Yep, better do my job thought your editor as she nipped along to St Lawrence Church in the village of Carlton Miniott, on the outskirts of Thirsk to review the concert presented by Music at Junction 50. Featuring Chamberlain and Haywood it promised a couple of interesting hours of music with a break for refreshments, or so she hoped, but one never knows.

‘Sit down, sit still, Dick and don’t fall asleep,’ was Margaret’s instruction to husband, praying she wouldn’t nod off either because she had stepped in as her Music Critic was reviewing A Midsummer Dream concert in the south.

Then in through the external door sauntered Michael Haywood playing clarinet as he continued down the aisle ( give that man a starring role in a drama emulating Frank Sinatra someone.) A great stirring of interest…

From the left of the alter not to be outdone, Paul Chamberlain sauntered in playing the accordian. Together they made extraordinary music; the church hummed with energy, excitement, enjoyment. No sleep for Dick, because he didn’t want to miss a moment. There was a general stiffening of spines all around, as attention was held by these two talented musicians who managed to combined excellence with a showmanship that reached out, and engaged the audience. Feet were tapping, people were smiling and wondering how on earth an accordian could mimic an orchestra? How on earth could a clarinet soar and sink, laugh and cry, as it seemed to do? To be replaced by a saxophone, a violin, a series of whistles.

On it went, with Paul Chamberlain, who a mere eighteen months ago underwent a successful heart transplant – yes, that’s what I said, a heart transplant, squeezing the buffers as I call them, in and out, while pressing a million different buttons, even recruiting his chin to press a button which produced a particular note (if memory serves). Meanwhile, Michael Haywood switched instruments with careless abandon, as the pair of them gathered us up into their spell, moving from Mozart, Galliano – Song for Joss (one of my favourites), and particularly Cafe 1930, then Paul’s composition inspired by a spell on Orkney which has many 1WW battleships sunk beneath the sea. So evocative, moving, and successful. Then over to Michael Haywood for the Wee Whistle Set, which was amusing, lighthearted, but didn’t in anyway disguise his skills.

Refreshments were a dream, chat chat, very full glasses of wine were sipped, and sipped again – ooh, lovely jubbly, leading to even more excited chats while Dick buttonholed Michael to talk about the Penny Whistle which Michael played. I didn’t understand a word, so can’t repeat. There were fabulous eats from the Baldersby ladies, because Baldersby’s St James’ congregation were to host the event but then the roof fell in – yes really – and the guys weren’t  even putting themselves through their paces, so we can’t blame them for raising, – or crashing – the roof. Baldersby’s loss was indeed Carlton Miniott’s gain.

The 2nd half was a similar romp, with Brahms followed by Angelis’ Romance, which made me cry, then Khachaturian, jazz, Tango, Polka, Monti – the end.

Oh no, don’t stop, so an encore and finally we let these young men, with big hearts, and even bigger talents as musicians and composers, give a final bow. But, we so didn’t want them to go. What a triumph. Encore, encore, come again, p-l-e-a-s-e, Paul and Michael, or we will all have to be groupies and follow you to every gig of the Hotscotch Ceilidh Band, in which you also play.

But they did promise to return. Yes, they did, so we will keep them to it.

Hearts lifted before everyone traipsed home, fortified by wine and eats, when the audience learned that Music at Junction 50 would welcome Mary Reid (harp)  and Ainsley Hamill  (vocalist) on 2nd September 2.30. And The All sorts on 28th September 7pm (Vocalists). Quite where, we have yet to hear.

Really truly we are spoiled in Thirsk, and surrounding area. We truly are.

Tickets and information:  Sue Brown – c.b.brown398@hotmail.co.uk or Colin Reid – colinreid97@yahoo.co.uk

To find out more about Hotscotch Ceilidh Band with Paul Chamberlain on accordian. Michael Haywood on fiddle and Jim Walker drums go to www.myceilidh.co.uk

Frost Magazine loves this week’s  book of the week from Joffe Books, Let’s just be Friends which is, quite frankly,  the perfect summer romance, from  RNA Joan Hessayon Award 2023 contender Katy Turner  which is out now from £0.99/$0/99  (*for a limited time only)

Holly has a five-year plan. But moving out of London to the Scottish highlands and falling in love is definitely not part of it . . .  Then she comes face-to-face with Greg Dunbar, the owner of the Scottish family farm she’s just moved in to. Neither of them are looking for romance, so they should just be friends . . . right? Yeah, yeah… if you say so. 
CLICK HERE TO GET LET’S JUST BE FRIENDS BY KATY TURNER FOR THE SPECIAL LAUNCH PRICE OF JUST £0.99 | $0.99

             
So what else is on the agenda? Perhaps try:

The West Wales Murder Mysteries Books 1-3 by P F Ford

Fabulous value box set: Detective Norman is out of retirement and back on the beat in a rainy Welsh seaside town. Llangwelli might be short on sunshine, but it’s certainly not short on murders . ..

