Katharina Luther: Nun, Rebel, Wife by Anne Boileau – Review by Frances Colville

Posted on October 18, 2016 by Margaret Graham

There’s an interesting trend in historical fiction writing to search out the lesser known characters from our past and shine a light on their lives. Anne Boileau has chosen to base her debut novel on the life of Katharina van Bora, an ex nun who becomes the wife of the 16^th century German reformer Martin Luther. Little is known about Katharina or indeed about the day to day life of Martin Luther himself, but Anne Boileau successfully takes the known facts and weaves them into an intriguing tale by allowing Katharina to write her own story up to the birth of her first child while she is confined to bed after a threatened miscarriage.

It all starts a bit slowly and isn’t the most compelling of reads, but it picks up pace as the tale progresses and is worth persevering with. I particularly liked the vivid and very visual descriptions of the German countryside, and the detail of meal preparation, food preserving, keeping house, herbal medicine and the education and care of children. Anne Boileau is a poet as well as a novelist and it shows in her writing, as does her interest in the countryside and land management. The period detail is good and the glimpses into the thought processes of Martin Luther and the turmoil his views caused at the time are well handled and intriguing. And if that is the sort of historical fiction you enjoy, then this is one for you.

Katharina Luther: Nun, Rebel, Wife by Anne Boileau is published by Clink Street Publishing and available in paperback priced £8.99 or on Kindle priced £3.79 from 4 October 2016

Wine reviewing is a tough job, but someone has to do it – lucky lucky me.

Posted on October 18, 2016 by Margaret Graham

I’ve had such a great time trying:

Villa Maria Private Bin Pinot Noir Marlborough 2015

This glorious vintage wine is medium bodied with fruit flavours, and herbs in there somewhere. It put me in mind of a burgundy I had in France on a warm summer day, but this I think has the edge on that, with its richness of dark cherry, and spices. Just my sort of wine. I loved it.

Sir George Fistonich, founder and owner of Villa Maria says, ‘A leader in sustainability, innovation and quality, our family winery is recognised as an icon in the New Zealand wine industry.’ Tastes good too.

Sir George suggests it should be drunk with game meats or cheese.

RRP: £13.35 | Stockists: The Co-op, Morrison’s, Asda, Hailsham Cellars, Vino Wines, Temple Wines, Bin 21, Famous Wines, www.nzhouseofwine.co.uk

But you must also try:

Villa Maria Private Bin Shiraz- Hawkes Bay 2014.

Shiraz is always a good bet for our household. Up to now I’ve preferred the Australian’s Shiraz but this is excellent, and just as good. It’s such a friendly accessible wine, and has an intensity of flavour, fruity, with a hint of pepper I thought. Just that little bit of – not exactly bite but – well, peppery. And a lovely deep colour. I wonder if this is because the grape tends to respond well to a free draining soil?

A great after taste, very smooth, full of flavour, too moorish, quite frankly. Gulp gulp. Try it with red meats, game and cheeses.

RRP: £13.35| Stockists: Wine Rack, Hailsham Cellars, Dylan’s Wine Merchants, Islington Wine, www.nzhouseofwine.co.uk‘

MumsThread: No, Women Can Not Have It All By Getting Up An Hour Earlier

Posted on October 18, 2016 by Catherine Balavage

First it was in the papers. Then it was in some magazines. Of course, it was in the Daily Mail. It was sexism and bullshit dressed up as self-help. It said that women can have it all if they just get up an hour earlier. Much like a lot of self help: it was geared towards women to let them know that they weren’t good enough. That they weren’t working hard enough, that nothing they give is enough. Because, ladies, we should all be getting up an hour earlier. The leading story on The Daily Mail earlier today was a group of slim, successful working mothers who all get up at 4am. For quality time, to exercise, to work. Well I have had enough. You know what women really need? More sleep. I already work to 1am most nights, I don’t need to cut off hours at the other end.

