With Valentine’s day rapidly approaching, would all my secret admirers please note that I’m rather fed up with chocolates, having consumed far too many over the Christmas period. However I’ve discovered a most delicious, and healthier alternative, beautifully presented in a stunning heart-shaped jar.
Yes, it’s Tracklements once more who have come to the rescue of our tastebuds and waistlines. This Wiltshire-based family company creates quality food by hand in small batches, using proper, honest ingredients, mainly sourced from English farms and small businesses.
Tracklements have been making their Chilli Jam for 25 yrs now. Many of their recipes are traditional, with no fancy additives, just honest to goodness delicious food and condiments. Their Chilli Jam is a great example, made with raw cane sugar, red peppers (nearly half of the contents), cider vinegar (itself made by Aspall, another long-established English family business), onions, red chillies (9%, so quite a bite), concentrated lemon juice, garlic purée and sea salt. That’s it – not an E-number in sight and this is why it tastes so good. Personally I love it with cheese, but it is also adds a touch of sophistication to a chicken or fish dish.
But what has most excited me, is that Tracklements are celebrating the 25th anniversary of their amazing Fresh Chilli Jam with a beautiful Heart-Shaped Jar and a special gold anniversary label. It’s such a lovely gift (secret admirers are you still taking notes?). And once you’ve eaten all the fabulous jam – which, despite the generous 350g jar, will not take you long, trust me – you still have the lovely heart-shaped glass jar, which makes a gorgeous vase, or a holder for herbs, spices, or even makeup brushes – so you’ll always be reminded of the best Valentine’s gift ever.
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 new year bring us – hot foot from Miami, Florida – Reader Depot, a new online bookstore which has opened with a bold promise, they tell us, that challenges the foundations of the publishing economy: for the first time, authors will retain 100 percent of the revenue from books sold on the platform. Yes, really.
The launch comes at a moment when Reader Depot have found that writers are increasingly vocal about the imbalance between the value they create and the modest share they receive. Also they hear that in traditional publishing and on large digital marketplaces, authors often walk away with only a small fraction of each sale. Reader Depot reverses that equation by putting full earnings directly in the hands of the authors who write the books. The store is designed as a fair and transparent alternative to the dominant marketplaces that take the lion’s share of royalties.
Most authors today earn only a fraction of the value of their work. In traditional publishing, Reader Depot say that writers typically receive between 7.5 and 15 percent of the sale price for print books and up to about 25 percent for ebooks, and even that often arrives only after an advance is fully earned out. Self publishing platforms improve the split, but royalties still range widely from roughly 35 to 65 percent depending on format and price. It appears that authors rarely take home anything close to the full value of each sale.
Reader Depot is the brain child of Spines, a tech driven publishing platform which integrates cutting-edge technology into every step of the publishing process: Authors simply upload their self-written manuscripts and Spines’ technology streamlines proofreading, formatting, cover design, audiobook creation, distribution, and marketing. Only books published through the Spines platform will be available in Reader Depot.
“Authors create the value in publishing, yet they rarely see the rewards. We built Reader Depot to change that,” said Yehuda Niv, CEO and Co-Founder of Spines. “Giving writers 100 percent of their revenue in the first year is our way of resetting the balance and proving that a fairer model is possible. When authors succeed, the entire industry moves forward.”
To further support authors, Reader Depot will offer a full 100 percent revenue share during its first twelve months. After that period, authors will receive 70 percent of royalties which remains higher than any other major book platform.
Let Frost Magazine tell you a little more about Spines, which is the only comprehensive tech-powered publishing platform simplifying the authorship journey so writers can focus on telling great stories.
