Frankly, Frost Magazine’s editor was not feeling ticketty boo. In fact she had a bit of a bug. You know the sort, when it feels like flu, but as I haven’t had Covid, could it be…then you test negative for Covid, so perhaps it is just flu.  One starts improving, but food… No, I don’t think so.

Then an arrival…  no, not the ‘get better fairy’ waving her wand,  but a tap at the door. A delivery from a kind and thoughtful friend. It is a selection of Delicario cheeses. Still not hungry? Well, just a snippet, eh.

I should say so. All made so easy, with Pane Carasau  (Golden oven baked semolina bread)  which is delicious on its own, actually. But now the patient is pretty much ravenous, greedy, and why not with scrumminess all around.

So a soft Sapperlot cheese to start with, (cows milk, rennet, stgarter and salt)  and yes, Dick may join me. He enters with a mask on. ‘Pull yourself together. You’ve probably already caught it, so eat.’ He does.

Oh yes, quite delicious. Later in the day, we try Pecorino with Walnut Leaves, made in Romagne, Italy, of Sheep milk. Just a bit of Pecorino for there must be lots left for other days. Now though, there are two others to taste. Crikey, truffles? Yes, in the Truffelo hard cheese. Our grand daughter thought we said Gruffelo and was appalled. We put her right, because the attention must be on Granny with the flu.

Finally the Schuttler hard chees, with cow milk, fennel, caroway, anise and coriander. Dick’s favourite. I, being a totally balanced, if flu-ie person loved them all. Such a kind friend, such a greedy patient, such a great  Delicario, purveyor of fine artisan food.

Lovely jubbly in the words of Del Boy.

See all Delicario  have on offer at: Delicario

You won’t be disappointed

Rosebud Preserves (19th October 2013) – the view the Rosebud team look out onto daily

Frost Magazine received news of Rosebud Preserves delights – for you to send this Christmas, or keep. That’s the problem you see, one has to dig deep to find one’s generous self and actually give them to others rather than pop them into the pantry for yourself.

In fact, so delighted has the Frost Magazine team been as they’ve tested Rosebud Preserves’ quality products over the last few years, our editor, Margaret Graham, decided to nip across to Masham, North Yorkshire to meet Elspeth Biltoft owner of Rosebud Preserves,and her team..

Oh, and what a delight it was:

Elspeth at Rosebud Preserves

Margaret and Elspeth talked of many things :  sea and ships and sailing wax …until finally Margaret heard about the new Bramley Apple and Cider Sauce (£4.95/170g) and glorious it is too, prepared as it is with English Bramley, sweet Braeburn and a measure of Ampleforth Abbey Cider. The perfect accompaniment to Roast Pork.

(Apples 76% (Bramley & Braeburn), Ampleforth Abbey Cider 5%, unrefined cane sugar, fresh lemon juice.)

Elspeth explained, “This Bramley Apple & Cider Sauce is our interpretation of a very simple and popular accompaniment for roast meat, in particular pork or ham. It is made in collaboration with our Yorkshire neighbours, Ampleforth Abbey to the simplest of recipes, it contains generous quantities of freshly prepared Bramley and Braeburn apples to create a beautifully balanced, naturally sweet yet sharp sauce, enhanced with a generous measure of the Abbey’s Premium Cider. Carefully cooked to preserve its fruity freshness, every mouthful releases a pop of flavour, in huge contrast to the blandness of commercial Apple Sauce.

‘The monks of Ampleforth Abbey have grown fruit in their monastery orchard for over 200 years and this cider is made from a blend of cooking and eating apples, which are pressed in the Ampleforth cider mill and the juice is stored in large vats where it is fermented and matured for eight months.” 

Altogether, totally scrummy.  Scrummy brings us on to  Greengage Fruit Cheese (£5.50/113g)  a sweet complement for the festive cheeseboard.