Now, getting up earlier isn’t necessarily bad advice, but I take umbrage at it being marketed to working mothers. To any woman actually. Now, nothing happens in a vacuum. This started when author Samantha Ettus claimed to have come up with the formula to living a guilt-free and fulfilling life in her new book The Pie Life. I haven’t read the book, and getting up earlier IS a good way to get more done. But it doesn’t fit everyone and too many publications have taken it and used it as a stick to beat women with. Sleep is important for health, and if you are tired you will be less alert. I get more done when I have had a good nights sleep, I am sure you do too.

The truth is, no one gets to have it all and the bigger truth is that it would take more than an extra hour for me to fit it all in enough to have it all. What working mothers really need is for daddy to help out more. Or a nanny, a cook, and a cleaner. I am not saying that men don’t do their fair share, but I would like articles to point this out more: that a child has two parents and that mum needs a break sometimes. Working smarter is better than working harder. I get hardly any sleep as it is and there is no way in hell I am letting anyone take that away from me. So sleep ladies. Sleep until the baby/toddler/child wakes you up, and if it is a weekend, make sure you hand them over to daddy for an extra 10 minutes.

Silk – great Asian food in a courtroom

Posted on October 17, 2016 by Jack Shamash

Silk, London,Courthouse,restaurant,Asian

Silk – an Asian restaurant in an old courthouse

Silk Restaurant at the Courthouse Hotel, Marlborough Street, London

Just across the road from Liberty’s – just a few yards from Oxford Circus – is a rather squat stone building. Until 10 years ago it was Marlborough Street Magistrates Court, where a large number of ne’er do wells, including Johnny Rotten, Oscar Wilde and Mick Jagger faced the might of British justice.

These days it has become one of the trendiest boutique hotels in central London. And in the heart of the building – in what used to be the main courtroom, is Silk restaurant – a pan-asian eatery that brings together flavours from India, Thailand and Sri Lanka. So, keen to try something novel, I took my wife, Carol, there for dinner.

The restaurant is unusual. You certainly don’t feel that you are just around the corner to Topshop. The entire dining area is still lined with the court’s original oak panelling. Part of the joy of eating here is to work out exactly where the various participants of the old courtroom would have sat. The magistrates’ bench is now a sort of servery area. The dock – for the accused – has been left intact. We were positioned just below the bench in an area that would once have been occupied by a stenographer and the clerk of the court and the food emerges from what would once have been the magistrates’ changing room.

Once we’d dealt with the legal niceties, we perused the menu. One of the problems of Asian food in Britain is that it all tastes the same. Restaurants cook the same dishes – the kormas, the bhunas, the tandoori masalas – with the same spices – probably bought at the same wholesalers. I suppose this is in response to popular demand, but it doesn’t make for an exciting culinary experience.

Char grilled prawns,Silk,Courthouse, Hotel

Char grilled prawns with yoghurt and mint and all the trimmings

Silk is quite different. The menu, I’m glad to say is refreshingly small. This means that the food is stunningly fresh. Starters are unusual. Carol had the Neua Prik Kiew Wan Sod Vollappa (yes, that really is the name of the dish!), which turns out to be strips of beef marinated in green curry. It is strong, it is spicy, it is soft and tastes of fish and soy and basil. We loved it.

I had a Silk Starter platter with scallops and honey glazed chicken and lamb sheekh kebab. The scallops were delightful – soft and firm with a hint of sweetness – and kebabs had a real tang. For main meal we went for the fish. Carol had masala fried cod loin with tomato coconut chilli curry and steamed rice. I went for the tiger prawns with quinoa, mango and cherry tomato salsa. Now, I’m a bit of an expert on tiger prawns and these were stunners. Firm, not overcooked –straight off the griddle and onto the plate.

The side dishes were brilliant. The sugar snap peas were seriously snappy. And the nan bread was incredibly fresh. I’d come back again just for the bread.

The food was simple and the sauces were divine. Yoghurt and mint with the lamb, mango and cherry with the prawns: there was nothing very clever or fancy, but lovely bright flavours. And the portions were reasonably sized – not tiny but not too excessive. This is not the place for a blow out meal but when we left we were pleasantly full.

