Hopefully you all had a wonderful festive season and your batteries are recharged and ready for a 2023 adventure. That said, sadly the Christmas Tree and other decorations are now down at the Columbia Community Centre and somehow everywhere looks half undressed  as it always done. But never fear, deep down in the cellar they will rest until next Christmas calls them on parade again.

Graham and Dom

The grand news is that the New Year’s CCA refurbishment has started with a  surge of activity as the JLA electrical contractors arrived at eight on the dot once the centre was open again for business, Marion tells us.

The list grows ever longer: new Fire alarm, Intruder alarm, emergency lighting, new LED lights, extra sockets you name it and the CCA will have it. ‘First item to be addressed was a new all singing and dancing Firm Alarm system, fitted by Graham and Dom who, are scheduled to return to our beloved centre on Monday 9th. A bit of eye candy one would say, Margaret?‘

Margaret couldn’t possibly comment, but is so  pleased Marion told Graham and Dom that there is no rush to complete the work.

All of the CCA’s  inspirational ladies are in action this week, Claire from “Shake that Boogie” said, how lovely it was to be back, saying she felt uplifted, as did all visitors to  the centre it seems. Marion told Frost Magazine that it was great to see everyone enjoying themselves, adding ‘There were no winter blues in the class, only sunshine, smiles and happiness.’

Aimee and her dancers returned, and this dance class is doing so well Aimee has booked more hours every Saturday, taking her sessions to three days a week. In the future the team believes they  will be seeing many more Darcey Bussell’s.

The  gorgeous Forever Young ladies are so pleased to be back, Bingo, Chit chat and of course, melt in the mouth delicious cake, made by the lovely Linda, Marjorie soon got stuck in, verdict, scrumptious.

There were more donations of chocolate biscuits, Christmas trees and ginger bread men, which will go down a treat, as will the jigsaws. Great to see the lads from Equans back to work albeit, not much going on this week.

Frost Magazine’s pin up, Red Shoes Bob,  was a fury of activity, cleaning everything that didn’t move, including the floors, ready for the fabulous diddidancers’ return.  The diary, Marion tells us,  is in the process  of being updated to accommodate all new and existing users, so let’s hope Marion doen’t get writer’s cramp with all the entries (or so Marion said tongue in cheek).

Roll on next week,when the refurbishment will be in full swing (everyone hopes) It is all so exciting, iand it has been a long wait, but as the old cliche goes “patience is a virtue”. Marion raises her eyebrows, and says, ‘Believe me patience has been tested over and over these past months. Onwards and upwards folks, happy days are ahead. All this and it is business as usual at our beloved CCA.’

There is nothing left to say, except a very happy 2023 to you all.

Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

Margaret, editor of Frost Magazine, and Dick, hot footed from Carlton Miniott, their village on the outskirts of Thirsk, North Yorkshire up to Columbia during the week. We wanted to  say hi, and chat about progress with Marion and Bob, but more than that, to deliver a big box of jigsaws and books  donated by Carlton Miniott Post Office  (and hub of the village) to help fill up the new CCA bookcase shelves.

Marion was able to fill us in on the Christmas ‘doings’ of the CCA, which, though shut over the main festive days, was open on 27th  until 30th.  So, full of mince pies, turkey, chocolates, and of course wine,they were open again for business with Warm Spaces very much in mind. ‘True to form, the kettle is always on the boil and our new Christmas gift by the way of the lovely Alexa keeps us entertained,’ laughed Marion.

She filled us on the 4th birthday party which followed delivery of the bouncy castle and boy, did the  day ring with fun and laughter.  So was that it? Come come: the rest of the week was scheduled for the “Free holiday Club” and on Wednesday along came Andy Gilroy with his son Harrison to host the session. Harrison, just happens to be an athlete, playing quarterback/safety for the GB American Football Team- amazing.

