Frost has featured Tracklements before. We love these amazing preserves. Incredibly they’re still made by hand in small batches at their Wiltshire-based family company.

The reason Tracklements products taste so good is simple – it’s a combination of their recipes and their ingredients. Their ingredients are of the highest quality and are sourced from small companies and farms across England – they even involve school children by arranging for them to  pick their crab apples – giving the kids the opportunity to learn how traditional foods are made together with earning cash for school funds.

Tracklements use traditional recipes – some even from the 17^th century – but every now and then they treat us with a Special Edition, and I was delighted to test their Date and Tamarind Chatni. Chatni is an Indian word for chutney and the blend of sweet dates with the distinctive sourness of tamarind works perfectly. I tried it with cheese and it turned a simple snack into something very special. The makers recommend spreading it on top of white, meaty fish and steaming, or slather over pork chops and grill or even dollop into a Lamb Tagine for tremendous flavour and texture. It’s vegan and gluten-free, so no dietary issues.

Tracklements Special Edition Date & Tamarind Chatni RRP £3.50 for 250g, is available from fine food delis and farm shops nationwide and from their website – I can seriously recommend you give it a try.

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.

Tuesday 30th August at 8am the lovely Donna from Haven Wellbeing Centre in Columbia kicked off a brilliant week, Marion tells us, when she arrived with a donation of a new Dolce Gusto coffee maker and pod stand, sandwich maker and food dicer. Sadly, due to the current climate they are having to close down but on a positive note they will be using Columbia  Community Centre to deliver certain sessions. ‘We are grateful beyond words.’ says Marion

Liam and Stu are here to prepare and re-hang the doors. They will need to be primed and painted and new hinges. The lads were so full of life, singing and dancing to the music while working , that Marion had the cheek to wonder if Liam had been sipping the wine he won on the Hamper Raffle.  Gasp! Then, a bit of bad news: CCA’s treasurer Pauline has tested positive for Covid. Another gasp, and wishes for a quick recovery from the team at Frost.

It seems all the free crockery has gone, thanks to social media. Red Shoes Bob will be moving the fridge and freezer before Thursday, though the kettle will remain in the office as it’s always on the boil for anyone who pops in. Beautiful pottery was created by the children who received free bags courtesy of Andrew Leach from MBC Arts Wellbeing.

Marion wanted Frost Magazine to emphasis tthe CCA’s gratitude that so many wonderful people have come into the CCA’s lives, – each and every one of them has been the cream of the crop, and:  ‘Every one of them will remain our friends for life and always welcome at the centre. Our christmas card list will stretch from here to Newcastle by the end.’ Marion says. ‘ Oh, and by the way, Dianne is on Library duty ensuring that the fabulous novels we have for hire by Margaret Graham are all accounted for, as they are being borrowed like hot cakes. That’s great, as long as you say where Marion can find you and ‘Margaret’.

Margaret, author, BAD girl, and editor of Frost Magazine, says, ‘I will be up with more books, some by me, but as I review books by other authors I have these to share with the CCA too.’

At last, Thursday arrived, and danger -“Men at work”. Liam and Justin did a  mighty good job of dismantling the kitchen, and Phil the Plumber did what Plumbers do and it’s service with a smile.

Marion is so delighted. ‘We have waited so long and at last it’s all happening around us and we are all so happy. Bingo ladies are having a day off today, they tell me they wouldn’t be able to hear the numbers shouted out for the noise but they would have enjoyed the eye candy – Girls that’s naughty (but nice)’

Marion tells us that the CCA have nothing but praise for these lads from Equan, they haven’t stopped all day,  even washed the floor all ready for the joiner the next day. Then with the smooth came the rough. The emergency lights came on in the midst of a power cut. But why the power cut? After several phone calls a charming chap called Chris (Marion tells us – what is she like?!) telephoned to say he was on his way. It transpired the RCD had tripped. Now Marion knowswhat to lookout for if it happens again, so frankly, says Margaret. Marion won’t have to call out the charming Chris, so very there.

