Category Archives: Life & Style

Review: Me and My Girl, Chichester Festival Theatre

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Me and My Girl
Chichester Festival Theatre (until 25 August)
Tickets: 01243 781312; cft.org.uk

Credit: Johan Persson

Chichester Festival Theatre director Daniel Evans (also at the helm of the show) earned groans of disappointment in response to his on-stage announcement that Matt Lucas was under Doctor’s orders to rest his voice and would not be appearing. But all was not lost, he quickly reassured us. With just two hours’ rehearsal the understudy had gamely agreed to step into the role.
Ryan Pidgen can surely now step into any role he pleases. In a totally self-assured, flawless performance, had we not known that Lucas was the intended leading man then we would have been none the wiser. On note, in step and word perfect, not for a nanosecond were we even remotely short-changed.
Playing the South London cheeky chappie Bill Snibson who suddenly needs to ‘posh up’ in order to take up his birth right as the unlikely heir of Hareford, Pidgen was not merely competent. Giving Bill warmth, exuberance and sweetness, he bounced around the stage like an adorable scamp of a puppy and, as the kids say, performed like a boss.
The plot may be lightweight, but elsewhere performances are also rock-solid. Clive Rowe as Sir John twinkles in tweed, later revealing a shy and long-nurtured love for Caroline Quentin’s splendidly redoubtable Duchess. A feisty old matriarch with a good heart, by golly she can’t half hoof, too!
Alex Young as Bill’s ‘girl’ Sally is in sweetly soaring voice and balances cockney chirpiness with a touching vulnerability.
When it comes to musical numbers it is fair to say that the majority (give or take The Lambeth Walk and The Sun Has Got His Hat On) are not especially memorable, but the dazzling choreography (nice work, Alistair David) and superb singing (and you, Gareth Valentine, Doug Besterman and Mark Cumberland) make the very best of the raw material.
Lez Brotherston’s stunning set manages to be both traditional and fairy tale – Downton meets Hogwarts, interspersed with the London skyline and beautifully lit by Tim Mitchell.
The night, however, belonged to the heroic Mr Pidgen. As an understudy who endured several ‘thrust-into-the-limelight’ moments (albeit without anything like such professionalism and sheer talent) I absolutely salute you, sir.
The perfect shot-in-the-arm antidote to all things Brexit and Trump, Me and My Girl teems with Pearly kings and queens and exudes triple espresso energy. An unashamedly frothy and feel-good extravaganza, cor blimey you’ll miss out if you don’t nab a Wilson Pickett!

Most common reason new mums choose not to breastfeed their baby

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According to a survey of almost 3,500 new mums, polled by leading UK pregnancy resource Emma’s Diary a resounding 94% chose to breastfeed their baby with 72% saying they did this to reduce their baby’s chances of contracting an infection or disease, a further 22% of mums breastfeed to bond emotionally with their baby.

The survey also revealed that the most common reason mums chose not to breastfeed was due to difficulty with ‘latching on’ or the positioning of baby, other common reasons included feelings of discomfort or soreness.

Professional midwife Hannah Harvey told Emma’s Diary: “Despite being an entirely natural process, breastfeeding doesn’t come easy to everyone. While many women take to it without difficulty, for some it can take longer to establish.  Breastfeeding can be the most wonderful and natural experience for you and your baby but what’s often needed is a little patience and practice. The most common reason for sore nipples while breastfeeding is incorrect positioning and means that your baby isn’t latched on properly and is sucking the nipple rather than the surrounding areola.”

“Soreness can also occur for a number of other reasons too, such as if your baby is taken off the breast without the suction being broken first, wearing soggy breast pads, using too much soap which can dry the skin and developing a sensitivity to certain creams or sprays. To avoid soreness, you need to first make sure your baby is attached to your breast correctly, explained Harvey.”

Top tips for avoiding soreness:

  • Keep nipples dry and expose them to the air as much as possible
  • Avoid using soap or other perfumed products on the nipples
  • Regularly change breast pads so they are fresh and dry
  • Wear a cotton bra to let the air circulate
  • Rub a couple of drops of your own milk into your nipple and areola after a feed

Once mastered, the majority of women will find breastfeeding the simplest and most satisfying way to feed their baby.  Emma’s Diary supports the Department of Health and UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) which recommends exclusive breastfeeding until a baby is six months old.

Faye Mingo, Marketing Director at Emma’s Diary explained: “There are numerous benefits to be had from breastfeeding not just for baby but for mum too, so we believe that getting the right advice from the outset will help to make the journey much smoother. Collaborating with medical bodies and practicing midwives means we can provide up to date, accurate information to support mums every step of the way.”

