The above card was personalized by Karrie Barron Cards some years ago, when my book The Waterway Girls was published. It was a gift from the Frost’s Food and Drink Critic Michael Rowan and I keep in under a glass dome. It is precious beyond words.
With Mother’s Day on the horizon, I felt Frost Magazine must visit Karrie Barron Cards again, and take a look at a few Mother’s Day cards, bearing in mind that there is an offer of 20% off Mother’s Day cards if ordered before 15th February. Do remember they can be personalised.
Garden Heart is the perfect combination of card and gift. Unique and lovingly hand made in London it comes personalized( free of charge), and is ideal for Mother’s Day. Although this ‘Little World’ seems delicate and fragile, rest assured it comes well packaged in a white presentation box with matching ribbon gift wrap.Dimensions are H15.5 x W11 x D3.5cm @ £23.00 (As each card is individually hand made, please be aware that colours and compositions will vary from the product images.)
Sewing, another one of the lovely Mother’s Day range that I also love. Made in a choice of three colours. Dimensions H15.5 x W11 x D3.5cm @ £26
And another: Mother’s Day Pink/White Bouquet from £13.00
SMALL CARD H15.5 x W11 x D3.5cm
LARGE CARD H19 x W15.5 x D3.5cm
Aren’t they all just gorgeous. And the detail… How on earth do they do it?
Tilly Barron, Creative Director, told Margaret that Karrie Barron Card’s was founded in 1994 by her mother Karrie. Karrie’s concept was to create a miniature world within a greeting card.
She began designing and making from a back bedroom in their family home in Fulham, London and would take them, once a week, to her stall in the Apple Market, Covent Garden. As a child, Tilly’s love of doll’s houses and creativity fired what has become a lifelong passion for miniatures. She worked along side her mother from a very early age, and over the years developed the patience, passion and skills to make and design their ‘little worlds’ herself. In 2007, when her mother retired, Tilly took over their small family run business, and has been running it ever since. The cards unsurprisingly reach a much wider audience worldwide now – online, though thankfully they are still sold from the stall in Covent Garden.
In this world of mass production, you can all see that each creation is made with love and care. No two are ever the same, and I can vouch that they are truly a pleasure to both give and receive. But Tilly says that ‘It is the greatest pleasure of all to make, for which I am truly blessed.’
Covent Garden, London, UK The Apple Market, Covent Garden, Covent Garden Piazza, London WC2E 8BE
Opening hours Wednesday – Sunday 10:00am to 6:00pm TEXT ON THE DAY TO CONFIRM THEY ARE THERE +44 (0) 7533 859220
Lynda La Plante and James Lee Burke are 2024’s recipients of the Diamond Dagger – the highest accolade in the genre, such iconic authors, each with a hugely discerning following. I love them both, but James Lee Burke has a row to himself on my bookcase. I adore his writing, I re-read his books and see something I hadn’t noticed before. I sag into the lyrical writing, the settings in southern states of America… Enough, control is necessary.
It goes without saying that the award recognises authors whose crime writing careers have been marked by sustained excellence, and who have made a significant contribution to the genre.
Lynda La Plante CBE began her career as an actor in TV and theatre. She graduated from RADA, where her fellow students included Anthony Hopkins and John Hurt.
Vaseem Khan, Chair of the CWA, said: “The Diamond Dagger judges almost came to blows this year and for good reason. Ultimately, they have chosen to recognise two incredible bodies of work that have each, in their own way, made their mark.”
Image credit: Gemma Day
La Plante wrote her first treatment for TV, Widows, which went on to become one of the highest rating series in the 1980s. She became a sought-after crime writer, with her debut novel, The Legacy, published in 1987 but in particular I remember Prime Suspect, which made everyone sit up, recognise the presence of women in the police.
It was in 1990 that La Plante began work on Prime Suspect, which was released in 1991, starring Helen Mirren as DCI Jane Tennison. In 1993, she received the Dennis Potter Award from BAFTA and was made a fellow of the British Film Institute. The success led to her forming her own television production company, La Plante Productions. She also wrote and produced multiple shows in the US, with actors including Vanessa Redgrave, Sam Neill, and Rob Lowe. In 2014, she formed a new global rights and production company – La Plante Global. Her current book series features Detective Jack Warr. She received a CBE for services to Literature, Drama and Charity in 2008.