Full of honey sweet flavour. Really truly deeply it is – ( is Margaret going on a bit as she tends to do?) But why not, when it is really superb, especially with Soft Blue Cheese.

Greengages 64%, unrefined cane sugar, water, fresh lemon juice. Prepared with 64g per 100g. Total Sugar content 60g per 100g.

Elspeth got a word in edgeways: “In recent years fruit cheeses have enjoyed a much-deserved revival because the intense fruity flavours work beautifully with their dairy namesakes on our favourite cheeseboards. Following the success of our Three Star Great Taste Award 2021 for Damson Fruit Cheese we have continued the theme with Greengage Fruit Cheese. This time using Cambridge greengages in a conscious decision to create an entirely different flavour profile to the damson.

“Greengages originated in Iran and are prized for their honeyed, confectionary flavour. They are considered to be amongst the finest of dessert plums. We buy our fruit from one orchard in Cambridgeshire. The recipe is deceptively simple, relying on the special characteristics of the plums alone to deliver results. The addition of unrefined cane sugar, and a little fresh lemon juice only, creates a richly flavoured and very unique preserve that works particularly well with soft blue cheeses.

Finally Elspeth mentioned that, “The sale of this product helps to raise awareness of heritage fruit varieties and the importance of preserving and planting traditional British Orchards.” Something that Frost Magazine supports wholeheartedly. 

It’s important to add here that Rosebud Preserves have created a cornucopia of gift packs (to include a variety of preserves), presented simply and with style, and priced reasonably. Ideal for  Christmas gifts – small and large.

Also this year there are  mince pies, and gin, yes gin, but Margaret will talk about these next week, with just as much enthusiasm. Though perhaps best not too much testing where the gin is concerned?!

Margaret left, reluctantly, as there was so much to see, and admire. Perhaps the most notable is that Rosebud Preserves has stayed true to Elspeth’s founding principles, which are to source local produce whenever possible, to cook traditional recipes, and use techniques that preclude the use of additives, preservatives or pectin.

While Margaret was there, Elspeth showed her a huge crate of Quince dropped off by a neighbour. How local is that?

So look out for another review of Rosebud Preserves next week. In the meantime, for a FULL list of products as the  Christmas season approaches go to:

www.rosebudpreserves.co.uk      Twitter @preserves   Facebook Rosebudpreserves

MBC had their first session at the start of the week, and were  then back again on Wednesday, the children are making fabulous ceramic pumpkins and doing Halloween activities.

Cultural Creatives, are amazing with their screen printing onto material for Xmas decorations, and clearly the Centre is buzzing, which is just how everyone  likes it, after all, the more the merrier.

Red Shoes Bob unacked the amazing array of  new kitchen appliances during the week; they have  been a long time coming but tra la here they are and  “Cooks’ kitchen” is ready and waiting. All relevant documents strategically placed and mounted on the walls.

The  new board is on the wall outside, letting the community know our opening hours and our Warm Spaces days and hours.

‘Thanks to Alyson Chapman, we have just taken delivery of a mammoth array of memorabilia, to numerous to list from T. Bells which our centre will treasure and the Bells institution will always be part of Brady Square. Pride of place is a bench which now stands outside our front door, my pal Brain Mason, has kindly agreed to make a sign for the bench in memory of T. Bell established 1883 – 2022′ said Marion

Tele No 4 went on the wall in the Cross Streets today, ‘A tele in every room, not bad eh, our community are simply the best, I don’t know how many times I say this Margaret, “There is no blood like Brady Blood” Amazing people, hearts of pure Gold.’ Frost Magazine has to agree. 

The hats keep coming curtesy of Plain and Purl, Tuesday morning, already 27 delivered.

Tom from Equan popped in with the boxes Marion requested. A bit of packing required however, but this will be revealed at a later date, as Marion is  pledged to secrecy, for now anyway.

More good news is that Aimee has increased her weekly dance class hours during the school holidays and its lovely to see the children dancing and chuckling away.