Harrison and Andy were still there, when we arrived, so it was great to have a chat with this remarkable young man, and it proved to be  so interesting  that Frost Magazine have decided to follow Harrison’s inspiring progress in the sport throughout the year. So yet again, CCA has offered our readers a real treat.

The treats keep coming too for the CCA! Linda Williams brought handmade dipped HONEYCOMB, which just happens to be one of Marion’s favourites. Oh crikey, put it under lock and key – fast,  is Frost’s advice.

Community Opportunities arrived to deliver free training and soon got stuck in to playing a game of cards, no money exchanged hands only jelly tots (or so Lisa told Marion).

Then Margaret and Dick had to move on in the pouring rain – heavens, did it rain – and drove into Washington Village because they love to see Washington Old Hall when they are in the area, even though they can’t go in at this time of year. It is as you will all know, George Washington’s ancestral home, and later in the year Frost Magazine will talk more about it and show the front, and lovely gardens, which wasn’t possible this time.

But hunger was rampant  so past Holy Trinity Church we went, where my grandparents are apparently buried mum thinks, but she was a child when they died,  and round the green with the two trees festooned with lights, (if you peer closely enough you can make out a few lights, but trust me, they are festooned and show up far more off camera). Around the green are the flower beds which later in 2023 will no doubt be entered into the Village in Bloom again, (they have done well in the past, which is hardly surprising as the committee are hard at it for months) and into the Washington Arms  for fish n chips. Margaret thinks these are the best she has ever had, except for Cleethorpes Pier, where they have  plaice ‘n ‘chips. Plaice is better than any other fish, in Margaret’s obsessed opinion.

A rather wet Dick saying, ‘Hurry up.’

As well as eating and there were the usual friendly faces amongst the clientele. Clare and Jed told Margaret about a relative who has just started a craft ales brewery. How wonderful – there are also  a few around Thirsk, ( Dick is the expert,) and  hopefully Frost can visit Clare’s relative’s brewery and report back to you all. This will miff Frost Magazine’s Food and Drink Critic, but he’s down south and we are not, so there.

But back to Marion who will  close this week’s update as we reach the end of a momentous year for the Columbia  Community Association…

What a year we have had, met so many wonderful people, experienced so much kindness and generosity from our community for all the causes we have supported, to which we are eternally grateful. As this year comes to an end, and 2023 stands before us like a chapter of an open book let us make yet another wonderful story. All of us here at Columbia Community Association, along with the Residents of Brady Square would like to wish everyone near and far a very Happy and prosperous New Year, May all of your hopes and dreams come true.

Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

Merry Christmas from The Brady Bunch

What a week it’s been. Marion pleaded for someone to tell her what day it was on Monday, as they spun about around collecting donations, trying to accommodate everything and everyone. They are all loving their new bigger bookcase courtesy of Joanne Leech.

MBC busy with arts and crafts

‘We needed more shelves to house the novels  written by our very own Margaret/Milly/Annie (so many writing names).’ said Marion. Well, there will be more books soon, as the village post office near Thirsk where Margaret lives would like her to bring up some of the  books on their shelves that are donated for people to read.

‘Share and share alike,’ they say. Margaret loves the little shop, owned by good people, whose goodbye to her this Christmas Eve was. ‘Don’t cause too much havoc.’ As though she would.

It was an incredibly busy week, Marion reported, but when isn’t it?

It started with Equans usual Monday meeting, then Shake that Boogey. MBC got busy with their amazing  arts and craft skills creating Christmas Arts and Crafts; there were n trees, snow globes and prancing Reindeers. livening up the centre. Let’s take a minute and draw a breath, but no, there’s no time as we gallop on with the news: the CCA had a Free Christmas Holiday Club for about 40 excited children. The team were asked to pick the winning painting, guess what, they  couldn’t decide so everyone was a winner. Sweets all round.

‘Refurb, who mentioned refurb?‘ gasped Marion. ‘All of this and our Warm Spaces is in full swing.’

