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/

Adrian Muller, Dame Mary Perkins and Donna Moore – image: Gary Stratmann

In a statement announcing the closure, Adrian Muller, co-founder, co-host and director of CrimeFest, said: “It is with sadness – but great pride – that we announce that our sixteenth CrimeFest, which takes place from 15-18 May 2025, will be the final one.”

Inspired by a visit to Bristol in 2006 of the American Left Coast Crime convention, the first CrimeFest was held in June 2008. CrimeFest is a convention run by fans of the genre, initially organised by Myles Allfrey, Liz Hatherell, Adrian Muller, and Donna Moore, and more recently hosted by the latter two.

Whereas most crime fiction events are invite-only, with a fixed programme of authors, CrimeFest offers a more democratic model. As a convention, any commercially published author can sign up to appear on a panel. Adrian Muller said: “CrimeFest provides many authors with a platform they would not have been offered elsewhere in the UK. And, subsequently, readers discover and meet writers they otherwise may never have heard of. During CrimeFest, all delegates – be they authors or readers – come together as equals to celebrate the genre they love.”

Taking place across four days, each year CrimeFest showcases around 150 authors across more than 50 panels; over the years, 1,100 authors will have appeared at the event. CrimeFest also invites Featured and Highlighted guests, securing major authors including Cathy Ace, Lee Child, Ann Cleeves, Martina Cole, Michael Connelly, Jeffrey Deaver, Sue Grafton, Anthony Horowitz, P.D. James, Lynda La Plante, and Ian Rankin.

Lee Child attended the very first convention, and was a Featured Guest at the fifth and tenth anniversaries of CrimeFest. Lee Child said: “Sadly all good things come to an end – and Adrian Muller’s Bristol CrimeFest was one of the very best things ever. It was a warm, friendly, relaxed and inclusive festival, hugely enjoyable for authors and readers alike. Myles, Liz, Donna and Adrian, their team of volunteers – and Dame Mary from Specsavers – have my sincere thanks for many delightful weekends over the years.”

The event is sponsored by Specsavers. Co-founder of Specsavers, Dame Mary Perkins, who will be attending again next year, praised the event: “I am an avid reader and fan of the genre, and I always look forward to CrimeFest. It is so friendly, and it feels like all who go are welcomed as part of a big family, connected by a love of books, and reading. We are proud sponsors and I will miss CrimeFest and the camaraderie very much.”

Adrian added: “Thanks to the support of Specsavers, our highly valued sponsor, we introduced reduced cost Community Passes for UK school and public librarians, students and for people on benefits. In 2021 we also created an annual bursary for crime fiction authors of colour. We’ve run community projects at local schools in the community; donated books to many schools and libraries across Bristol and the UK; our anthology Ten Year Stretch and our raffles each year have raised thousands of pounds for the Royal National Institute of Blind People, and the seven awards we present each year celebrate crime fiction, non-fiction, TV and crime fiction for children and young adults – the latter two being the first in the UK. We are immensely proud of these initiatives.”

Author and co-host of CrimeFest, Donna Moore, said: “CrimeFest is a labour of love for us and our volunteers. We are immensely grateful to the authors, readers, publishers, booksellers, sponsors, volunteers, and a whole host of other people who have supported us over the years.”

The organisers promise to say goodbye “in style” with the attendance of some big-name authors to celebrate its 16 years. The final CrimeFest takes place 15-18 May at the Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel. CrimeFest – Bristol’s Annual Crime Fiction Convention

This absolute cracker of a book is one that needs to be read from cover to cover as it is chock-a-block with evidence of the fascinating opulent internationalist culture of Mughal Hindustan 1556 – 1658.

Edited by Susan Stronge, The Great Mughals: Art Architecture and Opulence presents for the first time the age of its greatest emperors: Akbar 1556-1605, Jahangir 1605-1627 and Shah Jahan 1628-1658. Stronge sets out a compelling narrative which describes the origins of Mughal art; it explores the huge Iranian influence that permeated the sophisticated craft traditions of the Indian subcontinent to create a distinctively Mughal style, further modified by interactions with Jesuit missionaries and European traders.

