Red Shoes Bob has kept himself busy applying the rainbow adhesive film to the glass on the swing doors, he is such a perfectionist and measures each panel with precision, and each is then applied with love and care. ‘Eat your heart our Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, the completed job is spectacular,’ says Marion.

Emma from Cultural Springs popped in to discuss the buffet requirements for the Redcoat Show on the 26^th May. Phil for Di’s Diner will be doing the catering of course – why would the CCA go anywhere but Brady Square?

The lovely Laura called to collect the fish tank the CCA had advertised on the Womble site, and stayed for a chin wag during which the team invited her to the Friday coffee morning.

Sadly, it was the last Equans Monday meeting. They are moving to other areas in Washington to commence a new programme of refurbishment. CCA have thoroughly enjoyed having them around, and have made many new friends and what’s more, will be forever grateful for the work they have put into the community centre. Julie Milne presented the team with a thank you card and some beautiful flowers which resulted in a few tears. However; all is not lost as the plasterers will be returning to finish off a store room at the rear of the building.

Pauline has returned from holiday, all bright eyed and bushy tailed. During her absence, lists have been compiled for garden furniture etc so off she went to place the order. First thing on the agenda was the shed, (which has arrived already). Once this has been erected the CCA will have storage space and the team will be able to develop the patio area. 

Multiply’s cooking is ongoing, and on ‘the’ day the scrumptious  aroma of chilli was in the air. The team were even asked to take part in the cereal challenge. Three types of flakes – we had to guess which one was Cornflakes.

Aimee’s dancers spend hours practicing and boy – as you can see for yourselves, can they dance. Miss Lily is amazing

Mariusz, the plumber, went on holiday on Friday… have a great holiday Mariusz. Therefore the drainage of the radiators has been deferred until next week but the team has become  philosphical, and merely told Frost Magazine: ‘Hey ho, that’s the way it goes.’

Good news on the patio area, as the first donation of a plant has arrived from a lovely lady. The team is enormously grateful. Bob has re-potted it and it is being named  Golden Rudbeckia Queen Edith, instead of its real name, Black-Eyed Susan. She will have pride of place.

Alyson one of CCA’s volunteers popped in to say hello, and the team were delighted to see she is on the mend and off to the Norwegian Fjords next week.

Delivery of baskets, compost etc. was made and the excitement is growing. Garden bench, table and chairs, hose reel all ordered, expected date of delivery in 22^nd May. Marion thought this day would never come.

Coffee morning was a hoot as usual. Would you believe for the second week in succession Evelyn won the food hamper. But there again the old cliché is “you buy your ticket and you take your chance”. Enjoy lovely lady.

Carl, the joiner has worked his little socks off erecting the new fence and a 6ft gate to the side of the building. My word, it’s all coming together, and looks great.

Now, before Frost Magazine lets you go,  one heartfelt and most important mention on behalf of all at CCA and Frost Magazine:

It is the funeral of the much missed Graham Ross on Monday 22nd May. Taken far too soon. May this fine young man Rest in Peace. 

Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

Joffe’s book of the week is an addictive crime thriller: the next instalment in the Detective Helen Carter series by Jodie Lawrance — THE MISSING WOMAN which is out at a mere £0.99 | $0.99*.

Ella White is missing; the first to disappear in a spate of killings in Edinburgh. Clues point to Mark Landis, a notorious killer. But Detective Helen Carter knows he was jailed twenty years ago — by her own father. As she looks to her own family’s dark past, Helen questions if she’s dealing with a clever copycat, or if her father caught the wrong man. The truth could shatter her life forever.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE MISSING WOMAN BY JODIE LAWRANCE FOR THE SPECIAL LAUNCH PRICE OF JUST £0.99 | $0.99

Moving swiftly on, let’s look at just a few of the tasty morsels Joffe Books are offering this week:

The complete Detective Mia Harvey Mysteries Books 1 – 3  by Patti Battison
Meet Detective Mia Harvey, daughter of the former chief superintendent, as she follows in her late father’s footsteps to solve the crimes that plague Larchborough.  Perfect for fans of Peter May, Peter James, James Oswald, Alex Gray, Roger Silverwood, Roy Lewis or Helen H. Durrant. £0.99 | $0.99