The Spines platform revolutionizes every aspect of the publishing process, from proofreading, and formatting to cover design, distribution, and marketing. Authors simply need to upload their manuscripts, and within less than three weeks, they will be able to see their books published, optimized, and available to readers globally. Spines was founded in 2021 by Yehuda Niv, CEO, Lev David, CMO, Niv Ovdat, COO, Nir Kenner, CTO. The company’s total funding stands at $22.5M. For more information: Reader Depot. and Spines
The Case of the Christmas Angel: A cozy 1930s murder mystery novella (Jack and Frances Mysteries Book 6) Kindle Edition by Carmen Radtke
Lights, Camera, Crime! It’s 1932. With his partners-in-crime Jack and Frances off on their honeymoon, retired Vaudeville artist Uncle Sal intends to relive his glory days in London. As a man of many talents, it doesn’t take long until his old friend Molly Sweet secures him a small part in one of the new talking picture studios in London. With his inimitable flair, he soon finds himself at home in front of the cameras, and backstage as well. But there are villains at play whose roles weren’t in the script, and Molly and her daughter need Uncle Sal’s help.@ @£0.99 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0G64MYSNQ/
A Sip of Suspicion: A cozy small-town amateur sleuth mystery (The Tea Leaf Mysteries Book 2) Kindle Edition by J. New
A summer garden party, a book club full of secrets, and one deadly cup of tea. Meet Lilly Tweed – former agony aunt, proud purveyor of fine teas, and accidental sleuth. It’s the height of summer in Plumpton Mallet, and Lilly has been asked to host her very first event: a tea demonstration for the local book club. The guest list sparkles with the town’s elite – a titled aristocrat, a wealthy heiress, and plenty of polite rivalries simmering beneath the surface. When the heiress is found dead before the evening is out, tension turns to panic. As a prime witness, Lilly is drawn into the investigation.
A Sip of Suspicion is the second novel in J. New’s delightful The Tea Leaf Mysteries – perfect for fans of charming British whodunits, red herrings and a perfectly brewed cup of tea. @ £0.99 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0G7MHRZ89/
Snow Fallen: A compulsive police procedural thriller (DCI Murrain Series Book 3 of 3) kindle edition by Alex Walters (Author) As a blizzard seals off a remote Pennine village, a series of uncanny deaths forces police and villagers alike to confront the dark secrets waiting in the shadows of a crumbling house beneath the church. One winter’s night, a lone figure arrives on foot in a remote Pennine village. The next morning, as the first heavy snow begins to fall, a man’s body is discovered in the village churchyard. Anne Tilston, one of three sisters living in a brooding run-down house in the shadow of the church, realises that the dead man is her father, a disgraced former senior police officer long estranged from his family.
As DCI Kenny Murrain’s team arrive in the village to investigate the unexplained death, a further body is discovered in a nearby field–a young man from the village with no apparent connection to Tilston or his daughters….https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0G65D24DX/ @£1.99
The Conor McBride Series (Thriller Box Set 1-4) | Four thrilling international espionage thrillers Kindle Edition by Kathryn Guare Heavens, what a treat…
Book 1: Deceptive Cadence Ireland and India. Conor McBride vanishes into deep cover in pursuit of the one man who destroyed his life—his own brother. Following a trail of betrayal across continents, Conor must navigate shifting loyalties, treacherous allies, and a personal reckoning that threatens to consume him…
Book 2: The Secret Chord Rural Vermont. Running from a mission that nearly killed him, Conor hides behind a false identity at a quiet farmhouse inn, seeking peace far from the world of spies. But Kate Fitzpatrick, the inn’s trusting owner, senses the danger he carries—and carries secrets of her own.
Book 3: City of a Thousand Spies Prague. A city of beauty, secrets…and watchers in every shadow. Drawn by the promise of reclaiming his music career, Conor McBride accepts what he’s told is a clean, simple mission—only to find himself entangled in a spiralling Iranian defection and the deadly schemes of a rogue MI6 operative. .
Book 4: Star of the East Canadian borderlands. What begins as an unwanted engagement party escape turns lethal when Conor and Kate stumble across stolen treasure buried in bloodied snow. What should be a harmless pursuit soon mutates into a deadly chase up the frozen St. Lawrence Seaway. Get all four thrilling novels in one unmissable set – @£3.99 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GFMPQZ7
Tuesday 3rd February–Saturday 28th February 2026 sees ThickSkin tour the country spreading chills down the spine with this exceptional ghost story.
