I have been holding this in for so long I thought I might combust. My new book, Where The Light is Hottest, is out soon. It is my second book after Ember which came out in 2022, but Where The Light is Hottest is actually the first book I ever wrote. It is based on my experience working in the film industry as an actor, casting director, producer and director.
I am very proud of this book. Especially since it took me six years to write and nine years to get it published. The book is dual timeline and is told through the past, as Natasha starts in a small town in Scotland, and in the present as a successful, award-winning actress. Now forces are trying to bring her down because of jealousy. She’s too rich, too successful and too beautiful. People are spreading rumours and starting a smear campaign. I found it fascinating that this book is coming out amidst the Blake Lively/Justin Baldoni drama. It seems that metoo part two is coming for Hollywood and this book covers the first one, up until the present day. If you loved The Comeback by Ella Berman you will love Where The Light is Hottest.
I hope you love this book as much as I did writing it. Let me know. I would love to hear your thoughts.
Natasha Jones has everything – a successful acting career, an Oscar, a wonderful husband and beautiful kids. But what does she have to go through to get there? From humble beginnings in a small town, Natasha’s path to stardom is paved with setbacks, heartaches and moments of doubt. In the glittering world of fame and fortune, where dreams are spun from starlight and ambition fuels the relentless pursuit of success, one woman’s journey stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Beneath the facade of glamour lies a story of unwavering determination and unyielding courage. Where the Light is the Hottest is a gripping tale of ambition, perseverance and the enduring power of hope. Through Natasha’s journey, we are reminded that the road to success is rarely smooth, but for those who dare to chase their dreams, the rewards are beyond measure.
One of the things I like to talk about (within the context of writing, at least!) is rejection. Simply because my publishing journey is chock-full of it! And the more authors I chat to (and I talk to them a lot on my podcast, The Rejected Writers’ Club) the more I realise that all of us face rejection all the time. Talking about it normalises and neutralises it – it’s not something to fear or be ashamed of, but it’s something to be embraced as part of the writing life.
The first kind of rejection I faced was self-rejection. I have always wanted to be a writer, but every time I managed to write something I would read it back and be appalled at how awful it was. Every attempt ended up in the bin.
But then my father-in-law died suddenly at the age of 56. He was a lovely man who I wish I’d had longer to know. His death taught me that we may not get as much time as we think we will, so if there is something we want to do, we need to hecking well get on with it.
From then on, I didn’t let myself reject myself (can you tell I’m a writer?!). I still thought (and think) my first drafts were awful, but I no longer let that stop me. I love telling stories and even if they don’t come out right straight away, that’s okay. That’s what editing is for.
Rejection then came from other people. I submitted my first novel to 113 agents and received 113 rejections. There were a couple of full requests in there, but they all ended in the same way. No one wanted that story.
So I wrote another one. And another one. And another one.
I didn’t query quite as hard again – mainly because I am soft and squishy and couldn’t handle such a solid wall of no’s again – but I did make sure to send my stories out to people I thought would connect with them. I got a whole load more rejections, until one person said yes.
Now, I want to pause here and say something that I absolutely didn’t listen to but that I really hope you will if you’re a writer looking for an agent and (let’s be honest, we all are) feeling a bit desperate: having no agent is better than having one who doesn’t get you. I promise this is true.
I signed with an agent and there was absolutely nothing wrong with them as a person, but they weren’t the right fit for me and my stories. I was writing gentle YA while they wanted something plotty and loud.
Parting ways with my first agent was one of the most painful moments of my publishing journey. I see it as a rejection, as it was a split that they initiated, but it was the right decision. I couldn’t see that at the time, but looking back I can see that we weren’t the right fit at all.
I was totally gutted by this, but it didn’t change my dream; to be a published author. I ditched the stories I had been working on and dove into edits on a crime novel with a bi detective with PTSD at its heart, fell in love with her cold and confusing partner, and solved a murder. I sent this story (which would eventually become the first in the Martin and Stern series – Shot in the Dark) out into the world and I was blown away by the response. Relatively quickly, I signed with my lovely agent – Saskia Leach at Kate Nash Literary Agency – and signed a three-book deal with Canelo Crime.
