Christmas is a time of tradition, some universal, some more personal. One of my personal traditions is that every December, I buy copious jars of chutneys, mustards and relishes, ‘just in case’. I then spend the following three months using up the said jars.
Well, no more, Tracklements have come up with the clever idea of a 9 jar mini pack, which this year will adorn my table over the Christmas period. Each jar is 25g, vegetarian and gluten free.
There’s something to please everyone here: Country Garden Chutney, Sticky Fig Relish, Caramelised Onion Marmalade, Robust Wholegrain Mustard, Fresh Chilli Jam, Tomato & Chilli Chutney, Sweet Mustard Ketchup, Apple & Sage Jelly, Spiced Honey Mustard. I have yet to try any of the Tracklements’ range that failed to delight but the Apple and Sage and Sweet Mustard Ketchup were personal favourites at this tasting. Fresh tasting, and with just the right degree of kick, I am a firm fan.
My other personal tradition is trying to find a gift for the office Secret Santa costing under £10.00. This usually ends with me going over the set limit, or buying something that one knows is destined for the Charity Shop in January. However, this pack of tasty treats is only £9. 50 and not only tastes fantastic but it is presented attractively.
A Christmas tradition handed down to me from my mother, is to always have a couple of small gifts ready wrapped. These were to be deployed should some unexpected guest arrive bearing a Christmas gift. Mother could go into the other room with said wrapped gift without pause. These 9 jar mini packs will be ideal for such purpose, and should they not be needed, can be used to brighten a whole host of meals throughout the bleakest of mid- winters.
The NEW Tracklements Gift Collections are splendid gifts for foodies, filled with Christmas joy. Simply order directly from
This is the perfect Christmas gift for the chef in your family, and as it is already presented in an elegant gift box there’s no need for extra wrapping.
The new Black Sheep Truffle tool 2-in-1 Slicer and Grater has two functions, one on each side of the tool, each used independently of the other: The thickness of the razor-sharp stainless-steel Straight Slicer Blade can be changed by simply turning a screw to achieve uniform slices of truffles, radishes, mushrooms or strawberries to the desired thickness.
The Microplane signature ultra-sharp photo-etched teeth of the Fine Blade Grater cuts truffle, chocolate, ginger, nutmeg and Parmesan with speed, precision and ease to ensure precious ingredients do not stick or block, but instead slide effortlessly along the cutting surface.
The BLACK SHEEP truffle tool with matt black stainless-steel handle, frame and blade, is an eye-catching, elegant showstopper for those style conscious cooks (full disclosure it matches my cooker and microwave perfectly). It has a robust stainless-steel handle, frame and blade, coated with a scratch-resistant matt black PVD. It has a pleasing weight to it and fits comfortably in the hand aided by the smooth velvety finish. (cooks will know what I mean when I say that it just feels right)
The thickness of the razor-sharp stainless-steel Straight Slicer Blade can be changed by simply turning a screw to achieve uniform slices of truffles, radishes, mushrooms or strawberries to the desired thickness. For many of us truffles are a rare and occasional treat, but this tool is not just for truffles. The Fine Blade Grater works equally as well with chocolate, ginger, nutmeg, Parmesan or any hard cheese. To release the exquisite aroma and nutty taste, just grate or slice truffle into slowly stirred scrambled eggs, risotto, pasta or mashed potato and decorate festive dishes with beautiful thin shavings for an exceptional look and flavour.
I add truffle and parmesan to my Christmas roast potatoes and this tool will be indispensable. While dishwasher safe, the long-lasting BLACK SHEEP series can be cleaned quickly by simply rinsing under warm water to keep the blades in perfect condition, which is a distinct, advantage when you are reaching for kitchen utensils on a hectic Christmas morning. Available from Borough Kitchen Back Sheep Truffle tool 2-in-1 Slicer and Grater (RRP £64.95)
I truly believe that a great head of hair can take years off anyone. Sadly I do not possess a great head of hair. In fact my crowning glory seems to be morphing into a swan song as it shadows my aging process only too well.