Vaseem Khan said: “Lynda La Plante’s Prime Suspect redefined the role of women in police procedurals and made a star of Helen Mirren, while Widows remains a talismanic – and wickedly entertaining – female-led heist caper.”
Lynda La Plante said: “In 2024 I will publish both the final book in the young Tennison series, and a memoir detailing my long career as an actress, television producer and crime writer. To also be awarded the Diamond Dagger from the CWA makes 2024 even more special, and I look forward to thanking all those involved in person at the awards ceremony on July 4th.”
Image credit: Deborah Feingold
Born in Houston in 1936, James Lee Burke’s first novel was compared to the work of Faulkner and Sartre by the New York Times. Despite this, he was – extraordinarily – out of hardback print for 13 years until his third novel, The Lost Get-Back Boogie was published and submitted for a Pulitzer Prize, after being rejected over 111 times (whaaat – madness). Over the years, he’s taught at universities, worked as a case worker with former felons, as a pipeliner for an oil company, a long-distance truck driver, and a newspaper reporter.
James Lee Burke has two Edgar Awards, a Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America, and has been a Guggenheim Fellow.
Vaseem Khan said: “James Lee Burke’s lyrical depiction of the American South transcends crime fiction – his prose is often considered among the best to have graced the genre. For many, Dave Robicheaux is the very embodiment of the dogged, morally incorruptible detective beset by personal demons – a beautifully rendered character.”
James Lee Burke said: “I wish to thank the judges of the Diamond Dagger committee for honouring me with such a prestigious award. I’m honoured and humbled to receive it. It is also an honour to have my name among the best mystery and crime writers in the world. I cannot thank you enough.”
Nominations for the CWA Diamond Dagger are recommended by CWA members. Industry experts then narrow these down to a shortlist. The winner is then voted for by a panel of past Diamond Dagger winners comprising of Peter James, Walter Mosley, Lee Child, Lawrence Block, Ian Rankin, Michael Connelly, Lindsey Davis, Andrew Taylor, Martina Cole, Ann Cleeves, Val McDermid, Robert Goddard, Martin Edwards, Catherine Aird and Simon Brett.
Lynda La Plante and James Lee Burke join icons of the genre who have been recognised with the accolade, including Ruth Rendell, PD James, Colin Dexter, Reginald Hill, and John Le Carré.
Maxim Jakubowski, Chair of the CWA Daggers’ committee, said: “By an extraordinary quirk of fate, due to our new voting process, this year’s Diamond Dagger is, for the first time in seven decades, being awarded to two authors. If the Booker Prize can do it, so can we! Both such wonderful and deserving writers who, between them, demonstrate the marvellous diversity of crime writing.”
One of the UK’s most prominent societies, the CWA was founded in 1953 by John Creasey; the awards started in 1955 with its first award going to Winston Graham, best known for Poldark. The CWA Daggers are now regarded by the publishing world as the foremost British awards for crime-writing and as the oldest awards in the genre, they have been synonymous with quality crime writing for over half a century. The Diamond Dagger is presented at the annual CWA Dagger Awards, dubbed the ‘Oscars of the crime genre,’ which take place this year on July 4.
The CWA supports as yet unpublished writers with a bespoke group, The Debuts, many of whom enter the Debut Dagger competition and the Margery Allingham Short Mystery competition. The CWA also run an annual conference and hold chapter meetings throughout the UK, so members can access face-to-face networking and socialising. It also runs National Crime Reading Month in June: www.crimereading.com
The CWA supports libraries and booksellers, with three Library Champions and a Booksellers Champion. It has links with various festivals and other writers’ organisations, such as the Society of Authors.
So it’s cold, wet and stormy, Christmas parties are history and hot sunny days seem light years away. We can’t even comfort eat thanks to those extra Christmas kilos and it’s dry January, so what to do?
