Thirsk’s local heroes…

Posted on May 1, 2020 by Margaret Graham

Lockdown is not the end of the world – what would be however, is breaking it. This would risk not just you, but everyone with whom you come into contact.

So, how to manage in a world where the culture is to nip out if something is needed, eat out, eat takeaways, do as we wish? Where families are often far flung – and contact is by telephone or IT.

What we have to do is depend on community; you know; that all too often long ago reality where we knew our neighbours, and shopkeepers – and everyone cared for everyone else.

But will neighbours step up to the plate? Will the community? What about the shopkeepers? Does the plate, and community even exist?

In Thirsk , a small market town, people haven’t just stepped up to the plate. They have stayed and built on it, and asked of themselves as much as their hearts and energy could give – and then some more.

Neighbours, those young enough to be allowed to shop, collect lists from the rest of us. They return with arms down to the floor. Books are loaned, texts of advice and support exchanged. Cakes, and even homemade pate are left on doorsteps, or a bottle of wine. One of our neighbour’s knocks and leaves Magnums, chocolate covered icecream lollies for the uninitiated, and ruinous to the diet, and which, sorry but… I consider an essential. The WI, the U3a groups continue to function in a variety of ways.

The local shops have excelled, and here I mention only those we have used. But there are others. The wonderful community conscious shops and cafes I feature have, with great entrepreneurial gusto turned themselves around overnight, setting up delivery services, determined that those in the community should continue to be served, and their small businesses should survive.

The Greengrocer at 93 Market Place Thirsk YO7 1EY is exhibiting no, not virus symptoms, but this amazing entrepreneurial spirit has responded to demand, and the team put together boxes for delivery, (£15 and £25) Extraordinarily fresh, I repeat fresh vegetables, fruit and eggs. Phone them, 01845 527899.

If you do not want certain vegetables or fruit, talk to them. They are always happy to help. In common with other local outlets in Thirsk, the team at The Greengrocer is working its socks off, and let’s hope this side of the business stays as thriving as it is now. I have to say, that the shop is such a picture on the Market Square, with the fruit and vegetables displayed, and the PLANTS.

Just round the corner from the Market Place, at 1 Kirkgate, Thirsk, North Yorkshire YO7 1PQ. 01845 523212 / 07973 117354 is Johnson’s the butcher. But not just a butcher – they are so much more. They offer an extensive range of local meats, plain or prepared; eg Beef Stroganoff for you to cook. There are pies, game, smoked fish and ready meals, and a delicatessen.

Ever versatile and quick to respond to changing circumstances, there is now a lockdown steak night pack with 2 sirloin steaks, 2 mushroom bakes, garlic roasting potatoes and a sauce, all this for only £16. The speed at which the owners turned around the shop, to cater for those who couldn’t leave their homes is a testament to their determination to rise to the challenge of a community in need. As with The Greengrocer, they now have a successful and ever growing delivery arm, which serves not just Thirsk but surrounding villages. I reckon a fair bit of exhaustion runs alongside, as with all these businesses taking up position on the plate. www.Johnsonsofthirsk.co.uk

I mentioned cafes. Well, here is Bliss cafe and Patisserie. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bliss-Cafe-Thirsk/ email. blisscafe@mail.com

Bliss Cafe welcomes dogs, ours adore Jacqui, and it’s not just because of the slices of sausage they are both given on arrival. We, the grownups. don’t have slices of sausage, but we do have coffee and cake. Or breakfast, or lunch… Yet, again, at the start of lockdown, Jacqui and her daughters turned the business around overnight and now deliver cooled, or frozen ready meals, cooked by their own fair hands. (In addition they do take-away: 9 am to 1 pm.)

Our particular favourites are Fish Pie and Beef Lasagne. Even the dogs get a treat when the meals are left on the doorstep: a bag of sausage slices. Jacqui explained that she worried about her regulars, and wanted to make sure they were fed, so the prices are ridiculously reasonable and they leave the meals on the doorstep, and that way she can stop worrying about us.