So I grabbed the chance to road test OSMO®’s Blinding® Shine set. OSMO® have been researching and developing innovative cleansing, conditioning, styling and colour hair products in their own in-house laboratories for over twenty years. Every ingredient in each OSMO® product is carefully considered to guarantee hold or ensure there is flexibility, bounce or shine and the Blinding® Shine range all contain extracts of Moringa Oil and Silk Protein.
This is all music to my ears so I’m off to transform my hair right now.
OK I’m back. And delighted. Blinding® Shine shampoo had a noticeable creamy consistency which gave me an immediate confidence that it was no ordinary shampoo. After towel-drying my hair I applied the Blinding® Shine conditioner, then after towel-drying again I massaged in Blinding® Shine serum. Even as I combed my hair through I could feel the difference – smooth as silk and soft. I styled it with a rotating heated brush and wow – it really shines and feels strong and full of body. And dare I say it? I believe I look ten years younger.
At £23.50 RRP for a gift set of Blinding® Shine shampoo and conditioner (a generous 400ml each) plus Blinding® Shine serum (50ml) this is a steal. Check them out on the OSMO® website.
By Dr K Thompson, author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows
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 London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Edward Gardner Photo by Mark Allan
Given the acoustics of the Royal Festival Hall, I was anticipating my enjoyment of ‘Patricia Kopatchinskaja plays Shostakovich’, but I could never have guessed, just how phenomenal it was going to be.
The London Philharmonic Orchestra, ably conducted by Edward Gardener, were more than up to the challenge of accompanying such a talent, and indeed performed Britten’s Sinfonia de Requiem at the beginning of the concert and Sibelius’ Symphony No 5, after the interval, both to great acclaim.
Patricia Kopatchinskaja, in a flowing white dress with an embroidered pale blue bodice,wild haired and bare footed is undoubtedly a formidable talent, impossible to take your eyes off.
As the initial applause died down, Kopatchinskaja played Shostakovich’s Violin Concerto No 1, to a rapt audience. So talented, so young, the music, haunting, plaintive carried us away, her body contorting, to coax some of the more elusive sounds from her violin.
In the course of the four movements, Patricia demonstrated the sheer virtuosity of the violin, her body writhing, as if possessed by the music, and from time to time her bare foot stamping the beat.
Hair flying about, deep in concentration, as she was caught up in the music. At times frenzied and exciting, she played at an impossible breakneck pace like some mischievous fairy casting her spell over the packed audience.Then gentle, soothing, cooling the blood, after what had gone before.
Patrica Kopatchinskaja 2023 Photos: Marco Borggreve
The solo piece can be described in no way other than ‘mesmerising,’ and it was fascinating to see how the orchestra held its collective breath at the spectacle before them, in much the same way as we the audience. At the conclusion of the piece there was much cheering and applause, and quite rightly we rose to our feet. This was one of those rare moments where one is aware that we are in the presence of genius.
I urge you to get a ticket for the rest of this programme, and if you have the opportunity to see Patricia Kopatchinskaja play, do whatever it takes to get a ticket.
Patricia Kopatchinskaja plays Shostakovich is about to go on tour and will have its Carnegie Hall debut later this month.
I can’t believe that two of the yummiest treat-makers have got together to make pure heaven. But it’s true, I’ve pinched myself hard and I’m definitely not dreaming – Joe&Seph’s have teamed with Tracklements to make Joe & Seph’s Fresh Chilli Jam Gourmet Popcorn and it’s astoundingly good.
Both these British companies hand-make their products in small batches using only 100% natural ingredients, and consequently the flavours and quality of all of their range are second to none. Joe & Seph’s create perfect popcorn by using a (healthier) air-popping technique and extra large “mushroom” kernels. Then they coat these super big popcorns in a smooth caramel made from fresh butter.