Behind the hit shows Driftwood and How Not To Drown, ThickSkin is recognised nationally for championing exceptional talent in the NorthWest, with this latest production – written by the talented Manchester-based playwright Tim Foley (Electric Rosary, Royal Exchange Theatre & Bruntwood Prize Winner; Driftwood, and many more. (below)
Injected with dark humour throughout, It Walks Around The House At Night promises to terrify audiences. George Naylor (Second Best, Riverside Studios; The Mousetrap, West End and UK Tour; Room13, The Barn Theatre) plays Joe, an out-of-work actor,who in a state of desperation, takes on a job playing a ghost at an old countryside manor. Out of money and options, Joe mistakenly accepts a rich handsome stranger’s offer of an unusual yet well-paid gig during another dull shift at the bar. Expecting nothing more than a few cheap scares, Joe soon uncovers the nightmarish terrors roaming the haunted grounds at night.
Joined by Oliver Baines (The House Party, Chichester Festival Theatre and Headlong; Frantic Assembly’s Othello, UK Tour; I Like The Way You Move, Theatre Peckham), as The Dancer, It Walks Around The House At Night delivers a ghost story brimming with jump scares and spine-tingling moments.
Tim Foley comments, ‘I’m so delighted to be working with ThickSkin again after our hit with Driftwood. This time we’re making a horror show full of shocks and scares, something I’ve always wanted to do. How can a company that’s so lovely make work that’s so terrifying? This is the best kind of theatre with the best kind of theatre-makers.’
Directed by ThickSkin’s acclaimed Artistic Director Neil Bettles (How Not To Drown, UK Tour; Disney’s Bedknobs & Broomsticks, UK & Ireland Tour; The Unreturning; Frantic Assembly),the eerie atmosphere is created by Tony Award Winning sound designer Pete Malkin (Othello, National Theatre; Complicité’s The Encounter, Barbican Theatre & European Tour; Let The Right One In, Royal Exchange Theatre) and Olivier Award Winning lighting designer Joshua Pharo (Wolf Witch Giant Fairy, Royal Opera House; Noughts And Crosses, Regent’s Park Theatre; Hot Wing King, National Theatre)
Neil Bettles, director of It Walks Around The House At Night and Artistic Director of ThickSkin, shares, ‘I’m excited to share this twisted new ghost story with our friends across the country. It’s a thrilling and complex play about power and manipulation that will send a shiver up the strongest of spines. Based in Wigan, ThickSkin has built a reputation across the UK for high quality, inventive touring productions. They are well known locally and nationally for work that blends new writing, movement and design to present extraordinary stories in unexpected ways.‘ For information of ThickSkin and the tour dates and venues:here
When a chance encounter leads to murder, Ella Bridges finds herself trapped in a deadly game of secrets and lies.The all-new case in the fabulous Yellow Cottage Vintage Mysteries in the ilk of Agatha Christie, I think, and the new TV Linley series,(I loved the first series as well, from years ago).
When Ella Bridges steps off the London to Linhay train after witnessing a sudden death on the platform, she hardly expects it will lead her to a windswept island estate and a house filled with strangers. But something about the woman’s passing strikes Ella as suspicious and she cannot ignore her instincts. With Detective Sergeant Baxter at her side, Ella follows the trail to Gifford House, where a group of guests has gathered after winning a mysterious competition advertised in The Times. But when a storm cuts them off from the mainland, suspicions rise and long-buried secrets begin to surface. As tensions mount within the grand house, Ella must use all her wits to unmask a killer before more lives are claimed. On the Wrong Track is a gripping new cozy mystery by J. New, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Helena Dixon, and classic British whodunits. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0G43ML227/ @ the special pre-order price of £1.99 – grab it!
