Washington, Tyne and Wear combines the best of both worlds: and I speak from the bottom of my heart, as my mum lived in Brady Square, Columbia, Washington where the newly vamped Columbia Community Association Centre https://www.facebook.com/columbiacommunityassociation/ now thrives. This is thanks to the committee’s endeavours, helped by volunteers, and local businesses, all led by the indomitable Marion Taylor and Red Shoes Bob. Frost Magazine followed their progress throughout, which of course meant I had to visit, toting along Dick who insisted on being there, because he loved every minute of the fun and catch up. Then we would scoot along to the Village, and the Washington Arms (do try their fish and chips) and we’d also have a look at Washington Old Hall (above), the ancestral home of the 1st US President, George Washington – yes really.

Did you know that Bryan Ferry comes from Washington, And… And… My mum knew his mum. Talking of my mum. Her dad ran the Long Pull, or is it Pole. The locals seem to disagree. I just knew it as Uncle Stan’s shop, previously my grandpa’s, and where my sisters and I would stay in the summer holidays. Uncle Stan put brown sauce on his fry up breakfast – we weren’t allowed sauce by mum – so I was in awe.

My grandma died when Mum was 2, in 1916. A photo was taken of Uncle Stan and Mum, Little Annie as she was called, at a proper photographer to send to her father away at war. Clothes were hired from the photographer as they were poor, but they wore their own tatty shoes.

Continuing our journey, we come to Washington New Town, created 60 years ago, in line with the New Towns concept. It is divided into 18 residential ‘villages’ – supported – I kid you not – by thousands and thousands of newly planted trees, well, newly planted then, and which are now fully ‘growed’ as they said of Topsy. You can imagine how attractive the New Town is, a far cry from miles of concrete and bricks.https://gallerieswashington.co.uk/

There is a Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust nature reserve, and The Washington F Pit Mining Museum which is fascinating. The Washington Arts Centre is a converted farm building, and it is where I will be next week, to take part in a podcast on memories. (: look at a demo podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watchv=YMAJKvbGhTQ&feature=youtu.be ) I will add my two pennyworth with my, and my mum’s memories.

The North East Land, Sea and Air Museum is north of the old RAF Usworth base. And … And … there are the amazing Galleries,with 200 retail units, lots of free parking, so you can shop til you drop then revitalise yourself in a cafe or restaurant of your choice, and start again, as people do since they come from all over.

So, no wonder there is a celebration – oh yes there is, so expect to enjoy Washington 60 Celebration Day to the full as live music, local exhibitors and family entertainment deliver a jam-packed day of great live music, local exhibitors and lots to entertain the family.https://www.sunderland.gov.uk/article/31703/Celebration-to-mark-60-years-of-Washington

The committee is going all out to create a festival atmosphere at the Northern Area Playing Fields from 12.00 noon until 9 pm on July 20th. Ah, you want to know more? Here you go: the Main Stage line up will be headlined by Washington’s own Martin Stephenson and the Daintees, and also Smoove and Turrell and The Revolutionaires. Frankly, we’re being spoiled.

Martin Stephenson says: “To play such a fabulous event in my home town is the greatest honour for me. I come back every year to perform at Washington Old Hall and still have many heartfelt connections from my childhood.

“I have always been proud of my roots and the lovely family and mining community I was reared in. Our drummer Craig McDonald is from Washington too and we’re looking forward to this greatly.”

Frost Magazine absolutely loves the fact that Martin is local, and that Local acts and community groups including theatre, spoken word and acoustic music will take to a second stage throughout the day. Hugely important, I think, is an exhibitor tent which will house Washington-based organisations telling the story of Washington past and present. Clearly not to be missed.

All ages are catered for, and the children should love the arts and crafts activities which will be available throughout the event, including a drop in kite making workshop. I could never make a kite fly, but I bet these kids do.

All of this is wonderful for the soul, but what about the body? Never fear, food providers and a bar will be on site all afternoon to provide snacks and refreshments.

So don’t forget: Washington New Town’s 60th anniversary celebrations take place on 20th July noon until 9 pm. Body and soul catered for. For more information: https://www.sunderland.gov.uk/article/31703/Celebration-to-mark-60-years-of-Washington

It wasn’t until I began to read this book that I thought about how many people I know who are bringing up a child in a country where the dominant language is not their own. From relatives to friends to cafe owners, every day I am interacting with people who are dealing with this contradiction. Talking about this book with friends provoked a lot of interesting discussion. 

Written by Malwina Gudowska, a writer and linguist, this is a fascinating exploration of what it means to try to raise a child to be bilingual, and the difficulties and joys. The contradiction of wanting to give a child their heritage, whilst being told it will slow development to learn two languages at once, that a first language is all right at home but the dominant language of school is the important one. And language turns out to be a feminist issue too; a good mother gives her child the gift of another language, but also a bad mother holds her child back by not focussing on just one. Mothers can’t win, either way it seems to be their fault. Fathers don’t get the same blame.