We really need a hug. Yes, OK a literal hug from our nearest and dearest would be great too, but how about a self-indulgent hug? A little something to get us through January and February, labelled by some as the toughest months?
For my hug, I usually head straight to Perfume Direct. After all, a beautiful fragrance has the power to create instant happiness, not just for you, but everyone within range, so really I’m performing a public service. What’s great about Perfume Direct is the oodles of useful information and advice, so comprehensive that you can easily choose a new perfume even remotely. Do check out the Perfume Direct Guide to Fragrance Strengths and Types. Their Fragrance Wheel explains perfume types – Floral, Woody, Oriental etc – and you can even search Perfume Direct by your chosen type which is so useful if you’re looking for inspiration.
They’re a UK company, with a large purchasing network meaning that they can offer an amazing range of the best perfumes – from pure luxury to everyday fun, all at a very competitive price.
I could subject you to my description of this beautiful multi-layered scent, but I’ll spare you, as Perfume Direct’s experts have created their own, which is eminently more useful. They tell us that it’s floral and woody; a bold, creative fragrance with hints of mystery and intrigue; addictive with a dark and seductive essence. It’s a classic signature scent with top notes of plum, middle notes of musk and heliotrope, and suede base notes, enhanced by white cedar and rose. I really can’t improve on this description.
I particularly love the gift set, consisting of 50ml Eau de Parfum, 50ml Shower Gel and 50ml Body Lotion at just £65.99.
Or check out its sister, Musc Noir Rose By Narciso Rodriguezat £67.99for 50 ml EDP which is one of the new rose fragrances (see below), so popular on the catwalk this year.
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.
I was intrigued to see how such an epic opera would translate from the stage to the screen and wondered if anything might be lost in the process. I needn’t have worried.
Almost halfway through the current season and The Met are providing a thrilling programme. Verdi’s Nabucco is the story of the Hebrews enslaved by the people who worship Baal and the destruction of the Temple.
As ever there is a love story at its heart, the trials and tribulations of the father and daughter Nabucco (more commonly known as Nebuchadnezzar) relationship, and of course the evil ruler, Abigaille who, due to her jealously, wishes to break up the young lovers by any means, and tries to turn father against daughter.
In many ways the story is the least of it, it is the singing that is sublime and with a full orchestra and large choir it would be possible to close one’s ears and simply let the music wash over you.
However, for those with their eyes open there was much to enjoy. The sets are stunning and used to great effect. The setting fire to the Temple was worth the price of the ticket alone.
Because this was beamed live into cinemas across the world everyone on stage had to continue acting regardless of if they were the focus of the action or not, which greatly added to the spectacle, especially in close up.
I had forgotten just how much choral work was a part of this opera and of course the big song from this opera is the goose bump inducing, ‘Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves,’ sung so plaintively and with such feeling that I cannot be the only one to have a tear in my eye.
The cinema experience is not the same as being in the theatre (in this case at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York) but as that was not available to me, it is very much the next best thing.
In terms of cost and ease of access it is very much the best thing, and in addition we are treated to a variety of interviews with the stars, behind whom we see stagehands and singers rushing around to ensure that the next act begins on time. This is something that you wouldn’t see if you were at The Met.
There are still some gems left in this season, so my advice would be to find the cinemas near you who are showing the Live From the Met Program and treat yourself to some top quality opera.
Where to start, oh where to start… Let’s go with The Man from the Ministry by James JD Mitchell – a novel based very much on Mitchell’s family’s life during the 2nd World War. As one who has written extensively about the war, though born after it, I had no idea that a man from the Ministry could turn up at the door of a journeyman’s farming family and order them to move to a different but designated farm – just like that. But he could because the shortage of farmhands meant that the Government had to intervene in order to provide as much food as possible for the population. This meant targets for farmers, and, of course, workers to make this possible.
The Man from the Ministry tells the story of the lives of an ordinary and large faming family who travelled the south west of England in the service of the many grand estates who owned most of the farms at that time. Written in the first person, and in an honest committed style, this is a book that fascinates and resonates in its portrayal of a large almost itinerent family, the pressures it brings, the sense of the seasons, the countryside, the closeness of siblings.