And,  another donation of spic and span, black folding chairs from Haven Wellbeing, ‘Thank you Joanne and Donna, Good luck in your new venture.’ says the committee. 

It was the AGM of the CCA last week, with plenty of coffee, biscuits and sandwiches to keep everyone going. Marion  feels very privileged to have been re-elected as Secretary to be able to serve your community. In her capacity as secretary, she has advertised on social media for yes, wait for it, only an 8ft Christmas tree, somebody somewhere just might have one tucked away in their loft. (Margaret, shy bairns get nowt.)   

‘And no-one can accuse you of that patricular vice, Marion. I hold my tongue over any other vice’ says Margaret

Marion explained that they have tried and tried to make contact with someone who can supply the Association with Poppies to sell, not an easy task. Finally Claire from Veterans in Crisis has managed to make contact and the Association will have them very soon. Dianne, has been tasked with collecting these.

In the midst of everything Marion is preparing a Mountain bike to be shipped over the pond, fragile stickers run off, ‘I tell you what, kids, they might be thousands of miles away but when they say jump, we say how high. The joys.’

Oh, how the Association  loves the Amazon man; who delivered the wall mount for the Associations ‘open’ flag. They fully expect it to be spotted from Google Earth. If so, and aliens arrive in profusion, not to worry, there  is plenty of parking for UFO’s, everyone is welcome at Columbia Community Association.

Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

This week Joffe’s Book of the Week is a stunning new psychological thriller from debut author Sally-Anne Martyn — THE CLINIC which is out now for the special launch price of just £0.99 | $0.99* and is a great page-turning chiller to enjoy this Halloween.

Three women with something to hide.  A beauty clinic in a former asylum.
One deadly secret . . .

Discover the clinic’s secrets in this completely gripping debut, perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, Colleen Hoover, Lucy Clarke, Sarah Pearse, Sue Watson, Alice Feeney or Patricia MacDonald.

*Please note that launch prices are available for a limited time only. Please check all price offers are live and available in your location before purchasing.

I’M WATCHING YOU BY AMANDA BRITTANY

A BRAND-NEW UTTERLY ADDICTIVE PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER FULL OF TWISTS.   Twelve years ago, three young women are attacked. One is murdered, one left in a coma, one escapes.  They never caught the killer . . . 

A CROOKED MURDER BY JEAN G. GOODHIND

LOVE MISS MARPLE? THEN MEET HONEY DRIVER   On the spookiest night of the year, Honey Driver dresses up as Morticia Addams to go to the Halloween birthday party of one of her oldest friends at the Moss End Hotel. The party is a disaster, and the owners have disappeared. And when they finally turn up, they’re in no condition to deal with complaints . . . 

DESTINIES AND RSOLUTIONS BY FAITH MARTIN, writing as MAXINE BARRY

A PAGE-TURNING READ FILLED WITH EXCITEMENT, SUSPENSE AND ROMANCE.   Wayne D’Arville, a cruel and ruthless playboy, has left a slew of women in trouble in the past.   Now Wayne is desperate to seek out the two illegitimate children he  abandoned. His search will take him around the world — with terrible and far-reaching consequences .

NEWS

Q: Describe your latest book in three words.    A: Creeping, remote, thriller.

Q: What author, dead or alive, would you like to have dinner with?  A: James Herbert. I like his take on horror / darker stories. That they can also be love stories, thrillers etc. I also love that his stories are very commercial and still well loved and read, many years later. I would also like to hear more about his time as a child, living in the east end of London, the inspiration for his debut, Rats.

Q: Who would you want to play your main character in a film/tv adaptation — and why?A: For Jenny, Sally Hawkins was always on my mind while writing. She can play withdrawn and feisty equally well! Amanda Abbington would make a great Dr Cavendish, because she’s beautiful and put together like the doctor, but would be great at bringing out the darker, chaotic and determined side of her. For Amy, it would be an unknown, a young woman who doesn’t fit the usual stereotype of a lead actor.