The CCA team is thrilled with the  new lighting, Blackpool illuminations do not compare with their brightness. ‘So bright one needs to wear shades’, according to Marion.

More knitted hats arrived, brought by Susan Laing who dropped them off after her busy shift at Plain n Purl. A simple text message  was sent to Andy Hayes who arrived within the hour driving the Daft as a Brush charity bus to collect them.

A fourth box of toiletries were also collected and more arrived during the week courtesy  of St Roberts of Newminster, Marion tells Frost Magazine that the response for the Wearside Women in Need has been phenomenal, so well done, Washington Youth Council. Special thanks of course to the wonderful people who have contributed.

Have we finished? Nah, the news is still flooding in. Twelve, yes twelve Chromebooks arrived. John Ford from Gentoo asked Kayley Hope to deliver these to the community centre, which is overwhelmed at the generosity.

The postman brought a wonderful cheque from ASDA foundation; ‘Whoop whoop; new blinds are on the menu once the decoration is completed.‘ say the team.

The gifts kept on coming during the week including another volunteer who has pledged her time to help the community, ‘Thank you, Christine Parker and welcome aboard.‘

The kindness of the Columbia community seems endless. Vicky from the “Little Onion Club” delivered an array of biscuits towards our Warm Spaces. Thursday saw the delivery of a huge bag of tea bags, biscuits and coffee from someone who lives close by. (No photos, they said they are not photogenic). and Joy Dagless must be called out too, as she beavers away securing booking for 2023 not to mention all the donations.

Marion was emphatic that there are just so many people to whom the CCA is grateful and who they cannot  thank enough for their kindness and generosity over this past year. Without them all, the the team insists, they would not have been able to achieve what they have. And my word, what a huge amount has been achieved by the tireless efforts of everyone involved.

‘Special thanks to the staff of Equans for the gift of a Christmas Hamper, and for your help through these difficult times, but most of all, for your friendship and dedication to our Centre and our community.’ says Marion.

Marion also insisted that I must include the following: ‘Our heartfelt thanks go to a very special lady, a renowned author, editor of Frost magazine, who has taken an interest in our community (which was her mam’s) and how we are moving forward. Margaret Graham, thank you for all you do for us, it means so much. We have adopted you as one of our own, a proper Brady Square lass.‘

Mum would be so pleased, and thanks a million but frankly, Frost Magazine is in awe as we witness the sense of community, the untiring efforts of the team and ALL of you, as you  bring this priceless community asset into being. You will, we know, succeed and in 2023 the CCA centre will hum with life and good will.

‘From our House to your House near and far a Merry Christmas one and all, and a very happy and prosperous New Year,‘ say the CCA team.

Frost Magazine echoes these words. Bravo the lot of you. Ever onwards, stronger and stronger, more and more inspiring and we will be with you all the way.

Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

ARRAN Sense Of Scotland have done it again. Just as I’m dreaming of getting out of freezing rain – a weather phenomenon of which I had been blissfully oblivious for my entire life, until yesterday – and warm up in a hot bath, they launch After The Rain Bath Salts.

Regular readers will know I simply love ARRAN Sense Of Scotland fragrances, which all reflect the beautiful and wild Isle of Arran, home to this family company.

The company philosophy is to help the world connect with nature, and After the Rain captures the unique scent of an Arran spring garden following a rain shower. Irresistibly fresh and sensual, the fragrance is a blend of rose petals, musk and floral citrus, mixed with the soft notes of Arran’s precious woods.

So, never needing an excuse to run a hot bath and do nothing, eh I meant do research (slip of the pen), the distinctive fragrance hit me as the white bath salts tumbled into the hot water. The salts are packed full of sea salt and magnesium (a fabulous muscle relaxant and great for cramps incidently), with other minerals such as potassium, iron and calcium. Feeling cosy, and totally relaxed now and looking at the driving rain from inside I’m feeling that life is good – was it the fragrance, or the magnesium? Who cares.