The author has the particular difficulty that the language she is trying to raise her children in is not even her own main language. As a child immigrant herself to Canada with her Polish parents, she explores her struggle to keep Polish alive for the children, without turning it into a chore for them, whilst obviously very much an effort for her. She finds herself reverting to English when she gets cross with them, and having to look up the Polish words for parts of a toy truck. Later on Polish becomes their secret language, with her son dumbfounded on a visit to relatives when everyone else can understand them. She feels relief in not being the only person with the care of parenting their language.

There are moving stories of parents who choose not to communicate with their children in their own first language so as not to disadvantage them, but then finding the lack of a shared dominant language a barrier between parent and child. One woman, brought up only speaking Danish, finds her only way of communicating her mother’s Faroese language to her own daughter is through a half-remembered lullaby.

I can accuse myself of being very insensitive to the issue in the past, often wondering why immigrants do not rush to learn English, without thinking that language has an importance beyond communication, and that it might mean the loss of identity, connection to homeland, to history, and to family you have left behind.

MOTHER TONGUE TIED by Malwina Gudowska pub Footnote Press ISBN 978-1-804-44079-7 @ £16.99

Image credit Camila Pastorelli

In April 2021, the renowned venue, St John’s Smith Square, merged with the much-loved Southbank Sinfonia to become one organisation. Now, in June 2024, the merged organisation is relaunching as Sinfonia Smith Square encompassing the best of both organisations.

Dedicated to enriching lives through music, they offer collaborative partnerships to nurture and support emerging artists and a platform for world – class performers to showcase their talent.

Image credit Joseph Lyn 22

On the evening of the launch, we were treated to a feast of enthusiastic musical excellence in a thrilling concert, given by a young orchestra of exceptional talent at St John’s, a church built in 1728, and which held the funeral of Emmeline Pankhurst in1928. Then, seemingly, disaster struck when it was bombed in May 1941. It was, however, then rebuilt as a purpose-built concert hall in 1969 boasting amazing acoustics.

Sinfonia Smith Square is a beacon for the future of classical music; a forward- thinking organisation that aims to enrich lives through the universal power of music, alongside supporting exciting cultural initiatives for the enjoyment of the widest possible audiences.

They will continue the long – established and much – loved favourites of the orchestra’s programme and the Smith Square concert calendar, while retaining their renowned seasonal festivals throughout the year. However, alongside hosting world – class ensembles, Sinfonia Smith Square will continue to champion emerging artists and embed its Fellowship at the heart of all its programming.

​They are delighted that Her Majesty Queen Camilla has agreed to remain as their royal patron, while entering a new creative era with the orchestra’s founder, Simon Over, recently appointed as Artistic Director.

Sinfonia Smith Square is a place of joy and discovery, which was certainly true of my experience. How had I not been here before? Never mind, I will certainly be getting on their mailing list because they have a fantastic programme (including the Messiah in December) and only a 10-minute walk from Westminster Underground Station.

Sinfonia Smith Square Smith Square Hall London W1P 3HA

Website www.sinfoniasmithsq.org.uk

Twitter @sinfoniasmit @smithsquarehall

Instagram @sinfoniasmithsq @smithsquarehall

Facebook @sinfoniasmithsquare

I make no apology for getting over-excited about Perfume Direct’s seasonal selection. A British company who know their perfumes, they negotiate the best deals for their customers and all their products are 100% genuine despite the competitive prices. Just reading their descriptions and analyses is enough to make great choices on-line – I’ve never been disappointed.

If you fancy a completely new signature scent, simply check out the Perfume Direct Guide to Fragrances, which explains the different perfume categories – Floral, Woody, Oriental etc. This allows you to make an informed decision about what you like, then you can use the scent type and strength search facility on their website to find the perfumes which suit your taste perfectly.

But I want to share my new discovery – For Her by Narciso Rodriguez. Perfume Direct describe it as a sensual and provocative fragrance and I cannot disagree, just the type of perfume I like to wear.

What I love about Perfume Direct is the detail they share for every fragrance, so you know exactly what you’re buying. They tell us that For Her fragrance type is Floral, Woody and Musk and its notes (the different scent layers which make up the fragrance) are:

Top Notes: African Orange flower, Osmanthus, Bergamot

Middle Notes: Musk, Amber

Base Notes: Vetiver, Vanille, Patchouli

You can see why I love it.

So check out Perfume Direct for this and other fragrances. For Her is currently on sale at £45.99 for 30ml or £59.99 for a massive 50ml eau de toilette.

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.

