The CCA team is bursting  with pride as they applaud their very own Aimee Green and her dance group who attended the dance festival of the year in Alton Towers last weekend. ‘The group did brilliantly in all categories of the competition. All age groups produced winners. Well done kids (and dads) you smashed it,’ Marion says. Frost Magazine is absolutely in awe at their achievements.

Men at work in the Air Raid shelter preparing for the re-structuring to commence.

‘The cheek of it, some pussycat thought they would leave paw prints on our newly laid concrete. If I could have got to it, I would have left my initials too, for posterity you know.‘ Marion said. Then she mentioned that the men at work outside appear to be happy and cheerful, despite the chilly day. Margaret suspects they wouldn’t dare be otherwise after the cat issue. Just saying.

The shelter has water in it yet again and in addition the wall that was damaged by a stolen car is being re-built. Claire CCA’s surveyor, is visiting this week to ensure all is going to plan.

Nev Harris with Gemma and her certificate. Bravo Gemma!

The courses are still going strong, with  Cultural Creatives busy busy, and  Equans weekly meetings also in play. In addition Nev Harris, who is delivering CPR and Defibrillator training, came. It is wonderful that through the generosity of the community the CCA is able to offer free places for this extremely important training. One last minute cancellation was soon filled by Jordan who was very eager to step in.

Corey Barnes arrived to measure the corridor and office area for new flooring. English Oak was the unanimous choice and it’s fabulous. And … And … Believe it or not, this will be the last job on the agenda then it will be fingers crossed ‘all finished’.

Tuesday, brought the CCA’s very first volunteer meeting, held to get people together to discuss issues, including identification. Lo and behold the postie delivered the Volunteer Lanyards, just it time. Red Shoes Bob, reckons these are just in case volunteers forget who they are. Then two new lads from Equans popped in to say hello: Adam, a Bricklayer and Sean a joiner who didn’t have time for coffee but perhaps Marion should have told them Thursday is cake day…

Anyone for a coach trip?

Leaflets about Coach Day Tours have been dropped into the centre. Margaret of Frost Magazine LOVES day trips, and I bet I’m not the only one. Marion is intent on making enquiries to see what can be arranged.

The Friday coffee mornings are becoming quite something, and Margaret can’t wait to return for a  chat, and Dick too. Just look at the goodies on offer. There is to be a fun prize Bingo planned too and all free of charge. Marion loves these mornings. ‘Everyone has so much fun,’ she says. ‘Chatting away, reminiscing, putting the world to rights and usually forgetting the time, but that’s the way it should be, sharing, caring and having a good old laugh.’

Finally a word from Marion, on behalf of us all I am sure, including Frost Magazine:

‘Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in this devastating earthquake in Turkey. God bless you all.’

Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

What I love about Made By Coopers is their commitment to natural, organic and plant-derived ingredients. The brand was created by Clare and Darren Cooper. Clare had suffered for years with anxiety disorders and when the couple visited Kerala, the home of Ayurvedic medicine, they were inspired by the therapeutic powers of the different plants used there. They were particularly impressed to experience the positive effect of essential oils on how they felt and on their wellbeing.

After a rather crazy few days, I was thrilled to try their Calm Candle. Beautifully presented in a pure white pot, the engraved wooden lid forms a firm seal to protect those wonderful essential oils between use.

The candle itself is 100% natural, made with soothing Organic Lavender, Bergamot and Ylang Ylang, with base notes of Frankincense and light Rosemary undertones. The only other ingredients are coconut and rapeseed wax, and the unusually high concentration of essential oils was very noticeable – in fact the aroma was so stunning that I was immediately compelled to wrap myself in a blanket and close my eyes (I’m not convinced my boss was totally on board with this reason for the delayed report but I certainly felt great after a very relaxed nap).

Unlike other scented candles, Made By Coopers actually hand pour their candle wax in three stages, meaning that the candle is consistently aromatic throughout its life.

So if you’re scratching your head for a Mother’s Day gift check out Made By Coopers . I can totally recommend Calm Candle at just £28 for a beautifully presented and boxed 170g candle (up to 34 hr burn time) but they have other lovely gifts too – Calm Room Spray at £16.50 and Vanilla Rose Bath Salts at £22.50. Delivery is free for purchases over £20.

You can follow Made By Coopers at: https://www.instagram.com/madebycoopers/ 

 https://www.facebook.com/madebycoopers | https://twitter.com/madebycoopers | https://www.pinterest.co.uk/madebycoopers/ | https://www.linkedin.com/company/madebycoopers/ 

By Dr K Thompson, award-winning 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.