This, guys, is what community is all about. But these small businesses are not just community minded, they are also enthusiastic entrepreneurs, and are endlessly finding ways to thrive in a small market town. In this way, they continue in a positive onward sense, and, so does the community. In Thirsk, there is a buzz, a hope, an energy.

But I’m not done yet.

The Community Works is the result of a coming together of The Clock and Thirsk Community Care. These two charities have merged their staff, resources and services and through Community Works they offer practical help at all times. But during lockdown they are particularly invaluable, as they are able to offer prescription collection, and shopping for the vibrant independent, hilarious and doughty people of the area. We’ve used them, they’re fabulous. 01845 524494

I am now going to sneak another in, the Port of Lancaster Smokehouse. This was recommended to me by people from around the country, including London and Morecombe. So I had to try it. The fish arrived within 48 hours. Today we had salmon and cod, and we tasted the sea. We really did. Try them, I beg you. www.Lancastersmokehouse.co.uk or 01524 751493

Pablo thinks differently! Pablo is an autistic boy who sees the world in different ways

Posted on May 1, 2020 by Catherine Balavage

In a wonderful moment for neurodiversity Ladybird have two Pablo books out now and another two out soon. These empathetic and heartwarming books are written by writers on the autistic spectrum, and are grounded in the real-life experiences of autistic children. Pablo will help readers understand that not everyone thinks the same way.

These books are essential reading for atypical and typical children. They are wonderfully illustrated and have great stories that will keep children entertained, as well as educated. They are cleverly done. Get your hands on a copy now.

Pablo is the first animated TV series to star an autistic character and the first TV programme with an all- autistic core cast. Pablo is shown on CBBC, RTE and Netflix, won Best Preschool Programme at the 2019 Broadcast Awards. It was nominated at The 2018 Children’s BAFTAs.

Pablo and the Noisy Party written by Andrew Brenner and Sumita Majumdar

Pablo is invited to a birthday party, but the noise makes it hard for him to go.

Pablo’s friends , the Book Animals , help him recognise what is worrying him and to feel OK about not wanting to go.

Out now: £6.99 | 9780241415740

Goodnight Pablo written by Andrew Brenner and Sumita Majumdar

Pablo and his friend Wren don’t want to go to sleep because they think they will disappear.

With the help of the Book Animals, Pablo finds a way to calm himself and get to sleep.

Out now: £6.99 | 9780241415245

Pablo uses his ‘magic’ crayons to overcome everyday challenges. He brings the viewer into his ‘art world’where he bravely takes on real -world challenges , turning them into fantas tic adventures , and communicates unfamilliar feelings by drawring these colourful characters into life. These characters are his imaginary friends, who each carry traits typical to those on the spectrum.

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Coming in August 2020: Pablo Picks his Shoes and Pablo’s Feeling.

About Ladybird:
Ladybird is an imprint of Penguin Random House , the world’s number one publisher representing a vibrantcommunity of publishing houses marked by unparalleled success.

Ladybird has been publishing expertly crafted books for young children for over 100 years and stands at the forefront of children’s publishing as one of the most iconic and well-known children’s brands. Ladybird encourages kids to explore the world around them. It answers questions for children, and answers a need for parents, grandparents and carers, whether that’s bedtime, starting scho ol, exploring nature or potty training. Our books are trusted by parents the world over and include playful, design -led books; beautiful, highly illustrated non-fiction; classic stories made contemporary; current licensed brands plus a selection of fun nov elty titles for little hands. Some of our most popular brands and series include Peppa Pig, Hey Duggee, Baby Touch, Little World and Ten Minutes to Bed.

From birth through to confident young readers, at every age and every stage, we offer books and apps f or your young child’s every need.