It was a whirlwind, especially coming off the back of such a mountain of rejection. And that rejection doesn’t leave you. The sting has lessened over time and I’m not quite so afraid of opening my inbox anymore, but the years of hearing no again and again don’t magically disappear just because I can go point at my book in my local Waterstones.
Those years of rejection taught me resilience. They taught me to be sure of the stories I want to tell and to make sure I’ve got people on my team who have the same vision. They taught me that sometimes I’m going to have to fight for my stories and that sometimes I will fail, but that I will write another story and try again.
My journey to publication was long and winding and painful, but it was 100% worth it in the end. And not just because I have two (two!) books published, but because I’ve carved out a space in the world for my stories. I spend time doing something I utterly love. I’ve met incredible people along the way and have had so much more fun than sadness.
Banish the January blues with a fungi-infused coffee to boost health & wellbeing. Exclusive launch of the UK’s first wellness café & urban farm, where mushrooms meet coffee!
· Meet the friendly, expert team and experience Shrooma’s unique menu at the official launch this Saturday 25th January 2025 where the Mayor will cut the ribbon at 10am
· Enjoy an organic mushroom-infused hot drink to boost immunity, energy and focus
· Founders Alex and Paul Murray awarded £5,000 Town Council funding to kickstart the wellness café featuring a 120 m2 on site urban mushroom farm
· At full capacity, Shrooma can house 7,000 fruiting blocks and produce half a tonne of mushrooms per week.
You may be used to starting your day with a caffeine hit, but have you heard about the long-lasting health benefits of mushrooms?
Shrooma is the first-of-its-kind mushroom wellness café in the UK where mushrooms and coffee are ground to perfection to help boost your body and mind.
Whether you’re new to functional mushrooms or you’re a health enthusiast, this Saturday 25th January marks Shrooma’s official launch where Oswestry’s Town Council Mayor, Councillor Mike Isherwood will cut the ribbon at 10am.
Located in the heart of Oswestry in the Grade II listed former Dorothy Perkins building, Shrooma offers a range of high-grade mushroom extract powders which can be added to any hot drink for just £1. You can sip on a warming mushroom-infused tea or coffee which helps boost the body’s immunity and energy, as well as the brain’s focus.
In Spring 2025, fresh mushrooms, supplements and dried fungi will be available to buy in-store and online, while seasonal, organic mushroom-inspired dishes will be served in the café or available for takeaway. All mushrooms included in Shrooma’s menu will be grown upstairs in the ‘urban farm’. At full capacity, Shrooma can house 7,000 fruiting blocks, and produce half a tonne of mushrooms per week.
You can learn more about the process as well as the health benefits of intense Chaga, nutty Cordyceps, malty Lion’s Mane and earthy Reishi in one of Shrooma’s educational workshops.
Shrooma is the passion project of dynamic duo Alex and Paul Murray, whose love for mushrooms and wellness has come together to create this unique community hub.
Thanks to a £5,000 funding boost from Oswestry Town Council’s ‘Breathing New Life into Empty Properties Grant’, it helped kickstart their dream into reality.
With their background in property development, Alex and Paul have restored the historic building to its former glory after it lay empty for three years.
Mushrooms are sustainably grown and managed by long-time friend and eco-expert Matthew Rowe, who has two decades of experience in environmental activism.
Alex Murray, café manager, Shrooma, said: “We’ve always wanted to create a place where people can experience the natural, healing properties of mushrooms in a fun, accessible way.”
Paul Murray, co-founder, Shrooma, said: “Growing up, I would go foraging for mushrooms with my dad, and that passion has stayed with me. Now, we’re bringing that love of mushrooms to the public, in a space where people can learn, relax, and enjoy something truly unique.”