Oh, one my son-in-law would read with interest: How to Murder your Mother-in-law by Dorothy Cannell
When Ellie Simons’s delightful mother-in-law comes to visit she finds herself at the end of her tether.  Then another MIL, also from Chitterton Fells, is found dead in suspicious circumstances — Ellie must catch the killer before her own mother-in-law is next. Fabulous jacket, fabulous charming cozy crime.£0.99 | $0.99

NEW FROM LUMBOOKS:

Griff Hoskaer’s Lord Edward’s Archer Books 1 – 5. The GRIPPING, MEDIEVAL HISTORICAL FICTION SERIES. £0.99 | $0.99
Meet Gruffyd. Son of Gerald One Arrow, famous archer and loyal servant to King Henry.
‘Medieval adventure with the pace and power of a war arrow in flight.’ Matthew Harffy, bestselling author of the Bernicia Chronicles.

NEW FROM CHOC LIT

Angela Britnell’s Spring on Rendezvous Lane: a lovely love story about second chances. Sandy Warner and son Chip move to Rendezvous Lane and their new neighbour Beth, soon takes them under her wing. When Beth suddenly gets sick, her gorgeous grandson Taran comes to look after her. The last thing Sandy needs is romance … oops. £0.99 | $0.99

And finally – the weather held last Thursday for Joffe Books Garden Party …

Not only did the full Joffe team attend, Choc Lit and Lume included, but most importantly their authors. What a catch up and celebration it was – all in all a special night in the Joffe calendar.

* Launch prizes may change.

For more information on the books available head for Joffe Books

‘Men are so difficult to buy for,’ is a common refrain in our household, heard every Christmas, birthday, and of course, Father’s Day. This statement is undoubtedly true, if my burgeoning sock draw, and a shelf full of aftershave to rival any Boots store is anything to go by. With Father’s Day fast approaching on June 18^th, now is the ideal time to reveal the inner workings of the male mind, and make a suggestion that will make buying a gift for the man in your life, a veritable breeze.

I am sure that by now you realise that men are not at all complicated, we develop ‘big box syndrome’ as boys, if the gift comes in a big box, we already love it, n.b. this does not apply to socks or aftershave. We also love gadgets, things that do something, and if they have a button to press, or a switch to switch, so much the better.

Drinkmate delivers on all counts, slim, sturdy, matt black (other colours are available) and stylish, it is definitely going to be one of those presents that doesn’t end up in a drawer.

Drinkmate promises, (and delivers) to carbonate water, juice and wine at the press of a button.

What I particularly liked about the Drinkmate was that I am in control of how fizzy it becomes, and of course that takes experimentation (another tick in the box for us boys). It has a slow-release valve so that the gas can be gently released without it inadvertently showering the kitchen and user with liquid. Just don’t ask how I know this.

The machine is easy to assemble, another tick for those of us that treat instructions like the answers to a crossword puzzle i.e. something to be looked at, only at the end when one can progress no further.

Possibly the biggest argument for the Drinkmate, is that it contributes to protecting the environment. I shudder to think how many single use plastic bottles I have bought in order to enjoy my sparkling water. With Drinkmate it is on tap and our recycling bin will remain reassuringly empty of plastic bottles.

Drinkmate is consistently ranked the best home beverage carbonator by major media including The Wall Street Times, Buzzfeed, and House Beautiful. Carbonate any beverage with a press of a button.

Stockist Lakeland £89.99.

Images courtesy of Drinkmate

Search for drinkmate – Lakeland, the home of creative kitchenware

Amazon.co.uk : drinkmate

CRIMEFEST, one of Europe’s leading crime fiction conventions, has announced the winners of its annual awards. Now in their 16th year, the awards honour the best crime books released in the UK last year. So without more ado, here we go…

The winner of the highly anticipated Specsavers Debut Crime Novel Award, and £1,000 prize monies, is Stacy Willingham for A Flicker in the Dark published by HarperCollins.  A psychological serial killer thriller with a shocking twist, A Flicker in the Dark was an instant New York Times bestseller and Sunday Times Thriller of the Year and is set to be adapted into a major TV series.   Dame Mary Perkins, co-founder of Specsavers who sponsors the award, said: “We’re thrilled to support the debut author prize. As one of the judges, I thoroughly enjoyed reading all the shortlisted titles. Stacy Willingham’s debut, however, was a book I simply couldn’t put down until I had finished it.”

The eDunnit Award for the best e-book goes to Sara Gran for The Book of the Most Precious Substance, published by Faber & Faber. The absorbing occult thriller combining intrigue, magic and antiquarian bookselling was praised as “deeply atmospheric” by The Guardian.