As some of you will know from previous reviews, I am something of a fanboy when it comes to Tracklements’ range of pickles and condiments. If anything, I am an addict, to the extent that I am first in the queue at our at our local Farmer’s Market to feed my addiction.

The latest addition to the Tracklements artisan, planet-friendly range of condiments will make any barbecue well worth the effort and touch the sweet spot for friends and family whether they’re vegan, pescatarian or meat eaters. 

NEW Special Edition Zingy Burger Sauce is a chef-standard burger sauce, approved by famed restaurateur, Mark Hix. Made with lemon juice, mustard, turmeric, black pepper, allspice and chillies, it’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy and covers all bases: it is vegan and gluten free. 

The Zingy Burger Sauce is also fantastic with vegetarian burgers, and vegetarian peppered steaks, not least because it is rich, thick, coats the tongue, and is like a tomato sauce on steroids, with just a trace of heat. What’s more, it is not completely smooth which adds to the texture and taste experience (apologies,but I did warn you that I was a fan.)

This would be ideal at a barbecue that also catered for vegetarians and vegans – who are so often something of an afterthought; but this would put them centre stage.

RRP £4.10 for 290g, available from fine food delis and farm shops nationwide and online at www.tracklements.co.uk  

I confess to being older than YouTube – something my 5 and 8 year-old grandsons simply cannot comprehend (not that I’m extremely old, but that anyone, even I, could be older than YouTube).

So I admit to feeling slightly bewildered as I watch grandson senior introduce himself to his ipad camera and chat to his viewers about what entertainment is in store for them, followed by the two of them dancing an enthusiastic version of Gangnam Style. Afterwards they discuss how many ‘likes’ they will get (I strongly suspect ‘none’ could be a good estimate but I hold my thoughts).

So as the aging grandmother of two budding vloggers (meaning video bloggers for anyone else struggling to keep up), I simply had to try out Canal Toys’ Studio Creator 360 Video Maker,and I admit to being impressed.

The kit consists of a tripod attached to a ring-shaped bright photographer’s light, with a smartphone holder in the centre of the light ring. It really is that simple.

Just download the very-easy-to-use app (I say this with feeling) onto your smartphone, attach it in the centre of the light ring and start vlogging (did I really say that?).

The app really is super easy, even for me, and I know that my grandkids will be scrolling through the functions like experts. You can choose different video modes – face, body, cat or dog and the light ring has numerous colour modes. Then just press record and start dancing Gangnam style (listen I was merely testing it for the grandkids). The light ring and phone move in a circle to follow you, all by themselves, doing a full 360 degrees if needed. It’s just like having your own personal photographer. And if you want a ‘talk to camera’ video it has fun features including filters which can remove your wrinkles or change the shape of your chin. I liked these filters perhaps a little too much. You can adjust background intensity and light levels plus lots more.

Once you’ve created your own action movie/documentary/ piece to camera the fun isn’t over. A green screen is included to create a neutral background on which you can edit a backdrop of your choice – Niagara Falls? Jurassic Park? A Formula One racetrack? Whatever your wildest dreams. Then upload the video to your favourite social media platform and wait for the ‘likes’.

I can’t wait to see the camera and light following my grandkids around a football pitch, or them creating their own video diaries whilst improving their vlogging and editing skills. The kit is so user-friendly, they can learn through fun. And, yes maybe they will hit the million ‘likes’ barrier? I’m starting to believe it.

Canal Toys’ Studio Creator 360 Video Makeris available at Amazon, Smyths, Argos and Very. RRP £39.99 but follow these links for some great special offers.

Happy Vlogging.

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.

b.box, the trailblazing Australian parenting essentials brand, celebrates a monumental milestone with the launch of their latest innovation: the b.box 360 cup. This is the next stage up in age from the Sippy Cup. With over 15 million sippy cups sold globally, b.box is now taking their spill-free and leakproof expertise to new heights with this revolutionary addition to their lineup.

360 Degrees of Sipping Bliss: Say goodbye to spills and hello to freedom with the b.box 360 cup. Crafted for little ones mastering the art of independent drinking, this cup features a super-soft silicone, lip-activated 360° drinking rim. Kids can sip from any angle, with flow control that adjusts based on pressure, ensuring minimal mess and maximum enjoyment. I have a superb tester, my three year old grand-son. ‘Hey, little darling, so did this do what it says?’ ‘Yes, Anma. Just as I do as I am told.’ Pause as Anma gropes for a suitable reply. No need, he is off swinging the Cup, which absolutely does not run over. Why?

Innovative Design, Effortless Handling: Designed with wide-profile handles for tiny hands, the b.box 360 cup promotes self-led drinking and empowers independence. Twist the handles down for home use or up to lock and seal for leak-free travel – making hydration hassle-free on-the-go. Ah, on the go, eh? So off went Anma and the three year old, and the Cup behaved perfectly on the bus, and when seeking monsters in the woods. Then time for the picnic … ooops, over goes the mug. But no leakage.

