Hugh Dennis, Mel Giedroyc and Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir are among those announced for Keep Our Doors Open concert for St Martin-in-the-Fields Sunday 31st May 2020, 7pm

Since the Covid-19 lockdown began, more than 10 million people have enjoyed the music that continues to be produced from St Martin-in-the-Fields from the safety of their own homes. Now, they are holding a one-off digital concert with performers who know and love the space. These artists are coming together to raise money to keep St Martin-in-the-Fields’ doors open, to support their work with homeless and vulnerable people in London and across the UK, and to help sustain their work with talented young musicians.

Vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields, Revd Dr Sam Wells will begin the evening’s festivities. During the concert, award-winning journalist and BBC broadcaster, Julian Worricker will speak with comedian Hugh Dennis (Outnumbered, BBC; Mock The Week, BBC), Miko Giedroyc (Founder, Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir), Clarence Hunt (Choir Director, Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir) and presenter and personality, Mel Giedroyc (Mel and Sue, ITV; Great British Bake Off, BBC).

He will also speak to St Martin-in-the-Fields’ Choral Conducting Fellow, Gabriella Noble. BBC newsreader and children’s author Zeb Soanes (Gaspard the Fox, Graffeg) will introduce the pieces, including poetry readings from comedian Arthur Smith (The Comedy Club, BBC Radio 4; Are You Being Served, BBC) and a performance from slam poet Harry Baker (Winner, World Slam Poetry Competition, 2012). There will be soaring performances from St Martin’s Voices, their professional choral ensemble, and the Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir. Warren Mailley-Smith, the last person to perform at St Martin-in-the-Fields before lockdown, will share Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue on the piano, and there will be an astonishing performance by soprano Katharine Dain.

The St Martin-in-theFields choral scholars will present En la Macarenita, arranged by Bob Chilcott, and there will also Page | 2 be a performance by The Amanzi Quartet (2018 SMITF Chamber Music Competition Audience Prize Winners). Music has always played a central role in the life of St Martin-in-the-Fields – a building designed almost 300 years ago with choral music in mind. Londoners know it as a venue for high calibre classical music, training young musicians through the Voices and Choral Scholarship programmes.

Last year, over 400 concerts played here, many of them for free. Sunday’s digital concert will shine a light on amazing artists with support from some of the people who love St Martin-in-the-Fields, all so that they can raise precious funds to keep the doors open. Welcoming over a million visitors in recent years to their concerts, events, shop and café has been a vital source of income for this London icon.

To make up this shortfall, St Martin-in-the-Fields launched an emergency appeal: ‘Keep Our Doors Open’. Every donation to the appeal supports the work of St Martin’s during this national crisis with the money split between the Church, St Martin-in-the-Fields charity and The Connection. It will help them provide emergency shelter for rough sleepers in London, equip frontline workers with the tools they need to keep in touch with the most vulnerable and isolated and help to support a new generation of classical musicians. Every gift will ensure that this place of sanctuary and hope for so many will be able to continue its work. For one hundred years, St Martin-in-the-Fields in Trafalgar Square has been known as ‘The Church of the Open Door’; with their doors locked by Government mandate, they’re finding new ways to provide support and provide sanctuary to those who need it most.

Here are details of: Concert

Twitter @smitf_london Instagram @stmartininthefields

Website www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org

Donations here

I told you earlier about Rounton Coffee Roasters’ efforts to help to make sure the NHS in their  locality  (and wider afield) have access to coffee in their staffrooms. Time now to meet the two eager beavers behind this brilliant entrepreneurial and community minded company.

Dave Beattie – aka Beats:

The founder and driving force, David started as an engineer in chemical processing. By the age of 30 he was running an industrial gasses site on Teesside until a sabbatical seemed like a good idea. So off he went – as yer do –  traveling the world on a train.  After rumbling  through Europe, Russia and Mongolia,  he headed south towards Sumatra.

It is at this point  he had his ‘Eureka’ moment. But why?

