It was a strange weekend over Bank Holiday at the CCA because, though they were closed for business and one might suspect all were at rest – wrong – for Marion and Bob worked like trojans to prepare for the new flooring, which as you can all imagine was no easy task. So much heavy furniture to move… The sack barrow was a Godsend, apparently, especially when moving the desks from the office. Frost Magazine can well imagine.  Then there was the garden area, because once the new floor in the corridor was started; there would be no access. So, what a transformation has occurred with new plants purchased from the Elm Tree Garden Centre, plus a few additions from Aldi, a few pretty hangers for the fence, with many a thought give to ensure that there would be  easy access to the kettle for a must-have cuppa. As you can see, all the plants have found a home. Lord, the work involved, with Marion planting, and Bob making music with his screwdriver.  Give these two a medal, Frost Magazine says.

Monday arrived, with Corey too, who got on with the job while Marion and Bob beavered on, sorting out more planting.  First though, the office carpet lifted, doors off, and it seems some work will be needed on the those, which requires a bit of planning, but it’s a doddle she’s been told! Meanwhile, back on the plant front:  Marion decided that though it’s hard work, it’s very therapeutic deciding what plants to put with what.

Marion had placed an advert on social media to see if anyone had a wheelbarrow looking for a new home, the lovely Julie replied, the wheelbarrow was collected and delivered to the centre. First to paint it, and then plant  with an array of foliage.Wonderful and as the summer moves on it  will be a   blaze of beautiful colours and fragrances.

As for the flooring everything went to plan, with super-star Corey intent on working nightshift to ensure that the flooring is completed for the little Didi dancers on Saturday morning.

There is still some finishing to do on the patio area, then Marion and Bob can move over to the other side of the building behind the new gates with hopes that this area can be concreted. ‘At the moment it is like a patchwork quilt,’ says Marion, so for now, up will go the hanging baskets. Oh hang on, they’re already done. These two work at speed.

Before

       After

By the end of the week the flooring was done, and our unflappable duo got out the sack barrow and began to put everything back in its place, including the pictures on the wall. Frost Magazine truly feels they should be awarded a medal.  Any minute now our two old codgers (Marion’s description, Margaret wouldn’t dare) can relax, knowing their beloved Centre is up and running again for the use of the community.

So chill the wine, lift a glass to Marion and Red Shoes Bob, and have a great week-end, particularly our two superuper heroes.

Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

Anne Marie Laureys Crossover of Thoughts 2020 Photo Peter Claeys

Michael Brennand-Wood Storyboard2 Orange Dancer with Cosmic Skirt

London is burgeoning with exhibitions and sometimes the smaller ones can easily get overlooked. This is one exhibition not to be missed, and as it is a mere 4 minute walk from South Kensington Underground Station there really is no excuse for not popping in.  These two artists were brought together, because in the words of the curator, ‘both are going beyond,’ with their work, in an exhibition that juxtaposes the simple with the complex in a delightful thought provoking exhibition.

Both artists push their interaction with the material they work with, to go beyond the expected. Michael Brennand-Wood taps into his lifelong knowledge of embroidery and lace-making in combination with modern day techniques to create multi-layered sculptural textile works. Anne Marie Laureys begins her process by throwing a classic vessel that she then alters with the help of time and gravity; reshaping, remoulding and refolding the clay over and over again until the work has found its voice.

The exhibition is quite small, covering two rooms, but the gallery seems ideally suited to displaying the works, and an hour and 30 minutes flew by.

Michael Brennand-Wood has an international reputation as one of the most innovative and inspiring artists working in textiles today. Here he creates a new body of work called Storyboards. Taking the figure of Gulliver bound to the ground with thread as its starting point encapsulating a feeling of being trapped and unable to move.

The pieces seem at first viewing to be deceptively simple, a base of images and some scraps of text forming a collage, over which are dozens if not hundreds of pins linked by different coloured threads.

This really is a case of the more that you look the more you see. At first the threads seem to be a metaphor for holding someone or something in place, a little like Gulliver’s travels. The more threads the stronger the binds.

Look again and you will see that threads are also used as linkages, directing the eye through the story board from one point to another.

I realised that the threads also depicted movement e.g. the rigging on a sailing vessel and the pirouetting of a ballet dancer as well as the inability to move, because of the threads.

An eclectic collection of items are woven into each piece, a part of a floor tile; some hardened mercurial solder splashes taken from another artist’s studio floor; images from the artist’s childhood books; a small wooden frame; and even the artist’s grandmother’s door key, personalising the work, but also inviting the viewer to use these items to evoke feelings that arise from one’s own experience of such items.

These multi layered works are taking stitches to a different level and in doing so develops depth creating a sort of three-dimensional pointillism.

The ceramics in this exhibition demanded an iron will, such was their tactile appeal.

Belgian ceramic artist Anne Marie Laureys begins her process by throwing a classic, symmetrical pot. Whilst the clay is still soft and wet, she pulls, folds, pinches and punctures it. The tension of the clay underneath her fingers dictates the way the folds take shape, her pieces appear to have a spontaneous, unplanned quality.

