As the years have slipped quietly by, I must accept that the woman with the wrinkles staring back at me from the mirror is actually me. And when did my hands start looking like a relief map of the Andes? Whatever happened to that beautiful peach-like skin? Surely it was only yesterday? Is there any hope?

Well the good news is – yes, Ladies, there is hope, because I’ve discovered Wildsmith. Wildsmith take good skin very seriously and combine good science with nature in their relentless quest to make our skin the best it can be.

Wildsmith practise an integrated approach to wellbeing at their The Bothy health retreat at Heckfield Place, a wonderful Georgian family home and working estate in the Hampshire countryside, and at The Treehouse, a luxurious treatment facility on the fourth floor of Liberty’s in London. They’ve developed an amazing range of products which they use in their treatments but, and this is the great news, they’re also available for use at home.

Wildsmith research active formulations in their laboratories, which can imitate the skin’s natural systems for integrity and health, then combine these with plant-based actives and essential ingredients for skin health, including oils and butters derived from flowers, herbs, nuts, seeds, roots and barks. They extract many of these ingredients from plants harvested from their Heckfield Place estate, thus guaranteeing the quality. So dedicated are the Wildsmith team that they have even conducted clinical trials to look at the benefits on the skin.

As my skin has become quite dry over time, I am loving the Wildsmith Stillness Nourishing Body Cleanser. It’s made with hyaluronic acid (draws in moisture and supports the skin’s natural barrier), panthenol (retains moisture and acts as an emollient to nourish dry skin), camomile hydrolat (anti-inflammatory, grown and harvested biodynamically at Heckfield Farm), plus essential oils of rose geranium, lavender and roman chamomile, which smell heavenly.

I love how smooth and light the cleanser feels on my skin. Mixed with water it forms a rich lather, but I noticed that, on my dry skin it was absorbed rapidly and completely and left my skin feeling so soft. I’m already noticing a difference in those wrinkles.

The Wildsmith Stillness Nourishing Body Cleanseris £38 for a generous 300ml bottle – a great price for a very high quality product.

If you’re looking for a really special Mother’s Day gift, do check out the Wildsmith website, but don’t forget yourself too – treat yourself, you’re worth 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.

The award recognises authors whose crime writing careers have been marked by sustained excellence, and who have made a significant contribution to the genre. One of the UK’s most prominent societies, the CWA was founded in 1953 by John Creasey; the awards started in 1955 with its first award going to Winston Graham, best known for Poldark.

Born in Newcastle upon Tyne, Herron studied English Literature at Oxford, where he continues to live. He began writing fiction while working as a sub editor in London.

His first novel, Down Cemetery Road, was published in 2003. This was the start of Herron’s Zoë Boehm series. In 2008, inspired by world events, he began writing the Slough House series, featuring MI5 agents who have been exiled from the mainstream for various offences. The first novel, Slow Horses, was published in 2010. Some years later, it was hailed by the Daily Telegraph as one of “the twenty greatest spy novels of all time.”

A #1 Sunday Times bestselling author, the Slough House thrillers were adapted into an Apple TV series, starring Oscar-winning actor Gary Oldman as Jackson Lamb, and have been published in twenty-five languages. Herron has a long association with the CWA, becoming a member in 2004. Two of his books in the Slough House series have received a Dagger: Dead Lions won the CWA Gold Dagger in 2013, and Spook Street the Ian Fleming Steel Dagger in 2017.

Herron’s Zoë Boehm series is to be adapted into a major TV series starring Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson. Herron is also the author of the highly acclaimed standalone novels Nobody Walks and The Secret Hours.

Mick Herron said: “I’ve spent the best part of my life – not the majority of it; just the best part – in the crime writers’ community, and to receive this accolade from these friends and colleagues is both a career highlight and a personal joy. I’m touched and thrilled beyond measure, and will try to live up to the honour.”

Vaseem Khan, Chair of the CWA, said: “I am delighted that the Diamond Dagger judges have picked Mick as their recipient this year. Few could be more deserving. Mick is the quintessential writers’ writer and his Slough House novels have, by general consensus, reinvented the spy thriller, going on to delight millions on the page and onscreen. The Diamond Dagger is a fitting tribute to a writer whose work has become both cultural marker and record of our time.”