Wiltshire-based Tracklements have been making condiments and savoury jellies from traditional recipes for over fifty years and their fresh chilli jam is to die for.
So how inspired to combine Joe & Seph’s sweet crunchy popcorn and buttery caramel with the tangy and delicious fresh Tracklements chilli jam? That final chilli kick really clinches the sweet perfection.
With a RRP of £4.00 for 70g pack (4 servings) this makes a fabulous snack to accompany drinks with friends – although personally I’d recommend you just quietly buy it for yourself – it’s far too good to share.
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.
Ted Hughes and Michael Dawson at King’s Hall back in the day…
The north’s longest-running literature festival, now in its 51st year, began on Friday 4 October. Around 90 events run across 17 days until 20 October at the King’s Hall and in venues across the spa town.
The first festival weekend features the former leader of the Green Party, Caroline Lucas, discussing whether we can reclaim ideas of Englishness from the cheerleaders of exceptionalism and nationalism in her event Another England, and former One Show presenter, Adrian Chiles, brings his idiosyncratic takes on British life to the King’s Hall, discussing his offbeat Guardian columns that gained him a cult following.
Award-winning slam poet – and self-confessed Michael Jackson mega fan – Vanessa Kisuule starts a conversation on the pleasures and perils of fandom and the costs of hero worship. Orwell-Prize winning journalist Paul Caruana Galizia discusses the assassination of his mother, the Maltese journalist and anti-corruption campaigner, Daphne Caruana Galizia, and his family’s quest for justice in his event A Death in Malta.
To date, 24 events have already sold out across the festival, including the opening event with Patrick Grant of the Great British Sewing Bee, as well as headline authors Theresa May, Gyles Brandreth, Dame Harriet Walter, Alan Hollinghurst and Miranda Sawyer.
Erica Morris, Ilkley Literature festival director, said: “We can’t wait to welcome readers and audiences to experience this wealth of incredible writers – novelists, poets, journalists, historians, political commentators, essayists, and children’s authors. We hope people will join in, be inspired, and enjoy a raft of contemporary ideas, debate, and discussion from ethics of AI to the history of Britpop.”
There is so much more to see, hear and … But no… For the full programme go to www.ilkleyliteraturefestival.org.uk – give yourself a treat and go. Enjoy!
The Danish government is determined to secure victory in the looming general election. Concentrating on the war on terror, the administration steps into an unexpected turn of events: Islamist terrorists take a Danish soldier hostage in an unknown undisclosed location.
Chaos threatens, enter Holger Berg, an expectional lawyer with an added bonus, he was a special forces soldier. Soon he is up to his neck in a nightmare. What is true? What is a lie? What is a threat, to him and his family – not to mention the honour he holds essential to life itself? Could the cost of trying to save his nation and its soldiers from the scurge of terror prove too high? Can he actually play the appalling game to the end?
I love thrillers; good, well researched pacey twisty thrillers. Frederick Forsyth comes to mind. Lee Child, (oh, give me a Reacher to escort me wherever I need to trek) and now Anders M Hansen. A mixture of politics, authenticity, a dollop of emotional intelligence so we care, and frankly, a darned good read. I was sorry to finish it, but glad to turn out the light earlier than I had over the last few days – why? Because I couldn’t bear to put it down. Now for some sleep.
King’s Gambit by Anders M. Hansen pb Biteback Publishing (One of my favourite publishers) £10.99
The awards, which launched in 2014, offer new television writers based in the North of England unique and career-changing opportunities.
The ceremony featured speeches from the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, Head of Partnerships and Skills at Channel 4, Kevin Blacoe, and CEO of New Writing North, Claire Malcolm.
Funded by Channel 4’s 4Skills, the awards are part of the Northern Writers’ Awards – New Writing North’s flagship writer development programme – and form part of Channel 4 and New Writing North’s Talent Development Partnership. Launched in 2022, the Talent Development Partnership aims to identify and support new writers, particularly those from backgrounds that are currently underrepresented in the television industry.