Winner of the H.R.F Keating Award for best biographical or critical book on crime fiction is The Life of Crime: Detecting the History of Mysteries and their Creators by Martin Edwards, published by Collins Crime Club. Edward’s opus on the genre, described by the New York Times as a “impressive feat,” recently won a 2023 Edgar Award.

The Last Laugh Award goes posthumously to Christopher Fowler for Bryant & May’s Peculiar London published by Doubleday. The author died aged 69 in March this year, having being diagnosed with cancer three years ago. His curious world of the nation’s oldest serving detectives, has been described as “deliriously eccentric” in the Financial Times, and “devilishly clever” by Val McDermid.

Best Crime Novel for Children, aged 8-12, goes to Sharna Jackson for The Good Turn published by Puffin. With themes of social activism, the spooky mystery from the former Waterstones Children’s Book Prize Category Winner revolves around an internet-loving girl determined to start her own scout troop.

Best Crime Novel for Young Adults, aged 12-16, is awarded to Holly Jackson for Five Survive published by Electric Monkey. A gripping cat-and-mouse thriller, it was The Guardian Best Children’s Book of 2022. 

The Thalia Proctor Memorial Award for Best Adapted TV Crime Drama goes to Slow Horses (seasons 1 & 2), based on the books by Mick Herron. Produced by See-Saw, shown on Apple TV+, the drama, which follows a dysfunctional and disgraced team of MI5 agents, stars Gary Oldman. The award is named in honour of Thalia, a CrimeFest team member and a much-loved figure in the world of crime fiction, and is decided by public vote.

Adrian Muller, Co-host of CRIMEFEST, said: “We are proud to be one of the few genre awards that celebrate e-books, humour, children, and Young Adult novels. Our inclusive awards reflect the values of our convention as accessible and open to all. These awards are a true celebration of the crime genre, which continues to entertain and enlighten so many readers of all ages. We would like to thank Specsavers for their on-going support in celebrating new talent.”

Hosted in Bristol, CrimeFest is one of the biggest crime fiction events in Europe, and one of the most popular dates in the international crime fiction calendar, with circa 60 panel events and 150 authors over four days. Featured Guests at the convention this May are Mark Billingham and Elly Griffiths.  Leading British crime fiction reviewers and reviewers of fiction for children and young adults, alongside the members of the School Library Association (SLA) form the CrimeFest judging panels.

CrimeFest was created following the hugely successful one-off visit to Bristol in 2006 of the American Left Coast Crime convention. It was established in 2008. It follows the egalitarian format of most US conventions, making it open to fans, readers, and commercially published authors.

All category winners will receive a Bristol Blue Glass commemorative award.

The sun shone on a group of 10 people who had collected on the canal towpath to wait for The Piano Boat to pull alongside.

Within minutes of the stated time, a stately narrowboat silently hoved into view. Its crew of two, the owners Masayuki Tayama and Rhiana Henderson, had dressed appropriately for an afternoon on the canal. We were welcomed aboard and as the sun glinted off the solar panels that powered the aptly named vessel ‘The Rachmaninov’, we set off, noiselessly, on our cruise through the Colne Valley Park

If like me you enjoy period drama, you will be aware of the music salons of former times, where a small group of people gather in wood panelled rooms to listen to someone seated at a piano performing for a select audience.

You may also be aware of other such scenes, where polite society sit at small tables nibbling on delicious cakes and sandwiches whilst sipping tea or perhaps a glass or two of champagne.  Reader, that was exactly what this afternoon had planned for us.

Seated at tables for two, we were offered a welcome drink of tea, coffee or Prosecco, and whilst I cannot comment on the quality of the tea or coffee, I can certainly report that the Prosecco was chilled to perfection. The tables were spaced enough to allow quiet conversation, but also to facilitate conversation with fellow passengers who quickly became, albeit temporary, friends. In the background, loud enough to be enjoyable but not so loud as to stifle conversation, we were treated to a recording of Masayuki playing his beloved Rachmaninov.

The Piano Boat moored up at the side of the canal and the Steinway piano was rolled into the middle of the boat, and then Masayuki changed into his concert suit and explained about the musical programme. Listening to beautiful classical music in a live concert is good, but listening to it when seated mere feet away, is a whole other experience.

Be in no doubt, what you are going to hear, if you decide to follow in our footsteps, is of the finest quality as Masayuki has sold out some seriously impressive concert venues.