Matthew Rowe, farm manager, Shrooma, said: “Mushrooms and the microscopic world of mycelia is fascinating. The network, sometimes called the ‘Wood Wide Web’, orchestrates the environment, communicating, warning of danger and sharing resources. The exotic mushrooms that we will be focusing on, like Lion’s Mane, Reishi and Cordyceps, are known as functional mushrooms. This means they’re beneficial to us but without the toxicity that comes with most medicines.
“Like the forest and mycelia, we believe that we are stronger together. This is why we have created the café as a space where people can come together to learn from the mushrooms collectively as a community.”
Mayor of Oswestry, Cllr Mike Isherwood, said: “We are pleased to be able to support Shrooma and wish them all the very best with their exciting new venture. The ‘Breathing New Life into Empty Properties Grant’ was intended to support new businesses to bring empty buildings back into use and to support them on their journey.
“Congratulations to the team at Shrooma, they have renovated the property to an amazing standard and the business is a great addition to Oswestry’s thriving independent offer.”
Smart improvements are revolutionizing how people approach their living spaces, focusing on convenience, energy efficiency, and practicality. Updating areas like the kitchen and bathroom provides immediate benefits and long-term value, making them central to any upgrade project. Personalization plays a significant role, whether it’s through tailored designs or advanced systems that cater to specific needs. These thoughtful updates elevate functionality and add a layer of luxury and adaptability to your living environment. Whether you live in a bustling city or a serene suburb, investing in these improvements can redefine how you interact with your space.
Here’s how you can get started:
Start with a Comprehensive Plan Every successful improvement project begins with a well-thought-out plan. Start by identifying which parts of your living environment need upgrading. Is it the lack of organization, outdated technology, or energy inefficiency holding you back? Break down your goals into manageable steps and focus on areas that impact your day-to-day routine the most. For example, a small change like organizing closets can make mornings less stressful. Meanwhile, larger-scale updates, such as adding smart systems for better control, bring long-term rewards. Staying organized and prioritizing functionality ensures each upgrade aligns with your needs and lifestyle.
Focus on Custom Bathroom Upgrades Transforming your bathroom into a tailored space can significantly enhance its usability and comfort. A skilled bathroom remodeler can help you create a space designed specifically for your needs. Custom vanities add much-needed storage while giving the room a sleek and organized look. Upgraded showers with innovative designs or premium materials like natural stone can elevate the space’s feel. Details such as heated floors or frameless glass enclosures contribute to luxury and convenience. These upgrades are especially valuable, as homeowners often prioritize a blend of style and functionality to match modern lifestyles.
Upgrade to a Smart Lighting System Smart lighting is one of the most versatile upgrades you can make, offering convenience, efficiency, and ambiance. Consider motion-activated lights for hallways or dimmable options in common areas to save energy while improving comfort. Voice-controlled systems allow you to adjust settings effortlessly, whether you’re hosting guests or relaxing after a long day. Daylight simulation features can even improve productivity in workspaces or help regulate sleep cycles. These energy-efficient lighting solutions provide personalized settings, making them a simple yet powerful improvement to your living spaces.
Modernize Your Kitchen for Efficiency The kitchen is often the heart of the home, making it a key area for functional upgrades. Adding smart appliances like touchless faucets or refrigerators with built-in touchscreens can improve efficiency and hygiene. Custom pull-out cabinets and drawer organizers streamline storage, keeping essentials within easy reach. A well-designed kitchen island can serve multiple purposes, from meal prep to casual dining. These modern improvements not only make daily tasks easier but also create a welcoming space for family gatherings and social occasions, boosting practicality and style in one of the most used rooms in your house.
Incorporate Smart Home Security Features Improving security with modern technology adds convenience while safeguarding your living environment. Smart locks allow you to control entry points remotely, while doorbell cameras provide real-time alerts and two-way communication. Window sensors and glass-break detectors offer an added layer of safety, especially when integrated with a central security hub. These systems can sync with other smart devices, such as lights or thermostats, to simulate occupancy when you’re away. Investing in these features creates a secure and interconnected living environment that provides peace of mind without compromising style or efficiency.