King of My Fears: A romantic suspense of desire, lies and second chances (The Kingdom Book 2) Kindle Edition by Abby NorthBook 2 of 2: The Kingdom
Spice, secrets, and redemption in the thrilling second installment of The Kingdom series (and another fabulous jacket). Arianna believes she’s left hell behind. At Denham King’s side, she’s discovered for the first time what it truly means to live – and to love. But happiness is a fragile illusion. When the shadows of her past return, safety turns into fear, and trust becomes a dangerous game. Someone knows where she is. Someone wants her back. And this time, running isn’t enough.
Caught between betrayal and desire, guilt and longing, Arianna must decide whom she can truly trust: the man who holds her heart – or the one who once broke it … This is chilling, and relatable, as this situation still exists in the real world. The theme is, I believe, loneliness. Who to trust? When to drop one’s guard? Awful situation and very well handled. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0G139YC8L/ @ £1.99 to pre-order.
And now, a message from DP Publishers to our readers. ‘After proving so popular last month, we’re continuing the review copy applications! To kick off the year, we’re opening up review copy applications for If I Were You by Helen Matthews. We’re looking for a small group of readers who enjoy reading before everybody else and sharing thoughtful, honest reviews with their fellow book lovers.Advanced review spaces are limited and will be offered to selected applicants. Apply for advanced reviewer consideration here.
It’s panto season and I just love it. Move over kids, this about me, all me. What do you mean, ‘Oh no it isn’t’? Oh yes it is, and how very dare you?
Last year I saw Elgiva’s Aladdin with my very excited grandkids. The six-year old looked into my eyes and told me that it was the best thing he’d seen in his whole life. I felt the same, although my whole life takes a bit more remembering these days.
`This year is Jack And The Beanstalk and me and the kids (or some may say we three kids) have been counting the days – and we were not disappointed.
Elgiva always attracts well-known and highly-talented actors, who I suspect take part for sheer love, or certainly that’s the impression they give as they tease each other and the audience with an enthusiasm which can’t possibly be scripted. Besides some very welcome familiar faces, including Frost Magazine’s very own Drama Critic and professional actor, Paul Vates, who plays Tilly Trott with much hilarity (I was struggling not to fall off my seat at times), and Carl Johns who is a side-splitting Silly Simon, the stars include Drag Race UK’s Scarlett as Fairy Peapod and Gemma Brodrick from Blood Brothers as Witch Blackweed.
The Elgiva Theatre is a very cosy and personal experience. One never feels far from the actors, who waste no time drawing in the audience and imparting extremely funny and lightning-fast roasts on anyone foolish enough to stand out.
As always the performance was professional yet relaxed and fun. Silly Simon had kids and adults alike waving their hands in the air and singing, with an enthusiastic shout of ‘Six Seven’ to finish each refrain (and there were many). Tilly Trott paraded numerous eye-catching outfits, including a complete beehive, and her cow-milking dress was inspired. Talking of which I absolutely loved the cow (Alexander J Smith) – dancing, singing and speaking volumes with his facial expressions – all of them were just too funny.
The Elgiva panto would not be complete without the Twelve Days Of Christmas – I won’t spoil the surprise but let’s just say I’ve never seen a room full of kids, and adults having quite so much fun with five toilet rolls.
Jack and the Beanstalk has two performances daily until 31st December so do grab your tickets – you will NOT want to miss this. With tickets priced from £27/£23 for peak performances to as little as £23.50/£19.50 for adults/kids, plus there’s an over 60s concession, the excellent value really belies the incredible quality of this panto. Oh yes it does.
[slide 3 my book] 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.
Murder at Merisham Lodge: A 1930s country house cozy mystery (Miss Hart and Miss Hunter Investigate Book 1) Kindle Edition by Celina Grace
A country house. A shocking murder. Two unlikely maids turned sleuths. Doesn’t it sound just the right time to be diving into Grace’s novel – something has to take your mind off lists, wrapping paper and so on. It’s Derbyshire, 1930s. When Lady Eveline Cartwright is found bludgeoned to death in the study of Merisham Lodge, scandal threatens to shatter the family’s reputation. Suspicion falls on her wayward son—but not everyone believes the case is so simple.
