Month 3 of My Reading Challenge By Frances Colville

Posted on April 29, 2015 by Margaret Graham

Travel writing is one of my favourite genres so I was happy to see that Road to Rouen by Ben Hatch had arrived at the top of my pile. In fact the book is more about family life and relationships than about travelling, but is none the worse for that. It tells the story of his journey around France in a Passat, which smells strongly of French cheese, with his wife and two young children and is by turns funny, poignant and insightful. A good follow-up to his earlier book Are We Nearly There Yet? – surely a question that every parent has heard far too often.

Second up this month was The Way of the World by Robert Goddard a thriller set in the immediate aftermath of the First World War, and the first part of a trilogy. I always enjoy his books and I think I’ve read most, if not all, of them. I’d be hard put to it though to distinguish one from the other in retrospect, and I’m fairly sure I’ll have to re-read this one in a year’s time before moving on to the second in the series. But I’d still rate it as an interesting and well-put-together book. And if you haven’t discovered Robert Goddard before, this is a good place to start.

The Bees by Laline Paull has left me feeling confused. It’s most certainly a very original and well written debut novel, but I find myself at the end with a vague suspicion that it doesn’t work quite as well as it should. I wonder whether others have the same reservations as I do, and whether this dystopian tale of a totalitarian bee-hive really works on levels other than a fairy tale. But highly recommended if you want something different. Good books are supposed to leave you wondering, aren’t they?

Next I picked up The Minaturist by Jessie Burton. Another debut novel, this is a fascinating mix of history (17^th century Amsterdam), intrigue and a coming of age story. A real page-turner. I couldn’t put it down. But yet again I was left feeling dissatisfied. I don’t think all the questions posed were fully answered, and I don’t think the plot quite held together. But perhaps I read it too quickly and missed vital information. I’d better go back for another look. I’ll enjoy doing that!

No quibbles about the next book Elizabeth is Missing by Emma Healeyand no hesitation at all in recommending it. Yet again a debut novel, this one taps into a situation with which more and more of us are becoming familiar – how living with dementia feels, or how you cope with having a relative with dementia. The central character Maud is totally believable and the struggles she faces daily are sympathetically portrayed. And there is an intriguing storyline in here too. Ultimately, despite what you might expect, this is an uplifting and positive book. I loved it.

I don’t normally read cookery books from cover to cover. But Deliciously Ella by Ella Woodwardis a cookery book with a difference. It’s the inspirational story of how one young woman changed her way of eating to enable her to cope with massive health issues, devising a gluten and dairy free plant based diet. It’s a fascinating read from beginning to end – and the recipes I’ve tried so far work well too.

It occurs to me now that all of my chosen books this month have been recent ones. Not that there is anything wrong with that. In fact it’s an indication of just how much good new stuff there is out there. But perhaps next month I’ll try to redress the balance.

Neilston War Memorial By Mary Cooper

Posted on April 28, 2015 by Margaret Graham

There is a village near Glasgow which, one hundred years after the event, is erecting a monument to the war dead. Some think it is too much, that we don’t need this monstrosity to remind us.

But memory is fallible and we are, after all, only human and, in times of war, are capable of terrible deeds, mostly driven by fear. Those who have lived through war will have seen the worst that we can be. The first world war is a perfect example: bloody battles, torture and not least the terrible hardship our fathers, husbands, brothers and sons had to endure in the trenches and tunnels which became home as war dragged on; terror, horror and boredom in equal measure while, at home, mothers, wives, sisters and daughters pulled together to keep everything running so that those who came back when it was all over would know that the sacrifices had been worth everything.

The monument is well under way and should be ready by the summer of this year; we stood in the rain and biting wind last Sunday and watched the first stone being laid. A lone piper played a melancholy drone as we stood huddled while the speeches were given; the cold wind driving the needles of rain into our faces stinging our eyes, a stark reminder of what those men in the trenches had had to endure, not only for ten minutes but for months at a time in the bloody fields of battle.

We retired to the cafe afterwards for a warm drink, rubbing our cold hands and wiping the tears from our eyes; not so for those gallant men, there had been no respite from the bitter wind of war.