Did you know?

  • Breastfeeding burns at least 500 calories a day, so it can also support women getting back into shape post labour.
  • Breastfeeding for at least six months significantly reduces the risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer and can also protect you from osteoporosis, ovarian cancer and type 2 diabetes. You can read more here: http://www.emmasdiary.co.uk/baby/breastfeeding/benefits-of-breastfeeding

Top tips for ensuring your baby is ‘latching on’ correctly:

·       To get started, hold your baby close to you with her chest against your chest, her nose opposite the nipple (so that she can reach the breast easily) and her head, shoulders and body in a straight horizontal line.

·       Your baby needs to take a good mouthful of breast tissue – both the nipple and the surrounding dark area called the areola. With her head tilted back, bring her chin and bottom lip to the breast (rather than move your breast towards your baby) and get her to brush your nipple with her lips, which stimulates her to open her mouth wide.

·       Once her mouth is open really wide, bring her to the breast quickly. Aim her bottom lip below the base of your nipple. Her chin should be touching your breast and her nose should be free so that she can breathe easily. Your baby is properly latched on when her mouth is wide open and she has a big mouthful of breast.

·      She should settle into a feeding rhythm quite quickly, starting with short sucks then taking longer, deeper sucks with pauses and you will notice her jaw moving as she feeds.

Getting your baby properly ‘latched on’ and into the right position will help to make breastfeeding comfortable and feeding efficient.  Midwife, Hannah Harvey explores six of the most popular breastfeeding positions for mums to try:

Cradle – a classic breastfeeding position where baby nestles in your arms with its head resting on your forearm and its tummy facing towards. This position is popular with older babies who have more control over their head movement.

Cross Cradle – great for newborns who are learning to latch on correctly as it allows greater control. Baby’s body is placed across the front of your body, one of your arms runs along the length of the baby’s back and the other supports the neck and head. Breastfeeding pillows can also provide extra support.

Side Lying– very useful if you are recovering from a C-section or want a comfortable position for night feeds. This is great for relaxed feeding and bonding. Lay down on your bed with your arm tucked behind your head for comfort and support, latch your baby onto the breast closest to the bed and line up their tummy with yours.

Rugby Hold  – a favourite position of many new mums (also known as the under-arm or clutch position) it’s useful for smaller and premature babies and helpful after a C-section. Women with larger breasts or twins, may also find this position works well for them. Baby lies in a hold underneath your arm facing you, using pillows to support, your baby’s feet point in the direction of the sofa or chair you are sitting on.

Back Lying– also known as ‘laid back’ breastfeeding as it is a very comfortable and natural experience.  Baby lays tummy to mummy in a feeding-ready position. Lay back with a cushion to support your back, place baby onto your chest. This is a great position for early days and useful if you’ve had a C-section.

Twist Front Cross– (sometimes called double cross cradle) this is a good position for tandem feeding twins. Each baby is placed in the opposite direction to the other with their heads resting on the left and right crooks of your arms.

For more details, visit Emma’s to watch breastfeeding positions via this helpful video: http://www.emmasdiary.co.uk/baby/breastfeeding/how-to-breastfeed

 

Two fabulous novels launched in one day – do go – by Milly Adams

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Oliver Eade who won the Words for the Wounded’s Georgina Hawtrey-Woore Award, young adult fiction category with The Kelpie’s Eyes has created yet another belter of a book, The Parth Path.

 

With Iona Carroll author of Homecoming, he  is holding an exciting launch at Old Gate house, Scott Street, Galashiels on Saturday 14th July, and they would love to see you all any time between two and four pm. There will be refreshments, and the opportunity to support Words for the Wounded. Children very welcome.

 

The Parth Path is set in post-apocalyptic Scotland dominated by women, and Peter who has escaped from a mancamp hopes to reach the island with Rea, a beautiful clonie. How could he have known that this has all been engineered as part of the Parth Path’s parthenogenesis programme to create the Immortal Controller… an invincible leader whose clones will rule forever.

Homecoming is more contemporary as it explores the life of Oisin Kelly who has put down roots in the outback Queensland town of Kilgoolga. Here his life becomes entwined with Vietnam War veteran, Harry. Past traumatic events affect both men in similar and sometimes surprising ways. As Oisin discovers more and more hidden secrets he begins to wonder where his life is leading, and where his true home really is. Decisions have to be made as to which force is more powerful. Will it be the power of love over evil that will triumph and bring him home?