Beats found himself working alongside  passionate Sumatran coffee farmers, who shared their frustrations at the limitations in the way their carefully nurtured beans were sold and handled. As he worked with them David realised he was not just happy, but enthused. On his return to North Yorkshire, Rounton Coffee Roasters was born  and four years on David’s focus is to make sure that the transparency, traceability and quality of the coffee, and other products, is at the heart of what they do.

Dave Beattie says: ‘Here at Rounton Coffee Roasters we understand that working with quality focused suppliers is paramount to running a successful business. That’s why we pride ourselves on being able to source and provide only the highest quality speciality coffees that are freshly roasted in small batches, using specialised software that creates consistent flavour profiles every time. We take a highly engaged approach to our wholesale relationships and invest time and expertise to make sure the coffee offerings for each business is only the best.’

But could he do all he wanted to do  on his own? Roll of drums…  Enter stage left :

David Burts. Head of Coffeer, green bean buyer, and whistling fixer of all things at the Coffee Roasters.

Roasty Burts lives to source and roast the finest speciality coffee he can get his hands on,  working tirelessly: analysing, researching and profiling every coffee that comes through Rounton Coffee Roasters door.  David joined Rounton Coffee Roasters in its infancy leaving a job in education to make it his mission to promote ethical and sustainable trading in the coffee producing world. His mantra is ‘’only positive vibes allowed’’ and is ‘that guy’ who is always a little too chirpy on a morning; but they wouldn’t change that… Not even the whistling.

The guys have an amazing range of coffees you can buy from their stores, or they will deliver. Each blend comes with a description, but not just of the flavour but of the source. As an example, let’s take a look at the Daybreak coffee blend notes to see how easy it is to choose which coffee to buy:

The Daybreak Blend.

Coffee lovers will know that Central and South American coffees make up the backbone of any great blend. Their deep chocolate notes punch through, making them a great choice with or without milk.

Up front, Daybreak blend ticks all the boxes: it’s moreish and satisfying, with just the right amount of body. Dig a little deeper, and you’ll find a pairing of coffees that we have spent countless hours working on, each bringing their own nuances to the table. With Daybreak, we want to show that exclusive, specialty coffees can (and should) be your go-to, even if you’re just looking for ‘a proper cup of coffee’.

50% Peru – Hilda Bermeo Guevara.  Hilda Bermeo Guevara’s farm is situated in the Northern Highlands of the Andes. A combination of washed Caturra, Pache, Bourbon and Catimor, this coffee has sweet pear notes and a full, rich body. Hilda’s coffee is part of a new age of coffee sourcing in Peru, where farmers are able to trade their lots more directly than ever before, with extra traceability.

50% Nicaragua – Las Naranjas. A washed Caturra from Ana and Martha Albir’s 8 hectare farm in North-Western Nicaragua.  A delicious coffee in its own right, with rich toffee and chocolate notes.

But … coffee is not the only product Rounton Roasters source and sell.

Tom Keavney, Training and Marketing: thinks you should also look at: Hot chocolate : Collection Venesuiela Smooth 58%

Venezuela is a light hot chocolate with 58 per cent cocoa, light and sweet with fruity notes. Sourced from the regions Sucre, Sur de Lago and Barlowento, this Venezuelan cocoa used are a mix of the two varieties criollo and trinitario beans. Academy of Chocolate, Bronze Award winner for a delicious flavour that was recognised with a Silver Award by the Academy of Chocolate.

Hey, says Guy Snead, Head Roaster: then there are the teas, lots of ’em.

Loose Leaf Silky Pyramids- Earl Grey tea is an example.

The Harrington Tea Garden is situated in the Dimbula mountains of Sri Lanka and all the tea that grows there is organic. This fine and flavoursome black tea is infused with extracts of bergamot to create a zesty and satisfying cup of Earl Grey tea.  Ingredients: Black Ceylon tea, marigold blossoms*, natural bergamot. *Certified organic.

Here at Chez Graham, we have just ordered our usual decaff coffee plus a sample pack of 3 coffees: Granary Blend, Colombia – Monte Bonito, Ethiopia – Mustefa Abakeno.

Go online, it’s a treat to browse. It’s worth buying online, or at one of their shops located… Well no, I want to tempt you to take a look at the website, and the choices. It’s a great way to spend an hour or two. I will visit  Rounton Coffee Roasters once the lockdown is lifted. Until then, a trawl around the site is quite enough, and our coffee is delivered promptly.