It is going to be the grandest thing in the village, some think too grand. But I believe it should be grand just as the sacrifices were and still are, something to stand out so that people passing will stop and take notice, read the names of those who died to keep us safe and remember that they are the reason we live the lives that we live, free and safe.

Freedom is a hard fought battle which never ends. The monument will be built, lest we forget.

The Words for the Wounded Litfest – Review by Pat Heath

Posted on April 27, 2015 by Margaret Graham

What a brilliant day at Downley Community Centre, 18^th April 2015.

This inaugural one-day opportunity for new and established writers, and for readers, did what it said on the packet. We laughed with, learned from, and mingled amongst, experts in the world of writing at the Words for the Wounded (WforW) LitFest. It was organised by the ‘Writing Grannies’ who run the charity.

To open the day, Matt Pain, Trustee, reminded us that the average age of wounded soldiers is 25 years old, which proved thought provoking.

Margaret Graham (‘writing grannie’) and Katie Fforde (WforW patron) opened the day with conversazione. These two bestselling authors covered key aspects of fiction writing, including sub-plots, the need to inhabit your characters and how to deal with a ‘soggy middle’. Something that troubles many of us – writers or not.

A massive amount of invaluable information was delivered with quick fire wit, during this hilarious and valuable session. Meg Cannell presented chocolates to Katie.

After book signing and coffee it was time for some murder and mayhem, with two ‘Midsomer Murders’ TV writers, Rachel Cuperman and Sally Griffiths. Rachel and Sally explained the practical aspects of TV play-writing, punctuated with their own amusing anecdotes.

Lunch followed, with wine and coffee, organised by Jan Speedie (‘writing grannie’), Margaret’s family and Josh Edwards. It was partially sponsored by Tesco, Morrison’s and Starbucks. A feast, it must be said, and the team did a fantastic job. Seamless.

Many authors choose the Independent Author publishing route and successful ‘Indie’ writers, Amanda Hatter and Catriona Troth, chaired by Penny Deacon, (writing grannie) described how to produce a high-quality self-published book,. This time Penny Deacon (writing grannie) chaired the session as Amanda gave many useful marketing tips, including how to penetrate large chains such as Waterstones, and Catriona explained the advantages of working as part of a writers’ collective, such as Triskele Books.

Felicity Trew, from Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency was introduced by Penny Deacon and gave a power-point presentation in which she explained the role of literary agents: negotiating publishing deals, making sure the contract protects current and future income opportunities, and chasing payments/royalties.

She also advised on how writers should approach agents, using amusing spoof emails to illustrate her points, and she reminded the audience to check agent’s submission instructions. Her agency’s website has a useful list of ‘pet hates’ including applicants omitting the requested information and obvious ‘carpet bombing’ applications.

Felicity was at the LitFest all day, and was enormously generous with her time.

Finally, Jan Speedie introduced Penny Deacon who talked about why she ‘turned her back on romance and took to murder’. She compared her experiences of writing Mills and Boon to that of crime fiction. This was a relaxed and amusing end to an inspirational, funny, information-packed day.

Prizes, donated by artist Sharon Bennett, Tesco, (Bollinger champagne) The Wellington, and Katie Fforde were raffled for WforW. Speakers were given boxes of chocolates, partially funded by Thornton’s and delegates were given books donated by Random House. Penny Gerrard made biscuits from heaven and Susan Atkins’ chocolate cake was seriously good.

One clever touch was the notepads and biros on every seat, for invaluable notetaking. Everything was so carefully thought out. It makes a difference.

Next year’s LitFest line up of speakers will include Elizabeth Buchan, bestselling author (patron of WforW) Jemima Hunt, Literary Agent, Catherine Balavage, e-magazine owner (Frost Magazine), and Tracy Baines, successful genre short story writer.