The Playing Fields A Cotswold Murder Mystery by Stella Cameron

 Frost Magazine’s cup of tea: A body is found sprawled across the stage of the playing fields barn. Then another is discovered at the local cricket grounds.  Village sleuth and pub owner Alex Duggins is itching to help. But it’s only a matter of time before the killer strikes again.

Both £0/99/$0.99

For those with a more romantic streak Choc Lit has a great line-up. Look at a couple and then go and check out the website 

If you loved Poldark…

The Complete Cornish Tales (1-6) by Victoria Cornwall

FOR £0.99/$0.99 CONSIDER THIS BOX SET OF 6 UPLIFTING ROMANCES SET ON THE CORNISH COAST.

Travel through the eras of stunning Cornwall as you enjoy SIX novels packed with dashing heroes, gutsy heroines and unforgettable romance.

After which read Escape to the Art Cafe by Sue McDonagh

A feel good read FULL OF FRIENDSHIP AND FRESH STARTS.

When Flora Bexton is dumped on the eve of her birthday, she takes off on her now-ex’s motorbike to the Welsh coast. Then Aussie lifeguard Jake comes to the rescue. Is Flora willing to risk getting her heart broken again.

But back to the book of the week: let’s hear from author Katy Turner as she tells us about her journey from agent to author :

I worked at a literary agency in my 20s, and while I was reading widely while looking for clients, I always found myself coming back to romances. And secretly, I wanted to be writing them. In my lunch breaks, I would occasionally jot a few things down, plot out stories. Eventually, I decided that I wanted to write more, so I made a career shift to teaching, thinking I would write in holidays. Only that didn’t work, because training to be a teacher takes up all your holidays, and then — about a month after qualifying — I had my first child. Hardly a break, but I wrote during naps and after bedtime, joined the RNA’s New Writer’s Scheme (which is brilliant) and kept going and going.

What are you currently reading?    I always have more than one book on the go. I’m scaring myself reading Ultra-Processed People (Chris van Tulleken) and crying over Cesca Major’s Maybe This Time. I just finished Cressida McLaughlin’s lovely from Cornwall with Love and next up is CJ Connolly’s newest.

If you could have dinner with one of your characters, who would it be and why?  Can I not have all three? I love Holly, my lead — she’s quite a character, but I might go for Paolo. He’d cook something Italian, with plenty of carbs and some good wine, and would be very easy company.

Are you working on anything right now?  I am (when I’m not herding children). I’m a terrible procrastinator, but I’m about a quarter of the way through it. Which isn’t to say I might not change my mind and start again.

So, that’s it for now, but plenty more books obtainable from Joffe Books. It’s summer, there’s a heat wave, cool down with a good book: Joffe Books

Marion shared with Frost Magazine that last weekend they had been busy creating the invites for the Columbia Community Association’s OPEN DAY, such an exciting moment.  AND GUESS WHAT,  the team have signed the lease for your beloved Columbia Community Association Centre. Absolutely thrilling and a few glasses will surely be raised.

The team admit it has been a long, hard haul, with some snagging still to be done, but bit by bit they are getting there and simply can’t wait until the Columbia Community Association Centre is officially opened on Friday 28th July at 2 pm by Margaret Graham, the niece of Brady Square’s  Stan Newsome of the Long Pull.

Mind you, there’s still have work to do with Solar Panels next on the agenda.  As Marion says, she’s not sure they will ever be finished because every day still brings new challenges – and ideas (lock that woman up we hear everyone shout)

Corey is here doing the last of the flooring, two cupboards and the rear exit – and – for men and their sheds – the CCA’s  is now completed,

Sunderland City Council were true to their word as their men did their best to remove graffiti that some budding Banksy (not) painted on the air raid shelter some years ago.
Nick Owens is back from his 40-day Camino trek, so any minute now he will be making the CCA’s bespoke bench. Bravo that man: a friend of Margaret Graham’s did that trek and it’s not for the feeble hearted, or the weak of legs.  Red Shoes Bob has busied himself attending to the doors, as a couple of them needed to be trimmed after the new flooring was laid but at least he is having a respite from watering the plants as the CCA team hope the recent torrential rain will keep them hydrated for a couple of days.