Nominations for the CWA Diamond Dagger are recommended by CWA members. Industry experts then narrow these down to a shortlist. The winner is then voted for by a panel of past Diamond Dagger winners. Recent recipients of the Diamond Dagger include Lynda La Plante, James Lee Burke, Peter James, Walter Mosley, Lee Child, Lawrence Block, Ian Rankin, Michael Connelly, Lindsey Davis, Andrew Taylor, Martina Cole, Ann Cleeves, Val McDermid, Robert Goddard, Martin Edwards, Catherine Aird and Simon Brett.

Past icons of the genre acknowledged with a Diamond Dagger include Ruth Rendell, PD James, Colin Dexter, Reginald Hill, and John le Carré.

The CWA Daggers are now regarded by the publishing world as the foremost British awards for crime-writing. As the oldest awards in the genre, they have been synonymous with quality crime writing for over half a century.The Diamond Dagger is presented at the annual CWA Dagger Awards, dubbed the ‘Oscars of the crime genre,’ which take place this year on Thursday, July 3. CWA website, Facebook, Twitter #CWADaggers and YouTube.

I’m in love – no, nothing to do with Valentine’s Day being just around the corner, I’m in love with my Green Pan Padova pan. Yes really.

I never thought I could be so excited about a pan, but this one is simply beautiful. In gorgeous sky blue, which contrasts perfectly with the pale grey ceramic cooking surface, and gold (yes gold) handle, I’ve never felt such a strong urge to head for the kitchen and cook something.

But the Green Pan Padova frying pan isn’t just a pretty face. As a doctor, I do worry about unpleasant chemicals which can lurk, even when we try to cook healthily, and some PFAS (‘non-stick’) pan coatings may be a concern. In contrast, Green Pan use Thermalon^TM, a non-plastic coating which is derived from sand.

The thick, forged base, which like the rest of the pan, is made of high-quality reinforced aluminium, heats up quickly and stays perfectly flat, working on all stovetops, including induction. The handle is stainless steel with a matt protective coating and the cooking surface is ceramic. The whole pan feels so balanced to hold, not too heavy, and certainly not flimsy either.

Frankly this is a high-quality pan which looks gorgeous, and with Mother’s Day just around the corner, it would definitely put a smile on any Mum’s face.

Available as individual pans (starting from £45 for a 20cm Fry Pan) to sets with various sizes (£95 for a 2-piece Fry Pan Set or £310 for a 6-piece set) these are a great price for such a quality range. Available from the Green Pan website. Do take a look, you’ll be blown away too.

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.

With wind and rain lashing the window, don’t you just want to batten down the hatches, turn up the heating and eat lovely snacks? Me too, and this is when I reach for Tracklements.

Based in Wiltshire, Tracklements’ founder, William Tullberg, discovered an old recipe for Wholegrain Mustard in the 1970s. Encouraged by sales of this in his local pub, he was inspired to searched out more traditional recipes for savoury jellies, chutneys and sauces. Half a century later Tracklements is still a thriving family company.

What I love about Tracklements is that they still use traditional recipes, and they’re obsessed with quality ingredients, which they source from farms and small businesses across England. Even the cider vinegar for their pickles is made by Aspell Cider Company, the oldest family cider business in the UK and the medlars in their Medlar Jelly were donated by local residents from garden trees. But what I love most is that everything is still made by hand in small batches.  And this is why their products all taste as if they were made by Grandma. Unsurprisingly, they’re also passionate about conservation, using solar energy, and a system which totally cleans their waste water before discharge.

The results are outstanding products and I’m delighted to be chomping my way through a selection of them. I can report that Sticky Fig Relish is exquisite, and perfect with a piece of mature cheddar and water biscuits. The country garden chutney, made from Onions, Carrots, Swede, Turnip, Parsnip (originally grown in the founder’s own garden) is heavenly, and of course, as with all fermented foods, is great for your gut bacteria. The various mustards – Spiced Honey Mustard (strong mustard bite countered by beautiful honey sweetness), Sweet Mustard Ketchup (definite mustard bite but smooth and tangy) and Robust Wholegrain Mustard (just a small amount hits the spot) – simply pure, unadulterated flavours – I just loved them.

But don’t take my word for it – check out their website and treat yourself.