After The Rain Bath Salts cost just £16 for 225g, presented in a lovely glass bottle from ARRAN Sense Of Scotland – take a look at their website, there are lots of fabulous products to choose from.

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.

Joffe Books’ book of the week for the final digest of 2022 is a brand-new crime thriller from bestselling author Pauline Rowson — THE SOUTH BINNESS MURDERS  is out now for the special launch price of just £0.99 | $0.99.*

Harley-Davidson-riding detective Andy Horton is called to a bloody scene on a boat. Although there’s no body in sight, it’s obvious someone was murdered here.

Then Horton is roped into investigating a robbery at a local gallery. Now he has a murder investigation to solve and a cunning art fraudster to find.

Time is ticking for our renegade detective . ..

Sounds like a good ‘un. CLICK HERE TO BUY THE SOUTH BINNESS MURDERS BY PAULINE ROWSON FOR £0.99 | $0.99.

THE CHARITY SHOP DETECTIVE AGENCY BY Peter Boland.

AN UTTERLY CHARMING NEW COZY (really it is) MURDER MYSTERY SET IN A SLEEPY ENGLISH SEASIDE TOWN.   99p/99c

Meet the ladies of the Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop: Level-headed Fiona, Partial Sue (she’s ever so partial to a cup of tea) and the kindly, and surprisingly tech-savvy, Daisy. Together they are The Charity Shop Detective Agency.   

Just up Frost Magazine’s street, or mine anyway.

Thierry Dulac THRILLERS BOX SET by Andre K Baby 1 – 3

Here you are, the super-value box set: THREE ACTION-PACKED THRILLERS FILLED WITH INTERNATIONAL INTRIGUE . 99P/99C

Meet Thierry Dulac, Interpol’s answer to James Bond, in three jet-setting thrillers full of rip-roaring adventure. Yes, indeed. Hang on to your hats.

NO CHOICE BUT MURDER by Norman Russell

THE BRAND-NEW UTTERLY GRIPPING WHODUNNIT FULL OF TWISTS.  99P/99C

It’s a dark and stormy night in the English town of Oldminister when the battered body of local gallery owner Louis Gillette is discovered in his office. Detectives French and Edwards are on the case. They soon discover Louis was hugely unpopular and the list of suspects is far from short. Get ready for a knife edge journey…

NEWS – FIND OUT MORE ABOUT PAULINE ROWSON, AUTHOR OF THE SOUTH BINNESS MURDERS

What was your inspiration for the book?

That things aren’t always what they appear to be on the surface — and contrasts. Here I chose to have a blood-stained abandoned boat belonging to a Portsmouth refuse collector — who could either have had an accident and fallen overboard or been murdered — and an art theft which isn’t an art theft in the usual way.

The contrast is between the visible world of art with the invisible one of a refuse collector (after all no one really looks at the bin man!), and between someone who creates and another who disposes. Essentially, though, it’s a tale of greed and guilt which lead to murder and which Andy Horton has to solve.

Did anything surprise you during the writing process?

The killer! But then he or she always should! When I start to write each book I have no idea who did it, how they did it and why they did it. It makes for somewhat messy writing, but aside from a beginning, usually a body or body parts somewhere on DI Andy Horton’s patch, (or blood stains in this case), I have nothing else worked out, save for one or two brief character sketches. As I write and research the first draft more ideas and information come to me and so the light begins to dawn.

Was there anything interesting or funny that happened while you were writing the book?

One of the most interesting things was working out what the blood stains on the abandoned boat in Langstone Harbour meant. In order to do this I consulted a forensic scientist, an expert on Blood Pattern Analysis. He could tell me how the victim might have met his grisly end and what could have killed him. Why he was he killed though and who did it was down to me — or I should say down to the killer, who DI Andy Horton, of course, manages to find, but not after many trials, tribulations and red herrings along the way . . .

What really inspires you?

