies also have a fabulous range of naughty but delicious fruits preserved in alcohol-infused syrup, which are heaven in a jar, and one doesn’t need a lot for a real treat. The packaging includes novel and tasty recipes, such as Apricots with Famous Grouse trifles (photograph). My absolute favourite fruit is Figs with Luxardo Rum, and why not make a wicked tiramisu using Red Berries With Pink Gin?

Not only do Opies make the most delicious natural products, but they’re very keen that we get the most out of them and commission brilliant chefs to create fabulous recipes which you can view on their website or Facebook page.

Their products are available in most supermarkets including Waitrose, Tesco, Sainsburys’ and independent stores. Give yourself and your body a true treat.

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

Most photos provided by Splat Marketing

Natalie Jayne Peeke with her favourite Jane Austen novel – Emma

There are many historical women around the world who have made their mark on history , Marie Curie, Charlotte Cooper, Florence Nightingale. Here are three women who have inspired me and wish I could thank for what they have done for British women. 

Firstly there is Dorothy Lawrence (October 4, 1896 – October 4, 1964)

Dorothy Lawrence was a journalist who posed as a soldier during World War I – making her the only known English woman on the frontline at that time. 

Having attempted to become a war correspondent, Lawrence decided the only way she was going to write the story she wanted was to go undercover. On her journey she met Tom Dunn, a Lancashire coal miner turned BEF tunnel-digging sapper who worried what might happen to a  woman alone among so many men. He found her an abandoned cottage where she returned to nightly while she was on the frontline. She later handed herself in and was taken back the UK for interrogation.

Next is the well known Emmeline Pankhurst (July 15, 1858 – June, 14, 1928)

Emmeline Pankhurst was a controversial woman at the head of the British Suffragette movement. In 1903 she started the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) where members became known for resorting to extreme tactics such as crimes and hunger strikes, to get their message across: that British women should have the right to vote.

Pankhurst is well known as a pivotal figure in helping women achieve the vote which they did on February 6, 1918.

Last but by no means least is Jane Austen (December 16, 1775 – July 18, 1817)

Probably one of the first modern-era feminists, Jane Austen’s literary work is still celebrated globally today. Best Known for her six major novels – Pride and Prejudice being the most well known, Austen’s plots focus on a woman’s social standing, marriage and financial security.

Austen helped to shape the literary world as we know it, with her work being the foundation and inspiration for many other novels, films and TV shows. 

Each woman portrayed great courage and strength, Dorothy Lawrence did whatever was necessary to get the story that she wanted, she risked her life and was heavily reprimanded for it. Emmeline Pankhurst stood up for what she believed in no matter what the cost, she gave every single woman a voice.

Now Jane Austen, you may ask why she has made the inspirational list, well it is no secret that her novels are classics but why? Austen’s novels highlighted what women endured and she did not shy away from the predicaments that women faced. She was fearless. With women like these I can’t help but think what life would be like now if they hadn’t been so determined.

 In a variation on a nice cuppa tea and a scone or two: Boodles Gin is celebrating the British Tradition of afternoon tea with tips on how to make it brilliant.

For Afternoon Tea Week (August 10^th-16^th) the unflappable Boodles Butler, who is the ultimate expert in all things traditional British etiquette, guides you through the perfect gin tea-pot serves using his favourite spirit.

Boodles Gin itself is a modern take on an English tradition, so whether you¹re lunching out or creating your own version of afternoon tea at home, Mr. Boodles suggests swapping out the usual tea and fizz for some refreshing gin cocktails.

These cocktails are made in tea-pots using the range of Boodles British Gin, including the Rhubarb & Strawberry and Mulberry variants and are an essential component to the perfect high tea.

The ceremony of Afternoon Tea reputably began in the early 1800s and is now enjoyed in restaurants, hotels and dining rooms across the country. It usually consists of finger sandwiches and scones galore and comes with its own set of rules and etiquette.

As well as advising against dunking biscuits into your cup and ensuring you always keep the saucer on the table, Mr. Boodles suggests only using the finest bone-china pots and never putting ice in the pot itself, only ever in the serving cup. Fizz is rather gauche, in his view. He is however split on whether cream or jam is spread first on his scones.

