There’s a small village near me which is so old it was listed in the Domesday Book in 1086. For a tiny place, Chalfont St Peter has a very big story which I thought it would be fun to share.

A major reason for Chalfont St Peter’s rich history is its location – just a day’s horse-ride from London. It’s why the famous poet John Milton evacuated to its neighbour, Chalfont St Giles, to escape London’s Great Plague in 1665. The nearby Bull Hotel, in Gerrards Cross is an old coaching inn, built in 1688, and coachmen from London would push their horses to gallop across the last stretch of woodland, trying to dodge the highwaymen lying in wait and reach The Bull and a safe night’s sleep. The Bull Hotel has retained its historic grandeur to this day and is a lovely setting for an evening meal or a celebration.

There’s so much to tell, but a good starting place is Chalfont St Peter’s infamous resident – Judge George Jeffreys, known as the ‘hanging judge’ – his sentences had a reputation for being brutal. He owned The Grange, a mansion in beautiful grounds close to Gold Hill Common and he used to hold court at The Greyhound, a 14^th Century coaching inn at the bottom of the village. Judge Jeffreys was so concerned about reprisals for his harsh sentences that he built a tunnel from his residence to The Greyhound, allowing him to travel to and from his court in safety. The tunnel is still present today, although the Grange has been replaced by a modern housing estate. The Greyhound Inn however still flourishes and is a great place for a drink and a meal.

But back to Gold Hill Common, which has always played a major role in the village. Just a couple of generations ago, villagers would each keep a cow or a pig. Each day the cows would make their way to Gold Hill Common, to graze and drink from the pond, then in the evening, each cow would find its way back to its own yard. The Common is built on a hill and has a wooded area with fruit trees, which helped to supplement the villagers’ diets. A beacon was constructed in 2012 for Queen Elizabeth’s Jubilee celebrations and has been lit on numerous occasions since, most recently for the VE Day 80^th Anniversary, a real opportunity for the community to meet under the burning Beacon as the sun goes down. But the most incredible volunteer achievement is the annual Chalfont St Peter Feast Day, where the Common is transformed with numerous stalls, including beekeepers, the library, local businesses and more; a travelling fair; and a large stage featuring performances by local schools and dance groups. Then in the evening, the whole village relaxes and chats together on the grass with picnics and drinks, enjoying the warm summer evening and a free concert. This year One Step Beyond, the Madness tribute band headlined this event. I just love how the spirit of the village and community has been maintained for over eleven centuries by the hard work of so many volunteers.

This is just a taster, there are so many stories of Chalfont St Peter – its history, its famous residents, past and present, and the challenges endured by the local people.

Until next time …

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.

Sowerby (from the Old Norse saurr, or muddy ground plus farmstead) is a gentle walk from Thirsk, through the park, passing Mrs Pomfrey’s house (if you follow James Herriot) on the right with the York moors in the distance to the left, beyond Cod Beck. The beck runs the other side of the meadows. Cows frequently graze in these meadows. Keep going as you toddle from Thirsk (or you could drive) and you will find St. Oswald’s Church on your left.

It was originially a Norman Church, but all that remains of that era is in the tower. Of course the Church has been added to steadily since then – always in the style of the old. By the way, there are studs in the old door dated approximately 1680 but perhaps the ironwork, it is suggested, is old enough to be Norman. There is a tiny peephole in the corner between the tower and aisle, through which the alter is visible. But who would look? The mind boggles. Were they keeping an eye on the choristers, perhaps?

St Oswald’s also plays host to Sowerby Music which has been organising monthly professional concerts there for about 30 years and, goodness, there have been many memorable evenings to soothe and inspire.

Moving along Front Street you will see the lime avenue, which was planted by the village to commemorate Queen Victoria’s jubilee. In July/August a sublime scent drifts from the blossom while a multitude of tiny insects high above you, make hay while the sun shines. Let me show you the scented blossom.

There are houses of all sorts, grand and not, lining Front Street, but all set back from the road and somehow timeless. There is a pub, the Crown and Anchor, a war memorial with two wrought iron beautifully worked benches to sit and ponder, and the Methodist Church. If you move along the length of Front Street you will see the 17th century Pack Horse Bridge over which horses, or men, would carry loads and no doubt check the height of the water of Cod Beck below, which I do every single time.