Marion reports that new kitchen is fabulous and so much is down to the skill of the men doing the refurb, plus – dare she says they are all so easy on the eye. She also says that ‘Margaret Graham will say I am Bad but Margaret Graham is not here but I bet she wishes she was. (She does) Then along came Ross to help with the handles.’

Liam                                               Ross                                            Supervisor

‘Linda arrived with delicious home baked Lemon cake (now the work has stopped)’ Marion said, ‘But they deserve a treat.’

‘That’s a rap,’ said Marion. ‘Roll on my next report, as we show off our doors and new kitchen.’

.Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

Joffe is delighted, on this the publication of the 100th digest, with our readers’ superb support for all their wonderful authors – who are very much part of the Joffe family, and they so  look forward to introducing many more in the years to come.

Joffe’s book of the week is the latest absolutely unputdownable crime thriller from #1 bestselling author Cath Staincliffe — DESPERATE MEASURES which is out now for the special launch price of just 99p | 99c.

It would be a shame to miss out on DCI Janine Lewis’s last case. Ever . . .   Respected GP Dr Don Halliwell is discovered brutally murdered and his colleague Dr Fraser McKee goes missing. Then McKee walks into the police station: ‘Somebody’s trying to kill me.’ However, he and Halliwell had been seen screaming at each other right before Halliwell’s murder.

It’s up to Janine to separate the murky truth from the lies.

CLICK HERE TO BUY DESPERATE MEASURES BY AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR CATH STAINCLIFFE FOR JUST 99P | 99C.

The Guernsey Ferry Murders by Pauline Rowson 99p/99c

Detective Inspector Andy Horton is in Guernsey when he receives an urgent call from his friend, Inspector John Guilbert. ‘A woman’s been found dead on the ferry which sailed from Portsmouth this morning.’Renegade detective Horton dives headfirst into his investigations, where dark secrets lead to destruction . . . 

A Future Murder b Linda Mather  99p/99c

MEET JO HUGHES, YOUR NEW FAVOURITE PRIVATE DETECTIVE.  Jo Hughes goes undercover to investigate Flora Howell. She tells Jo she’s looking for a missing friend and almost immediately afterwards she gets knocked off her bike in a hit-and-run accident. Then Flora’s friend is found dead. It’s up to Jo to read the signs and uncover the truth.

Murder at the Roman Baths by Jane G Goodhind 99p/99c

Amateur sleuth Honey Driver is attending the funeral of one of her mother’s friends. But before the deceased can be laid to rest, another body is found in the grave.The victim is C.A. Wright, renowned hotel reviewer with a nasty reputation and some even nastier habits. Wright was known as a leech, a lecher and a venomous cockroach by most people who crossed his path — including Honey Driver . . .

Such great great news:

Coming soon from Joffe Books — BABYLON BERLIN by Volker Kutscher. These truly are wonderful novels. I love them, love love love them. (You get the picture)
Joffe are not unnaturally delighted to be publishing Volker Kutscher’s award-winning series of Gereon Rath historical crime mysteries set in pre-war Berlin do not miss them. Do buy them.

The series of five historical thrillers, notable for its atmospheric portrayal of Weimar Republic Germany, has sold over a million copies worldwide and was recently adapted for television by Sky Atlantic, with the critically acclaimed Babylon Berlin TV series.

CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER BABYLON BERLIN BY VOLKER KUTSCHER.
“Atmospheric.” Peter James  “Gripping.” Mail on Sunday “Splendid and chilling.” Crime Time   “Conjures up the dangerous decadence of the Weimar years.” The Sunday Times

Joffe Books Publishing Director Kate Lyall Grant says:

“We are thrilled to have acquired digital rights in the remarkable Gereon Rath series, which brings the seedy underworld of 1920s’ Berlin to vivid and memorable life.”