Head kitchen maid Joan Hart and lady’s maid Verity Hunter have seen enough of the household’s secrets to know appearances can deceive. As whispers spread through the servants’ hall and tensions rise upstairs, the two women begin their own investigation. But in a world of hidden motives and ruthless ambition, uncovering the truth is a dangerous game. Can Joan and Verity expose a cunning killer before they become the next victims?
Murder at Merisham Lodge is the unputdownable first book in a new 1930s historical cozy mystery series—perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Jacqueline Winspear, and classic British whodunits and – and – it’s free @ https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DQXN95G8/
Fatal Facade: A twisty and pulsating psychological thriller (Allison Campbell Mystery Series Book 4) Kindle Edition by Wendy Tyson at a special pre-
Every silence hides a lie. Every lie can be deadly.The gripping thriller in the shade of the Dolomites Allison Campbell accepted a dream assignment: a visit to the Italian Dolomites to help Hollywood socialite Elle Rose reinvent herself. A guest cottage on the grounds of Elle’s historic castle promises to be a much-needed respite from Allison’s harried life on the Philadelphia Main Line, and the picturesque region, with its sharp peaks, rolling pastures, and medieval churches, is the perfect spot from which to plan her upcoming wedding. Isn’t it????
Well – this idyllic retreat is anything but peaceful. There are the other visitors—an entourage of back-biting expats and Hollywood VIPs. There’s Elle’s famous rock star father, now a shadowy recluse hovering behind the castle’s closed doors. And then there’s Elle’s erratic behavior. Nothing is as it seems. After a guest plummets to her death from a cliff on the castle grounds, Allison’s trip of a lifetime turns nightmarish—but before she can journey home, Allison must catch a killer. Snatch up a pre-order special price of £1.99 instead of £2.99 (due out on 15th January) @ https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0G7XQTG96/
Almost a year ago January 2025 the CCA was manic with so much going on: a music extravaganza, dancing, yoga, bingo, ladies’ day, wargamers, even fitting in several birthday parties along the way. In addition , on a personal level, we welcomed our beautiful great granddaughter Delyla Renee on the 3rd of January, a fabulous bundle of joy. The year has continued to be hectic, which is how we like it at the CCA and now …. it is almost Christmas. The decorations are a go-go and we are taking a breath to think back over the year.
In early February we became – with the backing and funding of Sunderland City Council – a Digital Hub for the community. New computers were delivered along with all the equipment that goes with them. Workers carried out the WIFI bits and we were soon up and running. We also had new office furniture with lockable cupboards where I could safely store my new computer. As a result of the new WIFI we turned our computer room into a second kitchen which was a great asset and very functional, with its new fridge. This means two groups can make a brew at the same time and eases congestion.
Our in-house events started with a Valentine’s Evening with quiz, romantic of course, where Bob presented the ladies with a red rose. Gentoo provided a new outside bench after the other had been damaged.
We hosted our very first open circle evening, which was a remarkable success, and when would we get a breather all the time new requests for room hire were coming through on a weekly basis. We continue with our weekly raffles, and of course, this year’s Christmas raffle will be as popular as ever. But back to out ‘doings’…
Easter was an immense success and our egg campaign for our chosen charities saw over three hundred chocolate eggs being delivered to various children’s charities. Holidays were also fast approaching, the sun was showing its face more often as the days went by. Our beloved Sister Mary Scholastica invited us to her book launch at the City Hall in Sunderland which was so exciting, and we felt privileged to be part of her special day.
Bob (the hunk with the red shoes as Margaret Graham describes him) and I jetted off to Corfu for a well-earned break to recharge our batteries. Aimee Green and her group of dancers did a charity car wash outside of our centre. These little darlings with the help of their parents raised a lot of money for their dance group.
