I have a passion for plaice. That is not too strong a word. I love it, but where can you find it? Readers,  try Thirsk Market on a Monday. There you will find Tony’s Grimsby Fish Emporium. Not only does Tony bring to our shores – oh, OK, picky, – to our cobbled Market Square – the most wonderfully fresh fish of all descriptions, he actually  brings plaice, that gold nugget of the fish world. It is  always plump, juicy heavy and I gotta get some.

And so I do, every week. Tony also brings the patience of a saint with him to Thirsk, and a suspicion of a smile behind his mask. There I was, in the queue, suitably distanced, while he waited for his customer to give directions to a tourist. So we waited too. I was so engrossed when it was my turn, Tony had to repeat himself, and as I began to ask for plaice, the lass behind me suggested the salmon, and the bloke behind her said that the smoked haddock was good. Well, by that time I was on the point of forgetting what I had actually come for, when I was tapped on the shoulder and there was Eric from the u3a, my secretary no less (I am chair by default – no-one else could – there you have it, I am usually a default choice) ‘What trouble are you causing now?’ said Eric. Readers, I had by now quite lost the plot.

Tony helpfully suggested: ‘Plaice?’ Well of course. And why not the smoked haddock. Salmon would be another day. it was a few pounds and 50 p. I was delighted because I knew I had a 50p in my coat pocket. Out I dug it, and triumphantly held it out to Tony.

‘Very nice too,’ he said. ‘I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.’ It was actually a gold foil-covered chocate coin. Oh how we all laughed. (I told you he was a saint) I found a proper 50p, and bore my plaice home in triumph. There you see my gold coin, sitting proudly next to the plaice. Dick had his own plaice but no gold coin. So I had pudding –  so very there.

Tony’s Grimsby Fish Emporium  attends Thirsk Market on Monday – Cambridgeshire area Wednesday- Northallerton market Thursday – and the Sleaford area. If you are coming to visit Thirsk, make it a Monday. Ask for the plaice, but leave me some.

A couple of weeks later with Christmas in sight I toddled ias usual nto town and saw that the Yarnbombers had been ‘at it’ again. They are a stealthy gang of finger dancing knitting needle afficionados who set out with their themed work during the hours in which mere mortals sleep, or so I imagine. For in the morning we emerge to find we have been yarnbombed: on the top of post boxes, bollards, in shop windows, on benches, in essence on anything that doesn’t move I love it, love it. It makes me proud to see such wonders, because, trust me, they are.

Amazing workmanship lightens up the misty gloom of an autumn day, and reflects the colours of a brilliant frost. We never know when they will come – they are suddenly – just there. All over the town and environs.It makes me proud to be an inhabitant of Thirsk which is full to the brim of such wonders.

There you are you see, I’ve come over all ‘literary’. But how can one not.

And a merry Christmas, one and all, from wonderful Thirsk.

If you’re still wracking your brain for Christmas gifts which won’t break the bank or (even worse) someone’s just handed you an unexpected present which requires reciprocation (aghhhh) then you may want to check out The Glade® Aromatherapy collection.

You’re probably familiar with Glade®– they’ve been making household air fresheners since 1956 (not often I can say ‘before my time’ these days) but you may not be aware that they do a luxurious range of aromatherapy candles and reed diffusers – yes I was surprised too.

The candles are large and will last for ages. I tried the Moment of Zen (Lavender and Sandalwood). Even as I opened the candle the sensual aroma of the essential oils hit me, and once lit, the scent soon filled the room. The Reed Diffuser, as you can see from the photo is a nice size and the amber glass bottle not only looks attractive but also combats light-induced deterioration. In fact the fragrance lasts for 45 days, creating a warm welcome for visitors right over the holiday period.

I’m always keen to view the ingredients in candles and fragrant oils – and I was delighted that SC Johnson, the makers of Glade®, have the full list easily available. Importantly, none of these contain parabens, phthalates, nitro-musks, artificial colours or dyes and any artificial ingredients comply to stringent safety standards. They’ve also been designed with a regard to sustainability and use reusable and recyclable packaging.