Boost Energy Efficiency with Smart Thermostats Smart thermostats are an essential upgrade for improving comfort and reducing utility costs. These devices learn your habits and automatically adjust temperatures to match your schedule, ensuring optimal energy usage throughout the day. Features like remote control via smartphone apps and integration with voice assistants make them incredibly convenient. For instance, you can preheat your home during colder months or cool it down before returning from work. Some systems also provide energy usage reports, helping you track and adjust consumption patterns. Installing a smart thermostat creates a more energy-efficient and comfortable living environment.
Maximize Living Space with Custom Built-Ins Custom built-ins are a great way to optimize unused areas of your home. For example, built-in bookshelves or entertainment units make use of vertical space while adding a polished, cohesive look to your interiors. In smaller rooms, built-in storage benches or wall-mounted desks provide functionality without taking up valuable floor space. These features enhance organization and create a sense of openness by eliminating the need for bulky furniture. Whether you choose to upgrade a living room, bedroom, or hallway, built-ins are versatile additions that increase functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Create a Seamless Home Office The rise of remote work has made functional home offices a necessity. To create a seamless workspace, start with ergonomic furniture, such as adjustable desks and supportive chairs, to promote productivity and comfort. Smart technology, like voice-controlled lighting or noise-canceling devices, can help reduce distractions. Built-in charging stations and cable management systems keep the area organized and clutter-free. Consider soundproofing materials if your home office is near high-traffic areas. These upgrades ensure your workspace is practical and inviting, whether you’re attending virtual meetings or focusing on individual tasks.
Enhance Outdoor Areas with Smart Solutions Outdoor spaces are often overlooked when it comes to functional upgrades, but they can offer immense value with the right improvements. Smart irrigation systems help conserve water by automatically adjusting schedules based on weather conditions. App-controlled outdoor lighting enhances safety and creates ambiance for evening gatherings. Consider adding a weatherproof entertainment system, such as outdoor speakers or TVs, to make the space more versatile. These updates elevate the usability of your outdoor areas and encourage you to enjoy your surroundings more.
Prioritize Future-Proofing Your Home Investing in upgrades that stand the test of time is essential for long-term functionality. Choose technologies and designs that can adapt to evolving needs, such as modular furniture or systems that support additional smart devices. When planning renovations, use durable and sustainable materials to minimize future maintenance costs. Consulting with experienced professionals can also ensure your upgrades align with current trends while preparing for future advancements. Focusing on future-proofing makes your living spaces more adaptable and maintains their value over time.
Improving your living spaces with smart upgrades is a practical way to improve convenience, efficiency, and long-term value. From tailored bathroom renovations to energy-efficient solutions like smart thermostats, each improvement adds unique benefits. Focusing on areas like custom built-ins, home offices, and outdoor spaces ensures every corner of your home works harder for you. By choosing solutions that blend functionality with lasting quality, you create a living environment that meets your needs today and adapts to tomorrow’s challenges. Start small, prioritize your goals, and enjoy the enhanced lifestyle these thoughtful upgrades provide.
Such good news: six new Quick Reads will be published on 11 April 2025. The books retail at £1, and are available to order from library suppliers, bookshops, and The Reading Agency’s online shop. The books are being showcased for this year’s World BookNight celebration.
Charities, social enterprises, prisons, food banks, hospital libraries, workplaces and other community-based organisations can pre-order the Quick Read books with a 30% discount at the Quick Reads shop. The offer is available until 10am on Friday 31 January, 2025.
Customers can order up to 99 titles in a single order of mixed titles and mixed quantities and benefit from a shipping fee of £5. Customers can place multiple orders of up to 99 books to qualify for the £5 shipping fee.
Quick Reads are the charity’s annual flagship initiative, offering short, accessible affordable books written by bestselling authors, to encourage non-readers and lapsed readers to take up reading. They’re specifically written to engage emergent, reluctant, and lapsed readers to help spread the joy of reading and the many benefits it brings.
Quick Reads are perfect for using as a whole group college, workplace, prison, or community read as they have wide appeal and are accessible to a broad range of reading abilities. The six titles this year include three original stories, A Boy Called Saulby bestselling crime author Fiona Cummins, A New Yearby the award-winning novelist Leila Aboulela, and The Surprise Visitor from romance writer Cathy Bramley.