I simply hate wasting any good food, and, when I peel an orange or use a lemon, it bugs me to throw away all that lovely zest, packed with delicious citrus oils and vitamin C. But I have to be honest, struggling with a traditional grater, which shows no discrimination between the lemon rind and my finger-tips is a toil involving little  pleasure.

So I absolutely adore the Microplane Premium Classic Zester and their new range of limited edition designs, which merge beauty with practicality.

Microplane® classic zesters are a bit special. Their design was inspired by a Canadian housewife in the early 90s, who, fed up with her traditional grater, borrowed one of her husband’s wood-working tools…  They really are quite unique, clever and attractive.

What I love about them is their long and slim stainless steel blade which has regular photo-etched micro-teeth – 400 of them. They’re so sharp that they make zesting completely effortless, but thanks to the strong handle and long blade, one can keep one’s fingers well out of the way.

Just gently rubbing the blade against a lemon created a pile of perfect zest, leaving the pith intact on the lemon. I absolutely love the eye-catching limited edition designs on the handles – the featured one is named Tropical. The tiny anti-scratch ‘feet’ on the end mean that you can stand it in a pan or bowl for more stability and because the micro-teeth all face in the same direction, it’s really easy to wipe clean, although you can also put it in the dishwasher. What’s more, they all have a protective cover to save you accidently hurting yourself when they are in the drawer.

Besides citrus fruits, you can use the zester for other things too –you can grate ginger root, chocolate, spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon – and if you’re really cooking something special, how about truffle? It’s easy to grate tiny or larger amounts and the zester is attractive enough to take its place at the dinner table.

The Microplane® Funky Edition Premium Classic Zester is available in a choice of attractive designs to suit any kitchen: Safari, Skull, Ombre, Tropical and Black Marble. Available for RRP £24.95 from hartsofstur.com however at the moment they’re on offer at £17.47 so take a look – you’ll love them.

By Dr K Thompson, award-winning 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.

At this time of year, many of us who have set lofty new year’s resolutions or intentions are realising we may have over-stretched ourselves. I am prone to doing the same. However this year I was very mindful that in January we are still very much in the depths of winter. Taking a lead of nature, still in wintering, hibernation mode, I chose to avoid setting my new year’s intentions until I had give myself the space & time to rest & restore in January.

Then recently I was reminded of this lovely story, the story of the businessman & the fisherman which really helped to put those intentions in perspective and I wanted to share it with you.

A successful young businessman decided to take some time off from his hectic schedule and head out to the the most beautiful place he knew to get away from it all. That evening he was walking by the sea when the most stunning sunset he’d ever seen stopped him in his tracks.

He heard a voice nearby say, ‘Nature’s gift.’ and noticed an old man fishing nearby also admiring this beautiful sunset.

Noticing the old man’s impressive catch lying by his side he commented on the successful day’s fishing. The old man smiled & invited him to join him, saying he was just about to make a fire & cook the fish for dinner.

The young man was thrilled by the invitation & settled down next to the man as the glorious reds & oranges in the sky were being replaced by the night sky scattered with stars, shimmering like diamonds.

As they settled in to enjoy their dinner under the night sky, the young man reflected how delicious the fish was & unable to help himself, his business mind kicked in. He suggested that the old man might like to bring 2 lines next time so he could catch even more fish.

‘Why would I do that?’ the old man asked.

The young businessman replied, ‘So you can sell the extra fish in the market.’

‘But why would I do that?’ asked the older man.

‘Well because you could expand, buy a small boat, a net & catch even more fish.’

‘But why would I do that?’ the old man asked again.

‘Because you could grow your business, make more money, more profit, employ your friends & grow a small business.’

‘But why would I do that?’ asked the old man again.

‘Because with luck on your side your business could grow into a huge business.’

The old man, still not convinced said, ‘But why would I do that?’

The businessman replied, ‘Because if you had a fleet of fishing boats & a big business, you could get other people to run your business so that you can spend your days here in paradise just fishing.’

I love this story, such a lovely reminder that often we are striving for exactly what we already have.

Does this story resonate with you? How are you honouring wintering, slowing down, taking time for yourself?

If you would like more information on how to practice mindfulness, meditation & yoga check out Alex’s 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/

The CCA tell Margaret that they are bursting with pride at the news that their very own Danielle Meighan has been nominated for the 17^th National What’s on 4 kids National Children’s Activities Awards 2023 for her Diddi Dance. ‘Although we will all be cheering her on, Dani will always be a winner in our eyes,’ said Marion, and Frost Magazine heartily agrees – bravo Danielle.

Monday morning was kick started into the good times when Dave delivered a donation of a huge supply of tea bags, coffee and 48 bottles of water from Equans who seem to have taken CCA to their hearts. The CCA is more than grateful.