We make growing up the best story ever.
For more information, please visit our website www.penguin.co.uk/ladybird Or follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram: @LadybirdBooks

A Connected World: 4 Top Social Activities to Enjoy Online

Posted on April 27, 2020 by Aidan

Source: Pxfuel.com

Staying in touch is harder than ever. But in times like these, social interaction is essential for a healthy lifestyle. Fortunately, the digital world is well-prepared to keep you communicating and entertained. There is a range of platforms out there dedicated to bringing people together as much as providing great services. While many of them were already popular, their value to consumers is especially apparent now.

Below are four examples of online activities that have gathered very happy audiences. What is just as impressive is the variety of social entertainment actually available. Whatever your hobbies and interests, you will find something to connect you with friends, family or complete strangers with common interests.
Video Chatting

Demand for telecommunication software that can handle several users at the same time has skyrocketed. Can you imagine the pressure put on brands like Skype and WhatsApp, their status and expertise tested as rivals surge to cover group chat needs? Many would say that Zoom is the most effective of the lot, as it supports everything from conference meetings to fitness classes. Its competitors are on the offence, though, helped by reports that Zoom is not doing so well in terms of the security and privacy it affords users. All these apps are sucking up the attention and striving to maintain, if not improve, users’ experience.
Dating

It is not just about meeting someone special. Several people go on dating apps to simply chat and connect with new faces in their area or even around the world. This friendly, straightforward attitude is what the Badoo Android audience enjoy, for example. A simple design that gives you the chance to filter straight to the kinds of people you want to talk to, with so many opportunities for stimulating conversation. It’s one of the many perks of digital connectivity that make socialising remotely more fun and comfortable.
Video Gaming

When you run out of things to talk about, what do you do? Play games! Social media and video chatting platforms have loads of entertainment for multiple players, whether casual or more intense. But there are bigger titles too that allow a far more exciting way to connect. A great example at the moment is Animal Crossing, Nintendo’s simulation series that is constantly adding new members. Why fight dragons when you can build a home in a virtual world populated by cute animals? It was perhaps the social elements of this game that have made it such a hit, paired with a wholesomeness many gamers appreciate.
TV and Movies

For more laidback fun at home, streaming services are gradually introducing group-watching features. As if Netflix was not popular enough, it now allows for access to a party mode. You simply start by picking a programme and then share the link with a bunch of friends so you can enjoy it together – perfect for a remote Star Wars marathon. Keep in mind, though, that Netflix Party only works on Google Chrome browsers. Apart from minor details like these, great evenings of laughs and popcorn are still very much on the table.
Your day can be as calm or epic as you want. Try out these highly-rated options or explore what other fun you can have with your friends online. You can at least be sure that your entertainment needs are covered. Whether you are in the mood for World of Warcraft or a coffee chat, the digital world is here to serve.

Conscious Chocolate and The Raw Chocolate Company Team Up with Work- at-Home Care Packs

Posted on April 26, 2020 by Catherine Balavage

Lockdown is tough so we all need some love. Chocolates from Conscious Chocolate and The Raw Chocolate Company are delicious and so much healthier than the sugar-filled, cheap kind. They are original as well as delicious. Healthy enough to make you not feel guilty and they taste delicious. Win-win. Get some now.

With venturing outside being almost off-limits at present, Conscious Chocolate are pairing with The Raw Chocolate Company to launch an exquisite collection – vegan chocolate at its sumptuous best; the Work at Home care pack makes working from home and staying in not only bearable, but delicious.

Both brands have redefined indulgent snacking with 100% organic recipes and a host of evocative flavours including Vanoffee, Silky Coconut, Orange and Tangerine and the infamous rose-tinted Love Potion No.9 – lovingly crafted and ethically packaged.

The Work-From-Home care packs contain four bars of sumptuous Conscious Chocolate and three from The Raw Chocolate Company, as well as moreish bites including chocolate- covered almonds and chocolate-covered goji berries.