However, Laureys takes her time to find the shape of a vessel, remoulding and refolding the clay over and over again until it speaks with her unique voice. No two works are ever the same. 

Each piece had a fine surface of what I initially took to be fine sand, added prior to the firing process, but was in fact fine crumbs of clay, together with some minerals such as nickel, iron and copper which renders the ceramic a velvet like visual quality rather than the usual shiny glaze.

These sculptural pieces range in colour from terracotta, bronze to pale blues and violet and have an organic feel, such that it is almost possible to discern the evolution of each piece.  The artist does not begin with a fully formed idea of what she is working towards or how the piece will look when finished, but rather takes her cue from the process.

There isn’t much time to visit this exhibition but it will certainly make you glad that you made the effort.

Venue: 4 Cromwell Place, Gallery 12, London, SW7 2JE, UK.     Dates: 30th May to 4th June 2023.    Wednesday to Saturday 10:00 – 18:00; Sunday 10:00 – 16:00

The lads from JLA arrived early in the week, and it was a  very sad day for all of us, as we said our good byes. We  have such fond memories of Graham, he had so many funny stories to tell.

As always, the Columbia Community Association came to everyone’s rescue, and moved them on, as people came and went: Dianne, Pauline, Brian, Ruth, Linda and little Liam – yes, a constant stream and a good old chin wag which was  just what the doctor ordered.

                                     
Ian, from Fred Stobbard came to drain the radiators ready for the new valves acquired by AC.T but sadly the valves weren’t the right size so back to the drawing board, but all CCA’s garden orders are now here.   Red Shoes  Bob worked hard to assemble the bench and made sure he was the first one to sit at it. Short lived once Marion spotted him. ‘Come on Bob there is work to do.’ Altogether now, ‘Boo boo boo.’

The bench has proved to be so popular the team have decided to order another two; happy days in the sun to look forward to. On that note, some new parasols are being ordered – can’t have anyone suffering from sun stroke.

Arthur, the decorator came, and proved to be a proper gentleman. He carried a load of gear in for the girls from Cultural Creatives.  He is very much Mr Popular. There are now working radiators in the toilets, with a pull cord system now installed in the disabled toilet. All external emergency lighting is now operational and extractor fans are fitted in both toilets.

Mariusz, the Polish plumber came, to change the valves on the radiators, however, oops, wrong ones again. Marion and he had a good old chin wag about her times in Gdansk where she interviewed for care assistants. So many happy memories of her times in that beautiful city.

The CCA’s  hanging baskets have been delivered, and with the help of Darren and Liam they are up and looking fantastic. Mind you, they are well cable tied as some areas have had a spat of baskets disappearing overnight and Marion would not be pleased if the same thing happened here.

Some absolutely fabulous exceedingly expensive prints,  were donated. arrived and the team were thrilled, and grateful. No doubt Bob will be hanging them any minute now.

There was no coffee morning this week because the CCA were treated to the  spectacular REDCOAT SHOW, which has been sold out for weeks. It was as fabulous as everyone hoped: really good belly laughs, lovely buffet and everyone having a good time. Such a wonderful way to end the week.

Be aware: the CCA is closed for business Monday to Friday this coming week as Cory Barnes from CJ Carpet Fitters, is laying new flooring in the corridor and office. The team, of course will be pottering around doing some gardening work. They have baskets to hang and planters to fill.

Marion is actually considering painting a few car tyres as people can do fabulous things with these, and she and Bob just happen to have a friend who can supply some. ‘ I wonder if Alan Titchmarsh would draw us a design, might give him a ring over the weekend.’ I bet she does too.

The CCA, joined by Frost Magazine, hope you have an amazing Bank Holiday and long may the sun shine.

Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

Glorious early summer: the gardens are beginning to bloom, roses are almost out, wysteria is smelling sweet.Our wonderful ‘Frank, the Family Butchers’ have commissioned Louisa Loves Painting to produce a window masterpiece hailing the approaching season. Welcome to Thirsk, welcome to summer.

May blossoming along the beck, the petals tinged with cream, the cuckoo spit blooming.

                             Buttercups fill the meadows, yellow dust on your shoes.

It makes me come over all Cider with Rosie and Laurie Lee. I met him years ago at a Hay on Wye Literary Festival. Such a charmer, as robust and sensuous as his books. He signed my copy of Cider with Rosie.

Pop into Rural Arts at the old Courthouse, to see what’s on now, and check the new programme – from July onwards.

Stop a moment at the Carlton Miniott village shop and PO, the tables are out on the front lawn, the charity books are displayed on the patio in front of the windowboxes. Sit down, browse through a couple, make your choice. Pop something in the tin for Altzeimer sufferer’s.

Then nip off home for a cuppa and why not a cream and jam scone from award winning Thomas’s in Thirsk.