There’s also abridged versions of Dr Alex George’s bestseller, The Mind Manual,Abir Mukherjee’s 2016 debut novel A Rising Man, and Cathy Rentzenbrink’s inspiring guide to putting your life on the page, Write It All Down.
Findings from the Reading Agency’s ‘State of the Nation in Adult Reading: 2024’ report highlight stark trends in the nation’s reading habits, with only half of adults now reading regularly, down from 58% in 2015; 35% of UK adults are lapsed readers, who have dropped the reading habit.
Karen Napier, CEO, The Reading Agency, said: “We hope many organisations will come forward and support our ambition to use Quick Reads as a powerful tool for social impact. They’re designed to be an entry point for readers to discover, or rediscover, the joys and benefits reading is scientifically proven to bring. We also recommend Quick Reads for anyone who struggles with reading, for a variety of reasons including dementia, brain injury recovery, attention deficit, dyslexia, and other reasons.”
Orders will be shipped after publication day on 11 April 2025 in time for distribution for World Book Night on 23 April 2025, the Reading Agency’s annual drive to create a nation of readers.
In addition, public libraries will be gifted thousands of Quick Reads to hand out to community organisations across the UK on World Book Night, including food banks, homeless shelters, and prisons. Organisations can get in touch with their local library authority to discuss a partnership for gifting. The books will also be available for individuals to buy at the full price of £1 directly from the Reading Agency online shop, or in partnering bookstores, including Amazon and Waterstones.
Quick Reads are designed to be accessible and enjoyable, with the ambition to promote diverse representation in literature and remove barriers to reading. They also address time constraints with shorter, engaging reads. Regular reading has far-reaching social impacts; improving health, wellbeing, life chances and social connections. Adults who read for just 30 minutes a week are 20% more likely to report greater life satisfaction.
Studies have shown reading for pleasure enhances empathy and understanding. Those who read for pleasure also have higher levels of self-esteem, better sleeping patterns and more resilience. Non-readers are 28% more likely to report feelings of depression.
2025 marks the 19th year of The Reading Agency’s Quick Reads initiative. To date, Quick Reads has collaborated with over 30 publishers and produced over 140 titles since 2006, with over 5 million copies distributed, and over 6 million library loans. To pre-order Quick Reads go to The Reading Agency ShopKeep an eye on the Quick Reads resources database for learning resources, social media assets, toolkits and discussion guides.Find out more about the 2025 authors and titles.
Adults who read for just 30 minutes a week are 20% more likely to report greater life satisfaction. However, only half (50%) of adults now read regularly, down from 58% in 2015, and 1 in 10 find reading difficult.
The charity’s Quick Reads campaign culminates on World Book Night (23 April) when thousands of Quick Read titles are distributed to community settings. Pop this into your diary and we’ll let you know how it goes.
A tool for social change, Quick Reads are short, accessible, diverse, affordable – and ultimately, great reads. The Quick Reads initiative is now in its 19th year.
One of its authors is the romance writer Cathy Bramley – above
Cathy Bramley is a British author of sixteen romance novels, and has sold almost two million copies worldwide. Her books have hit the UK best sellers’ list and have been nominated for several awards including the British Book of the Year 2023. She ran a PR and Marketing agency before starting writing in 2013. An avid reader who grew up with libraries. Her Quick Reads title, Between Friends, is a feel-good read about relationships and community.
Cathy said:
“I am delighted that my novella has been selected for the Quick Reads campaign for 2025. When I was sixteen, and an avid reader myself, I volunteered for the Right To Read Scheme. I worked solely with a young widow, a mother of two, whose first language wasn’t English and who struggled to read. Despite all the difficulties she was going through, her goal was simply to read a bedtime story to her children. I have never forgotten the brightness of her smile the day she reported back that she had been able to do just that. The Quick Reads books have such an important role in our diverse society, and I’m honoured to play a small part in the next generation of them.”