The sea is always by far my greatest inspiration and all my novels revolve around it — so much so that it is almost a character, taking on life, creating and setting the mood. I also love getting into a really complex puzzle that my detective has to solve.

I love the “what if?” question which I am always asking, and then hopefully answering during the writing of the novel. The research element is inspiring, especially the forensic research, and I’m inspired by the feedback from readers who enjoy immersing themselves in DI Andy Horton’s life so much that they tell me he (and Sergeant Cantelli) are part of their family. They’re part of mine too!

How do you want readers to feel when they’ve finished your book?

Satisfied. Saying “Well, I’d never have guessed that!” And wondering what happens next in DI Andy Horton’s tumultuous life. Raring to read the next instalment, and walking, sailing or riding the Harley Davidson alongside him as he solves his next complex case. THE SOUTH BINNESS MURDERS

Finally, a message from the man himself, our Jasper:

‘I want to say a huge thank you for all the books you’ve read this year.

‘Books, whether published by us or not, are special, wonderful things, and it means so much to us and our authors when you choose one of ours. Thank you and wishing you a lovely Christmas (or other seasonal celebration!) and a healthy and prosperous 2023.’

—Jasper Joffe, Publisher, Joffe Books

The above books, and many more,  are available from Joffe Books

The wellness industry is estimated to be worth $4.5billion. It’s big business. 

In this book, Wellness Culture by Stephanie  Alice Baker, the author explores the history of alternative therapies transitioning into the mainstream.  She delves into the role of the internet in this expansion, questioning those who wield huge influence, but  by no means ignores the topic of wellness culture.

She propounds that wellness can operate as both a form of inclusion and oppression, and can be moralistic, exclusionary and even harmful.  But Baker does not, by any means,  ignore the fact that  it can also be enriching and empowering which explains its enduring cultural appeal.

A senior lecturer in Sociology at City University, London, Baker is an expert in online communication & connection & examines wellness in the wake of the pandemic.

As many of you will know I am a yoga teacher & mindfulness coach having invested both time & money in professional training. I believe whole heartedly in what I share, as do my colleagues, and that we, and many others ,do what we do with the highest intentions. 

That said, as I read this book, I found myself accepting that within this industry, just like all industries, there are people who abuse their position.  

Interestingly Baker made a timely and helpful point in Wellness Culture just as I ‘lost’ both my venues for my classes, workshops & retreats.

Of course I was already  aware of the importance of understanding the power of our thoughts:  that the law of attraction, quantum, energy  suggests that if things were falling apart one might have unintentionally manifested the situation. In other words, was I doing something wrong?  Had I forgotten this?

For a moment, in the maelstrom of unexpected news, obviously, but here in Wellness Culture was a timely reminder.

Consequently I caught the thought & remembered to trust the universe & the process and myself; that just like an arrow goes back to go forwards – sometimes the Universe clears out things that aren’t working or make sit so uncomfortable you can’t fail to notice & do something different.

As I said, Wellness Culture is an interesting read.

Wellness Culture by Stephanie Alice Baker.   Available in pb and e-book.

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

As the cold hit, the team rushed to the Centre to get the heater on and make sure all was welcoming, though Equans Monday meeting was  cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. Nonetheless gritters arrived to attend to the CCA car park, and the buses began to run.

Good news arrived too, in the form of a booking for a “Washington Play Activities “ funded by Washington Area Committee – Sunderland City Council – for over the Christmas holidays. This is free for children 7-11 and includes fitness activities, arts and crafts, group sports. And children can make their own packed lunches to take home .

Special thanks also to the donor who popped in to the centre to leave a £20 donation which will be put to very good use.

The CCA had a very positive meeting in relation to the electrical refurbishment; Lewis, from JLA Caire, Quantity Surveyor at SCC, and the lovely Richard, ( as Marion calls him,) the surveyor visited the Centre to assess the works to be carried out. Hey ho they have lift off, work is to commence week beginning 9^th January 2023.