Work at Home care packs are priced at £12.30 (a 30% discount), available online only.

http://www.consciouschocolate.com https://www.therawchocolatecompany.com

Stay Up with Hugo Best Book Review

Posted on April 24, 2020 by Catherine Balavage

Some books are entertainment and some are a hard read. Stay Up with Hugo Best is a bit of both. It can be an uncomfortable, read, but it is an important one. I feel like this is a real book which picks up on so much nuance. It is a rich tapestry of the complexities of the gender war.The relationship between men and women is complex, and the relationship between powerful men and younger women is complex and ripe for abuse.

Metoo has created a new world but it is not necessarily a better one. Abuse and inappropriate behaviour still happens. People make bad choices all of the time.Sometimes the people making the bad choices are woman.

Stay Up with Hugo Best is a brave book and Erin Somers has taken her own path in writing it. It is a brilliant exploration of the entertainment industry and the powerful men within it. This book will resonate with many. A great read.

The novel is an exploration of the power and influence in the entertainment industry in the #MeToo age and a meditation on desire, both realized and unrealized. Through these themes Somers has created in Stay Up with Hugo Best a wonderfully witty, wise and deliciously melancholy narrative.

Stay Up with Hugo Best charts the long weekend a late night talk show host and a young staffer spend together after the show’s cancellation. The weekend is tense, and uncomfortable and the characters so magnificently honest, as the two sardonic souls find themselves connecting.

When Somers finished a creative writing program in her late 20s, she did not know how to proceed. She was uselessly spinning her wheels. This seemed to her something a lot of her peers were going through too—the structures by which one builds a life seemed to have crumbled. ‘I thought this was an interesting time of life to explore, and an interesting predicament: how to succeed as a young woman in a creative field still dominated unfortunately by men. What compromises would I be willing to make if given the opportunity.’ From these initial reflections came her inspiration to write Stay Up with Hugo Best.

Stay Up With Hugo Best is available here.

How to Choose a Fishing Kayak

Posted on April 24, 2020 by Aidan

Choosing a fishing kayak is one of the best decisions you can make when choosing a fishing boat. They are relatively cheaper than powerboats and they can be used in a variety of settings including ponds, lakes, and rivers. The challenge is that most people do not know how to choose the right kayak for the fishing situations they think they might find themselves in. Below, we will look at a few simple things you ought to keep in mind when choosing a fishing kayak.

Length

A fishing kayak’s length impacts its performance. A longer kayak is faster, but a shorter kayak is more maneuverable. If you primarily fish on small ponds, backwaters, and creeks, it would be better to choose the shorter kayak. If you fish in larger bodies of water like lakes and dams, you can opt for the longer option so you are able to get to and from your favorite fishing spots faster. It is important to consider your body type too when considering what kayak length to go with; if you are taller, choose one that is more than 11 feet long.

Pedals

Some people love to have their hands free when fishing. If you are one of them, you might want to choose a kayak that has pedals. That way, you can use both hands to hold the fishing rod or even use the pedals to control your speed while you move downstream.

The two types of pedal kayaks are rotational pedal kayaks and push-pedal kayaks. The rotational pedal kayaks let you move your feet as if you were walking and are great if you would like to go a long distance. The push-pedal kayaks allow you to only use your feet to propel the kayak and are better suited if you like to move through the water at a casual pace.

Consider the Kayak’s Stability

Today, technology advancements allow companies to build kayaks with greater stability. For example, today’s kayaks allow you to stand while you are on the water while older models do not. Remember that the more stable a kayak is, the harder it will be to maneuver, so check the stability of the kayak before you buy it.

A good rule of thumb is to go for a wider option if you have a wider body because this kayak will be stable enough for you. If you are a troller or angler, opt for a narrower model because you might need to cover a long distance while fishing.

Do You Need a Keel?

A keel is a fin-shaped piece of plastic that extends from the kayak’s hull into the water. A keel can help improve your kayak’s speed, tracking, and stability. For those who fish on open water a lot, a kayak with a keel is the better option. The keel also makes it easier to paddle in deeper water. If you fish in shallow water or love to fish standing up, opt for a model without a fin.

Portability

As kayaks have become more advanced, they have also become heavier. When choosing a kayak, you should go for one that is easy to carry, especially if you fish a lot. If you like, you should consider some cheaper models as most of them are very portable.