The third in the Oisin Kelly series, but a stand alone.

These are both heart warming and thought provoking books. Do pop in and chat to the authors.

Words for the Wounded was founded by author Margaret Graham, aka Milly Adams, and run by Margaret/Milly and two other grannies who raise funds to help injured and unwell veterans. The grannies absorb all expenses so every penny raised via literary events, and things like hoofing themselves over assault courses, or plunging to earth in skydives, goes to where it’s needed.

Supported by patrons including Julian Fellowes, Louis de Bernieres, Paddy Ashdown, work goes on unabated, because it is needed.

‘…We are honoured to be involved in this wonderful charity.’  Julian Fellowes

 

Words for the Wounded

Homecoming.

The Parth Path

Old Gate house, Scott Street, Galashiels on Saturday 14th July Between 2- 4 pm.

 

 

 

Love On The Waterways By Milly Adams Book Review

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love on the waterwaysReading a Milly Adams novel is like having the perfect cup of tea on the sofa and talking to a friend. It is comforting, entertaining, and you always learn something new. The second novel in the Waterway girls series is as good as the first. I raced through it and loved every word. Get yourself a copy now. 

 

THE SECOND NOVEL IN MILLY ADAMS’ BRAND NEW SAGA SERIES. Perfect for fans of Daisy Styles and Nancy Revell.

March 1944, West London: it’s been five months since Verity Clement fled home for a life on Britain’s canals and she could never have imagined how tough it would get. Yet hauling cargo between London and Birmingham is far easier to face than the turbulence she’s left behind.

When Verity’s sweetheart returns unexpectedly from the front line, she dares to dream of a brighter future. But life aboard the Marigold is never smooth sailing. New recruit Sylvia is struggling with demons from her past while crewmate Polly must carry on in the wake of devastating news. Verity does her best to help, but a shocking discovery is about to turn her own life upside-down.

As the realities of war begin to take their toll, the waterway girls will have to pull together if they are to survive the uncertain times ahead…

Available from Amazon.

6 Oddest Locations To Go This Vacation

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Looking to make your vacation special? Sure, you could go to Paris, and we are sure you would love to spend some time near the Eiffel tower. Or, you could go to India and make a visit to the Taj Mahal. 

However, if you are looking to make your vacation truly memorable, and want to do it by going somewhere, that doesn’t feature on everyone’s itinerary, here is a list of where you can go. 

The Top 6 Odd Locations that Can Also be The Perfect Vacation Spots

We are sure you are looking for new ways to take a holiday. Here is a look at some of the best places you can go to that you are sure nobody else has visited!

  1. Rosewell, New Mexico 

If you are a believer in extraterrestrial activities, then this is the place that fits right for you. In 1947, it was believed that an unidentified object crash landed at this site, with aliens. 

The area is now sealed as an extraterrestrial zone. There are various documents available in the International UFO Museum and Research Centre to support that incident. Every year, on 4 the of July weekend, a Rosewell UFO festival is organised which showcases alien costume themed parade, concerts, workshops and more. Don’t worry, while you may not be able to go to the site, you could head off to the city of Rosewell any day! 

  1. Salton Sea, California 

The largest lake in California is present right in between its desert. It is an unusual and amazing sight. The Salton Sea formed in 1905 after the Colorado River flooded, its water was directed through canals which led to the formation of the river. The most amazing fact about this River is that it is 220ft below the sea level and its water is 30% saltier than the Pacific Ocean. It is an unusual site to see a river in the middle of a desert.

  1. Meteor Crater, Arizona 

It is one of the biggest holes on the earth formed by a meteor which landed here around 50000 years ago. It is 1 mile in length and 600 feet deep. It is an out of this world experience to witness a mammoth hole inside the earth.

  1. Coral Castle, Florida 

It is known to be a testament of love Built by a Latvian immigrant Edward_Leedskalnin after rejection from his fiancee just a day before his wedding. It is believed to be made from 2.2 tons of Coral. It is said that Ed single-handedly built it by using reverse magnetism.   Some believe he even had a kind of supernatural power and could move and carve heavy stones. It is said to have unusual electromagnetic properties.

  1. Juel’s Undersea Lodge, Florida

It is an underwater lodge but in 22 feet under the surface which consists 20-foot chambers underwater with a transparent view through which we can see the creatures in the sea swimming by and all other attractions of the sea. Out luggage gets delivered to us in watertight containers, and we can even order food which will again be received in watertight containers.