After a visit to the garden centre; compost, and plants were planted in the lovely pots Alma O’Hare donated and as if by magic some brand new, spick and span pallets arrived for the CCA’s  raised beds. It would appear the Brady Square fairies seldom sleep.

Cultural Creatives held their last session for this termm during the week but they will be back in September and of course, Bingo day meant cream cakes  – such a hard life. The day trippers might not enjoy filling in their feedback form about Whitby, but needs must. It is needed for the Warm Spaces survey.

Kinaxia Logistics dropped off two pallets of equipment for the solar panels to be fitted and as always the coffee morning was great fun. The group grows and grows, like Topsy, but hardly surprising.

The news is still not over, as  we hear that Aimee Green’s dancers are taking part in the World Championships in Blackpool this weekend. Come on girls we are all behind you. Marion will let us know how you did next week amongst all CCA’s other news, but I fancy it might just be heading the list.  Marion’s final message for this week is:

Have a great week-end one and all.

Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

It is difficult, almost impossible, not to be overawed by some of the works in this exhibition. Sculptures featuring stone and wood that were on this earth, some from three billion years ago, others much younger at a mere one or two billion years.

The work is tactile, inviting to the touch, demanding to be stroked and caressed, but where that takes you is up to you, but take you it will.

For me the echoes of time were embodied in the stone and wood, and the artist invites you to touch each piece, at first tentatively and then more surely.

Deep Time reveals the extraordinary, but little known three-billion-year history of our nation, told through the rocks that lie unnoticed beneath our feet.

The rocks exhibited in Deep Time are the oldest materials on earth which we are ever likely to encounter.

One of the exhibition highlights is Tower of Time, a 2.5m high sculpture featuring 16 rocks from Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and one which includes a 2.5-billion-year-old White Anorthosite rock which is the same type of rock found on the Moon and brought back by the Apollo 15 mission in 1971. On top of this tower the artist has placed a highly polished stainless-steel element symbolising the Industrial Revolution which also reflects the image of the viewer, head tilted back, to him or herself.

The standout piece for me, and one that kept drawing me back on several occasions was Torus of Time (Torus – a surface or solid formed by rotating a closed curve, especially a circle, about a line which lies in the same plane but does not intersect it (like a ring doughnut)). In other words, it is possible to slide one’s hand over the entire piece without ever having to leave the surface. This is a one metre diameter ring presenting the country’s 3 billion year history as a ‘circle of time’. Having all geological periods represented within one country is rare.

The hole at the centre of the piece draws the eye, and in my case at least, it was as if one could have dived through it and be transported to another time. Too much sun? Possibly. Too much science fiction? Again possibly, but this is a piece deserving of the highest praise, its surface smooth, and cool to the touch, a ring made up of various coloured pieces of polished stone, at once tactile and aesthetically pleasing.

Other pieces blend polished and rough untouched surfaces to great effect, there is so much to explore here that I suspect that one visit may not be enough, and my wife has already demanded that I accompany her, so that she can explore the exhibition for herself.

Elsewhere in the gallery, and no less breath-taking, are several sculptures made from teak. The teak was enroute from Yangon (then Rangoon) in July 1917 to Liverpool Dockyards when its cargo ship was torpedoed in the Irish Sea. Undisturbed for a century before it was raised and brought to the artist’s attention.

These works are very much a collaboration between Angela Palmer, marine wood boring insects and the sea. Such is the density of the teak the outer layer has scarcely been penetrated. The artist has polished the preserved wood in order to highlight its richly varied red hue, whilst leaving, untouched, nature’s carving to great effect.

This is an important exhibition and one well worth seeking out.

Deep Time: Uncovering Our Hidden Past

An exhibition of Sculpture by Angela Palmer

Wednesday 21^st June – Saturday 16^th September 2023  10.00am – 6.00pm

The Pangolin Gallery, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9AG

With CCTV to be sorted, the Columbia Community Association were so grateful that Simon was on hand to help with mounting the CCTV cameras, which is a massive help for Red Shoes Bob

Simon

CCA’s dear old friend Brain Mason, Car styling, was there to make our signs. He never lets the CCA down. Probably that Brady Square blood flowing through the veins, thinks Marion.

Kam and his lovely wife Regina, CCA’s wonderful Polish friends, came to clean, seal not to mention buff the hard floor in our Cross Streets room. Corey was scheduled to do the flooring on our store rooms.

The CCA have a deadline for claiming the funding for solar panels, so as always it’s been all systems go. As usual the world over, it is outside influences that hold things up, but fingers crossed the CCA will be successful and meet the criteria. Clayton, is calling round to discuss the issue this week.