So  if ethical growing is important to you, have a good look at the products this committed team have sourced, and made ready for you. Browse, learn, buy … We did, and do, and are loving every sip. Remember also, that wholesale is available.

Go to the website for More information.

Images courtesy of Rounton Coffee Roasters.

Michael Rowan discovers the joy of home cooked food, without spending much time in his own kitchen, thanks to Oakhouse Foods https://www.oakhousefoods.co.uk/

If you are like me, nothing quite gladdens the heart like the thought of a delicious home cooked meal. The downside however, is that it’s generally me that has to cook it. Then there is the purchase of the ingredients and the use of countless pots and pans before the oven is even warm. In the end I often decide to settle for a sandwich.

So when Frost Magazine was approached to test some meals from Oakhouse Foods I was intrigued – was  their range of 350 meals for one was as delicious as they said?  Well, my curiosity is satisfied, because this trusted and established food  delivery service, with over 25 years experience, really does do as it says on the ‘packet’:  it delivers an extensive choice of delicious quality frozen meals.

These are not idle words because, as many of you may know, I am Frost Magazine’s resident cynic, and at first I had my doubts that anyone   could really supply a roast dinner that simply needed popping in the oven and yet still taste as good as the home cooked dish.

To make matters more difficult, I explained that I was vegetarian, which is my sure- fire test of cooking skills. In my opinion if you can get the vegetarian option right, the rest is likely to be very good indeed.

The packages were promptly delivered in a 100% compostable bag and I have to say, that despite social distancing, the local deliveryman was exemplary, checking that we had everything we needed and making sure that we knew his name and how to contact him, should there be any problem.

The dishes that I sampled were the Luxury Vegetarian Roast Dinner (£6.00); Roasted Vegetable Lasagne (£5.55). Lemon Pudding with Lemon Custard (£3.99) pack of 2; Black Forest Gateaux (£4.75) pack of 2.

Possessing a large appetite, I was dubious that there would be enough to satisfy me but I needn’t have worried, not only was there plenty, everything was delicious.

The Mushroom Wellington melted in the mouth and the carrots and parsnips perfectly cooked retaining just enough bite. The roast potatoes and cauliflower and broccoli cheese were superb accompaniments and the Yorkshire Pudding completed the ensemble.

I had to have a little rest before I could tackle the Lemon pudding with lemon sauce. I was in for another surprise, because rather than a stodgy nursery pudding, this was a light lemony sponge with a pleasing sharp sauce.

The following day I enjoyed the Roast Vegetable Lasagne which was another revelation. The sheets of Lasagne were perfectly cooked and nicely al dente, whilst the roast vegetables were prepared in such a way that each vegetable was readily identifiable through taste and texture. The cheese sauce complimenting rather than over powering the dish.

I had considered adding some salad but the portion was such that there really was no need.

The Black Forest Gateau, replete with whole black cherries, was light, tasty and gloriously indulgent, but if you are the sort of person who nods at the waiter when offered extra cream, then go ahead, but personally I didn’t think that it was necessary.

Portion sizes throughout were generous to a fault and I can well imagine these meals been a life saver for someone who is self- isolating or someone trying to arrange food on behalf of someone who lives some distance away.

With the current climate, a trip to the supermarket may not be possible and delivery slots are still difficult to come by so this could be the solution.

When we get back to normal, these meals would be a boon for those who work late but don’t fancy yet another take away, or those wishing to make sure that their offspring away at University, aren’t living solely on takeaways.

Oakhouse Foods provide something for everyone, no matter the size of appetite, dietary needs or personal preference. Meals for those following special diets such as gluten-free, low-sugar, low fat or low salt alongside pureed or bite-sized ranges are available, with more than 80 well-known recipes also provided as mini meals for those with smaller appetites.

They can also create bespoke meal lists, whether for allergens or preference, which outlines the dishes which suit personal diets. From comforting classics to a wide range of vegetarian meals which can be placed in the freezer and cooked in the microwave or oven.