And don’t forget your lovely mother – with Mother’s day on 30th March, what better gift than pure goodness in a jar? I can particularly recommend Tracklements 9 Jar Mini Pack, at RRP £9.65. These are a steal and a lovely way to try a wide range of their fabulous recipes.

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.

Christmas is a distant memory, nights are still far too long, it’s cold and damp and one has a tendency to feel a bit miserable frankly. So thank goodness for Valentine’s Day – a chance to be shamelessly spoilt and revamp your romance, or start a new one (particularly if shameless spoiling falls short of the mark).

For the sake of true love, I feel that it’s sometimes necessary to provide subtle guidance for potential gift providers, be it secret admirers or long-suffering partners.

When I think romance gift, I think exotic fragrance, affording pleasure to both receiver and bestower. And when I think fragrance, my thoughts fly to my favourite on-line perfume company, Perfume Direct, a real hit with Frost Magazine. It’s a British company which not only supplies genuine, luxury perfumes at affordable prices, but provides so much expert guidance that you can confidently select your perfect perfume without even having to walk into a shop.

People naturally feel nervous picking a new fragrance without physically testing it, and that’s where the Perfume Direct Guide to Fragrances is invaluable. It explains the different ‘Notes’ – Floral, Woody, Oriental etc and how these Notes are released (Top, Middle and Base). Once you’ve decided what Notes appeal, simply search the website for these, read the succinct individual fragrance descriptions, and you’ll be 100% confident in your choice.

I’ve just tried Prada Paradoxe – I was intrigued, as Prada are one of the first companies to use Artificial Intelligence, AI-created molecules, to subtly enhance the wealth of natural flower essences within their fragrances. Paradoxe includes a newly-created musk molecule, light enough to notice from the first spritz and I’m happy to report back to you that it totally works. The fragrance was stunning – an initial hit of flowers – Jasmine, Neroli, Orange Blossom, with a hint of citrus, followed by the deep warmth of amber and vanilla. And yes, a deeply noticeable, yet subtle musk essence was apparent as soon as I spritzed and it just lasted and lasted. I love those deep exotic musk notes, so I was sold. This could be the start of gently complementing, whilst not obscuring, the amazing scents of nature and using AI sensibly can contribute to sustainability. Talking of which, Prada Paradoxe comes in eco-friendly refillable glass bottles too.

At £76.99 for a 50ml Eau de Parfum spray I suggest you send the link to your partner. If they’re anguishing over your Valentine’s gift you’d be doing them a massive favour. And if you fancy a different combination of Notes, there’s plenty more to explore at Perfume Direct.

Happy Valentine’s day to me (and you of course).

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

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.

Such good news: six new Quick Reads will be published on 11 April 2025. The books retail at £1, and are available to order from library suppliers, bookshops, and The Reading Agency’s online shop. The books are being showcased for this year’s World Book Night celebration.

Charities, social enterprises, prisons, food banks, hospital libraries, workplaces and other community-based organisations can pre-order the Quick Read books with a 30% discount at the Quick Reads shop. The offer is available until 10am on Friday 31 January, 2025.

Customers can order up to 99 titles in a single order of mixed titles and mixed quantities and benefit from a shipping fee of £5. Customers can place multiple orders of up to 99 books to qualify for the £5 shipping fee.

Quick Reads are the charity’s annual flagship initiative, offering short, accessible affordable books written by bestselling authors, to encourage non-readers and lapsed readers to take up reading.  They’re specifically written to engage emergent, reluctant, and lapsed readers to help spread the joy of reading and the many benefits it brings. 

Quick Reads are perfect for using as a whole group college, workplace, prison, or community read as they have wide appeal and are accessible to a broad range of reading abilities. The six titles this year include three original stories, A Boy Called Saul by bestselling crime author Fiona Cummins, A New Year by the award-winning novelist Leila Aboulela, and The Surprise Visitor from romance writer Cathy Bramley.

There’s also abridged versions of Dr Alex George’s bestseller, The Mind Manual, Abir Mukherjee’s 2016 debut novel A Rising Man, and Cathy Rentzenbrink’s inspiring guide to putting your life on the page, Write It All Down.

Findings from the Reading Agency’s ‘State of the Nation in Adult Reading: 2024’ report highlight stark trends in the nation’s reading habits, with only half of adults now reading regularly, down from 58% in 2015; 35% of UK adults are lapsed readers, who have dropped the reading habit.