All three receive a package of support including a nine-month placement with either Bonafide Films (Mood; The Last Post), Red Production Company (It’s a Sin; Happy Valley) or Rollem Productions (Love Lies & Records; Girlfriends), alongside mentoring with an industry professional and a £3000 bursary.
Winner Rebecca Glendenning-Laycock, from Newcastle Upon Tyne, won the placement with Red Productions. To date, her work has been commissioned and staged by Live Theatre, Freedom Studios, and the Alphabetti Theatre.
Rebecca said: “I feel so excited and privileged to have won the Channel 4 Writing for Television Award with Red Productions. The opportunity to work and collaborate with Red Productions and develop myself and my work is truly incredible. I can’t wait to see where it takes me.”
Emily Low was awarded the placement with Rollem Productions. A performer, writer, and storyteller based in Tyne Valley; her first commission was staged at the Alphabetti Theatre this year, and she was selected to join the Live Playwriting community.
Emily said: “It means so much to me that New Writing North read my script and saw its potential as an original comedy drama. Before I won this award, I would watch brilliant shows on TV and daydream about what story I would tell if I ever got the chance. I feel very astonished and excited that I now have the opportunity to develop my own script with the wonderful Rollem Productions.”
Nana-Kofi Kufuor from Stockport was awarded the placement with Bonafide Films. A British-Ghanaian playwright and screenwriter, his work has featured at Leeds Playhouse and the Edinburgh Fringe. He has written for Hollyoaks, Waterloo Road and has been commissioned by Sky and the BBC to write original works, which lean towards social and political stories through a hyper surreal lens.
Nana-Kofi said: “Being able to work with Bonafide and Channel 4 will push my career to new heights. Having people there to help me focus and improve my craft is priceless. I am unbelievably grateful for this opportunity and cannot wait to get started.”
Kevin Blacoe, Head of Partnerships and Skills at Channel 4 said: “Congratulations to the incredible winners of this year’s Channel 4 Writing for Television Awards; they have all shown immense talent and creativity. 4Skills is proud to fund the awards and support new local talent. The placements and mentoring opportunities the winners have earned will undoubtedly open doors to set them on an exciting path in the world of television writing.”
Channel 4 and New Writing North have worked in partnership since 2014.
The awards have already launched the television careers of several writers, including Sharma Walfall, who has gone on to work on productions including Noughts and Crosses and A Town Called Malice, and Jayshree Patel, whose Hollyoaks episodes were submitted for a BAFTA.
Former winners of the award were also in attendance, including Taiba Ahmad, and mentors from the programme, such as the West Yorkshire actor and writer, Kat Rose Martin.
Will Mackie, Senior Programme Manager (Talent Development) at New Writing North, said: “The partnership between Channel 4 and New Writing North provides pivotal opportunities for screenwriters in the North. We are delighted to reveal three such gifted talents as Emily, Rebecca and Nana-Kofi as this year’s awardees and look forward to seeing them thrive during the exciting year ahead of them.
“The winners of the Channel 4 Writing for Television Awards will now have chance to work with three of the UK’s leading TV companies in Rollem Productions, Bonafide Films and Red Production Company. The dedication, innovation and expertise of our production company partners lies at the heart of what makes this programme so special. We are enormously grateful to Channel 4 and the brilliant 4Skills team for their ongoing support.”
The Northern Talent Partnership also delivers a year-round programme of activities and opportunities for new and emerging television writers in the North of England. It operates a Channel 4 Northern Talent Network, which features script hubs in Newcastle, Bradford and online, screenwriting events delivered by industry professionals, and online masterclasses.
An additional ten shortlisted writers from the Channel 4 Writing for TV awards will be offered placements on the Script Development Group, with a bursary, peer-group sessions with agents, writers and producers, and in-depth script feedback.
