The Outsider by Frederick Forsyth

Posted on February 14, 2017 by Margaret Graham

This memoir is subtitled My Life in Intrigue, and it certainly is, but so much more besides.

I have a friend who was telling me that she read The Day of the Jackal when she was a teenager, and has never forgotten it. She remembers thinking, ‘Now that’s how to write a book that can’t be put down.’

I feel the same, and even more so about The Odessa File, and then there’s…

Well, I won’t go on, but there has never been a dud from this author.

So, what about this memoir? In a nutshell it’s fascinating, fluent, unputdownable. Frederick Forsyth is Words for the Wounded’s LitFest Day’s guest speaker on March 25^th and I will ask him if he writes as easily and fluently as his books read. I fear he will say yes, and that he only writes one draft. After which I will go outside and scream, because I sweat over at least two drafts.

The Outsider is so funny, exciting and utterly fascinating. What’s more, it is a life that didn’t just come to Forsyth, it is one he made happen.

This man wanted to fly, so he entered the RAF as their youngest pilot ever, at seventeen and a half, during National Service. I won’t tell you how. Read the book.

He didn’t want, ultimately, to be a desk pilot, so left to become what he did want: a journalist, in particular a foreign correspondent. This he achieved, of course. It is during this career that he found the grist for his mill when it became time to write his novels.

Never a yes man, always an outsider… I now know about Forsyth being a pilot, and by crikey, this bloke flew through his life by the seat of his pants on an absolute roller-coaster. He escaped disaster by the skin of his teeth, met crazy and/or inspiring characters, witnessed things better not seen, and went back for more.

You must read The Outsider. Amusing (if you don’t laugh out loud at the ‘nannies bearing talcum powder’ then I despair). You will be in awe at his self-confidence, and be moved at the clear emotional bond between Forsyth and his parents, fascinated by the worlds in which he found himself. No wonder his novels are so ‘real’, so breathlessly exciting.

Start with The Outsider, then work your way through the novels – again if you have already read them. It’s no wonder they’re the benchmark for today’s writers.

The Outsider – My life in Intrigue by Frederick Forsyth Corgi pb £8.99

WforW LitFest Day 25^th March: Guest Speaker Frederick Forsyth. Fabulous line up. Downley, near London. Tickets and details: www.wordsforthewounded.co.uk

An Important day is coming up

Posted on February 13, 2017 by Margaret Graham

BREAST CANCER: DRUGS FUNDING & TRIALS

Achieving world-class patient outcomes

A Pink Ribbon event Thursday 23 March 2017,

9-5. Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine, London EC1V

Gerard Dugdill, publisher/coordinator Pink Ribbon is the organiser of this crucial Breast Cancer event.

Dr Kathleen Thompson, Frost Magazine’s health correspondent and award winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope, will be chairing this event.

Theme of the Day:

To identify issues and discuss potential solutions around achieving best care and treatment for all patients with breast cancer (primary and secondary) in UK, including enhancing options for research into curative treatments for secondary breast cancer.

Although within the UK, generally, treatment of Breast Cancer is good, nevertheless the best possible treatment is not available to every patient with breast cancer who would benefit, within an optimal time-frame, for various reasons which will be discussed through the day.

In addition there is the general problem that secondary breast cancer is incurable currently. The purpose of the day is to explore how current initiatives, together with new unexplored initiatives can be implemented to maximise quality of treatment and cure for breast cancer within UK (and beyond, but the purpose of the day is primarily UK).

Suitable for:

Top level movers and shakers and opinion formers in healthcare, regulation, industry, politics, academia, media, third sector

Attendees also include doctors, senior nurses, hospital administrators, other pharma personnel, researchers, civil servants, financiers, economists, lawyers, campaigners, media

Sessions will range from The Problems – patient perspectives, System perspectives before moving on to the Solutions – Drug Development – Regulation – Funding -Keynote.

This is  A Pink Ribbon event, in aid of the national hereditary breast cancer helpline

Supported by Pfizer Limited

To book, and for more information: https://goo.gl/3FExaS

Treat your Valentine – Jersey Oysters Blonde and Blue

Posted on February 13, 2017 by Christian Gott

If you intend to spend an amorous evening tomorrow with your Valentine you may indulge in an abundance, nay a veritable feast of aphrodisiacs, chillies, chocolate, figs, avocados, bananas and pomegranates to name but a few. There is, however, one foodstuff that features in web searches, recipe books, and people’s imaginations more than all the others put together and this is, of course, the oyster. Now here in Jersey, we are lucky to have Royal Bay of Grouville oysters which are delicious, but why are they considered to be such an amatory stimulant.