  1. Carhenge, Nebraska

Jim Reinders built it in 1987 in the loving memory of his father. It is a replica of the Stonehenge. The unique feature about it is that it is built up by 38 vintage American cars. It is an amazing stop for a road trip.

Where are you planning your next vacation in? Let us know below! 

 

 

A Day in the Life of award winning author, Michael Forester.

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Michael Forester is the winner of the WforW Georgina Hawtrey-Woore Award for Independent Authors: Non-Fiction Category with If it Wasn’t for That Dog! A funny, and heart warming account of moving from the world of sound to silence in the company of Matt.

When I wake in the morning, my first act is to reach out, to check he is still breathing. He has been with me close on fourteen years now; fourteen years of inestimable joy, not only for me, but also for just about everyone whose life he touches.

His first job used to be to wake me in the morning when the alarm rang. Being close to profoundly deaf, I can’t hear it myself. Then he would delight to spend his day telling me about the other sounds I cannot hear in my home and workplace. When the doorbell rang, he would touch my knee and lead me to the door. If the smoke alarm went off, he would tell me in the same way, then lie down. You don’t want to be led into a fire, do you?

 

As the years rolled on, the light touch morphed into throwing himself at me – a quicker act than touching, then dashing to the door in frenzied excitement to see who was there. And there was always the reward, of course. Nothing does it for him like Bonios; or carrots. Later in life we discovered that carrots, too, transport him to a world of bliss – but only after dinner was finished. He knows the rules. But that doesn’t stop him negotiating for extra treats. He knows that once in a while I’ll melt at the sight of those eyes – the eyes do it to me every time. His love is in his eyes, and after all, I’m only human.

 

Matt has been my hearing dog for over thirteen years. Now, at well over fourteen years of age, his own hearing has gone and his eyesight is failing fast. I keep close to him when we walk at the New Milton Recreation Ground in the mornings, in case he panics at loosing sight of me and runs off home.

 

In the evenings we sit, watching the stars appear, his head on my lap, my hand stroking gently down the length of his body. Then it’s bed, where he snuffles and licks my face before settling for the night. He knows I’m only human. He knows I need to be told I am loved. Please be there tomorrow. Don’t go. Not just yet…

This article first appeared in New Milton Mail on 11.7.17 and Frost Magazine uses it with grateful thanks.

Michael Forester’s book If It Wasn’t For That Dog! is about his first year with his hearing dog, Matt, and is available, signed personally, from michaelforester.co.uk/books  .

Michael’s web site, michaelforester.co.uk is regularly updated with details of his activities and includes a widely read blog at michaelforester.co.uk/blog

Breaking News*
Michael  is delighted to offer a 20% donation direct to Words for the Wounded on the cover price of all purchases of If It Wasn’t For That Dog! that come by referral from WforW. This offer will draw to a close on 31st December 2018.
To take advantage of Michael’s kindness, customers will need to find their way to his web site, and the book’s page at that site. The full reference for the page is:
The following short link will also take you there and may be easier to use.
The method for ordering the book is obvious at the page – you need to click the ‘add to basket’ button.
At the checkout page, apply the coupon: words-for-the-wounded
(Be sure to click the ‘apply coupon’ button)
The donation will then be directed to Words for the Wounded.

If it Wasn’t for That Dog! by Michael Forester: pub Paralight Press. Available from Amazon.co.uk  in e-book and paperback.

Michael Forester’s new book, Vicious: a novel of punk rock and the second coming is available on Amazon at

http://tiny.cc/4xnsry

 

Jamaica Cove Black Pineapple Rum by Milly Adams

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A few years ago I learned to swim properly. By that I mean putting my face in the water … Yes, sad isn’t it. To celebrate we went on holiday to Jamaica so I could dive on the reefs. Show off in other words. It was sublime. One day we went on a trip to a rum plantation, distillery or whatever one calls it. And bought some, of course.

Therefore I was delighted to taste the luscious rumbustious Jamaica Cove Black Pineapple Rum. Heavens …

 

A 100% pure Jamaican rum, it is laced with pineapple, for a really tropical flavour.  it brought my holiday right back into focus, and with the weather as it us, rush out and buy some. Just the right drink for these sultry evenings.

This rum is aged for up to three years and has an ABV of 40%. Jamaica Cove Black Pineapple Rum is the perfect base for adding depth and pineapple ‘kick’ to classic Pina Coladas – currently tipped by bartenders as the “Next Big Thing” on the UK cocktail scene.