Let’s stick with nostalgia and Richard Littlejohn’s Littlejohn’s Lost world. Those familiar with Littlejohn’s column in the Mail will expect a delicious and funny turn of phrase when considering serious matters. They are not to be disappointed. Born when wartime rationing was still in force (not to be finished until the mid 50s) a world where children ran about freely with friends in the streets, we accompany Littlejohn into his parents’ past, and are with him as he remembers and revisits his own. He found it changed, gone even. I know the feeling because I tried to find the house where I spent many happy childhood years, including the huge, then, pear tree I would climb. All gone, or so changed I couldn’t recognise anywhere, not even the beck where we fished for minnows with jam jars on strings, ate our jam sandwiches, with a bottle of pop to share. As I read I laughed, remembered, grew thoughtful. It’s a funny poignant read. It is a pleasure.
Finally, one of my favourite Australian authors, Peter Temple writing of one of my favourite characters: Jack Irish, in a thriller called White Dog. What can I say? From the backdrop of the Old Boy Fitzroy supporters in the local, and the horse racing trio, to the action: Jack Irish, ex lawyer, is asked to look into Sarah Longmore’s defence he’s happy to do so, after all, when somone as guilty as Sarah appears, it’s bound to be cut and dried. Oh… Oh… read it and discover that all is not as it seems, and best of all, the crime thriller is delivered in Temple’s crisp funny turn of phrase, which when required has the power to move the heart, crack it even.
‘Let’s go to the panto,’ some of the crazier of the Frost Magazine team said. So off they went, tum tum tumpetty tump, and why not when their Drama Critic, Paul Vates was causing mayhem as one of the two Ugly Sisters at the Elgiva Theatre’s production of Cinderella in Chesham Oh no, he wasn’t, oh yes he was.
Oh what a riot, what a joy… There we were sitting in the 2nd row, with our Christmas jumpers on throughout, laughing, booing, trying to catch the toilet rolls (tell you later) shouting he’s behind you – good grief how could they not see the gorilla??! Sometimes we wondered if we should have borrowed a child to fit in a bit better, but why not be a kid again? As our Medical Correspondent, Dr Kathleen Thompson, said to our editor, ‘You behave like a child most of the time, so why change the habits of a lifetime.’ ‘Well, I’m most certainly do not,’ our editor retorted, sticking out her tongue, to which our Medical Correspondent stuck her thumbs in her ears, waggled her fingers, and then she, yes she did, she stuck out her tongue until Dick who tends to keep them in line, told them both to stop talking – NOW or there would be no ice creams. So on with the show…
Let’s kick off with the lovely Fairy Godmother who did what Fairy Godmothers do – make all things better. Nicki French, ladies and gents, is superb: a lovely voice, such a twinkle, and who wouldn’t remember her Total Eclipse of the Heart which topped the charts around the world. Oh how lucky we were to see her in Chesham.
Prince Charming, aka Adam Pritchard made a great panto debut. What a voice – our editor who cries when moved, almost did… Around the team the children listened, transfixed. Of course, Adam is trained in musical theatre performance so we should not be surprised.
Dandini, the aide de camp, played by Callum Stephenson, says he is thrilled to be entertaining you all this Christmas, and let me tell you, he does this most ably.
Chris Edgerley whose blue eyes played havoc with the Frost Magazine team played Buttons and was so funny, and of course, loyal to Cinders. Good grief, he was even pleased for Cinders when she found her Prince though he probably wanted to kick the Prince’s shins. His performance was probably not far distant to presenting his hit children’s TV Show Hi-5 which aired on CiTV/ITV4/Cartoonito/and Boomerang Channels for many years. Chris loves Panto and we LOVE him, so very there.