Opt for More Room

If you carry a lot of gear when fishing or want to incorporate some electronics into your kayak, ensure that you choose one that has enough room. The extra room might not just be for all the things you intend to carry but also your legs and feet.

Choosing a kayak can be confusing because there are so many different models available that have lots of different features. The most important thing to know is where you fish and how important stability, enough room, and maneuverability are to you. Once you know this, choosing a kayak will become easier.

Takeaway hacks from top chefs

Posted on April 23, 2020 by Frostie

We love takeaways at Frost so we thought we would share these top hacks on how to improve a takeaway using ingredients in your cupboard.

James Cochran – 12:51
Pizza: I always add soy sauce to a takeaway pizza, it brings out the sweetness in the tomato whilst intensifying the cheesey umami goodness.
Curry: Always order more naan than you need. With the leftovers, add cheese, lime pickle, plain yogurt, and chilli sauce and grill for a delicious new dish, perfect for a weekend brunch or hangover snack!
Kebab: Order a proper chicken shish kebab and when you’re waiting for it to arrive, make up a packet béarnaise sauce. Pour it all over the kebab when it’s all nice and hot. Game changer

Pip Lacey – Hicce
Pizza: Even the worst takeaway pizza can be improved with a hit of chilli. I keep lots of Thai green chillies in the freezer so I can add them to takeaway pizzas when needed. Also, if you ever see chilli oil in a sachet, grab a few extras for future pizzas and go to town with it.
Chicken Wings: Whatever cuisine you decide to order, if they do chicken wings – add them! Chicken wings are always a good idea.
Sushi: Always ask for extra wasabi with any Japanese takeaway. If the flavours are lacking then the wasabi will add a welcome hit of heat and always make sure you have soy sauce In the house.
Curry: Keep a jar of mango chutney in the house. They never send enough with the poppadoms and always get two poppadoms each so you’re not fighting over the crumbs.

Tom Booton – The Grill, The Dorchester
Burger: If I get a burger delivered, I have to make my dirty mayonnaise for the chips. It’s made up of two parts mayonnaise, one part tomato ketchup, one tablespoon chopped capers & gherkins and a dash of tabasco to taste. I always have a pot of it in the fridge! It’s banging with a steak.

Ben Tish – The Stafford Collection
Curry: If I’m ordering an indian, I’ll always get roti on the side. To refresh them, I get a frying pan very hot and then flash fry the roti on both sides for a minute or so. It gets them nice and fresh and crispy. Also chopped fresh coriander and a squeeze of lemon juice adds a zip to any curry if it needs livening up a bit.

Martin Sweeney – The Petersham
Fish and chips: Unless you’re eating them right away, ask for just salt and add your favourite vinegar when you get home, this will keep the chips from getting sweaty and soggy in the bag. Mix brown sauce and vinegar and get dipping, it sounds odd but it’s a staple in Edinburgh and it works surprisingly well!
Curry: The most consistently disappointing thing about curries is the condiments. Knock up a quick raita at home from natural yogurt, cucumber and mint and keep a jar of good quality mango chutney handy. Give soggy naans a flash in the oven to re-crisp.
Fried chicken: Fried chicken goes well with pickled gherkins – the salt and vinegar compliments the hot, crispy chicken wonderfully. Slice up some gherkins at home for a sour refresher between bites of chicken. I’d also mix a bit of pungent blue cheese with jarred mayonnaise for a great cheesy dip.

Sara Lewis – Vintry & Mercer
Curry: For the two of us, our usual failsafe order is one crunchy starter, one rice, a veggie side dish, a main and a naan bread. Follow that equation and you can’t go wrong! I always love to make a dipping yogurt when we’re waiting for the delivery with natural yogurt, add a little smoked paprika and some lemon zest, some dried mixed herbs and finely sliced cucumber. To jazz up the rice dish, we always saute some onions, peas and egg with turmeric and occasionally a pinch of saffron so we can turn our regular pilau into a yummy fried rice.
Pizza: If we are ordering a pizza, we love to add some fresh rocket and parma ham on the top and a drizzle of Spanish extra virgin olive oil. Delicious!