Most people think that since Giacomo Casanova, the Italian adventurer, author, and perhaps more famously renowned lady’s man was said to consume fifty oysters a day for breakfast they perhaps had some magical quality.* This has been put down to the zinc levels which handily for you lusty feeling folk are highest in early spring. Then in March 2005, a group of American and Italian researchers presented a paper to the American Chemical Society following a study into molluscs, such as clams and mussels, that were rich in a series of rare amino acids that triggered increased levels of hormones in mice. There was a huge interest in the research but really no proof of the effect from eating oysters directly, in fact, Nancy Amy, a nutritionist, and toxicologist at the University of California provided another theory “There’s an amazing placebo effect with aphrodisiacs,” she said. “It’s very culturally specific and there’s no scientific evidence, but if you think it’s going to work, then there’s already a 50 percent chance that it will.”

*Casanova retired from adventuring and took up the position of librarian to a Bohemian Count, perhaps he relished a quieter life but it somewhat dispels the image we have of shy, retiring bookworms.

Oysters are eaten raw traditionally with lemon, tabasco or a spoon of migonette, a mix of very finely diced shallots, cracked black pepper and wine vinegar or lightly baked or grilled. There are a number of classic grilled oyster recipes such as with garlic butter, oysters Rockafeller with spinach and pastis, oysters Kilpatrick with Worcestershire sauce and crisp bacon. Alternatively, oysters can be deep-fried in in tempura batter or covered in breadcrumbs for the Southern favourite oyster Po’boy.

So while I cannot guarantee that this recipe will have you swinging from the lampshade in leopard skin briefs it’s really rather nice and tasty and uses some really nice Jersey ingredients. The oysters are gratinated with a crisp mix of fresh herbs, savoury biscuit crumbs, and Jersey Blue soft cheese which creamy and slightly tangy taste accentuates the salty ozone flavour of the Jersey oysters. The very light continental style beer, Liberation Blonde provides the base for a refreshing dressing to the baked oysters and chilled is an ideal accompaniment. You can substitute these with a local cheese and beer of your choice and you won’t be disappointed.

Grilled Jersey Oysters ‘Blonde and Blue’ serves 2 or 3

12 Jersey oysters

Classic Herd organic Jersey Blue cheese or similar such as organic blue veined Brie

50 ml Liberation Blonde ale

25 ml quality White Wine Vinegar

80 gr crushed Water Biscuits or plain Cheese Crackers

2 medium Shallots, peeled and finely chopped

2 generous pinches of Cayenne Pepper

1 teaspoon each of the following, finely chopped Chives, Chervil and Parsley

If you have a friendly fishmonger you can ask him to shuck or open your oysters for you before taking them home to cook and serve. If not you first need to open your oysters and loosen them from their shells. Set each opened oyster down on a small mound of rock salt, on a baking tray. Remove the rind from your cheese and finely dice, divide evenly onto the oysters. Mix the herbs with the finely crushed biscuit crumbs and sprinkle over the cheese topped oysters.

For the dressing simmer the chopped shallots with the white wine vinegar, cayenne, and a little water until the shallots start to soften but retain a little bite. Evaporate almost all of the liquid. Chill. When cold add in the Blonde beer. Grill the oysters for 3 to 4 minutes under a medium grill until the cheese starts to bubble and the crumb mix browns. Serve topped with a little dressing, extra chopped herbs and the remaining dressing as a side.

3 Types of Online Bingo for Beginners to Get Started with

Posted on February 13, 2017 by Aidan

With over 3 million people in Britain playing Bingo in halls and community centres along with over 100 million playing online and on mobile worldwide, it is fair to say that the game is quite popular. If you are one of those who are intrigued by the games’ popularity you may be looking for information on how to get started playing bingo. Likewise, if you enjoy playing the game offline and would like to try the extremely popular online versions of the pastime then see below for three types of online bingo for beginners to get started with.

30 Ball Bingo

Thanks to advances in technology, bingo today has evolved form being the preserve of players of a certain generation in Bingo halls to become a widespread pursuit. One of the most popular versions of online bingo and a good place to start for beginners is 30 Ball bingo. There are a number of variations in terms of themes and prizes but the format is largely the same and new players can discover online bingo sites easily online and on mobile. This iteration of Bingo futures 30 balls as the name suggests, but this makes it is easy for new players to keep track with the fast paced game as they learn.

Many people now play the game online and on mobile through smartphone applications and mobile-optimised websites, and 30 Ball bingo is the preferred entry point for many of them.

75 Ball Online Bingo

75 ball online bingo generally features a card with a 5 x 5 grid of numbered squares, except for the one in the centre which is left empty to round the squares off at 75. This online bingo game tends to have 5 prizes available to be won: jackpots are paid out for 1 line, 2 lines, 3, lines, 4 lines, and 5 lines. The first player to have all their numbered squares called out in either a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal line wins a 1 line prize and so on. The main difference of 75 Ball online bingo comes in the winning patterns that are available to players.