Dick and I take our two dogs to Sowerby most days. Rosie is in her chariot, which is allowed for one of her advanced years, with Polly bouncing along beside, or hitching a lift. Into the grounds of St. Oswald’s we go, with its very old trees. The dogs are on the lookout for squirrels, while we just enjoy the calm, and walk through the cemetary, meeting others doing just the same, until we reach the wall, and look towards the beck, and wonder if there is any other region which so delights its residents?

From 12th July, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace will feature a unique new visitor route into the Private Apartments, extending the Palace by five additional rooms.

During the experience, visitors will journey through some of the grandest rooms to unlock unique treasures, and follow in the footsteps of dukes, duchesses and their illustrious guests. The new extended tour will offer a new route through the Duke’s Bar into the corridor, as well as the Family Dining Room, The Smoking Room and the Duchess’s Sitting Room. Guests will then enter the spectacular Grand Cabinet, the most opulent room in the Palace normally reserved for special family occasions. The tour will then continue through the Palace Drawing Rooms, a route walked by royalty and the most important guests to the Palace. 

Over the years, The Grand Cabinet has been used variously as a drawing room, sitting room and even as school room for the 10th Duke younger children. The room holds many treasures passed down through the generations, including a full-length portrait of Caroline, 4th Duchess of Marlborough, by George Romney (1779) that hangs above the fireplace, or a beautiful French Savonnerie carpet (c.1750), based on a design originally produced for the Queen’s Bedchamber at the Palace of Versailles.

The Family Treasures experience enhances the visitor experience by 20 minutes and features a host of priceless artefacts and collections including:

Designed to showcase Britain’s Greatest Palace like never before, Family Treasures is one of the new unique new visitor experiences at Blenheim Palace this year.  

The Roof Top View platform experience provides visitors with never seen before breathtaking views over the Estate including the famous Column of Victory as well as the surrounding Oxfordshire countryside and Life Below Stairs, an immersive experience giving visitors the opportunity to see the original working Victorian Palace kitchens. Both of the new experiences are available alongside the launch of Blenheim Palace’s most ambitious restoration initiative to date, the historic roof project.

This year, Britain’s Greatest Palace is marking 75 years since first opening its doors to the public with a summer of celebration, featuring ‘75 Things To Do’ and more across the Palace, Park, Gardens and its family attraction Adventure Play. From history lovers to young families and adventure seekers, the summer-long anniversary celebration promises something exciting for everyone. 

Admission to the new Family Treasures extended tour is included with a valid Palace & Gardens Ticket or Palace and Play Pass, which grants access to both Blenheim Palace and Adventure Play for a full year, making it fantastic value to enjoy all that Britain’s Greatest Palace has to offer. 

For information on the new visitor experiences at Blenheim Palace and to book tickets, visit www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/new-for-2025 

To find out more about the roof restoration project, visit www.blenheimpalace.com/restoration

Frost readers are no strangers to Tracklements, that Wiltshire-based family company who create quality food, using only proper, honest ingredients. I’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating, all their products are made by hand in small batches, using ingredients sourced from farms and small businesses across England. I know, it’s incredible isn’t it? But true. And the proof is definitely in the eating.

Tracklements are constantly creating new and exciting products and I’m always enthusiastic to road test them, so I was delighted to learn of their two latest triumphs.

The first is Sriracha Chilli Mayonnaise. Even the thought of spicy fermented chilli combined with creamy mayonnaise got my taste-buds working overtime and a quick look at the ingredients confirmed that this was going to be good, very good. Chillis and garlic, fermented together for five days and then combined with, oil and eggs, vinegars, raw cane sugar, peppers, onions, mustard seed, lemon juice and anchovies – simple, traditional fare, with not one chemical additive in sight. As I tried it, my mind was buzzing with the potential. The taste was perfect – just the right amount of chilli heat, the subtle garlic overtones and the perfect creamy mayonnaise layers all merged in harmony. I was visualizing a barbeque – laughter in the garden, a chilled rosé and succulent meats and salad covered liberally in Tracklements Sriracha Chilli Mayonnaise – heaven on a plate.

But as if this wasn’t enough excitement for one day, Tracklements have a double whammy, with their Indulgent Garlic Mayonnaise. Garlic puree combined with a traditional mayonnaise recipe, this flavour was milder and less complex, simple and delicious.

The two mayonnaises work very well together and make succulent dips – for kebabs, chips, or chopped vegetables if you’re trying to be good. They add a kick to wraps or panini or frankly pretty much anything.