Q: What is the most interesting/unique thing you’ve had to research for a book? A: I worked in a crumbling Victorian asylum (the inspiration for Pine End Asylum), so I knew how those buildings felt already, but to give myself a refresher I did an overnight ‘ghost’ hunt at Newsham Park (a derelict orphanage) in Liverpool. To be honest though, I don’t have to be researching to do ghost hunts, I’ve done quite a few!

Q: What are you currently reading and watching? A: I’m currently reading The Call of Cassandra Rose by Sophia Spiers and re-watching the Swedish version of Let the Right One In, one of my favourite vampire films. If it’s TV it’s usually the latest Nordic noir.

Congratulations to Sally-Anne on the publication of her debut novel, The Clinic!

Really lovely news from Joffe, who are thrilled to announce that Joy Ellis’s hugely popular Jackman and Evans series has been snatched for TV by no other than Olivier Award-winning actor Richard Armitage, who also narrates the audiobooks.

And that’s not all! Richard is also cast to play the lead role, Detective Inspector Rowan Jackman, in the TV series, titled The Fens.
Read the whole story in The Bookseller here and stay tuned for more news.

For more information on Joffe Books new novels: here

‘The Golden Rule’ is a new book by Robin Cade  one that explores the historic unification of a common principle used worldwide. The Golden Rule can be described as the principle of treating others how you wish to be treated yourself.

This is a sentiment that derives from biblical times, acting as a foundation for the Christian Faith. In both the Old and New Testaments, rhetoric is shared of doing “unto others”, what you wish “men should do to you”. However, the Golden Rule is not just pinpointed down to Christianity, as almost all faith traditions can interpret it, including many religions. This idea of reciprocal behaviour is an idea that surpasses personal religious beliefs, transcending into all factions of life. For example, something as simple as a smile or a friendly gesture to someone can benefit both individuals.

“It is a principle that we can all endeavour to live by. Mr. Cade’s campaign to promote it is highly commendable and has my wholehearted support” – The Rt Hon Jacob Rees-Mogg MP

Robin’s diplomatic approach to the idea of the Golden Rule introduces the reader to a refreshed mindset. One where you are led to question your quality of life, and how you can approach situations in a more positive and practical light. When you prioritise humanity and understanding, you prioritise your own wellbeing.

Author Robin Cade hopes to start conversations with his findings of his research into the Golden Rule,

“The Golden Rule principle supports societies to reduce the abuse humans give to each other, to other species and to the planet itself. In the book, I explore various issues and subjects, including global waning, food waste, mental health, greed and abuse.”

You can buy your copy of The Golden Rule here https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1739671600/

Off we went to Ripon to admire Ripon Cathedral and were lucky enough to see the ‘Threads through Creation’  exhibition – a double whammy. When we left Thirsk the weather was looking forbidding, and by the time we arrived it actually was. The heavens had opened.

This is the stage at which you realise your mac isn’t actually waterproof. None the less a very swift walk from the Market Square to the Cathedral and into the warm and dry and quite  beautiful  small but perfectly formed (as they say) building, with its Arts and Craft pulpit. Off we toddled, looking at this and that, and then came upon the twelve huge textile panels of the Threads through Creation exhibition.  Someone we chatted to thoughr that the panels had probably been created using a long arm on the machine. However it was done, it was a fascinating retelling of the story of creation from Genesis, moving from the whites greys and blacks to the fulsomeness of nature.

Dick the engineer was particularly fascinated at the swirls and spirals and shapes the stitches created, we lingered looking from the embroidered panels to the quite exquisite stained glass windows, and that pulpit, which kept dragging me back, but then, quite frankly, a spot of lunch called. .

So off into the storm we strode, or scuttled perhaps, back to the Market Square and fell into the SO! Bar and Eats and the warmth of their welcome. ‘Were we wet, cold?’ they asked.