Our own private piano recital by this top class musician was over all too quickly, but once the Steinway had been rolled back to its original position it was time for us to cast off to explore further into the Colne Valley Park.

Obviously, sitting listening to classical music in such a beautiful setting, is likely to build an appetite, but we were in safe hands as the classic afternoon tea tasted every bit as good as it looked. No wonder, as it had all been freshly made by Rhiana Henderson, who trained at Pru Leith’s Cookery School. Delicious finger sandwiches, sumptuous scones with cream and jam and delicately flavoured cakes demanded our attention. In the interest of this review, I sampled each and every item.

Rhiana visited each table offering more tea, coffee, and yes, even Prosecco, and then some of us moved to the deck to admire Masayuki steer The Piano Boat through the locks and feel the breeze on our faces.

Four hours later, we returned to our mooring to disembark.

A magical Sunday afternoon had flown by and feeling a little full, and a little merry we made our way back to reality.

This would make the perfect gift for the person who has everything, or is difficult to buy for. My wife and I, however, we will need no excuse to take to the river again to hear such playing and tasting the ultimate afternoon tea.

£130.00 per person cruising, piano recital and afternoon tea.

https://www.thepianoboat.com/afternoon-tea-cruises

Great news came early last week: hip hip hooray –  the dancers from Aimee Green’s dance group had a fantastically successful day in Glasgow: winner, runner-up and 3 finalists. Marion told Frost Magazine that they are the CCA’s pride and joy.

Multiply were well into the menus during the week, creating wonderful aromas with  sweet potato and coconut curry. Several must have had a  scrumptious, nutritional meal that evening.

                               
Above you can see the results of the Cultural Creations group, who made Japanese knot bags, Frost Magazine thinks these are snazzy, and Marion is totally in awe.

Marion, Margaret adds, is looking pretty snazzy herself, with her newly ‘done’ nails, which practically match her keyboard, not to mention Bob’s Red Shoes. What a twosome. Whatever will they get up to next? Between us, I have to tell you that Marion reminded me, extremely sternly, that: ‘These nails do not do dishes.‘ No point in telling us, Marion. Direct your instructions to Bob.

It seems to have been a manic week with one thing and another for Marion, what with COVID Spring jabs, Dudley at the groomers, meetings, bookings, making hampers.  Not to mention submitting the order for the Friday coffee morning: pies, quiches, sausage rolls, cakes, scones with cream and plenty of nibbles. Marion explained ‘We all look forward to our Friday laugh -a- long.’ Having been to a couple, I can quite understand.

Richard

Richard, the CCA’s alluring surveyor, along with Simon, the Council’s Building Officer called in to have a look at the refurb progress. Simon collated a list of items still to be addressed and sent it to the appropriate personnel to deal with. The light at the end of the tunnel is flickering, and the team’s morale is high.  They now have dates for various contractors to do specific jobs but they know things can change so the team is philosophical and take it as it comes. ‘We have plenty to keep us busy no matter what happens elsewhere,‘ is the rallying cry. ‘Positivity is the name of the game and that’s what keeps us going. The Brady bunch are made of stern stuff,’ says Marion. Frost Magazine says, ‘Thank heavens for the community spirit which roars within the team, and the community. Bravo everyone.’ 

Andy popped in to collect the toiletries so kindly donated for the Seafarers, and the Forever Young ladies were in for Bingo and delicious homemade cake. A favourite time for Marion, and guess who else gets spoilt rotten, yep, it’s him with the red shoes, a special slice always seems to come his way.

The Food Hamper was won by one of the CCA’s lovely ladies, Evelyn, a worthy winner, who has promised to bring the basket back to be replenished.

So, that’s the week put to to bed, but in case we relax (!) still more happening over the weekend: the Councillors’ monthly meeting, dancing, Wargamers and last but not least the fabulous Redeemed Christian Church of Christ.

Before this catch up ends, Marion wanted to remind everyone to wish Danni good luck in the finals this week end at the “National Childrens Activities Awards” for most loved Activities Leader in the North. ‘No matter what the outcome, Danni will always be our winner.’ says Marion, a thought supported by everyone, including Frost Magazine.

Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

Imagine, if you will, sitting in a pub with a couple of blokes, a bottle of wine or two being shared between you, time is not an issue and out tumble the fragments of memory. You know the sort: ‘Hell’s bells, do you remember the time…?’ ‘Well, what about that bloke, what’s his name, the one who …?’ ‘Oh, come on, monster he might have been, but he changed things…’ ‘Yes, but  was it for the better…?’