Online booking has also been extended, with people now being able to order up to twelve weeks in advance for peace of mind.

Oakhouse Foods offers a range of over 350 high-quality and great-tasting meals, with a team dedicated to providing food that’s comforting and reliable, all of which can be viewed here 

A full-colour brochure is also downloadable via this link and can be delivered to homes, nationwide and free of charge.

Available to watch on YouTube here
vam.ac.uk/kimono | #KyotoToCatwalk

The V&A launches a series of five films that take viewers on a personal, 30-minute behind-the-scenes tour of our critically acclaimed exhibition Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk. Captured as the museum was closing its doors to the public, curator Anna Jackson guides viewers through the exhibition spaces, providing a personal insight into the making of the show, star exhibits and the fascinating history of the iconic garment.

The first major exhibition devoted to kimono in Europe, the show had to close two weeks into its exhibition run. Positively received by critics and visitors alike, Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk explores what is arguably the ultimate symbol of Japan. The kimono is often perceived as traditional, timeless and unchanging, but this exhibition counters this conception, presenting the garment as a dynamic and constantly evolving icon of fashion.

The exhibition reveals the sartorial and social significance of the kimono from the 1660s to the present day, both in Japan and in the rest of the world. Rare 17^th– and 18^th-century kimono are displayed for the first time in the UK, together with fashion from international designers and iconic film and performance costumes. The kimono’s recent reinvention on the streets of Japan is also explored through work by an exciting new wave of contemporary designers and stylists.

Highlights of the exhibition include a kimono created by Living National Treasure Kunihiko Moriguchi, the Alexander McQueen dress designed for Björk and worn on the cover of her album Homogenic, and original Star Wars costumes modelled on kimono by John Mollo. Designs by Jean Paul Gaultier and John Galliano reveal the kimono’s role as a constant source of inspiration for fashion designers. Paintings, prints, dress accessories and other objects feature throughout the exhibition, providing additional context to the fascinating story of kimono’s style, appeal and influence. Almost 300 works are featured, including kimono specially made for the show, with half being drawn from the V&A’s superlative collections and the rest generously lent by museums and private collections in Britain, Europe, America and Japan.

Anna Jackson, curator of Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk at the V&A, said:

‘Having closed the exhibition early, I am so pleased that we can share the kimono experience with viewers around the world. Many of you will be at home in lockdown, so I hope you will enjoy the opportunity to escape on a journey that will take us from the sophisticated culture of 17^th century Japan to the creativity of the contemporary catwalk. We look forward to welcoming you to the V&A again soon, so you can encounter these sumptuous garments and exciting displays for yourself.’

Available to watch on YouTube here
vam.ac.uk/kimono | #KyotoToCatwalk

Images courtsey of Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

Annie Clarke is an Arrow author. Her latest novel is available here.

The Understudy is a brand new radio play that will be broadcast in two parts on Wednesday 20^th May and Wednesday 27^th May 2020 – the reason? To raise funds for the theatre industry which is facing a devastating impact from the Covid-19 health crisis. The Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield will split proceeds of this project with charities including the Theatre Development Trust (SOLT and UK Theatre), Acting for Others and Equity Charitable Trust.

There is a magnificent line-up of actors performing in the play including Stephen Fry, Emily Atack, Sheila Atim, Layton Williams, Russell Tovey, Sarah Hadland, Mina Anwar and many more. The cast and creative team involved took part completely in isolation and actors recorded at home – an exceptional sound design team bringing the whole thing to life.

Top: Stephen Fry, Mina Anwar, Layton Williams, Emily Atack

Bottom: Russell Tovey, Sarah Hadland, Sheila Atim

Based on the bittersweet novel by the best-selling author David Nicholls (Starter For Ten), The Understudy tells the story of Stephen McQueen, an underdog – a failed husband, a failing father, a failing actor, and the impossible choice he’s going to have to make between stealing the show and stealing another man’s wife. Directed by Giles Croft, this is a stage adaptation written by Henry Filloux-Bennett that was originally commissioned by The Lowry Theatre in Salford. The sound, music and effects will be brought to life by Alexandra Faye Braithwaite, Annie May Fletcher and Sophie Galpin.