All the arts of the Mughal court are included: from contemporary portraits to jewelled gold vessels and magnificent carpets. In chapters that conjure the unique dynamics of each reign, essays with historical sweep combine with texts focused on important objects to tell unexpected stories about a dynasty perhaps best known for commissioning the Taj Mahal.

As someone whose grandmother was Hindu, I find anything like this fascinating, but this book is broad enough in concept and presentation to enthral everyone, not just me. It is visually impressive, and promotes a train of thought that pursues the sheer magnificence and creativity of all that was produced during this epoch. But not just that, it is also the revelation of the absorption of the influence of outsiders such as Jesuit missionaries that reminds us that we have much to learn from one another.

A wonderful book, though that seems too narrow a term. Let’s say it is a cornucopia, a revelation, one which accompanies the V&A exhibition The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence to perfection. The exhibition is underway and closes Monday, 5 May 2025. V&A South KensingtonCromwell Road London, SW7 2RL. Gallery 39. £22.00Concessions apply. Advance booking recommended. The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence is available here and also the V&A Bookshop

You see, we had longed to drive a shortish way, and find another part of the country as lovely as the Thirsk area where we could drift about, meandering in glorious British countryside , and then eat, and drink – a little of course. Ho hum. But where?

We had paid a fleeting visit some while ago to Cumbria, and found Ullswater, a glacial lake, which is part of the Lake District National Park, and then onto the village of Glenridding which is situated at the southern end of the lake. We learned that each year on Easter Monday, a duck race is organised by the local mountain rescue team to fundraise. It had all sounded as quirky as Thirsk… so we booked for three nights from Christmas Eve at the newly renovated The Ullswater Inn, nestling beneath the fells, with stunning views of Ullswater.

We duly arrived to a warm welcome at the Inn, which had been decorated for Christmas just as had The Golden Fleece in Thirsk. The Ullswater Inn is dog friendly, people friendly, with, we discovered wonderful food, and a totally relaxed atmosphere. How could Santa possibly miss slipping down their chimney?

The bedroom was, I kid you not, a suite, and we slept like logs, then up on Christmas Day, and a bit of a saunter in the fresh air with stunning views all around.

We had opened our presents before breakfast. Well, OK, I admit it, we brought them with us as, of course, I tricked you, we are just a bit too old to believe in Santa. We ordered champagne with our Christmas Day meal ( our choices, turkey and slow roast venison) and chatted, relaxed, sipped, trotted into the bar for more chat, then slept like logs – again.

Turkey

Slow Roast Venison

On Boxing Day we took a trip on one of the ‘Ullswater Steamers’ of which there are five operating from the pier at Glenridding. Interestingly, the company was founded to provide a transport link for goods from Glenridding to Penrith via Pooley Bridge. Oh yes, there is also the Helvellyn Triathlon held at Jenkins’ Field by the shores of Ullswater which must be interesting to watch, but meandering round the glorious lake, and the foothills of the fells were quite enough exercise for us, thank you very much.

It certainly enabled us to tuck in again once we returned to The Ullswater Inn. As we ate we promised ourselves we would return for a weekend in the Spring to be a bit more energetic, and of course, to eat, and sip. Oh yes, indeedy.

Did we enjoy it? I should cocoa we did. Every single minute: lovely Inn, lovely people, lovely countryside, lovely boat trip. We returned to Thirsk refreshed, and all set up for 2025. To find out more about The Inn Collection Group which was formed in 2013, and some more of their amazing Inns : https://www.inncollectiongroup.com/ullswater-inn

I’m always super excited to see a pantomime. Last year I saw Elgiva’s Cinderella with Frost Magazine’s editor, Margaret Graham and hubbie, Dick. We had a brilliant time and so I simply couldn’t wait for this year’s Aladdin, this time with the family, including my two grandkids.