NEWS

Now for a fulsome tribute on this, the celebration of Joffe’s100th digest, to honour Joffe’s beloved author Roy Lewis, creator of the Arnold Landon and Inspector Crow mystery series, who recently reached the impressive benchmark of over half a million books sold!

Joffe Books were delighted to receive a testimonial to Roy from his son, John,  which they wanted to share with Frost Magazine readers.

Roy was born in Ton Pentre, Rhondda, South Wales on 17/1/1933. He died on 18/8/2019. He probably started writing as a teenager.    In the late 1950s he contributed a number of short stories to an Australian publication, Man Magazine (and possibly also Adam). Suffice it to say that these publications mostly consisted of photos of young women in bathing suits with some articles and stories thrown in! 

He was first published by Collins in 1969, John thinks, and stayed with them in their Crime Club series for many years. He took inspiration for his books from what he saw around him, from his early years in the Rhondda, through his years as a Further Education college lecturer, college inspector, and the places where he lived — Wales, the North-East, Spain and France. He also travelled widely in the Far East, which features in his writing as well. Archaeology was of particular interest to him, as was mediaeval history (e.g. the Knights Templar), which is reflected in the Arnold Landon series of books

Joffe Books Publisher CEO Jasper Joffe on Roy Lewis:

“For a long time I wanted to publish Roy Lewis’s excellent crime novels. We used to speak occasionally on the phone and I always really enjoyed the charming lilt of his voice and his warmth.

I am very proud to publish his books and that we have sold over half a million of them, reaching a whole new generation of crime lovers. There’s a little sadness that he’s not alive to see the new-found success of his titles, but his books live on for his many loyal readers and I am so happy that we are his publisher.”

For more information: www.joffebooks.com

They say everything comes to those who wait…

But how long? I hear Marion call. Well, the good news is that the WiFi is up and running, with the misspelling of the user name on the hub rectified, and responsibility accepted by the supplier.  The email was a game in itself, but has eventually been resolved. I’ll leave Marion to tell you the full story when you pop in. It’s a hoot.

The kitchen is being stripped out on 1^st September and refitted on Friday 2^nd.

Natural Oak doors /Turkish Marble worktops. Crockery free to anyone who wants it
And clever Bob – he with the red trainers  (BTW, as editor of Frost I felt I too must have a pir of red trainers,so I will be NOTICED, Could I find a pair?) But back to Bob, who has passed an on-line PAT training course; Marion tell us ‘I am looking forward to hiring him out. ‘    ‘Bagsy me,’ said I. Marion insisted she was  only kidding. Huh.   Equipment ordered and delivery due any minute. 

Even with the turmoil of the  refurbishment, the classes continue, and brilliant news- Marion has had so many booking enquiries going forward into June 2023 she has had to buy a 2023 diary. Marion also met with Laura Bains from Equans to discuss the centre hosting a week-long training programme. Oh Laura, were you ‘had’? Yes, of course, you were,  for lo and behold Marion managed to negotiate the decoration of the computer room, benches installed, along with wall cupboards, as payment for the room hire.

Marion also told us: ‘Let’s not forget ‘Wind Chime making day’ with MBC Arts Wellbeing and happy smiling children. They are due to return on Friday with their creative work.’ So we’ll see the finished work on Frost Magazine. Hurrah, the doors have returned, though people have been enjoying the air conditioning in this hot summer. How lucky they have been  are with the weather, and though it has been relatively quiet, Marion said, ‘ Hang onto your hats folks we are about to take off because, our home is is very much on the way to being our pride and joy.’  We will hear more as this week closes.

Of courses, the Bingo ladies had cake – calorie free, though Linda won’t confirm. Last Friday of the month is Coffee morning and a good old natter. Hamper Raffle took place at the coffee morning berfore bank holiday and  fabulous news, it has been announced that the Hampers made £190 in donations, and the committee  thank every single one of you who supported the Ukraine appeal and a special thank you to Yvonne who donated £40, making a grand total £230.