Each scent has been uniquely crafted with a dual blend of premium essential oils and, besides Moment of Zen, the range also includes:

• Calm Mind® created with Bergamot & Lemongrass

• Pure Happiness® blended with Orange & Neroli

But there’s more good news – these lovely gifts don’t cost the earth and the collection is available from all major resellers including Tesco, Asda, Waitrose, and Amazon. The RRP is just £12.00 for the candles and also for the reed diffusers, but check out the Where to buy button on the Glade website and you’ll find some real bargains – for example Wilko are selling them for just £6 each at the moment.  Customers will also receive a free 3-month CALM membership with a minimum £12 purchase of Glade® Aromatherapy products – so what are you waiting for? Buy, Gift, Enjoy.

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 delighted to launch HER PERFECT SECRET  the completely gripping new psychological thriller by bestselling author T.J. Brearton, perfect reading for fans of Patricia MacDonald, Lisa Jewell, Alex Michaelides and Susanna Beard.

It’s him. Tom. I helped put his mom in prison for life.

But my daughter keeps calling him Michael. And they’re here at the lake house telling us they’re getting married.

She loves him. But I know he’s lying.

Seems to me we shouldn’t miss the up-all-night new crime thriller by T.J. Brearton, described by Amazon Hall of Fame reviewer The Book Doctor as “one of the best and most accomplished American crime writers working today.”

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Celebrating the power of play, the joy of communication and the positive force of friendship,
Stan (named after the T–Rex at Manchester Museum) is a powerful and poignant new
production, commissioned by Z–arts and developed by Art with Heart with the help of over 200
deaf and hearing primary school children from Greater Manchester.

The production positively demonstrates how we can overcome language barriers, and challenges preconceptions of deafness.

Sam (Ross Thompson) is a happy, dinosaur loving 8–year–old whose world turns upside down
after his parents separate. As he takes himself off to the far end of the school field, he meets
Alex (Alexandra James), a deaf girl with a vivid imagination – and an impressive collection of
dinosaurs. Alex is from a proud deaf family and despite being socially isolated at school, she is
strong, smart, sociable and imaginative. The pair form an unlikely friendship and when things at
home become too difficult for Sam, Alex whisks him away on an astonishing adventure to meet
the almighty Stan, the gigantic T–Rex at Manchester Museum.

Stan from Sarah Emmott (Secret Diaries, Declaration) is written and performed in English and
British Sign Language and embeds creative captions within the set. The play will be
accompanied by post–performance workshops, an education pack including a video of BSL signs
to help hearing and deaf children communicate, three Deaf Awareness training events and a
dinosaur object handling box with some fascinating objects from Manchester Museum’s
collections. The post–performance workshop will be BSL Interpreted and has been designed
with both deaf and hearing children in mind.

Sarah Emmott comments Growing up, my parents lived very separate lives (so) my imagination
was both my safe escape and my resource to help me understand myself, my feelings and our
family situation. I wanted to create a play that reflected how vital imaginative play is as a form
of communication, not only with others but with ourselves.

Z–arts commented Art with Heart have put children at the heart of the creation of Stan and
tackled tricky issues whilst creating positive representation and a super fun show for families to
enjoy. We are so excited to bring this show to Z–arts and for as many of our friends, families and
schools to see it as possible.

 Stan: Running time 50 minutes, followed by a 30 minute workshop

Box Office Tickets are available from individual theatre box office
See www.artwithheart.org.uk   for more information and performance venues and dates

Facebook @weareartwithheart
Twitter @artwith_heart
Instagram @weareartwithheart

Sam – Ross Thompson
Alex  – Alexandra James
Mum – Gemma Green

Writer Sarah Emmott
Director Jonathan McGrath
Movement Direction Deborah Pugh
Lighting and Sound Design Adam Steed and Alex Willy
Animation and Captions Triple Dot Makers
Set and Costume Design Irene Jade
BSL Consultant Raphaella Julien

 Tuesday 25th January – Saturday 12th February

Frustrated by the lack of interesting roles for mature women, Northeast actors Jaqueline Philips
and Judi Earl have collaborated with writers Gary Kitching and Steve Byron to bring Tree to
Alphabetti Theatre this January. The world premiere will explore what it really means to be
honest and to lie, to be lonely and alone, and to live and be alive.

This funny, heart–breaking production follows the chance meeting of Hazel and Rowan. Rowan is
a liar and a fantasist; she lives vicariously through the internet and flirts with dangerous
conspiracies. But when she meets Hazel who, conversely, is grounded, worldly and honest, she is
forced to confront the fragility of life and what it means to be human – can Rowan revaluate
how she lives her own life?