For thirsty gin enthusiasts, the full list of Mr. Boodles¹ personal favourite teapot sharing is as follows:

Rhuby Martinez (a fruity number)

150ml Boodles Rhubarb & Strawberry Gin
60ml sweet vermouth
20ml maraschino liqueur

Combine all of the ingredients in a teapot. Fill a teacup with ice. Stir and strain ingredients into teacup. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Gin & Gomme (a summery, herbal refresher)

150ml Boodles Gin
60ml Pineapple Juice
45ml Mango Purée (blended chopped mango)
60ml Fresh Lemon Juice

Shake all the ingredients thoroughly and pour into teapot. Fill a teacup with ice. Pour into teacup, top with a tiny splash of soda and garnish with a fresh sprig of coriander.

Mulberry Bramble Cocktail (a berry delight)

150ml Boodles Mulberry Gin
90ml Fresh lemon juice
90ml Crème de Mure (Blackberry Liqueur)
Lemon half wheel and blackberries to garnish – the bushes are bursting with the little devils, but leave a few for the jam makers

Combine all of the ingredients in a teapot. Fill a teacup with ice. Stir and strain ingredients into teacup. Garnish with a lemon half wheel and blackberries.

About Boodles Gin:

Boodles® Gin is a premium British gin, established in 1845 and produced exclusively in the UK according to the London Dry Gin production standards. 40% alcohol by volume (ABV), Boodles® Gin interestingly contains no citrus, obtaining its unique flavour from a number of botanicals including sage, rosemary and nutmeg. The taste is clean and crisp making for the perfect Boodles® & Tonic or Martini. Boodles® Gin is available nationwide at Sainsbury¹s and most exclusive bars and retailers.

Twitter: @BoodlesGinUK

Facebook: @BoodlesGinUK

About Proximo Spirits UK:

Proximo, which translates as ³next² in Spanish, is a privately owned, premium spirits producer based in New Jersey, USA.  In July 2013, Proximo Spirits UK launched, representing twelve premium brands including the Jose Cuervo tequila portfolio, The Kraken Black Spiced Rum, TINCUP American Whiskey, Bushmills Irish Whiskey and Boodles British Gin.  Proximo Spirits UK aim to become the next major producer of innovative marketing and new product development within the premium spirits category in the UK.

www.proximospirits.co.uk

Insights into the world of a Prison Doctor, this time taking us deeper into the walls of Bronzefield, the UK’s biggest women’s prison.

From the drug addicts who call Amanda ‘the mother I never had’ to the women who’ve pushed back at domestic abuse, to women close to release in their 70s, who just want to stay in the place that they’ve always known, these are stories that are heart-breaking, harrowing and heart-warming. Amanda listens, prescribes, and does what she can. After all, she’s their doctor.

Another fantastic and educational insight into a women’s prison, Dr Brown is compassionate, honest and neutral to all women she tends to on a daily basis. I devoured the first instalment and also this wonderful second book. Dr Brown is a born storyteller and her dedication to her job is admirable from helping women overcome drug addiction and guiding others in the right direction upon their release, she listens and sympathises, it is a fascinating to learn about the women’s back stories however I would have liked these to be more in depth. I hope for a third Prison Doctor book.

A absolute must read for those who enjoyed The prison doctor and Adam Kay’s ‘This is going to hurt & ‘ Twas the night-shift before Christmas. 

The Prison Doctor Women Inside (read on kindle) eBook and pb available from Amazon.

With summer upon us in these unsure time it is difficult to find a safe and affordable day out that the whole family will enjoy. I have lived in Somerset for 18 years and it was only a few months ago that I discovered the enchanting gem that is just 17 miles away from my door.

So one dry sunny day I threw the family in the car and off we went, we arrived just over half a hour later and paid just £2 to park all day and we embarked on a 2 mile trek around the utterly beautiful woods.

The children had great fun climbing trees, looking under rocks for insects and generally running wild. I was awestruck at the beauty of nature, the wildflowers in a huge variety of colours and scents, the towering trees, the birdsong I could hear in the background.

After our walk we found a beautiful picnic area complete with a babbling brook, despite the number of families that were also at the picnic area we had plenty of space to enjoy our surroundings.

So if you want to escape the chaos and stress of every day life and be transported to a magical place of outstanding beauty that children of and adults of all ages will enjoy then you need to venture to Great Wood. Be sure to pack a picnic with plenty of water and wear comfortable shoes. Enjoy the fresh air and forget your worries.

Great Wood, Adscombe Lane, over Stowey, Bridgewater, TA5 1HN