Other authors involved are: Fiona Cummins who is an award-winning former journalist. Rattle, her debut novel, was the subject of a huge international auction and has been translated into several languages. She has since written several bestsellers.
Dr Alex George is a TV doctor, author, and Youth Mental Health Ambassador to the government. Alex has become a leading voice in mental and physical health and wellbeing and uses his platform to make health and medicine more accessible to millennials and beyond.
Abir Mukherjee is the Times bestselling author of the Wyndham & Banerjee series of crime novels set in Raj-era India which have sold over 400,000 copies worldwide and been translated into 15 languages. His books have won numerous awards including the CWA Dagger for best Historical Novel.
Cathy Rentzenbrink is a passionate ambassador for Quick Reads as a project director for Quick Reads before pursuing her career in writing. She is the author of the Sunday Times bestseller The Last Act of Love, A Manual for Heartache,Dear Reader: The Comfort and Joy of Books and Everyone Is Still Alive. Cathy has taught for Arvon, Curtis Brown Creative, at Falmouth University and at festivals and in prisons.
Leila Aboulela is an award-winning novelist whose novels have been translated into 15 languages. She was the first winner of the Caine Prize for African Writing. Leila grew up in Sudan and now lives in Scotland.
I’m Laurel, a motherhood and family photographer who believes in creating timeless, intentional portraits that become heirlooms. My background is in finance, which taught me the importance of strategy, planning, and attention to detail—skills I carry into my photography. I’m also a mother of three, and my family inspires much of the heart behind my work. I’m based in the Bay Area and specialize in helping moms see themselves and their families as art.
I did not always aspire to become a photographer but I’ve always felt strongly drawn to the arts and also had an analytical mind. I have a business degree and pursued a career in finance before I had kids. After my oldest was born I wished for better photos of him and started learning photography with the intent to document my own family. At this time I also struggled with the transition into motherhood and as opportunities arose to photograph other mothers I began to recognize the beauty in this fleeting stage of life. Photography was transformative in my journey into motherhood and once I recognized that it has been my purpose to serve mothers going through that transition themselves.
How did you get into photography?
I picked up a camera during a time when I felt lost as a new mom. I struggled with postpartum anxiety and found photography to be a refuge—a way to focus on something beautiful and meaningful outside of the day-to-day challenges. What started as a personal project to document my kids turned into a passion for capturing the beauty of motherhood and family in an artistic and intentional way.
You focus on motherhood and family. What about it speaks to you?
Motherhood is a nuanced journey, full of complexity and beauty. I know firsthand how hard it can be to see yourself in the chaos of it all. I focus on motherhood because I want to help women see the beauty in their own stories. I believe that the process of being photographed can be very vulnerable, especially for mothers who can often feel overlooked. While many of the mothers I photograph have achieved great accolades in their careers prior to becoming mothers, there is no recognition for the hard work and effort that goes into motherhood. When I photograph mothers I like to photograph them in the way they would like to see themselves. That can mean embodying many different characteristics, such as strength, peace, empowerment, or connection. We plan their session around these feelings by choosing colors, locations, and posing that convey these sentiments. My hope is that when the women I photograph view their portraits hanging on the walls of their homes they will see themselves embodying these traits and recognize that it is within them. In this way I hope my portraits have the power of a vision board, helping my clients become the things they most want to be.
What are your favourite projects that you have done? Do you have a favourite picture?
My favorite project of all time was a session I did with my friend Sarah. This was the first session I did that focused on a mother alone. This was an intimate maternity session and turned into an opportunity to connect as mothers sharing similar experiences. I felt that in this session I was able to truly see Sarah and I believe it shows in the work. You can find Sarah’s gallery here: Tell us about you.
How do you juggle parenting with your career?
I don’t believe that balance exists between parenting and career, but a constant battle of prioritization. Sometimes work takes priority, and sometimes family does.
Is photography a tough business to be in?