Friday afternoon the Centre hosted  another ceramic class then the doors were firmly shut, and all headed off for the long weekend – to take a breath, recharge,and be ready for a new week at the Columbia Community Association. Can’t wait to hear how it’s going. 

Of all our senses, the ability to smell is possibly the most underrated. We all know that lavender and chamomile can help us sleep, but there’s a whole battery of essential oils and other fragrant plant extracts which can benefit us in so many ways. Ancient medical systems, such as Ayurveda recognize these powers on our mood and mental health and use essential oils in treatments.

As with all products which we plan to inhale or put on our skin, quality is so important, as a significant amount will end up inside our bodies – so I was so glad to discover Made By Coopers – created by Clare and Darren Cooper. Clare had suffered for years with anxiety disorders and when they visited an Ayurvedic centre in Kerala they were inspired to learn about the therapeutic powers of the different plants used there.

Eager to share with others, using the knowledge they’d acquired, they started producing fabulous products, ranging from Atmospheric Mists and candles to skincare products and a special sleep range. Each product has an aromatherapy element to it: Calming, Balancing, Uplifting, Energising and Passion. They follow the Ayurvedic philosophy to treat the body as a whole and they believe in ‘to nourish the skin, nourish the mind’.

All their products use nutrient-rich plant oils, therapeutic grade essential oils, flower water (hydrolats) and botanical actives, and are 100% free from parabens, SLSs, mineral oil, sulfates, artificial colours and synthetic fragrances.

I love the Happy Room Spray, with Lime essential oils for upliftment, Basil for Energy and Stress-relief, and Clementine for Mental Clarity and Mood. At £16.50 for 100ml this instantly relaxes and raises your spirits.

But there’s much more on the website – do take a look, and follow them on social media (links below)

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.

1. IRunning your own business can be very rewarding, but it’s also very difficult, especially regarding legal concerns. For example, if you’re not careful, you might accidentally miss important tax requirements or could even be unknowingly breaking the law by not having insurance.

The law defines a self-employed person as one who does business as an independent contractor. In other words, while you might work with companies, you are the “owner” of your services or product. But because you’re a business owner, you need to follow specific guidelines, some of which can be confusing.

This post will explore the frequent legal problems self-employed workers face and a few ways you can protect yourself from them.

Common Self-Employment Legal Issues

You need to be careful of multiple legal aspects when running your own business. These include:

• Property damage
• Client disputes
• Injuries
• Incorrect tax information

6 Tips to Protect Yourself

1. Get Insured

One of the best ways to provide protection for your business is to invest in insurance. This gives you financial support should there be a job injury, property damages, or disputes. In addition, many states will actually require you to get insurance if you plan to hire or work with others.

You’ll find that there are a handful of different insurance types self-employed businesses can invest in. These include:

• General liability
• Errors and omissions
• Workers’ compensation
• Property
• Auto

If you’re not sure what you need, contact an insurance provider. They’ll ask a few questions about your business and guide you toward the best option for your needs. You could also see if an online quote is available. With it, you can type in some general financial and business information to get an average price of what you must pay.

2. Register Your Business

Unfortunately, starting a company isn’t as simple as just getting the necessary materials and opening up. First, you must ensure that your business is registered locally to operate legally.

There are five main business entities you can register under:

• Limited liability company (LLC)
• Sole proprietorship
• Partnership
• Corporation
• S Corporation

These each have their pros and cons, so it’s crucial to research them carefully. For instance, an LLC is easy to begin, but there are strict tax rules, especially if you’re not careful with separating your business finances from your personal ones.

3. Study Tax Requirements

Trying to comprehend self-employment taxes can be extremely tricky. Unfortunately, many make the mistake of not thoroughly examining what’s required for certain businesses and understanding potential tax breaks.

One of the biggest tax regulations to pay attention to is the self-employment tax. This goes toward your Social Security and Medicare. In most cases, this rate is around 15.3%. All companies take this tax out of their employees’ paycheck, so it’s not always noticed, but because you’re self-employed, you’ll have to set aside some of your income for it.