A total of £1,500 was raised by the inaugural LitFest for the rehabilitation of the wounded.

http://www.wordsforthewounded.co.uk

The Forge Boutique By Marie Cato

Posted on April 27, 2015 by Margaret Graham

For the men, the view down Wendover High Street towards the clock tower and beyond to the Chiltern Hills is truly magnificent. For the women, there is an equally magnificent view, called The Forge. I left my man to “stop and stare” while I pushed open the door to the sound of a tinkling cow bell and stepped over the threshold into this much talked about dress and accessories shop.

I was greeted by a friendly smile from the assistant. Her shiny white bob, silver rimmed spectacles and matching jewellery against her black clothes made for an elegant combination. She was sitting behind an antique retro desk instead of the expected counter. No till either, just an invoice book and pen. This lack of modernity was no indication of what was to be found on the rails.

Linda Moda was the label and the clothes were both timeless and fashionable in beautiful fabrics of jersey, chiffon and silk. Think: Italian style clothing. Think: affordable prices. The obligatory leggings were available in shiny black, along with a variety of jeggings displayed in a cobbler’s bench. Blouses, dresses, skirts and trousers all hanging on industrial steel rails.

Clean fresh whites at one end of the rail transcending into buttery creams at the other end. Sky, aqua and petrol blues trailing into merchant navy. Sunflower yellow mellowing into primrose and lemon. I turned 360 degrees, checking for all the colours of the rainbow, to find that orange was the only one missing.

Above the rails, on wooden slats, there were large handbags, which I mistook for leather. However, the assistant explained they were a soft man-made fibre and they felt beautiful to the touch. On closer inspection, I noticed they had a smaller matching handbag inside, very convenient. As the ceiling is low, the bags are within easy reach. Again, any colour your heart desired, including lollipop orange.

A small step at the rear of this eighteenth century building, takes the shopper into an Aladdin’s cave of footwear. Boots with shiny buckles, diamante sandals, ballet pumps and much more. This is where I found the sale rail. All items knocked down to half price but, unfortunately, nothing in my size.

A cherry pink dress with raspberry ruffles on the yoke caught my eye and I draped it across my already heavy laden arm and headed to the changing rooms. No electronic tags here or plastic tags with numbers. The room was spacious, with heavy drapes giving complete privacy. The mirror was sparkling clean and the lighting flattering.

Unfortunately, there weren’t enough hooks for the six items I had brought in, so I resorted to hanging some of them from a water pipe running along the top edge of the ceiling. I hoped it wouldn’t burst. Twenty minutes later with no water sprung I opted for two items instead of the one I had intended – always a sign of a well managed shop.

The assistant complimented me on my purchases and with old fashioned courtesy and no pushiness, suggested some jewellery to compliment the outfit. I won’t tell you whether I succumbed. I watched enchanted as she hand wrote my invoice with great care and then, unexpectedly, produced the latest technology from under the table. I handed over my credit card and at £77 for two pieces I was very pleased.

I’ll definitely be going back and, believe it or not, my husband was still there when I came out, taking in the view.

3 The High Street, Wendover, Bucks HP22 6DU Tel: 01296 623154

Opening Hours:

Monday – Saturday 9.30 am to 5 pm

Sunday 11 am to 4 pm

There are two further stores at;

280 High Street, Berkhamsted, Herts., HP4 1AH

Tel: 01442 862255

32 Station Road, Gerrards Cross, Bucks SL9 8EL

Tel: 01753 887577

www.forgeboutique.com

Visit The London Gin Club – Go On – Dare Ya By Michael Rowan

Posted on April 22, 2015 by Margaret Graham

With ice cubes capable of sinking the Titanic, I could only be in one of my favourite watering holes, The London Gin Club.

This gin lover’s paradise is situated 100 metres off Oxford Street, equidistant from Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road tube stations, essential knowledge, as driving is not an option following a visit.

Reminiscent of a discreet 1920s speakeasy, it hides behind the facade of a typical London boozer named The Star, on the corner of Great Chapel Street and Hollen Street. People scurry by without a second glance, but when this temple to gin opens its saloon doors, the London Gin Club signs are put in place, to alert those of us in the know.