NEW Tracklements Sriracha Chilli Mayonnaise and NEW Tracklements Indulgent Garlic Mayonnaise both with RRP £3.10 / 200g, are gluten free and are available from fine food delis and farm shops nationwide and online at www.tracklements.co.uk.

Do grab some for al fresco dining whilst the sun shines – you deserve it.

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

Think of Avenue Q, Little Shop of Horrors, Rocky Horror Show. Then watch Potty the Plant and you’ll feel you’re in the same irreverent, adult and theatrical territory.

Almost worryingly, at the beginning you’ll maybe think you’re watching a satirical pastiche of these musicals. But relax. This show quickly stamps its own character on the genre. It’s clever, upbeat and overflowing with sick childish humour. What the show lacks in panache, it gains in exuberance.

Lucy Appleton as Miss Lacey – with Potty

It has a feel of a show thrown together by some friends for Edinburgh. And, basically, that’s what it is. Thankfully, the show is on a journey of its own and will soon grow into a full-length production – because at just over an hour the audience does leave feeling a little short-changed. We want more! Which is a good thing, right?!? The all-singing, all-dancing ensemble are Baden Burns, Lucy Appleton, Ash K-B, Stephanie Cubello, Sam Ridley and Joe Winter. A little rough at the edges perhaps, but superb vocals more than make up for it.

Joe Winter, Stephanie Cubello and Sam Ridley – as the Nurses!

Set in a hospital with strange goings-on, our three intrepid nurses set about solving some appalling crimes happening all around them. Could the mysterious blood-thirsty Dr.Acula be the cause? And how come no one ever listens to Potty the Plant?!?

One thing to note: when attending this show (which you WILL enjoy if you’re not easily offended!) try to listen to the house music. It’s ‘hospital radio’ and the DJ says some very funny things – although, because of the chatter all around, it’s hard to hear. Most are unaware the show has already begun!

Photography Roan Lenihan Creatives Baden Burns, Sarah Burns, Aeddan Sussex

Musical Director Zach Burns Venue Wilton’s Music Hall, 1 Graces Alley, London E1 8JB

Until Saturday 28th June 2025 Tickets available from £10 from https://wiltons.org.uk/whats-on/potty-the-plant/

Showtimes 7:30pm Evenings – 3pm (Saturday 28th Matinee)

Running Time 65 minutes – no interval Ages Recommended 18+

Instagram @pottytheplantofficial X @PottyTheMusical

On arrival this powerhouse of woman was there to greet us, full of enthusiasm, a smile to brighten any day and as always, a heart full of love for people and a strong affection and care for others, making us so welcome. As a crowd of approximately 100 gathered -dignitaries, fund raisers, anyone who had supported sister – were seated and the proceedings began.

The Mayoress Linda Scanlon opened the celebration event, next came the newly appointed Mayor Ehthesham Haque who thanked Sister for her tireless work in supporting local people.

Mayor Ehthesham Alderman Peter Wood Lynda Scanlon Mayoress Sister Mary Scholastica Alderman Mark Greenfield Former Tyne and Wear Lord Lieutenant Mrs Susan Whitfield

Next came the author, Kevin Lilley, who told us how the idea came about for a book and, how in 2022 “You raise me up” was no longer merely a vision. Sister Mary thoroughly enjoyed Kevin’s homage, laughing at his comments until… it was almost her turn. But let’s pause, and take a short look at the ways in which this remarkable woman has helped her beloved community, which is in fact, her adoptive home.

Sister Mary was born in Ireland, and it was at the tender age of 17 that she came to Sunderland to join the Convent of the Sisters of Mercy in order to live a life of service. And indeed, that is exactly what her life became as she worked amongst Sunderland’s wonderful and often needy community. Her work involved, amongst many other causes, the homeless, support for young people, respite care, and of course, the seafarers. Heavens, was there anything she wasn’t involved in? Well, no, the list goes on and on.

Mayor Ehthesham Sister Mary Scholastica

Ever modest, Sister Mary, beloved by so many, spent her launch celebrating and highlighting, not her life, but the efforts and generosity of so many people who helped and supported her over the years. Sister also took the opportunity to tell the mayor that more people need to be honoured, as ordinary folks are overlooked and do not get the recognition they deserve for the charitable work they do. (She never misses an opportunity to get her point across).