The photography industry is extremely saturated, which presents unique challenges for photographers working to support their families. Working as a photographer requires skills in marketing and business management to keep our artistry alive. I find myself constantly pulled between working in my business, and working on my business. For every hour I spend behind my camera, I spend approximately 10 hours behind my computer, many of which are spent working to connect with prospective clients.
What advice would you give to aspiring photographers?
I would encourage aspiring photographers to articulate their motivation behind picking up their camera. Working as a photographer can be a lonely path and returning to your “why” can propel you forward when the path becomes challenging. I would also recommend that aspiring photographers seek out mentors who have found success in their areas of weakness. It is invaluable to have a mentor help you train your eye by showing you what you can’t yet see in your own work.
The year 2024 started off fine and dandy with everyone happy at the way things were going. Bookings were flooding in, parties galore in full swing, Google merrily played its part in our monthly quizzes, Margaret and Dick Graham continued to visit us as much as they could however, between you and me it was actually a ploy on their part as they always called in to the Washington Arms Pub, in our wonderful little village for Fridays Fish and Chips with mushy pies. They must be excused for this as there is nothing like them anywhere.
Spring brought us hours of pleasure in the garden, new plants, hanging baskets, people donated garden benches etc. We even agreed to house a clothing bank outside, all clothing goes to Ukraine, and we get a few coppers for our charity, dependent on the weight of the clothes deposited. It also brings lots of people to the centre who pop in for a good old natter which has resulted in several party bookings.
It soon became time for the periodic yearly maintenance checks to be carried out. All went swimmingly until – ouch – the Gas engineer condemned our boiler, and we were left with no heating whatsoever. As you are all aware we lease the building, however Sunderland City Council felt we could source grants etc. to pay the estimated costs of 10k. We began the task, and Lady luck was on our side – we managed to attain sufficient funds via two grants. In addition, Gentoo supplied us with heaters and again lady luck was shining down on us – the weather changed, the sun was shining and although without a boiler for several weeks we managed to ride the storm. In September we became fully functional, and everything was back to normal (or was it?).
Red Shoes Bob and lovely Marion
Holiday time arrived, and Red Shoes Bob and I spent two glorious weeks in Tunisia and on our return we found we had once again a leaky roof. To cut a long story short we employed a professional who found the problem and fixed it. Bookings for parties and events were plentiful and there were trips out to Hylton Castle, Beamish Museum and of course our in house quiz nights, Halloween was a hoot, and the good old folks of Brady Square couldn’t wait to get dressed up.
Before we knew where we were, it was early December. We decided to do a £25 gift voucher every week at our coffee morning raffle which went down very well, as people could spend this on whatever they choose. We did however, decide to do a Christmas hamper and a lot of our wonderful ladies offered to contribute to the hamper which was valued at approximately £150.00. It was won by Brenda Dodds, Brenda’s husband Colin came to collect it and stated he needed a hoist to lift it (he did manage to get it home with a little help form his friends)
Arrangements for Christmas parties for all groups was well under way, some using Cosy Café across the street which was Di’s Dinar but is now under new Management with the lovely Racheall Thompson, who since taking over has been exceptionally kind to us. We certainly have no problems being her tester for all the new scrumptious delicacies she produces, it would be so rude to refuse these offers.
Aimee’s dance class
The children who attend Aimee’s dance class enjoyed a pyjama pizza party on Tuesday 17th December and guess who visited them, none other that Santa himself. Their reaction brought tears to my eyes; they were so excited it was amazing to be part of the experience. I do believe that Santa enjoyed his time here as he made a return visited to our coffee morning on Friday 20th December. This left plenty of time to get back to the North Pole to supervise the Elves.
Our wonderful Forever Young ladies Group presented me with an amazing bouquet and a card signed by them all saying thank you for all you do for us. What more could anyone ask, amd it really did mean the world to me.
We closed our doors on the 20th and had a well-earned rest. The ups and the downs and smiles and laughter had made 2024 all worthwhile. But what will stick in my mind, and I still have a little giggle about it, as Santa was leaving Aimee’s party the children were waving and shouting ‘Bye Santa’, and one little voice from the back shouted, “Bye Bob”.