The girls from Cultural Spring, Emma, Emma and Melanie were, Marion explained, a delight to chat to. They have great plans for the future and how the CCA can work together delivering a vast array of entertainment for the benefit of the community.

Goodness, look how the CCA even train the Kiddiwinkles at the centre. Marion told Frost Magazine how Lily, who sounds a charmer,  has now started to sign in. Just as well the CCA is thinking of ordering a stock of books for the little people, though perhaps there are children locally who have outgrown theirs?

What a great sport the CCA Chair, Dianne, is. She agreed to be a model for her daughter Samantha who is working towards Level 3 make up Artistry at the National Beauty Academy. Samantha, you did a grand job. By the way,  Dianne is a huge asset to the CCA, as she is always there to lend a hand, (or face – just saying) in any situation. The makeover put Margaret in mind of the beloved Dad’s Army. ‘Don’t give them your name, Pike.’ What a sublime series.

Another piece of brilliant news: the CCA received notification that ACT, contractors for the external work on the centre, would start, and indeed they came. Hurrah. Straight down to business too.  

Yet more people visited to see if the project was running to order: Surveyors, Principle Designer, Electrical Engineer and uncle Tom Cobley and all and what with workmen arriving on the dot of eight, Piccadilly Circus has nothing on the CCA. 

Geoff, New site Manager from Equans popped in to say hello, accompanied by the lovely Tom. The team didn’t waste much time in making him feel welcome and even earmarked him for future Bob a Jobs. (Voluntary of course) Run, Geoff, run while you can. 

‘All activities within the centre are operating as normal and everyone is absolutely delighted with progress,’ Marion reports, but …

Oh no, Dom.  Oh, really Dom? The shame. Whatever made you think for one moment you would get away with it, while sleuth Miss Marple – sorry, Miss Marion Taylor, was on cupboard patrol? She, with a nose for chocolate biscuits like no other, discovered your hidden hoard.  A huge FAIL bonny lad. All choccy biscuits gone now. Enjoyed by many. (Only joking. They wouldn’t dare – they know you would test for fingerprints).  Everyone, we present the evidence…

So, another brilliant week for the Columbia Community Association. Bring on next weeks fun, frolics and sheer hard work. 

Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

The team greeted Week 27 bright eyed and bushy tailed, ready to take on all-comers and what good news the start of the week brought when up popped  Alyson Grant, like manna from heaven, as a new volunteer at the CCA. What’s more, one  who knows her way around a computer. Alyson is a Brady Square lass and everyone is over the moon to have her on board. Half the day was spent reminiscing, and Marion knew Margaret, would have been really sorry to miss the natter. Yep, Margaret is thoroughly fed up, Marion..

The lads popped in to measure the toilet floors for new flooring, courtesy of Equans. The team have decided  on sparkly ocean blue, which to Marion looks a bit grey. Is it  me or is Marion becoming a bit picky- just saying, ponders Margaret.  Marion adds hastily, and really means it: ‘But either way it is very nice.’

As a result of donations to the CCA the team is  now in a position to give something back to its beloved community. A date has now been agreed for their next FREE CPR and Defibrillator training. There are six places on offer with the lovely Nev Harris. Marion let us know that they have received an amazing response, to the extent that they are now collating a reserve list.

CCA really enjoyed Len Watson’s visit. Len is the Advice and Service Manager from Sharp.

‘It is really good to join forces in aid of offering help, advice and support to people in the community.’ said Marion. ‘Our invite for them to join us at our Coffee morning this Friday was duly accepted and we looking forward to seeing Eileen there. We have placed an order with PHIL at Di’s Diner for corned beef Pie and quiche.’

Cultural Creatives never cease to amaze with their ability to create stunning work. This week they did Sashiko, the art of Japanese mending and stitching. Apparently, Sashiko, which translates to “little stabs” in Japanese, usies only a simple running stitch which isn’t only for decoration; it also strengthens the cloth.

The Sparky was on site fitting a light in the cellar. Arghhh…  Ouchy…  First Aid was required for a cut, such a good job wor Bob was on hand to administer treatment. Everything went well, the finger lives and sadly no need for Marion to pop into her nursey outfit and stand by with scalpal.

While Equans was rewiring, entertainment went on at CCA as usual; cuppas were dispensed and chinwags enjoyed and, as has been proved over many years:  ‘Put the kettle on, Pet.’ solves many a problem – the CCA’s is always on.  There was  an impromptu visit from the Washington U3A group to see if CCA could offer at short notice a room for 1 hour. It was such a stroke of luck as CCA most certainly could. This has resulted in a possible permanent monthly booking.

Margaret, Editor of Frost Magazine was the default Chair of Thirsk U3A because no-one  voluteered. Margaret is always default, never first choice because she’s a menace, especially if there is a microphone involved: she has no shame, and won’t let go, just milks it for all she’s worth. So don’t give her an inch.