Bob erected a 10ft shed, and as always he just gets on with it. ‘Where on earth would the refurbishment be without Marion and Red Shoes?‘ wonders Frost Magazine. While Bob was beavering Marion was busy with new plants to re-pot. She is so delighted at how the little patio area is developing and in time it will be a peaceful place to relax. Thank you to Gloria Nesbitt, who popped in to the centre with a  watering can. It is amazing what you can acquire through social media, especially the “Washington Wombles” site, where everything is free. Believe it or not  lovely Edith called in with yet another watering can, which the CCA was desperate to get hold of.

The CCA needs to collect quotes for cementing the area behind the new gates. Their  thoughts were if it is not silly money, maybe they could get funding, but it is just knowing who to go to. They have decided on a policy of let us wait and see. As Marion says they have learned along the way: Rome was not built in a day.

Bingo ladies were back this week and everyone was so pleased to see them all and sincerely hope they enjoyed their holiday to the Isle of Wight. Along the lines of travel the exciting news is that on Sunday, the CCA is funding a coach trip to Whitby, so fish, and chips for lunch that day. Frost Magazine hopes they have the most wonderful time. May the weather hold, as we hear talk of thunder storms.

Aimee’s dancers are practicing their socks off for the Biggy next weekend in Blackpool – only the World Championships. Just look at splendid bendy Wendy making incredible shapes.

The drainage team from Sunderland City Council arrived to clean the drains. Then, hot on their heels Corey Barnes brought his tape measure and sample book, and now only the fire exit and cupboard floors are left to do, then the CCA will have replaced every inch of flooring in this centre. The buffet arrived on Friday for the coffee morning as marvellous as usual. What could be better than: good food, great company and, in Marion’s words,  ‘Lorra lorra laughs, especially when you know who does the bingo.’

Everyone at Columbia Community Association hopes you are all enjoying the glorious sunshine, long may it last, stay safe everyone.

Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

The Summer Solstice falls on the day when the sun is highest in the sky. It’s the longest day & shortest night. The sun’s potency is said to be at highest & as such it a s time of powerful healing.

International Yoga Day also falls on this day this year. It has been celebrated for 10 years after the UN proclaimed 21^st June as International Day. The theme for this year is harmony.

The number 108 is often associated with Summer Solstice. 108 is known as a sacred number & has been revered thousands of years in many spiritual traditions. It is considered to be the most auspicious of numbers.

In yoga the number 108 refers to spiritual completion; there are 108 mala beads for mantra recitation; sun salutations are often completed in 9 rounds of 12 poses or 108 in total; pranayama can be practiced no more than 108 rounds.

108 is said to represent oneness, wholeness, unity.

In nature, the Fibonacci sequence is related to the golden ration, representing 108 ways of representing the wholeness of existence. It governs the dimensions of everything from the Great Pyramid of Giza to the Nautilus seashell & is called nature’s code or nature’s universal rule.

108 is also significant within our solar system: the distance between the moon & earth is 108 x diameter of the moon, whilst the distance between the earth & the sun is 108 x the diameter of the sun.

In numerology 1 represents new beginnings & higher truth; 0 represents nothingness & completeness & amplifies the energies of the other 2 numbers; 8 represents eternity. Adding them all up gives us the number 9 which is regarded as being a highly spiritual number.

It’s said that there are 108 nadi’s converging at the heart chakra. In Ayurveda it’s believed there are 108 Marmas.

According to Buddhism there are 108 defilements., 108 earthly temptations, prayer beads have 108 mala beads. The Buddha has 108 names & 108 lamps devoted to him. Most Buddhist temples have 108 steps & 108 columns. Angkor Wat is a great example built around 108 huge stones.

Tibetians have 108 sacred books & believe there are 108 sins & 108 delusions of the mind. Tibetian legends are made of 108 Masters & 108 initiates.

In Astrology there are 12 zodiacs & 9 planets: 12 x 9 = 108.

The Sarsen Circle Stonehenge is 108 feet in diameter.

In both Buddhism & Hinduism it is believed that there are 108 different feelings: 36 associated with the past, 36 with the present & 36 with the future.

So, how are you celebrating the Summer Solstice?