Determined to write roles for older women that avoided the classic tropes of mothers,
grandmothers and wives, Tree explores humanity in the post–truth era outside the gendered
lens. Directed by Rachel Glover, this series of cosy and uncomfortable conversations is
underscored by classic songs that deal with counterbalance like Joni Mitchel’s Both Sides Now
and Ethel Merman’s Everything is Coming Up Roses.

Gary Kitching comments, Tree started as a simple request from two fantastic actors from the
Northeast during the 2020 lockdowns. Sick of being asked to play mothers and grandmothers,
they asked Steve and I, having seen our previous collaboration Bacon Knees and Sausage Fingers,
if we would write for them. We quickly decided that we would. We hope that the piece brings to
life the complexity and nuances of our performers and well as of honesty, morality, and ‘being’ in
general.

The Worriers is a growing collective of artists brought together by Gary Kitching, Steve Byron &
Ali Pritchard. Previous award–winning shows include Bacon Knees and Sausage Fingers, Wilfred,
Walter, Floorboards, Sucking Eggs and Rocket Girl.

Tree:  Dates Tuesday 25th January – Saturday 12th February
Captioned Performance: Wednesday 2nd February
Audio Described Performance: Wednesday 9th February
Relaxed Performance: all Saturday Matinees

Location Alphabetti Theatre, St James’ Blvd, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4HP

Box Office Booking essential. Tickets are Pay What You Feel and are available from
https://www.alphabettitheatre.co.uk/tree

Facebook @AlphabettiTheatre
Instagram @alphabetti_theatre
Twitter @alphabetti

Running time 60 minutes   Notes 12+, discussion of mental health and sexual references.

Writers Gary Kitching and Steve Byron
Director Rachel Glover
Stage Manager Andrea Scrimshaw
Producers Esther Fearn
Matt Jamie
Ali Pritchard

Cast Judi Earl
Jacqueline Phillips

Last time I shared one of my all time favourite self-care rituals – meditating in the bath.

But self-care doesn’t always have to take a long time. Some of the best self-care tools are little techniques that you can turn to when you are triggered, stressed, overwhelmed. You discover them on your journey, play around with them & realize they work & you pop them in your self-care tool kit, knowing you can turn to them whenever you need them.

Having little tricks that you can pull out of your self-care tool kit when you need them is as important to creating a practice of self-care as taking time to meditate & do yoga, spend time in nature, garden, whatever it is that you like doing that is all about nurturing your mind, body & soul.

Self-care is also about having a tool kit, an arsenal of coping mechanisms. These are little tricks, techniques, conscious moments which help us to thrive even if times are stressful!

These little techniques are brilliant because when you notice that you’re triggered, stressed, anxious, overwhelmed you don’t have to disappear to meditate for 10 minutes or get on your yoga mat. Instead you can turn to these tips right when you need them. Perfect for when the festivities get a bit overwhelming & you need to reset.

Today I’m going to share 2 little breath techniques which really help to calm the mind, relieving stress, anxiety & overwhelm.

I have been using the longer exhalation for years.

The exhalation activates the vegas nerve which in turn stimulates the relaxation response, calming the mind. It’s a brilliant technique to know because you can use it anywhere.

Since our brain doesn’t know the difference between real & perceived threats it’s a really useful tool for dealing with the emotional & mental stress the holidays can sometimes present.

Simply breathe in smoothly for 3 & breathe out for 5. Keep doing this until you feel a shift. A smile, a sigh, a yawn are all good signs of a shift. Feeling lighter in the shoulders or more grounded are also a promising sign that there has been a subtle shift. These subtle shifts all mount up to create something quite profound.

The second technique I’d like to share with you is finding the pause.

We have a tiny pause between the in breath & the out breath & again between the out breath & the in breath.

With this breath technique we simply exaggerate this pause.

When we find the pause in our breath it helps us to find the pause in our life.

This is especially useful during the menopause when plummeting hormones mean we can be more susceptible to over-reacting.

But let’s face it festive commitments can also make us feel over-whelmed & more likely to over-react.

But it’s also important to find the pause when things are going well to acknowledge these magical moments, savour them, give thanks for them – no better time to start fining the pause than in the holidays!