Cinders was played by the glorious Laura Bazely with the 100 watt smile, swishing and twirling in her rags (wonderful costumes ElgivaTheatre, simply fantastic) and how we longed for her Prince to come, and the Uglies to get their comeuppance. Boo, boo. Laura sings like an angel too, no wonder she previously won a “Best Principle Girl” award as Princess Beauty. And now onto the rascals of the production: Boo Hiss.
The Baroness was played to perfection by Gemma Brodrick who owned the panto stage, frankly, when she was being the worst she could be. But having come fresh from the 2023 UK tour of Blood Brothers (Margaret cried at that too) we weren’t surprised.
On to the Ugly Sisters, Tess and Claudia, played by Paul Vates and Alexander Smith absolutely blasted it. Paul was as extravagantly and appallingly attired as Alexander and these two kept up the pace of the show until the final curtain, and had us roaring with laughter as they coaxed all the right responses from us, not necessarily in the right order! Absolutely fantastic, I’m laughing as I write this.
Paul Vates has, over the years, done an awful lot of theatre, television, voiceovers and comedy. As a playwright, his last work – Voltemand and Cornelius are Joyfully Returned – won the prestigious People’s Play Award at the People’s Theatre in Newcastle. Dr Kathleen Thompson and Margaret were at the launch, and were so proud. He is currently working on a new project. It all sounds very serious, but heavens, he can mince and pinch bums with the best, and throws toilet rolls like a man possessed.
Alexander who ran away to theatre as a child(!? ) Really? is thrilled to be returning to panto this year, having had a most wicked time as Abanazar in Aladdin last year at the Princess Theatre, Torquay. Was it there he learned to flounce and stamp about in the required most awfully over the top manner? Thanks heavens for it.
Then the gorilla… Oh my… such a classic panto moment, quintessentially British and ridiculous as the gorilla comes along behind the line up, the audience screams ‘He’s behind you,’ again and again, and no-one in the line up sees the gorilla, until it is too late. How hoarse we all became.
Ah yes, the toilet rolls. A version of the Twelve days of Christmas, ‘my true love gave to me’. On the 5th day it is toilet rolls, which end up winging out across the audience, only to land, to be thrown back, unrolling as they go, and again, and again. The Andrex dog would have loved every minute, but not as much as the audience at the Elgiva.
Did the Frost Team enjoy it? Oh, that’s not quite the word: you see, we realised we truly had never grown up, and neither had any of the adults in the audience. What a triumph, what fun, what pace and what on earth has happened to our voices – they are almost gone after so much joining in, so many boos, so many warning shouts, so much hysteria. But what else should we expect at a pantomime, but are frequently disappointed. Not this time though!
We loved it, and the dancers, led by Molly Mae, were the icing on the top. All such a cornucopia of delights…Book now, it’s on until the end of December. https://elgiva.com/book-a-show/theatre/ Images courtesy of Caroline Taylor.
Lovely Marion, not long back from Texas where she and Red Shoes Bob trotted to see her glorious little great grand-baby has sent a Christmas update, which Frost Magazine was thrilled to receive.
‘I can’t believe how busy we are, people wanting to use our facilities and of course we accommodate wherever possible but sadly, there are not enough days in the week. Our community centre is now on the tip of everyone’s tongue, what with our U-tube pod cast, Gento video which has promoted interest from SPARK a local radio station. We do believe that the wonderful Margaret Graham and Frost Magazine has had an immense impact on our popularity, we will be eternally grateful for the support and encouragement we received and still receiving from you all.
Our September MacMillan Cancer Support coffee morning went fantastically well with £400 raised and banked, cakes were donated and auctioned off, all had an amazing day. Early October we had a visit from Patrick Mella, CEO of Sunderland City Council who was very complimentary about our centre and added that it had a lovely feel about it. He was extremely interested in the service we provide and the courses that are taking place and was tickled pink when we told him about our fun prize bingo. Out of courtesy we invited him along to join in. On October 17th, the CCA received a response to our letter from Buckingham Palace for which we are cock a hoop. The King was particularly interested in the restoration of the 1939 GR brass door handles. His Majesty was most grateful that we took the time to write to him and share our community project.