Defibrillator training day with the amazing Nev Harris arrived, and how great to be trained by the best in the business. This is fully funded by CCA and the team hope this is the first of many sessions they will be able to offer the community through monies raised and kind donations

Zoe Burn dropped in bundles of the Washington Way, anyone wanting one can pick one up from the Centre. Andy Hayes called in to collect Sister Mary’s Christmas present. Marion does so hope she likes it as, she says, it is difficult buying for a nun. I am sure she will be pleased, though, she said.

The electricians appeared: Chris and Craig from Harry Burnicle who are updating the lights.

Fun arrived in the form of the CCA Christmas Coffee Morning. The tables were all decorated, Phil from Di’s Diner did the buffet, Pauline had the list of bits and bobs needed from the shops. Marion was in the thick of it, sorting prizes for the Bah Humbug Bingo – not this week, but soon. (Don’t ask all will be revealed in good time).

What an end to a superb week at the CCA , as Christmas is galloping towards us all: there has been refurb progression, more bookings secured for over the festive period including a Free Christmas Holiday Club for the kiddies.

Then, when things couldn’t get any better, the CCA friends – the Redeemed Christian Church of God – came to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, and sang a melody, with the CCA group willingly joining in.

‘Margaret, you would have loved it.’ said Marion. ‘I know I would,’ agreed Margaret. ‘So would the rest of the Frost Magazine team.’ 

Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

J

I’m so old that I can remember a time before mobile phones. How things have changed. Nowadays our phone is practically an extension of our very being – if you’ve ever experienced the acute panic attack associated with losing it or, worse, having it stolen you’ll know exactly what I mean.

So what pleasure to combine stylish top fashion with strong protection for our precious communicator? That’s why I was thrilled to check out the limited edition MAHARISHI x CASETiFY collection – tagline, ‘THE NAMES ARE MANY, THE TRUTH IS ONE’.

Many of you’ll be familiar with the distinctive brand Maharishi, founded by British designer Hardy Blechman – famous for Army surplus/Japanese/Indian fusion. Maharishi promotes central core values of military pacifism, mixing camouflage t-shirts and hoodies with floral and tiger prints. I just love the designs.

And then there’s CASETiFY, the global tech accessory brand, whose mission is to turn your personal electronics into stylishly slim, drop-proof accessories. But there’s more, CASETiFY doesn’t just mindlessly churn out accessories, it has a serious research and development Re/CASETiFY and Ultra Compostable programme to create very high-quality materials, and to protect the planet too. I’m pretty impressed, so let me tell you more.

CASETiFY have developed a phone case material that’s as durable as other plastics but much better for the Earth, utilising old phone cases plus manufacturing scraps and plant-derived bio-plastics. CASETiFY’s ecotify™ is made from 100% biodegradable biopolymers, starch and bamboo fibres, and uses eco-friendly ink meaning each phone case breaks down seamlessly into the earth and no toxins are left behind. Not only this, but the recycled materials are combined with the innovative shockproof material, qìtech™ to provide optimal protection, superior impact resistance and sustainability in an ultra-sleek phone case. And as if all this wasn’t enough, an antibacterial DEFENSiFY coating eliminates 99% of bacteria to protect your phone and you from germs. How many other Accessory designers do all this?

I adore the lovely phone cases in the MAHARISHI x CASETiFY collection – the subtle merging of camouflage with tiger skin is so beautiful, stylish and quirky. And for busy people who need both hands free, the military-style lanyard is so useful, with a neat strap card to attach the phone and case. Products in the collection include iPhone and iPad Cases, Apple Watch Bands and Macbook Snap Cases, not to mention a rather special skateboard for the more active amongst us.

The MAHARISHI x CASETiFY collection is available online and in CASETiFY Studio locations, with products shipping to more than 100+ countries. Check it out at casetify.com and why not download the new CASETiFY Co-Lab app (in App Store).? The Co-Lab program is renowned for tapping top artists, big celebrities and creatives so well worth a look.

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.