If you would like to find out more self-care tips to thrive in the festivities check out Alex’s FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindfulnessyoga4selfcare

Or on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexbannard/

Short yoga sequences including yoga for stress are available on her YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQlKZJ7MeyYc6lqkv6seISw

Alex is based on the edge of the stunning Cotswolds & has been sharing her love for all things yoga & mindfulness for almost a decade, not just in the UK but also around the world. Her mission is to help everyone discover a more mindful way of living & to encourage them to embrace regular self-care practices for a happier & healthier way of being.

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The festive season can be a stressful time. It’s so important take some time to care for your mind, body & soul all the time but especially during stressful periods.

Self-care isn’t always bubble baths & chocolate although there is definitely a place for that: meditating in the bath is one of my favourite self-care – more of that later.

Self-care is all about doing something we look forward to everyday, it’s the highlight of our day, something we do that nourishes & nurtures our body mind & soul. It doesn’t have to be time consuming or self-indulgent, just a few short minutes can make a huge difference.

It’s all about about doing what you need in order to nurture & nourish yourself.

Simply taking sometime to do this sends a powerful message – it sends a message about your self-worth. That you love yourself enough to take care of yourself. You send a message to the Universe: I am worth it, that’s why I am investing in myself, taking some time to make myself a priority. This is an act of self-love & you are SO worth it.

Self-care is an act of self-love which boosts self-worth: what a beautiful virtuous circle.

When life is stressful, as it can be during & leading up to the holidays, it’s even more important to practice self-care. This is because when we are living in stress we are living in survival mode, drawing from our energetic field. We need to balance this by activating the rest & digest system to boost our energetic field, protecting against illness & burn out.

As I said at the beginning meditating in the bath is one of my favourite self-care rituals ever.

I use magnesium salts which are brilliant for detox-ing, cleansing & soothing away aches & pains, mentally & physically.

I just love meditating in the bath – words can’t do it justice, just try it.

Fill the bath with bubbles or magnesium salts & then lie in the bath just rest your attention on your breath. Every time you get distracted by a train of thought, no need to beat yourself up, criticise or judge, just simply guide your attention back to your breath.

If your mind feels really noisy & busy, don’t worry, this is normal: when we become still & silent our minds can suddenly seem really busy thinking thoughts.

We can’t stop our minds thinking thoughts but we can stop these thoughts from controlling us. We simply become aware when we have been interrupted by a thought & gently & kindly accept this interruption, guiding our awareness back to our breath.

Join me next week for another self-care tip to help you thrive in the holiday season.

If you would like to find out more self-care tips to thrive in the festivities check out Alex’s FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindfulnessyoga4selfcare

Or on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexbannard/

Short yoga sequences including yoga for stress are available on her YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQlKZJ7MeyYc6lqkv6seISw

Alex is based on the edge of the stunning Cotswolds & has been sharing her love for all things yoga & mindfulness for almost a decade, not just in the UK but also around the world. Her mission is to help everyone discover a more mindful way of living & to encourage them to embrace regular self-care practices for a happier & healthier way of being.

Nettlecombe Manor, nestled in the rolling hills of Devon, is home to  Lord Farringdon and his second wife, Lady Charlotte. As if running the vast estate wasn’t enough, Lord Farringdon has five daughters to keep him busy. Lady Charlotte is determined that the betrothal of the eldest, Louisa, should be celebrated with a ball, one that will be the envy of Devon society. A corsetiere is summoned from Exeter to measure them up for new corsets.

Apprentice Jane Haydon arrives at Nettlecombe to do the fittings. Having never set foot in such a grand home, Jane is disturbed to hear tell of a gypsy’s curse which has haunted the family for generations, and a local wise woman’s vision that there will never be a wedding at Nettlecombe.

I found myself reading  this novel without stopping for anything, or that’s what I would have liked as it was just so hard to put down, but I expected this, as I had enjoyed her previous ones so much.

Farringdon’s Fate transports the reader back to 1854 and the world of balls, corsets grand estates and grandiose ambition. I simply could not pry myself away from the tremendous characters and their lives set in my home territory of the west country, an area which Finlay captures and portrays so exquisitely.

If you enjoyed TV shows such as Bridgerton then you will no doubt enjoy Farringdon’s Fate.

Published 9th December2021 available in Paperback, ebook and audio

7.99 from Amazon