On you all go, laughing, listening, butting in. Pub talk, friends at play, names dropped, an Insiders’ Club.

Well, this Insiders’ Club is called  MY BACK PAGES and it is into the last fifty years of publishing that we  enter, and become fascinated as we follow Charkin’s career path and sharp eye on things as they were.  By heavens, he was over everything like a rash navigating the publishing world as it changed profoundly from a Gentleman’s Club into a corporate entity, with a pretty tough bottom line and on, into the digital age.

We meet Maxwell, indeed we do. Oh, and what about Madona, perhaps the first example of the hugely successful Celebrity publishing? What about the bad behaviour in the roaring 80s…? Oh yes, as a new writer I came in towards the end of that, but Lord above it was fun for a mother of four, totally out of my depth and smelling faintly of fish fingers.  Hey, what about Harry Potter? Yep, you’ll find it in the Insiders’ Club of MY BACK PAGES. Then there’s Macmillan India: an Imperial Legacy. Then there’s … Enough, I’m just scratching the surface, you need to read it.

So, back to the original question: does it work? Undoubtedly. I loved it and clearly so does the Frost Magazine team, as it has disappeared. I had thought its subject matter might be a bit stuffy and initially approached it from the right flank without making eye contact. How absurd when it’s Charkin’s personal eye view of the social, technological, commercial and geographical developments of the publishing industry. The man’s a force of nature, a character,  someone who has made a significant contribution to the profession over the last fifty years, and knows his onions.

So grab a coffee, or a glass of wine, sit down and join the Insiders’ Club whether you be a reader, librarian, publishers, literary agent… Well you get the picture, just get in there,  and enjoy – hugely.

MY BACK PAGES by Richard Charkin with Tom Campbell. Published by Marble Hill London. Available here

With Mr Sun making guest appearances between the rain clouds, perhaps summer is lurking in the wings at last? And as we dream of floaty summer frocks and strappy sandals, is it time to think about a fresh new fragrance too?

Of course it is, but what to choose? Did you know you should wear different scents in the warmer weather? Indeed – so thank goodness for Perfume Direct and their expert advice.

Perfume Direct are a UK company with genuine low prices for premium products and, importantly for an on-line perfume company, they provide oodles of useful advice on their website to help you choose. So what does their expert, John Webber tell us about summer fragrances?

Well, summer scents tend to be fruity, lighter and ‘less volatile’, meaning they last longer. A perfume contains aromatic molecules which work with heat, giving off a fragrance as they evaporate, and perfumers measure the volatility of these molecules to control the nature and evolution of the scent. In warm weather, perfumes evaporate quicker. So, citrus and crisp green scents are perfect, as are florals. White flowers in particular – jasmine, tuberose, frangipani ‘bloom’ in hot weather. In contrast, winter perfumes tend to be heavier and can be overwhelming if they evaporate too quickly in the summer warmth.

With this in mind, Perfume Direct have suggestions for various summer activities, for instance a wedding, where your perfume should not be overwhelming, and yet must last all day. And for this they’ve chosen the iconic Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb (also available in a mini 20ml bottle for top-ups); Tiffany & Love Eau de Parfum for Her with floral neroli and a woody blend of blue sequoia, vetiver and cedarwood, creating a faceted and feminine scent, and finally Lancome Idole Intense, with notes of bitter orange, rose, jasmine and musk.

My personal choice is  My Way Intense by Giorgio Armani from their Race Days group. Lovely floral fragances merging with sandalwood and vanilla – perfect for summer. Perfume Direct describe My Way Intense as a floral, amber fragrance type, with top notes (initial fragrance) of orange blossom and bitter orange, followed by Indian tuberose and finally the later, longer lasting notes of Madagascar vanilla and sandalwood. It really is summer in a bottle, with the seductive scent of tuberose and the lingering sandalwood providing true depth for those summer evenings. I just love it. The Eau de Parfum is on special offer at the moment from Perfume Direct at £59.99 for 30 ml and is refillable, so you can unscrew and refill the bottle without wasting any of the precious contents, making it a particularly good investment.

And don’t forget their aftershaves range too – check out the Frost Magazine feature on Perfume Direct’s great range of aftershaves.

So leave those heavy scents for the cold dark nights – now’s the time to head to Perfume Direct, to celebrate summer. Treat yourself.

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.