Karen Napier, CEO, The Reading Agency, said: “We hope many organisations will come forward and support our ambition to use Quick Reads as a powerful tool for social impact. They’re designed to be an entry point for readers to discover, or rediscover, the joys and benefits reading is scientifically proven to bring. We also recommend Quick Reads for anyone who struggles with reading, for a variety of reasons including dementia, brain injury recovery, attention deficit, dyslexia, and other reasons.”

Orders will be shipped after publication day on 11 April 2025 in time for distribution for World Book Night on 23 April 2025, the Reading Agency’s annual drive to create a nation of readers.

You can find out how you can join in the World Book Night celebration at https://worldbooknight.org/.

In addition, public libraries will be gifted thousands of Quick Reads to hand out to community organisations across the UK on World Book Night, including food banks, homeless shelters, and prisons. Organisations can get in touch with their local library authority to discuss a partnership for gifting. The books will also be available for individuals to buy at the full price of £1 directly from the Reading Agency online shop, or in partnering bookstores, including Amazon and Waterstones.

Quick Reads are designed to be accessible and enjoyable, with the ambition to promote diverse representation in literature and remove barriers to reading. They also address time constraints with shorter, engaging reads. Regular reading has far-reaching social impacts; improving health, wellbeing, life chances and social connections. Adults who read for just 30 minutes a week are 20% more likely to report greater life satisfaction.

Studies have shown reading for pleasure enhances empathy and understanding. Those who read for pleasure also have higher levels of self-esteem, better sleeping patterns and more resilience. Non-readers are 28% more likely to report feelings of depression.

2025 marks the 19^th year of The Reading Agency’s Quick Reads initiative. To date, Quick Reads has collaborated with over 30 publishers and produced over 140 titles since 2006, with over 5 million copies distributed, and over 6 million library loans. To pre-order Quick Reads go to The Reading Agency Shop Keep an eye on the Quick Reads resources database for learning resources, social media assets, toolkits and discussion guides. Find out more about the 2025 authors and titles.

Adults who read for just 30 minutes a week are 20% more likely to report greater life satisfaction. However, only half (50%) of adults now read regularly, down from 58% in 2015, and 1 in 10 find reading difficult.

The charity’s Quick Reads campaign culminates on World Book Night (23 April) when thousands of Quick Read titles are distributed to community settings. Pop this into your diary and we’ll let you know how it goes.

A tool for social change, Quick Reads are short, accessible, diverse, affordable – and ultimately, great reads. The Quick Reads initiative is now in its 19th year.

One of its authors is the romance writer Cathy Bramley – above

Cathy Bramley is a British author of sixteen romance novels, and has sold almost two million copies worldwide. Her books have hit the UK best sellers’ list and have been nominated for several awards including the British Book of the Year 2023. She ran a PR and Marketing agency before starting writing in 2013. An avid reader who grew up with libraries. Her Quick Reads title, Between Friends, is a feel-good read about relationships and community.

Cathy said:

“I am delighted that my novella has been selected for the Quick Reads campaign for 2025. When I was sixteen, and an avid reader myself, I volunteered for the Right To Read Scheme. I worked solely with a young widow, a mother of two, whose first language wasn’t English and who struggled to read. Despite all the difficulties she was going through, her goal was simply to read a bedtime story to her children. I have never forgotten the brightness of her smile the day she reported back that she had been able to do just that. The Quick Reads books have such an important role in our diverse society, and I’m honoured to play a small part in the next generation of them.”

Other authors involved are: Fiona Cummins who is an award-winning former journalist. Rattle, her debut novel, was the subject of a huge international auction and has been translated into several languages. She has since written several bestsellers. 

Dr Alex George is a TV doctor, author, and Youth Mental Health Ambassador to the government. Alex has become a leading voice in mental and physical health and wellbeing and uses his platform to make health and medicine more accessible to millennials and beyond.

Abir Mukherjee is the Times bestselling author of the Wyndham & Banerjee series of crime novels set in Raj-era India which have sold over 400,000 copies worldwide and been translated into 15 languages. His books have won numerous awards including the CWA Dagger for best Historical Novel.