The CCA had great support for their end of the month Friday Coffee morning. New faces, good crack but photo shy, maybe next time, and as the week ended, the CCA’s work did not  what with a singing, dancing, church service with RCCG, and of course, Wargamers.

As Marion says, ‘We could do with an eight-day week at Columbia Community Association in good old Brady Square.‘

Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

As a woman of a certain age, I’m on a permanent quest for facial creams which work miracles. And as a doctor, I like reassurance that these products are powered with scientific justification and not empty promises. So I was super excited to road test Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin™ Ectoin®-Infused Cream.

Dr Jart+ has a great pedigree, originally founded in Korea but now part of the Estée Lauder group, they pioneered the invention of BB cream and, working with dermatologist advisors, their focus is on ‘creating skin care that works wonders’ – this sounds exactly what I need.

And Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin™ Ectoin®-Infused Cream is good because?

Firstly, it’s a highly-concentrated, fast-absorbing cream which contains not just one, but five different ceramides. Our bodies produce ceramides naturally, which form a barrier to protect our skin cells and keep moisture in. They’re incredibly good at hydrating skin, but, alas, even in our 30s we’ve already started to lose these natural ceramides. So thank goodness for Dr Jart+.

But, there’s more, Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin™ Ectoin®-Infused Cream also contains a new unsung hero of the anti-aging world – Ectoin. This little molecule was discovered in salt-lake dwelling bacteria of all places, where it prevents them from drying out despite the concentrated salt. And, great news, scientific studies have shown that it protects our skin in the same way – it’s an excellent moisturiser and provides a protective barrier, hence it’s a brilliant anti-aging product (tick).

So that’s the science, but what was it like to use? Well it comes with a handy sunshine-yellow spatula which is great for scooping out a suitably-sized dollop. The cream was quite firm, almost waxy but melted as I applied it to my face and disappeared super quick. Then, wow, within minutes my skin felt plump, soft and almost completely wrinkle-free. I couldn’t believe it. And several hours later – the same – I can’t stop sneaking a glance in the mirror and smiling.

If you want to smile at your reflection too, it’s £50 for a 50 ml jar from Dr Jart+ website – a great price for such an innovative cream. I love it.

By Dr K Thompson, award-winning 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.

As some you may know I am a fan of Diane Saxon, not just as writer but also as a person, she’s a natural born storyteller. Naturally I jumped at the oppourtunity to attend a third virtual book launch that Diane hosted. This one was for her latest book called My Sister’s Secret and here is the blurb:

Four sisters, four secrets. Who has the deadliest of them all?   Something happened to me when was nine. My childhood memories before that fateful day are gone. Extinguished. The aftermath became a living nightmare with a guilt that runs so deep that I’m not sure I can ever tell anyone. I fear I’ve left it too late….

The burden of my secret and the hurt and the pain that silence cost each and every member of my family is too overwhelming.  But you can’t avoid fate and now I have the opportunity to right the wrongs inflicted on us. There was no justice. Not then. Not now. But I can change that.   The big question is, how far am I willing to go?

At the book launch Diane treated us to a reading and I have to say it was phenomenal, i didn’t want her to stop. She also shared with us  where she gets her inspiration: it could be from one of the many walks she goes on with her dogs, or from a conversation with a stranger. What I love most about Saxon’s writing is that it is effortlessly brilliant and as the reader you genuinely do not know what is going to happen at any given point in the book.

The virtual launch was not just limited to those in the UK, there were attendees from South Africa and America which was absolutely brilliant and shows how internationally adored Diane is.

We then proceeded to the games of the evening: prior to launch each attendee was sent a package which consisted of a personal signed copy of the book, some chocolates, a drink and a bookmark.

Those who had black Lindor Chocolates would have their name in her next book. Those who received a pink can of gin and tonic had the opportunity to name a object that she will include. I was one of the lucky three that had a pink can. The other two selected a Care Bear and a red Buddha. Me – being me – chose Derigible, I explained  why and  will share this reason with you: after a few glasses of wine one evening I turned to my partner and said ‘Derigible is such a fun word for a massive thing that floats around in the sky. Who looked up at that and said ‘I know exactly what to call that: a derigible?’. The look I received from him needed no words …

These games are not only a lovely way for Saxon’s readers to feel included in her books but it is fun to figure out when and where the names and objects will appear. However we did all ask Diane to not hurt the Care Bear. Whether or not she will is anyone’s guess.

I cannot reccomend her books highly enough. Even if you’re not a fan of the psycological thriller genre, do give Diane’s books a try, they will convert you.

My Sister’s Secret by Diane Saxon  is available in Paperback, eBook and audiobook.