What I love about the Elgiva Theatre is the attractive environment, comfortable seats, friendly staff and bar, shop and cafe. It’s cosy size means that wherever you sit you’re close to the actors, putting everyone in danger of ad-lib comments from the stage – the two ladies who tried to sneak in five minutes late were very publicly roasted by Widow Twankie, even telling them exactly what they’d missed. In fact the fun-loving panto cast took great pleasure in interacting with the audience at every opportunity, shouting lightning fast ad libs and wandering amongst us spraying powerful water pistols, much to the enjoyment of my grandkids. And where else could five unravelling toilet rolls have all the children, and a few adults, let me tell you – OK, OK, I was one of them – screaming and shouting with laughter for a good ten minutes?

Elgiva always attracts well-known and highly talented actors and this time was no different. Celebrity singer and actor, Nicki French starred as the Empress and Frost Magazine’s very own Drama Critic and professional actor, Paul Vates was the hilarious Widow Twankey. Oh how we love him. Oh yes we do.

The execution was slick, the scenery and special effects stunning, the dancing and singing spell-binding and adults and children were roaring at the jokes, screaming ‘He’s behind you’ and booing and hissing very loudly at Abanazar (or maybe that was just me? I can get a bit over-excited in the presence of greatness, as you must have already realised).

Aladdin has two performances daily until 5^th January so if you want to have a seriously fun time at this traditional Christmas performance book here. Be quick though, seats are selling fast.

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.

]

I admit to feeling tired for much of my day, and I’m always on the lookout for that magical remedy which will transport my body back to ‘what it used to be’.

My problems started after breast cancer (see my book below) – almost certainly due to the anti-oestrogen therapy I needed, which converted my gentle coast towards menopause into a helter-skelter break-neck hurtle. I felt as if I had a major leak in my energy tanks, and the more I tried to power through, the more drained I felt. In honesty, I’ve never quite got back to what I still fondly regard as ‘normal’.

So I’m intrigued by Brain Bombs, developed by Dorota Cloke, an RSPH-qualified nutritionist, who also describes herself as a biohacker, someone who uses science to improve body and/or brain.

Brain bombs are frankly delicious, super-chocolatey functional snacks. There are three types, each containing a blend of active ingredients including:

• Lion’s Mane and Ashwagandha, to enhance focus, memory, and mental clarity.
• Other adaptogens to calm the mind and improve resilience.
• Healthy organic fats to provide sustained energy without the crash.

Lion’s Mane (a mushroom) and Ashwagandha (a plant root) are well-known herbal remedies. As with most herbal remedies, they don’t have the wealth of clinical trial data one expects for approved medicines, however both have been used for many years in traditional Asian medicine such as Ayurveda and I personally have found Ashwagandha very helpful. Lion’s Mane contains vitamins and essential minerals and is believed to have various therapeutic properties. Adaptogens is a word used in Ayurveda, referring to herbs or supplements which are thought to act on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which controls the body’s stress response. 

Brain Bombs come in three types. One is predominantly dark chocolate (85%), with avocado, pistachio, pumpkin seeds, hemp hearts, matcha, dates and sea salts.

The second type contains 65% chocolate with raw cocoa, tahini, and sour cherries.

The final variety has similar basic ingredients with the addition of almonds.

They all contain Lion’s Mane, Ashwagandha and Maitake (a mushroom thought to have beneficial effects).

Having road tested all three – they are simply scrumptious. However because they have no added sugar and contain healthy fats, I found them very satisfying and wasn’t left with that ‘just one more’ urge despite the yummy chocolatey taste.

They made me feel immediately energised, calm and satisfied and this lasted from mid-afternoon through to my evening meal. My body is thanking me for serving it a proper wholesome and healing snack (perhaps for a change).

So if the run up to Christmas stress is getting to you, I can totally recommend these fabulous treats. Available from Brain Bombs, they cost £19.50 for a cute egg-box pack of six freshly prepared for delivery every Tuesday. Treat yourself and feel better.

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.

Britain and the British have a long reputation for making and enjoying gin, but with the advent of craft gin companies this has risen to new heights. So I was excited to sample Cantium Rubesco Pink Gin from the Kent-based company.

Cantium Gin major on infusing their gins with locally-grown botanicals and the Rubesco Pink Gin is a fine example, infused with strawberries and raspberries. Some flavoured gins are too sweet for my palette, but this retains the characteristics of a pure gin with a light fruity enhancement, true to the natural fruit flavour.