Hygienic, Convenient, and Oh-So-Clever: The b.box 360 cup isn’t just smart; it’s also hygienic and convenient. A lip-activated silicone seal keeps the drinking rim clean when not in use. Plus, the clear lid and cup base allow for easy monitoring of liquid levels and promote hand-eye coordination during sipping sessions. Versatile and Safe for Daily Adventures: With a generous 250ml capacity, suitable for both hot and cold liquids, the b.box 360 cup is your go-to for everyday hydration. Microwave-safe cup base and dishwasher/steriliser-safe parts ensure hassle-free cleaning for busy parents, and grand-parents – just saying.

Fun Colour Combinations for Every Style: Available in four vibrant colour combinations, the b.box 360 cup adds a pop of personality to mealtime routines, making sipping sessions even more enjoyable for your little ones.

The b.box 360 cup is now available from Amazon for just £7.99 bringing joy, independence, and spill-free sipping to households worldwide.

This is the perfect gift for father’s who enjoy a gin and tonic but are also concerned about the environment. Dads can now enjoy the same great tasting Greenall’s Gin in a choice of glass or paper.

The Frugal Bottle™ is an innovative alternative to glass, that reduces weight, carbon footprint and water usage of their packaging by more than 75%. Made from recycled paperboard and a recyclable inner pouch, the bottle holds exactly the same amount of gin, but feels lighter in the hand and treads lighter on the planet.

Greenall’s London Dry Gin has been made to the same closely guarded recipe since 1761. At a time when gin comes in hundreds of flavours and styles, this is an honest classic gin, great with tonic, a slice of lemon or lime, and plenty of ice. It is reasonably priced and the gin to reach for in the early evening when nothing else will do.

RRP: £17 for a 70cl bottle. ABV: 37.5%. Available from: Sainsbury’s and The Whisky Exchange 

Rampur Asava Indian Single Malt Whisky, is a combination of Rampur’s unique distillation and maturation process which sees Rampur Asava Indian Single Malt Whisky taking traditional Indian heritage and rooting it in contemporary culture.

A super luxury premium whisky produced in India’s oldest distillery. The malt matures for two-thirds of its life in handpicked American Bourbon Barrels and a third in European Oak Sherry Casks, and is then non-chill-filtered. 

On the nose we detected notes of cherry, vanilla, wine and even Martini.

It has a strong burn factor, beloved by some, disparaged by others, and in the mouth, we tasted salt and liquorice, to be precise, the Dutch version of those tiny liquorice sweets.

RRP: £60.00. ABV: 45%. Available from: Majestic, The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt

CAFÉ SOLO Original is a premium espresso strength cold brew coffee liqueur. The cold brew coffee brewing process retains the natural flavours and oils from ethically sourced coffee which is mixed with British vodka and natural sugar and boasts a full-bodied flavour profile, rich acidity, and a refreshingly clean finish. It has a robust ABV of 25%, delivering a bold, rich flavour profile with hints of dark fruit acidity, chocolate and vanilla notes, culminating in a subtle sweet finish.

It is delicious over ice, and for me one of the easiest impressive puddings, poured over good quality vanilla ice cream, and of course perfect in an espresso martini instead of Vodka.

RRP: From £30 for a 70cl bottle. ABV: 25%. Available from Amazon

Amaretto Adriatico

I used to associate Amaretto with Christmas, and it remains a firm favourite in the festive season, but I am now converted to enjoying Amaretto at all times of the year. Perfect flavouring for ice cream, in cakes, or savoured as a digestive, at the end of a meal. Amaretto really is an all-rounder.

Made in Puglia from locally grown, hand-picked almonds, this is a superb amaretto with notes of toasted almond, caramel, cherry and a hint of marzipan.

The spirit is combined with sugar, an infusion of cocoa, coffee and cinnamon, plus a pinch of sea salt and is vegan certified and made with all natural ingredients. 

RRP: £28.99 for 70 cl. ABV 28%. Available from: Amazon, Master of Malt,  The Whisky Exchange,  The Drinks Shop and Eataly

Amaretto Adriatico Bianco

Amaretto Adriatico Bianco is a new generation of Amaretto liqueur, created by itself with high quality products using Apulian almonds exclusively. This premium Italian liqueur is perfect as an aperitif, and with the most elaborate of cocktails, or drink chilled neat, or served over crushed ice.

This new generation amaretto liqueur: Adriatico Amaretto Bianco, utilizes almond milk derived from meticulously crushed white almonds which results in a unique creamy texture without the worries of lactose.

This smooth liqueur has silky accents of chopped and soaked white almond and whilst not too creamy provides velvety smoothness.

https://www.masterofmalt.com/ RRP £30.50