Coronavirus SARS-COV-2 Health Advice From GPDQ’s Dr Gero Baiarda

Posted on April 20, 2020 by Catherine Balavage

NHS GP Dr Gero Baiarda is one of the hundreds of GPs currently on-call at GPDQ – the UK’s leading GP-on-demand service. Dr Baiarda has myth-busted 10 common beliefs associated with the SARS-COV-2:

The virus is a living organism that we can kill. It is not alive. It is a protein chain of RNA within a protective layer of fat. Since the virus is a protein super molecule rather than a living organism, you cannot kill it. It will, however, decay spontaneously given enough time. The time it takes to break down depends on the environmental temperature, humidity and type of material upon which it settles.

People are most contagious before they even know they have the virus. This is untrue. Infected cells are invaded and destroyed by the virus, allowing millions of new viruses to burst forth and be shed on surfaces or passed to other people. Spread is most effective, therefore, in coughed droplets. Patients who are asymptomatic can, however, pass on the virus as soon as they are infected.

SARS-COV-2 is a hardy virus. It isn’t. SARS-COV-2 is surprisingly fragile. The only protection it has is a thin outer layer of lipid or fat. That is why any soap or detergent (both of which break down fat) will destroy it – even washing up liquid works well. By dissolving the external lipid layer of the virus, the virus is rendered completely inert and unable to penetrate human cells. Hence why washing hands often with soap and water is so important.

If delivery drivers wear gloves, they won’t spread it. This is wrong. Every item that a gloved hand touches can then be contaminated. According to a recent study from the New England Journal of Medicine, the virus can live up to eight hours on cardboard. To stay safe, the best advice is not to touch the parcel until ideally the following day.

The virus can’t be passed on by food. It can be transferred easily. If someone who has the virus on their hands touches food, it is very likely to become contaminated for many hours. To denature and inactivate the virus, food should either be washed or cooked at 65 degrees celsius at least for 4 minutes or more.

Alcohol-based sanitizer with a 60 percent alcohol concentration is as effective as washing your hands in soap and water. Wrong. Squirting a little bit of alcohol gel on your palms and rubbing them together is not effective. You need to cover the entire surface of both hands including fingers and thumbs, but this should be done only after the hands are free of any residues – such as after sneezing. The small nozzle on bottles of sanitizer are part of the problem, as people assume a small amount is ample.

Drinking alcohol will prevent people getting the virus. This is not true. The only alcohol that will help to prevent the spread of the SARS-COV-2 is that in hand sanitizer. This is only for external use, and even then, it is only effective if it has a concentration of 60 percent or above, if you use enough, and in the right way.

Moisturising hands after washing reduces cleanliness. Incorrect. Moisturizing the skin is very important. The virus can lodge itself in damaged skin on your hands cracked by repeated washing, so it’s important to try to avoid this. Keeping fingernails short will reduce the risk of sheltering and passing on the virus too.

Washing hands isn’t as important when self-isolating, as you’re all virus-free. Wrong. If there are any external items (shopping / deliveries / post etc) entering your home, hand washing remains important. Every time you wash your hands you will break the chain of infection. If in doubt, give them a wash! Do this for at least 20 seconds with warm, soapy water and if you have paper towels that you can throw away, this is better than using a communal towel. If using towels, dedicate one to each person in the house, keep them separate, and wash them daily.

Vinegar is good for keeping bathrooms and kitchens free of the virus. Incorrect. Vinegar will not work against SARS-COV-2 and is not advised. The cleaning of bathrooms, kitchens and surfaces is still best carried out with hot water from the tap and a surface detergent as you have always done. If you have a case of SARS-COV-2 in your house and want to disinfect common areas, you can use a dilution of household bleach or hydrogen peroxide – this is a mild antiseptic.

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