To tune in to listen to The Understudy a £5.00 ticket must be bought, all proceeds going to help individuals and organisations struggling because of Coronavirus, from www.understudyplay.com where you can choose just to listen to it or watch it! It is part radio play and part animated film.

Producer Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield with support from Anthology Theatre

Writer Henry Filloux-Bennett

Based on The Understudy by David Nicholls

Director Giles Croft

Sound & Music Alexandra Faye Braithwaite, Annie May Fletcher and Sophie Galpin

Running Time 2 hours 5 mins (in total)

Tickets www.understudyplay.com

Twitter @theLBT, @ActingForOthers

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The Hambleton District Council operates in a North Yorkshire area that  includes Thirsk and Sowerby  –  (Sowerby is a village tight against Thirsk), and was determined to raise funds to  develop a Sowerby Sports Village. Using in part a landfill site and with funding in place, the first requirement was a sustainable drainage system

Then, the first stage facilities: a fitness trail, landscaping for informal recreation, even allotments.  In time grass pitches, a full size 3 G artificial pitch and pavilion are planned.

So why the hero tag? COVID  came along. Overnight, much like the local town shops I have already  mentioned who set up efficient delivery systems, the council determined to do their bit, and opened early to encourage exercise. Dog walkers, other walkers, runners and cyclists could use the  fitness tracks. The centre team sports area was to be used for play, strolling –  with social distancing a requirement. Though dogs will not be permitted once the crisis abates. 

If you set off from the start, there are markers on the one km track, which runs around the team sports area.These markers  tell you how far you’ve come. Or perhaps more importantly, how far you have yet to go. Would that be a good idea for life? Probably not – who wants to know when the final end game is due.

You can walk or cycle on or off road. Which puts me in mind of a charity bike round and across Israel, on and off road, staying at kibbutz. Our leader would explain the route for the next day, and mention as though it was nothing – that there were a few undulations. Oh yeah – they were cliffs, let me tell you.  Here it is barely an undulation, so all quite doable.

There are useful information boards, because the nesting boxes put up high along and above the hedges attract myriad birds.

Forgive the wire fencing. But nobody’s going to get in and take these blooming babies.

The allotments are underway.  The car park is planted with bee friendly beds of lavender and rosemary. There are hedges being replanted along the road edge, after the landscaping and drainage work necessitated the removal of the original.

Like so many district councils these days, Hambleton is nature friendly. Where new residential developments are being erected in their area there are attempts to create green spaces and nature gardens. Quite right too, in these bee conscious times.

Pretty much like the bees on the rosemary, the place is buzzing. A safe place for exercise in these strange times.

More information here

Annie Clarke’s latest novel Wedding Bells on the Home Front is out now. 

Actress Phina Oruche whose show Identity Crisis was a hit at the Edinburgh Fringe and on UK tour, has graced our screens for years – and now she has turned her hand to storytelling.

During the Covid-19 crisis, Oruche has been learning to home-school and find creative ways to teach and motivate her son. The result is her debut children’s book, Jacopo Jacopo Football Star.

Writing in response to the challenges faced by many parents during the Covid-19 lockdown, she’s created an accessible and fun read for children.

Jacopo Jacopo follows a mixed heritage 10-year-old boy on his journey from grassroots football to signing with a Premier League team. This is an endearing story about a dream, a fragile family, and friendships while getting your game on. A native of Liverpool, Oruche brings to life this incredible city in her new book. Locals can see themselves and their city in this inspiring story which accurately and invitingly presents Liverpudlian culture to a wider audience.

Penning a story about one boy’s footballing journey, Oruche aims to motivate children, particularly young boys, to read more now and in the future. Phina Oruche comments, I love reading and books and the flight of the word imagined. Stories have changed my life, kept me company and everything in between. I would love to foster a love of reading real books in my son and other children. I would much prefer the glow of a night light and a cheeky read than a hidden screen any night of the week.