We had a reminiscence evening all about growing up in Brady Square which was a definite hit and which Margaret would have loved to attend but was committed to another event. (She spent many holidays with her Uncle Stan in Brady Square.) We had pie and pea suppers with quiz, fun bingo evenings – you name it, we did it.
We were approached in relation to Maths tutoring and hey ho Ryan Mason has weekly sessions here. Twice a week for Higher Tier Maths, Foundation Tier Maths and Key Stage Three Maths all of which are an enormous success and very well attended. Then along came Jenna Briggs who delivers English Language on a Wednesday evening. Both amazing tutors who deliver a fantastic service. We received requests from the Twisted Duck theatre company to come to rehearse, then the RVI hospitals own theatre group who actually brought their own props and pop up stage which was awe inspiring and we loved having them here.
In September the CCA decided to host a charity coffee morning for the Daft as a Brush cancer patient care charity. On the 26th of September we raised an amazing £1,200 for them and had the privilege of meeting Brian Burnie the founder of the charity when we attended their headquarters to hand over the money. October, Bob, and I flew off to Texas to attend our grandsons wedding and had the most fantastic time making many new friends and experiencing an American wedding, vastly different to what we know, but we loved it.
November: it was time to discuss our intentions for Christmas and went about the business off organising and preparing for this. So much to do while maintaining our everyday schedule. But there was always Dudley to remind us not to forget him!
The weather was turning wet, cold, and low and behold we discovered an issue with damp in the office. One builder visited and said it was a big job and quoted a phenomenal repair charge. However, a second builder got up on the roof and said it was the guttering which needed replacing – so not so bad after all.
We are busy now preparing for our Christmas functions. In addition, we have Christmas trees to assemble and decorate. However, our Saturday exercise class for seniors with the lovely Stacey Reay keeps us fit and, on our toes, so we should have no problem with this at all. We are seasoned gymnasts (ha ha) and quite agile in lunges, thrusts, and squats. In December up went the Christmas trees, all three of them and they look fantastic. Next were the window lights and decorations.
We are again sponsoring the amazing Washington Youth Council who are collecting pamper products for women escaping domestic violence, a marvellous charity for these young and thoughtful children, showing care for others less fortunate fills us with pride and respect at their initiative. Our Christmas raffle is well under way. We successfully attained an Aspire grant from GENTO which has allowed us to purchase items for the raffle and Christmas Hampers, the first one is now completed and even if I say it myself, she is a beauty. Tickets are now on sale at £1 a strip and well worth it. Furthermore, we have had promises from local businesses of more food hampers and vouchers to be donated as raffle prizes.
We have enlisted the services of the lovely Racheall Thompson owner of Cosy Café to do the Buffett at our Christmas party on the 19th of December. In addition, Santa just happened to be free that day and confirmed he will be attending the party (let’s hope he comes bearing gifts) as we have all been very good this year. So have the builders, Ryan and his team who will set about removing the existing guttering, replacing it with sparkling new guttering in time for Christmas.
Marion and Sister Mary Scholastica
Monday 15th was put aside for the amazing Sister Scholastica. Bob and I had Wooley hats knitted by the lovely Belle Cummings for the Seafarers and gifts for the lady herself to deliver. During our visit, sister asked Frost Magazine to mention her thanks and good wishes to all the parishes in Sunderland, and all the fabulous people who had been so generous in her mission. Sister said, and I quote ‘I would love to send each and everyone of them a Christmas Card but it’s impossible as there is so many.’ She is also preparing for her big event where she will receive the Freedom of the City of Sunderland. All so exciting.
As the year closes in on the CCA and all its members, we remember the loved ones among us who did not make it and send our heartfelt blessings to each and everyone. Columbia Community Association continues to go from strength to strength with the support of our local community in good old Brady Square and our friends at Frost Magazine.
We wish you all a very merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