90 Ball Online Bingo

While the variations in types of Bingo mentioned in this post seem to be just in the number of balls, they are different games in many ways. For example 90 ball online bingo differs from the 75 ball version of online bingo above in the winning patterns and in that its tickets are made up of 9 columns and 3 rows of numbers. In addition, there are only 3 prizes available to be won with a jackpot for 1 line, one for 2 lines, and a prize for getting a full house. Its simplified version makes 90 ball bingo a great game to start out with for beginners.

If you’re new to online bingo the three versions of the game mentioned above are good places to start exploring this extremely popular and enjoyable pastime. Once you have mastered one of the above you can move on to more complex types and themes of bingo with a better prospect of success.

Last Minute Ideas to Celebrate Romance

Posted on February 13, 2017 by Kesh

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner we thought you might appreciate our romantically themed idea’s list without the added Teddy Bears, chocolates or Champagne.

Novel Beauty-Clever Skincare and Cosmetics

This week, we had the pleasure of meeting the talented founder behind Novel Beauty. The idea behind Novel Beauty was to create skincare products for Men & Women which ‘reads you’. Nneka, the brains behind Novel Beauty explains she wanted to create a product which responded to each person individually and the way Novel Beauty have achieved this is by using active natural ingredients that respond to your body as an individual. In keeping with their brand message of letting their products read you, the luxurious, all-natural range are encased in a luxurious refillable book which are designed to fit in to anyones home proudly and elegantly.

With both gifts for Men and Women, Nneka herself recommends the romantically themed Poor Man’s Rose bath and body set;

This collection includes Stream of Consciousness, a raw sugar scrub which polishes and conditions the skin and Platonic Dialogue, a daylight cream with the vitamins of Aloe Vera, seaweed, sesame, apricot and the romantic geranium rose oil.

Novel Beauty is available through www.novelskincare.co.uk and through notonthehighstreet.com

The Bellavita Valentine’s Day Hamper

Because we all know the way to a loved one’s stomach is through food. Italian food heroes Bellavita are encouraging us to spend Valentine’s day the Italian way with a Valentine’s selection which is designed to bring a touch of Italian romance to your evening. Bellavita have designed their hamper with the idea of taking the stress out of creating a romantic meal for two. The ingredients, which are sourced from independent Italian producers are enough to prepare a three-course meal for two with a recipe card included. Ok so it wouldn’t really be a Valentine’s meal without the addition of bubble and chocolates but at £39 for the entire hamper, we think that we’ll skip the reservations and rustle up our own Italian feast courtesy of Bellavita.

The hampers can be purchased both online and in store:
Bellavita Shop, 11C Dock Street, London E1 8JN
www.bellavitashop.co.uk

Pamper yourself at Duck and Dry

If you’re planning on a night of romance, a night with your best friends or simply a night of beloved ‘me time’, Duck and Dry are here to make sure that whatever you do, you will leave feeling damn good. After successfully opening their first salon in Chelsea, Duck and Dry have opened their new flagship in London’s Oxford Circus and will be on hand to offer you a choice of 8 signature blow dries and 8 up-dos in their stylish and energetic salons. This unique and buzzy space is designed with YOU in mind and will not only leave you with luscious locks but also pampered and party prepped. Get your hair-styled in a styling pod, enjoy a drink at their Prosecco bar and for groups, you can even enjoy getting ready together at a group styling table. There is a fitted DJ station and the eclectic and vibrant decor all designed to make you feel good. So, whether you’re celebrating the day of romance or simply just celebrating being so fabulous, Duck and Dry are on hand with their superstar stylists…

…for one day only, February 14th, make up brand Lin & Lo will be offering complimentary express make-up services with all blow dries at the new West End branch.

To learn more visit; Duck and Dry

And to book an appointment visit; https://www.duckanddry.com/booking

Claudia Fallah Beauty Products Review Daily Protection Moisturiser & Ultra Nourishing Moisturiser

Posted on February 13, 2017 by Catherine Balavage

I am always interested in trying a new beauty product so I jumped at the chance to try some products from Claudia Fallah. She had 30 years experience as a skincare specialist and now has her own product range out. I tried the Daily Protection Moisturiser and the Ultra Nourishing Moisturiser. Both are formulated for sensitive skin. Here is a bit about Claudia Fallah

“The London based leader in corrective and preventative skincare, Claudia Fallah created gentle and potent cosmeceutical formulations using her bio-dynamic approach of using what nature supplies, which filled the gap between the beauty counter and invasive treatments.

Proudly Made in London and independently owned and financed, CLAUDIA FALLAH is now a UK phenomenon, stocked in prestige clinics, exclusive day spas, and high quality pharmacies.