Despite its name you don’t need to be a member, but you do need to love gin, which fortunately for your reviewer is no hardship. Booking whilst not essential is advisable, particularly Thursday to Sunday and you will be asked for how long you wish to reserve the table. A weeks’ notice is sufficient for small groups and 2 weeks’ notice for larger gatherings would be my top tip, but I have been known to pop in alone, on the off chance of finding a seat.

Being faced with a choice of 190 different gins can be intimidating, but the friendly team behind this venture are on hand to guide you through the menu depending on your tastes.

For the less risk averse, there is the Gin Wheel of Fortune which purports to take the angst from ‘Gindecision.’ A spin of the wheel will decide the type of glass and another, the type of gin.

Inside the ground floor continues the typical London boozer look, wooden tables and chairs and walls covered with enamel advertising signs from the 1930s and 40s, but walk down the spiral staircase and you are presented with a modern basement area replete with clean lines and modern seating.

The staff dressed in black, bustle between tables delivering drinks and advice on gin in equal measure amidst the hubbub of conversation and the jazz playing in the background. The enthusiasm for gin is infectious and it is difficult not to covet the gin being brought to neighbouring tables.

Gin in all its botanical, spicy glory comes in a huge balloon glass, imported from Spain, big enough both to allow flavours to mingle and to swirl satisfyingly in the hand. Garnished with orange peel, thyme or a myriad of other colourful additions and sparkling with carefully selected tonic water, at £8.00 to £9.50 a glass, this is gin to be savoured.

Some food is available, but this is more to soak up the alcohol. Here gin is the thing.

My favourite? Well I haven’t had time to sample them all, but a man should have an ambition.

To date I’d choose the ‘Sacred Cardamom’ which comes replete with a thick slice of blood orange, though I am told that this is an acquired taste.

Thankfully I seem to have acquired it.

For details of booking and opening time please visit http://thelondonginclub.com

A Doll’s House, Read Again And Again By Paul Vates

Posted on April 21, 2015 by Margaret Graham

When a theatre invites you to produce a play of your choice because of the success of your previous production, you don’t take it lightly.

So, after innumerable drinks in The Curtains Up pub (the one upstairs from the Barons Court Theatre), director and producer Kevin Russell announced he fancied doing a classic for a change. The discussions lasted weeks.

The process truly began when I received a text from Kevin. He had found the play and was extremely excited. It touches on feminism, equality, obsession and, even, violence in the home. Written in 1879, Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House centres around something unthinkable in its day: a woman putting herself first – above family and faith.

The central issues of the story have long resonated with the public, and still do today. News from the theatre owner saying it had never been performed there meant it was suddenly all systems go – the first step was to decide upon which version to perform.

I have a copy which has been gathering dust since my student days. It was translated by Michael Meyer nearly fifty years ago. It was a perfect starting point. Meyer’s is a blank canvas upon which we can perhaps add our own touches, as we needed to adapt the play to work in the venue’s intimate space.

A quick scan of bookshelves both real and virtual immediately provided other translations. Copies were borrowed from friends and libraries, some purchased from bookshops or discovered in charity shops.

We devoured them all and it was no surprise to discover that each version had a visceral effect upon us both – the Marmite test so to speak. Did we like it or loath it?

This was the pattern by the end of last year; each translation was debated every time we met, for consistency, at The Curtains Up. Most were shelved leaving us with three versions for serious consideration: Simon Stephens’ from 2012, Bryony Lavery’s from 2004 and Nicholas Rudall’s from 1999.

We applied for the performance rights for all three. Rudall’s came through first and, after demanding details about ourselves, (feeling like we’re auditioning for her) Bryony Lavery is now offering her version. Although more versions do keep grabbing our attention, this part of the process is coming to a close. The focus now is meeting designers and searching for the image for the poster…

Looking back over the last few months, though, I have found the experience exhilarating and educational. Who knew there were so many translations? I have critically appraised ten versions with ten different visions. The tables will be turned later this year when all eyes will be upon us.