Cathy Rentzenbrink is a passionate ambassador for Quick Reads as a project director for Quick Reads before pursuing her career in writing. She is the author of the Sunday Times bestseller The Last Act of Love, A Manual for Heartache, Dear Reader: The Comfort and Joy of Books and Everyone Is Still Alive. Cathy has taught for Arvon, Curtis Brown Creative, at Falmouth University and at festivals and in prisons.

Leila Aboulela is an award-winning novelist whose novels have been translated into 15 languages. She was the first winner of the Caine Prize for African Writing. Leila grew up in Sudan and now lives in Scotland.

It all sounds fascinating, and such a worthwhile Agency doesn’t it. Find out more: https://readingagency.org.uk/

The year 2024 started off fine and dandy with everyone happy at the way things were going. Bookings were flooding in, parties galore in full swing, Google merrily played its part in our monthly quizzes, Margaret and Dick Graham continued to visit us as much as they could however, between you and me it was actually a ploy on their part as they always called in to the Washington Arms Pub, in our wonderful little village for Fridays Fish and Chips with mushy pies. They must be excused for this as there is nothing like them anywhere.

Spring brought us hours of pleasure in the garden, new plants, hanging baskets, people donated garden benches etc. We even agreed to house a clothing bank outside, all clothing goes to Ukraine, and we get a few coppers for our charity, dependent on the weight of the clothes deposited. It also brings lots of people to the centre who pop in for a good old natter which has resulted in several party bookings.

It soon became time for the periodic yearly maintenance checks to be carried out. All went swimmingly until – ouch – the Gas engineer condemned our boiler, and we were left with no heating whatsoever. As you are all aware we lease the building, however Sunderland City Council felt we could source grants etc. to pay the estimated costs of 10k. We began the task, and Lady luck was on our side – we managed to attain sufficient funds via two grants. In addition, Gentoo supplied us with heaters and again lady luck was shining down on us – the weather changed, the sun was shining and although without a boiler for several weeks we managed to ride the storm. In September we became fully functional, and everything was back to normal (or was it?).

Holiday time arrived, and Red Shoes Bob and I spent two glorious weeks in Tunisia and on our return we found we had once again a leaky roof. To cut a long story short we employed a professional who found the problem and fixed it. Bookings for parties and events were plentiful and there were trips out to Hylton Castle, Beamish Museum and of course our in house quiz nights, Halloween was a hoot, and the good old folks of Brady Square couldn’t wait to get dressed up.

Before we knew where we were, it was early December. We decided to do a £25 gift voucher every week at our coffee morning raffle which went down very well, as people could spend this on whatever they choose. We did however, decide to do a Christmas hamper and a lot of our wonderful ladies offered to contribute to the hamper which was valued at approximately £150.00. It was won by Brenda Dodds, Brenda’s husband Colin came to collect it and stated he needed a hoist to lift it (he did manage to get it home with a little help form his friends)

Arrangements for Christmas parties for all groups was well under way, some using Cosy Café across the street which was Di’s Dinar but is now under new Management with the lovely Racheall Thompson, who since taking over has been exceptionally kind to us. We certainly have no problems being her tester for all the new scrumptious delicacies she produces, it would be so rude to refuse these offers.

The children who attend Aimee’s dance class enjoyed a pyjama pizza party on Tuesday 17^th December and guess who visited them, none other that Santa himself. Their reaction brought tears to my eyes; they were so excited it was amazing to be part of the experience. I do believe that Santa enjoyed his time here as he made a return visited to our coffee morning on Friday 20^th December. This left plenty of time to get back to the North Pole to supervise the Elves.

Our wonderful Forever Young ladies Group presented me with an amazing bouquet and a card signed by them all saying thank you for all you do for us. What more could anyone ask, amd it really did mean the world to me.

We closed our doors on the 20^th and had a well-earned rest. The ups and the downs and smiles and laughter had made 2024 all worthwhile. But what will stick in my mind, and I still have a little giggle about it, as Santa was leaving Aimee’s party the children were waving and shouting ‘Bye Santa’, and one little voice from the back shouted, “Bye Bob”.

Makes you wonder whose kidding who.

God bless you all and have a prosperous, healthy and happy New Year from all at Columbia Community Association. https://www.facebook.com/columbiacommunityassociation/