Such a time, such warmth in Thirsk, such a buzz of bees which are so well served by wild flowers and numerous hives. Happy days, oh yes indeed.

For more information: https://visitthirsk.uk/

Carlton Stores: Carlton Road, Thirsk

Louisa Loves Painting: Instagram @louisalovespainting and Facebook

Email: Louisa.ac.art@outlook.com

Thomas the Bakers:   https://www.thomasthebaker.co.uk/

Frank Family Butchers: Frankfamilybutchers@outlook.com and Facebook

Rural Arts The Courthouse: https://www.ruralarts.org/

Frost Magazine was deeply impressed with the Thirsk Coronation Concert, held at St Mary’s, and I, as editor, simply had to grab Matthew Atherton, the organist who not only played the organ, but collected together and rehearsed the moving, and totally excellent choir and found the time to compose the anthem: Oh Lord, grant the King a long life.

You probably feel that grab is too strong a word? Wrong –  I grabbed and refused to release this modest musician until he had told me more about his career.

Matthew started learning the piano at about the age of 4.5yrs: ‘My mother tells me as soon as I could stand upright as a baby I was trying to play anything with a flat surface – she recalls me even trying to play the house plant with its large green leaf.’

So, moving on from the joys of leaf playing, why the organ? Matthew as a young boy heard them in church. In particular,  St. Mary’s Church at Wath near Ripon, Ripon Cathedral, and Christ Church in Pennington, Lancashire. Ooops, hang on, Lancashire? But apparently the organ was built in Yorkshire so no disloyalty then.

‘The latter I think is the first ever church organ I saw and heard aged about 5 when taken to church with my father’s mother and sister.’ The passion was ignited, reaching a crescendo (is this too much, I ask myself?) after hearing Ripon Cathedral’s triumphant organ being played full pelt by Ronald Perrin when he  was a couple of years older.  Matthew was then allowed to try the village organ in Wath which is still intact and a fine instrument. Sadly for Matthew, when he pulled out all the stops, it didn’t sound a bit like the music in Ripon Cathedral. Ah, a bit like life’s rich pattern.

To the rescue came a succession of piano teachers, in particular Mrs Helen Blythe and Mrs Bronwen Brindly from the Ripon area. Lessons always ran over the allotted time slot, such was the teachers’ enthusiasm and committment, and even more so when exams appeared on the horizon.  Matthew remains in touch with both his mentors. 

The organ teachers it appears were a more formidable breed, mainly because Matthew was so in awe of cathedral organists. ‘I was not a sporty child (nor, it must be said, am I as an adult) and I revered cathedral organists like youngsters revere footballers or other sports personalities, so you can imagine how I felt. I was enormously privileged to have had the tutors I have had and particularly wish to acknowledge Mr Ian Little, Head of Music at Ampleforth College – I did not go to school at Ampleforth, but had lessons privately with Ian thanks to a recommendation by a family friend. Ian was a tremendous teacher and fantastic choirmaster.’ 

Matthew told me that he thought Ian Little was the youngest cathedral organist in the UK in the 1980s when he was appointed organist and choirmaster of Coventry Cathedral. Ian instilled in Matthew the need to aspire to play with refinement and elegance. ‘We did a lot of work on technique and pedal playing following the practices of the famous Italian organist Fernando Germani. I was also very privileged to have been allowed to have lessons with Canon Dr. James Lancelot, the organist and master of the choristers of Durham Cathedral. James had, and still has, a very prestigious reputation.’  Matthew recalled his first  lesson with him when – having played the Finalé from Louis Vierne’s 1st Organ Symphonie on the Durham cathedral organ –  Dr Lancelot added, after the encouraging part of the conversation, ‘“98% of the listeners would probably have not noticed the misreading in the middle part of bar x, however, do always remember the 2% that will.” It is a lesson Matthew still applies to his playing and teaching.

This brought our conversation back to the Coronation Concert where the decision was taken that the choir should perform without the orchestra in order to give the players a break. But perform what? Matthew came across text from the Book of Common Prayer used at Charles 11 Coronation in 1661. Oh Lord, grant the King a long life, that his years may endure throughout all generations. Unable to find quite the right setting in the works of early composers, he toddled off to the piano and composed his own, which was to some extent inspired by the wonderful VOCES8.

The choir thought it a stunning anthem and they set about rehearsing under Matthew’s leadership. 10 weeks later they were concert ready, 100% honed to perfection, none of this 98% for our gang, thank you very much.  But then they wouldn’t entertain anything other than perfection, would they, with the composer at the helm.

So it happened that the choir sang the Anthem in St Mary’s Church, Thirsk, during the Coronation Concert, conducted by the composer Matthew Atherton. I  swear the roof lifted, and around me tears ran. It was profoundly beautiful, as was the whole of the concert.

Eventually I released my hold on Matthew, and dusted him down, but only after he had promised to let me know when other concerts were to take place.

Facebook: Matthew Atherton, Organist & Pianist

Instagram: matthew_atherton_music

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