Jamaica Cove Rum draws its inspiration from tales of smugglers landing on Cornwall’s beaches in the dead of night in small skiffs. The coves around Falmouth became a favourite smuggler’s haunt; shipwrecks were marooned off the rock Cornish coast and the coves were used to conceal the plundered cargo – including Jamaican Rum and pineapple.

 

Pineapple is the fruit most associated with the Caribbean.  It was “discovered” by Christopher Columbus on his inaugural trip to the region and subsequently plantations were established by the British, Portuguese, French and Dutch to satisfy demand. The pineapple has been adopted as a symbol of hospitality across many cultures and has been enjoying a resurgence in popularity both as an ingredient and design motif.

 

The Pina Colada

50ml Jamaica Cove Black Pineapple Rum

25ml coconut cream

15ml Single cream

25ml pineapple juice

Put all the ingredients into a blender, add a scoop of crushed ice & blend.

Pour into a sour or Collins glass and garnish with thick slice of pineapple.

 

Jamaica Cove Black Pineapple Rum has an RRSP of £26 (70cl) and is available from:

Master of Malt:  www.masterofmalt.com

Drink Finder:       www.drinkfinder.com

Amazon:              www.amazon.com

 

www.jamaicacoverum.com | Twitter: @jamaicaicoverum  | https://www.facebook.com/jamaicaicoverum/

 

BUSINESS OF BOOKS: FIRST, LAST, EVERYTHING – CHILDREN’S AUTHOR CHRISTOPHER JOYCE

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What was the first piece of writing advice you received?

I armed myself with How Not to Write a Novel by Newman and Middlemark, which is both hilarious and packed full of tips, and The Art of Writing Fiction a rather more scholarly book by Andrew Cowan. 

The first book covers plot, character, style and much more. Each tip is accompanied by bad examples with headings such as ‘The Gum on the Mantelpiece’ where the author makes much play about said-piece of confectionery and then NEVER refers to it again. Anyone else guilty of that? Another of my favourites is a section entitled ‘Said the Fascinating Man” where the author tells the reader what you think of his writing. “Was it a fish?” the girl said eloquently.

The section on what not to name your cat in your story includes:

  • after a composer (Bartok, Mahler)
  • Mr + adjective + anatomical feature (Mr fluffy paws)
  • Magnificat – or similar pun

I think I got away with naming the cat in my book, The Creatures of Chichester – The One About The Smelly Ghosts. I decided on Purrcasso as she lives at the art gallery. What do you think? Did it stray into Magnificat territory?

Mr Cowan’s book is more learned with lots of writing exercises he used with his students at UEA, I believe. These include exercises on creating great dialogue, using all the senses and many more. I created a special notebook to do them all. It’s mostly still empty but – one day.

 

What was the most recent writing advice you gave or received?

Sometimes it really is okay to tell not show. Every course I’ve ever attended and blog you read talk about showing not telling. It can become obsessive. At some point, it’s better to just say: ‘it’s midnight’ rather than: ‘Bats passed silently by the ancient metal hands of the church clock as they moved into a vertical position.’ This is particularly true in children’s books where most kids want action. I am, however, a fan of using show not tell in dialogue though. Better to write His clenched fist was inches from her face, “I Hate you!” said Bob then “I hate you,” said Bob angrily. In fact, part of my editing process is to remove as many adverbs as I can.

 

What’s the piece of advice you’d most like to pass on?

Once you’ve written and edited your work get in proofread by a professional. This is not your sister, who is an English graduate; not your neighbour, who studied law and is very bright and NEVER yourself. It’s impossible. I would add that Grammarly is great at picking up many obvious errors, and it’s free too.

If you can afford an editor then this will also make a huge difference. There are lots of good books and courses on this but, like the proofreading tip above, it’s very hard to do this objectively yourself. reedsy.com is a great source of advice on what you need to consider and also provide experts who can do this for you.

Finally, if you decide to self-publish (as Mark Twain and the Bronte sisters did) then pay for a professional cover designer. If you’ve taken a year or more to write the best book you can, then surely this must be worth it? There are also lots of good books and webinars on this but it’s like me downloading a book on how to play the violin. All the information is there, but I can assure you that my mother would testify that even though I passed grade 1 at junior school, it does not make me a member of the orchestra. If you’re a good writer then write. Leave the editing, proofreading and cover design to somebody else.

 

Christopher Joyce has written six books in The Creatures of Chichester series and produced The Alien Cookbook with out-of-this-world recipes for kids of all ages. He also promotes self-publishing through CHINDI a group of independent authors in the UK. www.creaturesofchichester.com. www.chindi-authors.co.uk