Entering the cosmeceuticals world on an international scale has meant Claudia Fallah has had to create genius in order to stand out. CLAUDIA FALLAH best selling rejuvenating, hydrating and anti-ageing serum ‘Energizing Beauty Fluid’ is symbolic of this approach, being the first in Europe to use a high percentage of a totally natural ingredient with a very technical sounding name XA-STNO which is sure to become a “cult” beauty must have, due to its amazing effects even on skin suffering from conditions such as rosacea and the fact that it only sourced from an ecologically sustainable renewable source.

Despite a history stretching back over seventeen years, the core message remains unchanged; CLAUDIA FALLAH is committed to achieving clinical results with minimal effort and zero downtime. Integrity and bio-dynamic holistic development sets CLAUDIA FALLAH apart from other brands that merely offer a band-aid rather than a solution for specific skin concerns. To achieve fast effective results CLAUDIA FALLAH use a concentrated and balanced combination of potent cosmeceutical, natural ingredients, which are supported with scientific evidence and efficacy studies.”

Here is what I think of the products.

The Daily Protection Moisturiser has a high UV protection factor. Something that is essential to me. It defends against environmental aggressions known to cause skin colouration and premature ageing. It has vitamin E in it, which is always a good thing. The moisturiser has a tint to it which I love. Sometimes when I put it on it looked chalky initially and did not feel like it was giving my skin enough moisture. But it settles on well and I have been using it all winter. It does not say which- if any- SPF it is, but apart from that I can’t fault it. I do think it has had a good effect on my skin. I would recommend it.

The Ultra Nourishing Moisturiser has a lightness to it and it really sinks into the skin and moisturises. It feels refreshing and makes my skin feel instantly hydrated. It is perfect for sensitive skin as it gave my skin a feeling of calm. Good stuff. I would use it again.

La Maison Rémy Martin returns to Soho with a Stellar Line-Up

Posted on February 10, 2017 by Kesh

Last Summer we had the pleasure of spending the evening with some of Britain’s finest Olympians in the luxurious surroundings of the Rumpus Room, courtesy of La Maison Rémy Martin. This month, the members-only club will be opening their doors once again with a jam-packed, spectacularly curated list of talent designed to inspire, entertain and dazzle you in true Rémy style.

La Maison Rémy Martin are set on being the hosts with the most once more, boasting one of The World’s finest Cognac from Fine Champagne, they are set on expanding their brand through their members club with a programme of events and workshops designed to offer their customer a little more of the savoir faire approach they enjoy so much. La Maison Rémy Martin, was borne out of the brands ethos to honour craftsmanship and embrace the luxury of time. With that being said, members are being treated to a line-up of special events, talks and workshops that are being led by some of London’s most talented craftsmen.

Set over two floors of their new Wardour Street home, members can expect to be transported into the iconic world of Rémy Martin. The space will be split into the Boutique, which for the first time will also be open to the public, and The Gallery, where members can enjoy their evenings workshops alongside light-bites paired with Rémy expressions and expertly crafted
Rémy cocktails.

After taking a sneak peek of the new programme, we’re excited to share with you our top masterclass picks…

Michelin Star Chef; Jun Tanaka

Master Chocolatier; Paul A Young

Sports commentator – Tom Gaymor
F1 Driver- Max Chilton

Cellar Master for Rémy himself; Baptiste Loiseau

…to name but a few

The evenings are every bit evocative of the luxury and ‘suaveness’ that Rémy Martin possess and they are keen to share it with whoever appreciates good craft. So, to learn more and to apply to be a member of La Maison Rémy Martin please visit;

lamaison.remymartin.com.

La Maison Rémy Martin will be open Thursday 16th February to Saturday 4th March 2017 excluding Sundays.

La Maison Rémy Martin
147 Wardour Street, London,
W1F 8WD

Great musical meals at Leon

Posted on February 10, 2017 by Jack Shamash

Leon at Shaftesbury Avenue

What do actors do when they’re not working? Well, a fair number of them are serving behind the counter at Leon in Shaftesbury Avenue. And between dishing out the chips, they are belting out show tunes for the diners.

Leon, as most people know, is a fast food restaurant specialising in light and wholesome wraps and salads. But in addition to the great food, they are now dishing out entertainment.

The Shaftesbury Avenue branch, a few yards from Piccadilly Circus and just around the corner to the big West End theatres, is staffed by an assortment of young and glamorous singers and actors. And to draw in the crowds, they take turns to belt out numbers from shows. All of which makes it cut above your average sandwich bar. The singing is free: you only pay for the food.

I had a chargrilled chicken aioli lunchbox – a fine chicken and salad lunch – and a sultry woman sang ‘Can you feel the love tonight’ from the Lion King. Thirty minutes of escapism, some great music and a good meal for £6.95 – it must be one of the best bargains in London’s Theatreland.

Light food – simple and tasty at Leon

Singing Waitress at Leon in Shaftesbury Avenue

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