I am offering a FREE Summer Solstice Yoga Practice on Wednesday 21^st June at 6pm on Zoom & I invite you to join us. To sign up click here:

https://mailchi.mp/2eff5b848158/summer-solstice-free-practice

Alex is a yoga teacher, mindfulness coach & menopause mentor & you can find out more:    Website: alexbannard.com

For free resources check out:  Facebook group: Mindfulness & Yoga for Self-Care: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MindfulnessYoga4Relationships

YouTube channel:

https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCQlKZJ7MeyYc6lqkv6seISw

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexbannard/

Is your kitchen sink cupboard chock-a-block with laundry products? Detergent, pre-detergent, stain remover, laundry deoderant, freshener, conditioner, laundry antiseptic, and so on and so on? Personally I have to wedge the cupboard door closed just to keep the throng of dirt-busters from spilling all over my kitchen floor.

At risk once again of sounding like an old fuddy duddy (no comments required, thank you), when I was young we just had one box of washing powder, which left plenty of space for pots and pans too. I don’t quite understand why our clothes now need an army of sanitisers, cleaners, anti-pong agents and conditioner following every wear? And what damage are all these chemicals doing to our oceans?

Rant over, I am delighted that Last Object have provided an excellent solution to protect our environment (and alleviate my sink cupboard explosion) with their fabulous Laundry Detergent Sheets.

Last Object’s founder, Isabel Aagaard, frustrated by all the single-use products in our lives, decided to design innovative solutions to wasteful habits which make a lasting positive impact. Based in Denmark but shipping internationally, their products are made to last and to have minimal environmental impact. They include clever reusable alternatives to make-up cotton swabs, reusable tissues and menstrual pads.

And then there are their laundry sheets which I love. Firstly 60 detergent sheets come in a box which is about the size of an 8oz box of chocolates. Not only does this take up almost no space at all in my cupboard, but it’s made of biodegradable cardboard. Did you know that every year, more than 700 million plastic jugs are dumped in landfills and oceans and it’s estimated that by 2050 the quantity of plastic in the ocean will surpass that of fish? So using Last Object Laundry Sheets makes an important contribution to reducing plastic waste.

The sheets dissolve rapidly and you can either put them under your washing in the drum or add them to the dispenser drawer. You can also hand-wash with them as they’re free from harmful chemicals such as phosphates, sulphates, parabens and more. You may wonder how such a tiny sheet without any chemical nasties can be effective? Well regular liquid washing detergents are up to 90% water, whereas the laundry sheets are much more concentrated. The sheets are vegan, hypoallergenic and lower your carbon footprint by 90%, so in every way they’re better for you, your skin and the environment. I road-tested the sheets and my washing came out beautifully clean and soft. I used just one sheet, but you can use up to three sheets if your washing is very dirty.

But where to buy these wonderful sheets? Well you can get them direct from Last Object website – either as a single purchase at £22 for a box of 60, or save 30% with a regular subscription. A list of other outlets are also available on the website.

So if you want a great product, more cupboard space and to make a real contribution to the environment check out these great Laundry Sheets from Last Object.

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.

Searching for a new and exhilarating life abroad together in the intoxicating sun, scenery and atmosphere of Provence, Angie and Mike sell up and emigrate, but with startling and unforeseen consequences.

There is no way they could have predicted the locals, who would begin to become an intrinsic part of their lives. From Henri, the sophisticated, suave aristocrat publisher with his Parisian wife Catherine to Pierre, the humble, illiterate peasant farmer. This exciting story envelopes and drastically affects the lives of so many people.

This is a story of burning romance, passion, unforeseen intrigues, excitement, happiness and despair, which become all consuming. The French Destiny Trilogy will leave a trail of suspense, anguish, joy, excitement and ecstasy.

Stephanie Jean is a life coach, who has written articles and stories her whole life, leading to her journey to creating the French Destiny Trilogy. Her passion for writing is what makes these novels such exciting reads, with Stephanie admitting that she writes constantly, “it is my passion and never a chore, I have no idea what writer’s block means!”.

Her long career as a life coach means that Stephanie has a complete grasp on human connection and what makes a person so layered and unique. Making characters multidimensional adds intrigue, interest, and page turning when you become invested in them as people, rather than names on a page.

The collection of people in The French Destiny Trilogy are mixed and diverse, with Stephanie crafting the group due to her belief that people go through changes at a “certain age” usually between late forties to early fifties and again in early or mid sixties. She believes that at this stage, we are old enough to know what we want or how to implement our dreams.

“France has always, and still does, provide the rural nostalgia of the perfect romantic life. Many people long for Sun soaked terraces, with fragrant lavender coupled with a glass of chilled rose”

Stephanie has been commended for her ability to bring characters alive, with many reviews applauding how the book stayed with them, hence book two and three.

Stephanie feels everyone needs or seeks romance. The romance genre is an endorphin boost, it is an escapism, giving us all hope that we too could experience a relationship like those in the books.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stephanie-Jean/e/B0C49TNM77