The main tax form most will need to fill out is a 1040, which calculates and documents your yearly income tax. Remember that if your business made less than $400, you wouldn’t need to pay taxes no matter what your career is.

For companies with a partnership, there are other tax requirements. While an income tax isn’t always necessary for it, you must file your taxes regardless. Each partner must then include their income profit or loss on their personal tax return.

If you want to stay on top of things, consider sending in quarterly payments. You’ll send in a certain amount (based on your previous taxes or an estimate) to the IRS every three months. This will go toward your yearly tax requirements and prevents you from needing to pay a large amount at the end of the year.

4. Keep Track of Expenses

You must carefully document your expenses for tax purposes (especially for deductions) and to keep yourself organized and protected should there be an issue. Keeping receipts can protect you from potential fees or legal issues if something seems amiss on your taxes.

5. Watch Email Regulation Rules

Some self-employed businesses forget to follow email regulations, especially for marketing purposes. While the U.S. allows companies to send marketing emails, there are guidelines you need to follow via the CAN-SPAM Act, such as having an unsubscribe option. You could face heavy consequences if you don’t research and enact these rules.

6. Meet with a Lawyer

If you’re still unsure whether you’re doing your taxes correctly or just want to double-check things, it might be beneficial to hire a business lawyer. They can guide you around potential legal issues and verify your business follows the right regulations.

You need to be aware of many legal aspects if you’re self-employed. With these tips, you can better understand legal complexities, so your business succeeds.

Marion is thrilled with the  beautiful red roses, gifted to her by Sister Scholastica, and on that note, there are bound to be  knitters amongst you, Sister Mary’s sent her hat pattern (for the Seaman) which is on the CCA social media pages at copies are available at the Centre. As the evenings are drawing in,  I think Frost Magazine  will be hearing  the click of needles any minute now. More school uniforms have arrived, and will be collected by Equans. Was there ever such a smooth running operation courtsey of the CCA. But that’s not all, a freezer has been donated and so it goes on.  And, wonderfully, amidst all the mayhem still the groups arrive

The dancers are strutting their stuff,  Fat quarters  and  Shake that Boogey too.
Marion tells Frost Magazine that  ”Him indoors’ Bob, has put up a book stand in the office for the community to come along and browse the Margaret Graham books amongst others. Margaret is ‘our very own Brady Square lass and my friend.’  Which pleases Margaret, Frost Magazine’s editor, enormously.

During the week the CCA hosted a new programme of training with MBC Art Wellbeing which delivers free activities for children. This programme is funded for the next year, particularly during school holidays,which thrills Marion and the committee  Pottery class was the kick off activity and I daresay Marion got stuck in.  Roll on the 24^th and the making of Wind Chimes

Is that it for Week 4? Don’t be silly. Another friend of Marion’s is to visit to discuss delivering some First Aid training for all. and says Marion, ‘A little tea party was held  for two of our regulars, Sandra Noble and Ray Turnbull, both celebrating their birthdays (ages undisclosed!) Cake flowed in abundance. Refurb, what refurb who needs doors, thingamabobs or thingamajigs when you are having a great time.’ Frost Magazine, who love a bit of a ‘do’  has to agree.

And so exciting. The CCA should now be ‘live’ online, and soon there will be an email address. and everyone was on their marks waiting for the Asbestos check. Would hoards of men in white coats? No, to Marion’s intense pleasure it was a handsome young man named Chris who arrived. (Lord the woman’s so easy) She says, ‘That’s two handsome young men in my life today as my grandson Daniel has just arrived from Texas and the doors are back!! Hurrah hurrah. (will need priming and painting, but they have come home)

Another grand end to the week!’

Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

Margaret Graham is an author, tutor, editor of Frost Magazine and grumpy when it’s too hot,. She just loves the fish and chips at the Washington Arms  near the green in Washington Village. Yep, got it, Margaret is greedy.