‘All of those things,’

So they found us a table slap bang next to the radiator, and by the time we had ordered a pino grigio for me and for Dick a Black Sheep beer, brewed at Masham nearby, from a great menu we were already drying out.

The menu ranged from a quick lunch, even just a sandwich to more of a feast. The starters included marinated olives and yes, Yorkshire Poutine. The main extended from, Charred Mackeral through to Superfood salad and on to the more usual pub grub, Ribs, burgers, and the classics, which is where I headed, longing for haddock and chips. Dick had a massive burger.

But great though the food was, and the heat of the radiator, it was the warmth and helpfulness of the welcome from the staff that we remember particularly. Nothing was too much trouble, and reminded us so much of The Wellington on the Strand in London, where we so often go when down there. So we ate, talked, laughed to one another, and the staff, until it was time to get wet all over again and zip to the bus. We were sorry to leave.

All in all an unexpectedly perfect day.

Info. So! Bar and Eats, 60 Old Market Square, Ripon HG4 1EQ. 017

01765 601 639

Website: sobarandeats.co.uk

Sad new to open with, but a life well lived as respects are paid to Joan Nichols, former Treasurer of Columbia Community Association who has sadly passed away. ‘R.I.P. lovely lady, gone but not forgotten’, says Marion

A busy week was had by all, what with Warm Spaces, meetings, bookings and parties.  All this and the work continues on around it. But onto specifics:

                Hats from Plain and Purl                  plus           Ukraine donations from their customers

A host of knitted hats was delivered from Plain and Purl, Hazel also sent a donation that had been collected in the shop for the Ukraine appeal. ‘Their generosity is overwhelming,  what a community we live in.’ says Marion, and the Frost Magazine team has to agree. 

Lee, the joiner boxed some pipes and then up went the clock on the kitchen wall, 60 CMS of black magic Tic Toc. New window sills were fitted in the Brady Square room and in Belgravia, though the names take a bit of getting used to. As Marion told Margaret. ‘Eee Margaret they are old names really, older than either of us.’ 

Then the Council  arrived to do the yearly boiler check; and it gave pause for thought – A whole year …?  The committee could barely believe it – and so much achieved. 

Stu from MRM has made a grand job of installing our television aerial. Marion told me how grateful they were to Davey, for organising this, and for his kindness towards their community. 

Donations applenty have arrived too, a 40 in tele and DVD play donated by Norma Warburton. Red Shoes Bob picked it up. Then another 40-inch tele arrived, curtesy of Kevin Roddy along with an array of jigsaws,  There will be a tele in every room. This is what is called ‘community’, something that Frost Magazine applauds. 

Dianne, Pauline and Marion visited Alyson Chapman owner of Bells, who have donated memorabilia to the CCA. Bells of course has been a: ‘part of our lives and they will be sadly missed by us all. Good luck in your retirement.’ says Marion. 

Thursday morning Allison from ASDA called for a photo shoot as they have provided some funding for our new blinds. along with new crockery etc. Pauline is tasked with purchasing the crockery as she loves a bit of retail therapy.

Wayne Ellison called in with the money for the new Kelley signs which he said are ready for collection, and, he brought Marion, yes, Marion a jar of Honey which is produced by local Bees. 

Halloween Floral arranging using Pumpkins took place on Thursday evening It was turnips in our day Margaret – Jack Shine a Maggie – now Trick or Treat,’ whispered Marion.

Ged Parker popped in for a chat from the WASHINGTON History Society, he said he was struggling for pictures of the Prefabs that was once in Brady Square so a post was generated on Memories of Brady Square page. Fingers crossed someone out there will have some.  New fridge unpacked and from today onwards there should be a fully equipped kitchen installed. But hang on, it seems a bit of magic occurred as Friday workday rolled to an end: lo and behold the Alcohol Fairy popped something in the fridge. It left Marion hoping that little fairy  was going straight along to theirs . We’ll have to wait to see.

Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

Monday morning MBC were at CCA at 9am on the dot for  cooking day, and lucky  Marion was offered the leftover fruit, to refuse would, of course, have been rude.(ho hum)  Cultural Creatives then pitched up and a Teddy Bears Picnic was created to everyone’s delight. 

During the week, Julie Milne, Lead Residential Liaison Officer at Equans talked with Marion, who told Frost, ‘There’s nothing like discussing your hopes and aspirations with ‘them at the top,’ I don’t know if it will be productive, but shy bairns get nowt.’                

It really is revolving doors at CCA because Donna Gilroy from Havern Wellbeing  delivered a donation of household products along with hand sanitizers, gloves etc. which was much appreciated.  And Equans donation of refreshments meant a very  great deal to CCA.

The CCA team was delighted to welcome Joseph Tote and Glen from the Jewellery Road show and Marion told me it was so  great to see the community popping in to use this free service. ‘Some people missed the opportunity but we have passed their details on.’

Then, off goes Marion again, with a great idea: ‘I have just ordered a new signing in book and on reflection maybe I should have bought in bulk as the books are filling up fast. This is a good thing as we love to entertain. Red shoes Bob as Margaret calls him is looking forward to being the Bingo caller on Friday for our “Free Prize Bingo” . He is a born entertainer, gets things wrong on purpose, or so he says, but he is game for a laugh. Then, on Wednesday, Ben the Plumber came to fit our new two bowl sink, which enabled the kitchen to be finally finished by the end of the week, so that the new appliances could be unpacked and ready for use.

Hurrah Hurrah, Brian rang to tell Marion that  Wayne would be calling in with the door signs and they are so great that Marion thought how lovely it would be to get him to make a new sign for the wall outside. So naturally she lost no time in contacting Margaret at the magazine, with the answer:: ‘Whoop whoop done deal Margaret, I keep telling you there is no blood like Brady Blood, I bet you are so pleased that you share this glorious nectar running through your veins. These signs are fantastic and made with love and pride. Oops, we missed the E out of Kelley, soon to be rectified and the nice gentleman who brought it to our attention is going to pay for the new signs.’

In answer to Marion, I am indeed pleased, for there I was, Little Annie Newsome’s lass who  spent most of her time outside the classroom door because she talked and talked, and whose reports always said – Could do better if she stopped being a nuisance – finally took herself in hand and started to write novels, quite a lot  set in  north east pit villages. How could I not,  after hearing about mum’s  life growing up in Brady Square, and my own times staying with Uncle Stan in his shop. Mum was relieved, she thought I’d be a criminal!

Chris from Harry Burnicle Contractors Ltd arrived to do the electrical check on the building. ‘We must ensure everyone safety at all times.’ Marion said.  Mind you, they had coffee and a chat on his arrival and ‘he agreed to have his photograph taken for the beloved Frost Magazine.’

Bob took the tables over to Woodridge Gardens for their Table Top sale on Sunday. The CCA likes  to help out where they can, and this is reciprocated by so many others. For instance:. 

ALLYSON CHAPMAN from Bells Caterers who are sadly approaching their closing date have a host of memorabilia  to donate to the Community Community Centre. How wonderful is that.

Last word from Marion:It’s been a great week and very productive and tomorrow is a pamper day for PollyP; red nails are on the cards., I love red nails Margaret, just as much as you love red shoes. Tonight, I am expecting the Alcohol Fairy to call. Cheers from Columbia Community Association, the place to be.’

It most certainly is.

Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

Uncle Stan Newsome, and Annie Newsome soon after their mum died. Auntie Isobel and me some years ago when she had left the shop after Uncle Stan died and lived in Biddick.

Mum’s parents ran  the Long Pull or Long Pole off licence. Her mum died when she ws 2. Her dad remarried. On Her father’s death when mum was 11, I think Uncle Edgar took the shop over, Finally Stan and Auntie Isobel  ran it. I loved them very much, and David, my cousin.