The full-sized bottles double up as a flask, which is a real bonus as they are both attractive and useful, keeping drinks cold, or hot.

Do check out the website for a fine selection of gin and accessories.

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.

]

Our loft was a mess, hardly surprising as it is old, rather like me, but moving on quickly. There was old fibre glass insulation, some remnants of spray foam sort of removed, but much more we couldn’t see with all our packages, abandoned furniture, etc. etc. So, after casting around we arranged a free survey from H&J Energy Solutions who explained what they would do and how much it would cost. The reviews said they would do a good job. So off we went and a day was chosen, well three days to be strictly accurate, as bungalows tend to have big lofts.

We explained to the dogs that there were be ‘strangers in the house’ and their noise would outbid the dogs’ so very there. We emptied the loft – well – Dick emptied the loft, I ferried stuff to the garage, or the end of the sitting room, or the bedrooms, or any free space, and glory be, some went to the tip. ‘We really must get rid of more of it,’ we said. Will we? Time will tell. It is then we saw what our loft actually really truly looked like. Thank heavens H&J Energy Solutions had rooted around as they put the survey together.

On the day the dogs watched aliens arrive, in white suits and face masks. No, not the Covid masks, the really McCoy. ‘Don’t panic. Bark bark.’ ‘Aliens invading.’ ‘Help, help.’

Heavens, there were seven in all. Then in bustled the bosses, James and Harry. They were all coming from the other side of the country, so we expected them at about 10. They caught us on the hop at 8.0 am having risen at 4 am. They would be staying in the area until the job was finished. ‘No, no tea, no coffee, thanks. Work to do.’ ‘Morning.’ ‘Morning.’ ‘Morning.’ said all nine as they streamed past us.

First all the hall runners carpets were lifted. Oh the shame at what lay beneath. ‘To stop it being spoiled, and not to worry, all will be spotless before we leave each day,’ Harry said. I wanted him to stay forever. Really? Spotless? Meanwhile, the rest of the team were pounding up the loft ladder and starting work.

Thump as boards were laid so no-one came through the ceiling, but only once the old floor level foam and fibre glass rubbish was out. Grind, as the sanding machines cleaned up the rafters. Full bin bags were taken to the garden full of unwanted foam insulation and old insulation. A mountain grew between two rose beds. The dogs guarded their home, loudly, so were enticed away for a walk. A long walk. On and on it went. Hard work was the order of the day.

Before they left they cleaned wherever they’d been. Heavens, the lavatory was spotless. The tiles on the floor spotless. The wooden hall floor spotless. Live with us …

The next day was all bustle too, but this time, it was the eco wool insulation being laid. This sustainable material is crafted from natural and renewable materials. It is derived from recycled fibres, and natural sheep wool, which minimizes environmental impact while maximizing performance. It also traps pockets of air, providing exceptional thermal resistance and minimizing heat transfer. It is also excellent for protection against moisture related issues , and absorbs sound and dampens sound waves, minimizing external noise pollution. So very there, dogs.

Again not a moment was lost. The mountain of bags was removed, a porous lining was installed between the rafters, the porous insulation was laid at the required depth. Suddenly it was over, all done. Whaat? But you have only been here two days?

Yes, they had been such beavers it was all over. Harry and James decided a price reduction was in order. The house was clean, the loft fully insulated. The dogs were bereft as they had no aliens to guard against and therefore no excuse for barking. We were ecstatic at the job which had been done.

‘Goodbye.’ ‘Goodbye.’ ‘Goodbye.’ They called as they trooped off. They would be heading for their new job first thing in the morning. H&J Energy Solutions are phenominally busy, which says all you need to know, but we are such fans, that honestly, if you need a team that knows what it’s doing, and does it, (see the images) while in addition keeping you up to date with where they are, what they are doing, what they have uncovered, – give them a ring, or drop an email through their website. Do remember, your dogs will want a medal for protecting you so valiantly and… and … here’s the icing on the cake… your house will be spotless wherever they have been. H&J Energy Solutions