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.

May is already proving a busy month as the team canter towards the finishing line, or so everyone hopes.

The Friday Morning Coffee Ladies decided that they would like a hamper raffle every week and everyone contributed a £1 towards the purchase of food for the hamper. ‘Whatever the ladies want, the team endeavours  to provide,‘ said Marion.

Fabulous donation of toiletries arrived for the seafarers from Sandra Noble, and hampers and food from Kath Haq, which thrilled the team enormously.

Workmen have been working on the swing doors,with the springs being removed to enable to doors to operate freely, enabling easy access.

A very enjoyable meeting was held with Ryan Wilson, social value officer from Equans at which the team discussed the possibility of future drop-ins at the centre and the various training on offer for the community. Watch this space.

Training in cooking is well under way and the slow cookers are lined up ready for the delicious nutritious recipes. Cultural Creatives were at the centre on Wednesday and Thursday, and exhibited their embroidery skills.

The team’s trusty mate Brian Mason from Car Styling along with his side kick Wayne, delivered and erected our new bespoke signage. Off with the old and on with the new. A bit of colour and much more inviting. ‘Thank you, lads, another wonderful job.’

John from Cosmic Blinds has just fitted the blinds in the two toilets, so all done now, and looking very  good. Marion approves:  ‘It’s these final touches that do the trick.‘

An external tap has been fitted, and Red Shoes Bob  reckons it will be handy for washing his car.

As always the Friday Coffee morning resulted in a good old chin wag, and the pashminas were a wonderful surprise for the Bingo players.

David Snowdon, re-elected councillor and CCA’s Dianne’s lovely hubby, visited the Friday coffee morning and Edith Bradley the Queen for the day, wasted no time in congratulating him, echoing the the team’s sentiments.

‘Well deserved Councillor Snowdon, you are a great bloke who really cares.’ says Marion. Who adds,
‘We hope everyone has an amazing weekend whatever you are doing.
A very auspicious day today “God save the King”’

Very much seconded by Margaret Graham editor of  Frost Magazine.

Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

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‘Shall we go?’ Dick and I pondered, as our day on 30th April was already jam packed. Yes, we decided, it could be good, but we were not altogether convinced having sat through what seems like an enormous number of interminable school, and assorted concerts (don’t tell our kids we said this). Off we toddled hearing the bellringers as we approached. ‘Well, if the concert’s as good we will enjoy.’ We had thought we’d get there pretty much on the dot of 3.30 as surely there would be plenty of pew space?

Oh, ye of little faith for ahead of us a long queue of people steadily disappeared inside St Mary’s Church. Outside were some of the orchestra in their best bibs and tuckers. Were they having a last cigarette, or a final natter? Inside the church was packed, everywhere was a hubbub of anticipation. Eventually  we found a pew alongside a pillar in the North Aisle. Thankfully there were TV screens for those who didn’t have a view of the choir, orchestra, and organ (so well organised).

A brief introduction by The Revd Derek Simpson, before the concert took off at a canter with Zadok the Priest, the British anthem composed by George Frideric Handel for the coronation of King George II in 1727, which drew us all into the heart of the Coronation, and the concert. Zadok the Priest was performed by the Strings Attached Orchestra including, for the occasion, Matthew Atherton – organ, Richard Sowden – trumpet and Evelyn Wilson  – Timpani, not forgetting the Thirsk Coronation Choir.

Trevor Wilson was the conductor, and urged the orchestra and  the  choir into a soaring evocation of the majesty and history of the Coronation. Voices, along with the music, soared to sublime heights, and I, as always when music is quite perfect, cried. Tissues out, please. It set the tone for the first half of the concert, with the Suite from Abdelaza by Purcell, followed by Meditation for String Orchestra and Organ by Rowley.

A high point was the Choir singing Oh Lord, grant the King a long life, composed by our own Matthew S Atherton, organist supreme. When it ended Dick whispered, ‘To think we dithered.’ Indeed.

Incidentally the Thirsk Coronation Choir was established specifically for the concert by  Matthew Atheron, who drew in over 70 singers from North Yorkshire choirs. Matthew rehearsed about 30 people every week (from a piano) for ten weeks, culminating in two full choir rehearsals just before the concert, so is it any wonder the roof seemed perilously close to taking off from time to time.  Many members of the choir shared with Frost Magazine that they not only loved every minute of the rehearsals but made new friends along the way. Well, that’s what’s called community, is it not. But on with the programme…

The Orchestra and Organ then played the Concerto for Organ and Orchestra in F manor Op4. No5 by Handel which took us into the interval  and there it was – laid out before us in the North Aisle: Thirsk and surroundings coming together as a community, not just to play, sing and listen but to chat, greet, and guzzle the cakes that the ladies of the community  were now serving. Yes, I repeat,  a community.

The second half comprised, Parry’s – I Was Glad, for Orchestra, Choir and Organ, followed by Handel’s Water Music Suite No1, then Warlock’s Capriol Suite performed by the Orchestra, until we tilted into Walton’s  Crown Imperial March for Orchestra and organ.

Soggy tissues put in one pocket, dry ones taken from another. And  I wasn’t alone. Then… oh then… Vaughan Williams’ The Old Hundreth with three verses for the audience. Oh Lord, off we went with the words writ large on the TV screen, which also exhorted us to watch the conductor!! We obeyed, too right we did.

Finally, the Orchestra, Choir, Organ and Audience stood to sing The National Anthem. I am absolutely sure the roof took off, landing safely just as the standing ovation rang out. Such a high calibre concert, such a stunning community occasion. What could be better? Nothing, nothing at all. How proud we were, and are, of them all.

www.thirskparishes.org

Thanks to Conductor: Trevor Wilson. Leader: Julie Bates:  Organist: Matthew Atherton. Thirsk Coronation Choir. Special thanks to Alec Peach – lighting and sound engineer, and the St Mary’s Bellringers.

Information of forthcoming Summer Concerts and Events at St. Mary’s

Sunday 14th May 15.00: Chamber choir concert with the 200 Singers.

Sundat 9th July15.00 Service of song and creative arts in thanksgiving for Creation.

Sunday 6th August 15.00  A concert by Ripon Resound@ Summer is Icomin’ In!

Sunday 10th September 15.00 Thirsk Royal British Legion Band present: A Festival of Brass.

Frost Magazine has managed to grab the outstanding organist, Matthew Atherton, for a Spotlight piece. Not only is Matthew a wonderful organist, but clearly a great choir leader because… But no… look out for more in a couple of weeks time.