Halloween Quiz Night, hot beef dips, hot dogs and onion was the chosen menu for the evening. I devised a 50 question Halloween quiz; Google helped me a lot. Fancy dress is optional, what a fun night. The tickets sold like hot cakes. Never a dull moment, massive tree at the side of the building that no one wishes to take responsibility for though it was encroaching on our wires. We rang the National Grid to explain the circumstances, low and behold their response was amazing, they were with us in no time at all and a Cherry Picker arrived to sort out the problem. Still some bits and bobs to tackle in relation to the refurbishment but this is all in hand.
November: saw Bob and me jetting off to meet Duke, our great grandson in Texas who may I hasten to add is just the most adorable little human being on this planet. On our return we put the Christmas trees up, what a massive difference a year makes. Celebrations galore, the wonderful Edith Bradley donated a Christmas Hamper to the value of £100 and this was won by Jean Moody one of our bingo ladies and ticket sales reached £300.
We thought it only fitting to take a group of our loyal supporters out to Christmas lunch, a little gift of a scratch card was very productive with about ten tickets winning a prize. Of course, Bob – yes that him with the red shoes was chosen to receive the certificate of being on Santas “Nice List”
Friday 22nd December is our Christmas Quiz Day, Turkey and stuffing sandwiches or ham and Pease pudding if you prefer plus, an array of cakes, sweets, nuts, you name it, we have it.
All in all, this has been an amazing year, a wonderful donation came in from the local ladies darts team for which we are extremely grateful. Nothing can ever compare to the joy of seeing our community flourish, and know that people just love coming here and to be able to tell them that we love to have them. From all here at Columbia Community Association, we hope that this Christmas brings you much joy and happiness, and may your New Year be merry and bright.
Thank you all for being such good friends and taking the CCA to your hearts.’
I would be the first to admit that the humble chickpea has every reason to remain humble, and equally that it is hard to get over excited about Hummus.
And yet Truffle Hummus is a marriage made in heaven that rewrites the rules. If you are trying to eat healthier this, and their new snack pot, could be for you. Personally, I will be buying in a supply of Truffle Hummus for Christmas, as I like show off my latest finds over the holiday period. I know I should get out more, but it has become expected of me, that I will have those tasty treats unknown to most.
As a vegetarian I may well add this to my vegetable Wellington, the centrepiece of Christmas lunch, especially as it is also suitable for vegans, and I am sure that it will make an appearance, as a part of my Boxing Day Buffet.
Quite often foods advertised as ‘Truffle’ have very little truffle taste, so that one wonders why they bothered, but with this the taste of truffle is sufficiently strong, yet well balanced, with the Hummus to tickle the most tired of tastebuds. The texture is velvety smooth, and the truffle comes through to the last mouthful.
In true ChicP fashion, the Truffle Hummus follows suit of the core range by using surplus vegetables, whole foods and locally sourced produce where possible. All ChicP products are 100% natural, rich in protein, fibre and healthy fats, completely free from additives and suitable for vegans.
Not content with this alchemy ChicP has come up with a UK first.An ambient snack-pack of ChicP’s velvety hummus and breadsticks. It has a 12 month shelf life and requires no refrigeration. The packaging alone took seven months to design to ensure the hummus stayed at the highest quality without the need for chilling and to keep its shelf-life long. So, people can pop the snack pack in their bag, perfect for travellers, commuters, families on-the-go or those who love to stay active – hiking, camping, cycling etc. It’s high fibre+high protein but low fat, sugar and salt.
Like a healthy hummus Dairylea Dunker has just launched on Amazon and I suspect will be a boon to parents making up a healthy lunch box and office workers who would prefer to snack without resorting to junk food.
ChicP Truffle Hummus is stocked in Ocado, Planet Organic and 21 Selected Booths Stores – Burscough, Clitheroe, Garstang, Hale Barns, Hesketh Bank, Ilkley, Kendal, Keswick, Knutsford, Longridge, Longton, Lytham, New Poulton, Penrith, Penwortham, Ripon, Scotforth, Settle, St Annes, Ulverston and Windermere or online at chicp.co.uk