‘The list could have been much longer,’ she finally remarked, with her beautiful smile. Amongst those listening to Sister, were some of her family members, and for us, her friends, it was a humbling experience to be part of this auspicious occasion.

Columbia Community Association (Marion and Bob Taylor) along with Margaret Graham of Frost Magazine, felt privileged to be presented with a copy of the book which Margaret will be reviewing shortly. What a day, spent with fabulous people, lovely buffet and an amazing celebration of the one and only Sister Mary Scholastica “Angel of Mercy”. Raise me up will be published soon, at a cost of £20 and all proceedings will go the Seafarers Mission.

I absolutely love Microplane products and the Microplane Rotary Fine Blade Grater is simply the best companion to the Microplane Premium Classic Zester, which has been featured in Frost Magazine previously.

As with all Microplane products, the inspiration came from a Canadian housewife who, fed up with her traditional grater, borrowed one of her husband’s wood-working tools. Suddenly kitchen gadgets had the quality of professional work tools. In fact Microplane is globally recognized as the original manufacturer to apply photo-etching technology to create ultra sharp edges for graters and blades. Let’s just say, once you’ve tried them you could never go back.

The Rotary Fine Blade Grater is light but strong and so easy to use. It consists of just three pieces which fit together in seconds and dismantle easily for washing and storage too. You simply insert whatever you want to grate – a piece of cheese or chocolate for example into the hopper and gently press whilst turning the handle. The result is beautiful, finely-grated product with no grated finger-tips in the process. But it doesn’t stop there, because the clever design means the hopper is effectively a small container, so you can also fill it with, say pistachio nuts, turn the handle and in minutes you have a fine layer of delicious-grated pistachio (anybody else fantasising about Dubai-style chocolate, or is it just me?) Well, if you are, you can make your own, oh, so easily using the Rotary Fine Blade Grater.

RRP for this little beauty is just £39.95 – available from John Lewis.

And talking about sharp and effective culinary products, I have a stop press on the Tormek T-1 Kitchen Knife Sharpener, the absolutely top of the range knife sharpener, featured by Frost Magazine . A new colour has been added to the already attractive and varied range – Ash Green – it’s simply beautiful. Available from the Tormek website, RRP £335.

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.

As someone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen preparing delicious meals, or as my wife would say, using every pot, pan, utensil and horizontal workspace, I was thrilled to try out the PFAS-Free, professional grade 3-ply stainless steel with an aluminium core which I am reliably assured provides quick and even heat distribution and maximum efficiency.

I tried out the 20cm frying pan which I found sturdy and well balanced and as the owner of 6 frying pans I can see that this is going to become my go to pan. It is bigger than my skillet, with deep sides so there should be no spillage on the cooker top. (Picture my wife rolling her eyes at this point)

This high-tech, non-stick, multi-ply stainless steel range is masterfully engineered to look great and perform excellently on all stove tops, including induction, and if you need to finish a dish off in the oven, the pans are oven safe to 220°C.  Gas Mark 7

Eager to put it through its paces, I tried it out with Halloumi Cheese, an omelette, some stir fried vegetables, and I have to say the first thing of note was how well the handle fitted the hand. Cooks will know what I mean, (my wife raising her eyes to the heavens, and not for the first time whilst reading this review.) It cooked everything quickly, and evenly and no overspill.

Featuring the latest PFAS-Free ThermolonTM Infinity Pro ceramic non-stick coating, enhanced with diamonds, every pan is extremely durable and scratch-resistant.

EvershineTM technology ensures that even after countless cooking sessions your pots and pans will look brand new. Another special feature is the durable wrapped stainless-steel rims. They protect the non-stick coating against bumps and chipping. My wife advises that I should emphasise this for those like me, who shove pans in to the pan drawer. Silhouette rivets create a seamless and easy-to-clean interior, even my wife would enjoy cleaning this pan, An exaggeration perhaps, but she hasn’t read this far down the review so I don’t care.

GreenPan Premiere Frying Pans:

20cm (RRP £85)

24cm (RRP £95)

30cm (RRP £110)

2-piece Frying Pan Set – 20cm and 28cm – (RRP £170)

GreenPan Premiere 3-ply Stainless Steel Non-Stick 3-Piece Saucepan Set (RRP £265) includes: 16cm, 18cm and 20cm.  

Available from greenpan.co.uk