Jacopo Jacopo Football Star Writer Phina Oruche Age Guidance 7+

Available at Amazon.co.uk

Annie Clarke is the author of Wedding Bells on the Home Front

With, magically, time to spare now a manuscript is in, and before the edits come winging back I finished the wonderful  Philip Kerr A Man Without Breath, but then what? I seldom re-read a book, but there it was, Murder your Darlings by Mark McCrum which I have reviewed before. It was such a romp and what’s more, an excellent detective story the first time round I wondered if it would ‘hold’ for another lap?

I felt drawn because, you might remember,  it is set in gorgeous Umbria at a villa hosting a creative writing course. The ‘ring master’  is the tutor, the hosts Stephanie and Gerry. I ached with laughter, or was it recognition as the ‘performers’ the students milled, chatted, worked whilst the tutor, in this case Francis, observes, bites his tongue and oh, oh, staying neutral. Be still my beating heart… Yes, I’ve been there, taught these – by turn  – wonderful, infuriating and fascinating writers.

I do remember one incidence, but no, I mustn’t, not even with  the nom de plumes Mr A and Mrs B.

But another is repeatable. At ARVON, where I taught one particular course the students had to take turns to cook the evening meal. I joined in, as usual, with the first night’s team, chatting, learning more about them, until as one, the little domestic team disappeared. Was it something I said? It wouldn’t be for a quiet nip of something strong, for there was wine aplenty in the dining room.

They said they’d be back to serve, while all I had to do was stir the pot. Phew.

They did indeed return, as we sat around the large dining room table, tottering in, wearing high heels, and bunny girl outfits they had somehow mashed together. Glorious. Though I do wish they’d asked me to wear a fluffy bunny tail, fishnet tights but perhaps it would have been a tad too much to see granny dolled up, when people were eating. …

But back to the lovely scrumptious Murder your Darlings. So, into this course, set atop a hill with views of the Umbrian countryside, a swimming  pool, a sauna – all mod cons, bursts a murder,  of one of the writers. Or is it a murder? Perhaps an unfortunate accident?  And here they all are, corralled at the villa by the police, all the various branches of the police it seems, under investigation it appears, because – was it an ‘inside’ job?. When into the mix, another murder and no-one has been in, or out. It doesn’t take a genius to realise it was ‘one of them.’  Arghh.

The police turn to Francis for help to ferret about and discover what exactly is going on under the surface .

Why are some of them really there? Why do those who have been coming for twenty years return?  What secrets abound?

I defy anyone to put this book down,as the secrets emerge until – all is revealed.

All I can say is that it’s a blessing the tutor was there, as  I often feel like telling my students – not that anything so dire has occurred, though at times, with the myriad of personalities there is always the chance of blood on the floor.

Bravo, read it once, then go back. Feel the sun on your face, observe the view, ferret amongst the students yourselves, have a snigger, wonder if you could write a book because there are so darned good tips for writers in these pages.

A book is esssential  for whiling away the luxurious hours of lock down. And this one must be first in the queue, and a Philip Kerr.

Then – why not write your own memoir, or novel? This lock down has given some of us time for reflection, time to find the germ of an idea. Go on a writing holiday to – well, maybe not the Villa Giulia – but somewhere. Make sure you keep your wits about you though.

If you are one of the key workers, the time for reflection will come later. But write down your experiences, then, when time has allowed you to process this taxing, draining experience. The family will want to know, perhaps the libraries in their local history section Perhaps a publisher. Or put them in a blog. Writing can order your thoughts, and experiences, it can allow you to take control again.

I work with ill or injured veterans, editing and steering their writing. It is a great  way of talking things out, shaping the mess. Fiction in particular allows you to  throw around those experiences, use them as you see fit, and not allow them to overtake and control you. Or so I’ve found. OK, OK, lesson over.

This is the third of Mark McCrum’s Francis Meadowes mysteries. Beautifully written, and kindly but sharply observed. They really should be televised. Bagsy me to be one of the writers.

Loved it. Must read the others. Thanks a bunch Mark McCrum for a great read.

Murder your Darlings. Mark McCrum. pub Severn Kindle and hb. Available here.

Annie Clarke is the author of Wedding Bells on the Home Front:  pub 14th May by Arrow in  e-Book

Pb due in July  courtesy of Covid easing.