New Dreams Theatre’s production of A Doll’s House will be at The Barons Court Theatre in London from 3rd to 22nd November 2015. Further details can be found at https://www.facebook.com/newdreamstheatre – Twitter: @kevinnewdreams

Time to Make a Choice By Mary Cooper

Posted on April 17, 2015 by Margaret Graham

Time; the hardest of all dimensions to come to terms with. It is limitless, yet defines our limits. It is invisible, yet we see it’s visible effects. We all know what it is, yet if asked to define it, we can’t. Even if we stand still, time continues to move forwards; it is relentless and when it has passed it is gone forever.

There is a theory that at the moment of the Big Bang, 14 billion years ago when our universe was blasted into existence, time was born and has been moving relentlessly forward ever since, but go back just one second before the Big Bang and bang goes that theory.

At the instant of our conception we are allotted our quota of time – of which we are ignorant. We let it slip away, till one day we have to face the fact that we have been constantly moving away from our beginning towards our end, and that time, as it always has, will continue without us.

I now have less time before me than I have behind me. My past is gone, seemingly, in the blink of an eye and even though there is plenty of time, it isn’t mine and I cannot access it.

I wonder, how should I spend the last of my time; this priceless commodity? At least in that I have some control – the choices are limitless …

Holiday Destination: Kerala, India by Pat Heath

Posted on April 16, 2015 by Margaret Graham

Cycling in Kerala sounded fun. Yes, they mentioned mountains, but how hard could it be?

Day 1 was deceptively relaxing – a guided tour of Kochi and its history. Separated from the rest of India by mountains, Kochi was influenced mainly by foreign traders, attracted by the lucrative spice business. The apostle, Thomas, beat the Portuguese missionaries by several centuries, and Indian-style Christian churches alternate with Hindu temples and mosques, together with one beautiful old synogogue, maintained by just six Jews.

The cycling started gently, along quiet canals. The locals stopped washing their clothes in the waters to enquire just how old we were? And couldn’t we afford a car?

Then the first mountain appeared. It was beautiful (I think – I mostly stared at the road, with gritted teeth, resisting the call of the air-conditioned, leather-seated support vehicle ahead). But after hours of grunting and cursing, we arrived at a spice plantation, set on the mountain-side. After cakes, fruit juice, and a much-needed shower, the owner showed us around. Every spice we’d ever heard of – and some we hadn’t – were growing around us. Using smell and taste, we identified nutmeg and mace, ginger plants, cardamom pods, all spice, and cinnamon bark. The photograph shows Johann, an Austrian guest, testing peppercorns on the vine.

Our evening meal, naturally incorporated all these spices.

Next day – more climbing, but the rolling tea plantations were worth the shaking thighs. We paused (any excuse) to watch the tea-pickers cutting leaf tips into bags attached to their scissors.

Then we visited Tata tea factory (thankfully by car) to watch the tea process and buy fresh, high-quality tea.

On to the Periyar Rainforest. Wearing sackcloth overboots (for leech protection), we crossed the river, by standing on a narrow raft of thin branches. Incredibly we reached the forest still on board. The native guide showed us monkeys, giant squirrels, numerous medicinal plants and even fresh tiger paw marks (no sign of the owner, fortunately).

Finally, it was downhill, literally, as we whizzed to the Backwaters. Rounding a corner, we braked to avoid flying into a huge lake – cartoon-style. The guides loaded our bikes, plus us, into a large canoe and we chugged to our waterside accommodation – a traditional farmhouse with luxurious, open-roofed bathrooms – a shower with a suntan.

More delicious Keralan food followed, with a chance to sample the local coconut toddy.

The Backwaters comprise hundreds of reclaimed islands, surrounded by lakes and canals. By hiring a houseboat, you can see life on the water – families fishing for their supper, school children travelling by canoe (see photograph) and local youths practising snake-boat racing.

We were greeted with a coconut drink and banana fritters on our houseboat.

After a peaceful night, rocked by the water, we enjoyed a typical South Indian breakfast, watching cormorants and sea snakes.

After disembarking, we cycled to the Alleppey beach, for camel rides.

Would I recommend Kerala as a holiday destination? Absolutely.

Kalypso Adventures is a holiday company based in Kochi, Kerala. Their experienced and high-quality customer service works to give a wonderful holiday experience : http://www.kalypsoadventures.com

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