With a bottle of pinot grigio and a delightful mango creme brûlée for dessert, the bill came to around £100 for two, which seemed reasonable. On the way out we stopped for a drink in the bar. The bar is based in the area that formerly housed the cells. The cell doors are still there and the cells still have the original toilets – although they are not in use – except as seats. It’s one of the most interesting and venues in central London and if you want to give a companion an unusual dining experience it’s almost unbeatable.

An Exhibition to Marvel At: L’ODYSSÉE D’UN ROI

Posted on October 17, 2016 by Kesh

Over the years Burlington Arcade have played host to many decadent and luxurious goods from all over the globe. For one final week, the Arcade will add to its list another legend, a piece so fine and exquisite that following the exhibition tour, it will be auctioned off at the prestigious Sotheby’s. We are of course talking about L’Odyssée d’Un Roi, a collaboration featuring some of the most luxurious craftsmen in the design world and also in the World of the finest Cognac, Louis XIII. If ever there were a chance to see an example of the most impressive French craftsmanship, then L’Odyssée d’Un Roi offers up Louis XIII Cognac, Hermés, Puiforcat and Saint-Louis as it’s travelling companions to complete this unique item.

Alongside L’Odyssée d’Un Roi itself, the exhibit features a chance to see the tools which are used to hand-make each of the items in L’Odyssée d’Un Roi, from the white gold pipettes to the mouth-blown, hand-engraved crystal magnum decanter and glasses. A truly worthy collaboration to such a historic and iconic Grande Champagne Cognac. Follow the journey Louis XIII has made on its passage throughout the ages and bid farewell to a legend which will make it’s way to someone lucky enough to purchase it at auction. With the last one recently selling at Sotheby’s New York for a cool $134,750, we think we’ll just stick to admiring its beauty from afar.

All proceeds from the auction will go to The Film Foundation, a non-profit organisation founded by Martin Scorsese and several other filmmakers to restore and preserve classic films.

L’Odyssée d’Un Roi will feature at Burlington Arcade until 21st October

Burlington Arcade, 51 Piccadilly, London W1J 0QJ.

Trump Card: New Book Picks Apart The Empty Policies & Flawed Logic of Donald Trump As a Warning To The World

Posted on October 17, 2016 by Frostie

Trump Card: New Book Picks Apart The Empty Policies & Flawed Logic of Presidential Candidate Donald Trump As a Warning To The World

~ Trump: Monster or Hero by Mohammad O. Alanjari compares the Trump phenomenon as a disease which could spread across the globe and lead to a new generation of right-wing super-nationalist leaders ~

~ Trump represents the same demagogue archetype as Hitler and his investiture could lead to serious negative economic, social and military repercussions for all nations as well as representing a virtual ‘Jonestown’ suicide pact for the whole of the United States ~
The election of Republican candidate Donald Trump as the next President of the United States of America will spell catastrophe for the UK and Europe, experts warn.

Far from being a bumbling buffoon with wild hair, Trump is said to represents the latest and potentially most dangerous incarnation of an extreme right-wing demagogue, comparable to such vilified historical leaders as Hitler.

His manifesto has little or no basis in reality, it is claimed, and is a shameless attempt at winning popular votes rather than building a workable economic or political blueprint for America.

Trump’s apparent xenophobia and tendency to appeal to common prejudices, meanwhile, will only spark greater social divides, spur on extremist groups such as ISIS and the Ku Klux Klan, and like a “disease” fuel the rise of a new generation of right-wing leaders across

Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

That is, according to Trump expert and businessman Mohammad O. Alanjari, whose new book – Trump: Monster or Hero – reveals how Trump will inexorably damage not only political relations but also economic, military, technological and social ties across the globe if he succeeds in entering the White House.

Purposefully not a biography, Trump: Monster or Hero instead focuses on the Trump phenomenon, examining his policies and claims in relation to concrete facts and figures to expose the fallacies and empty rhetoric.

The x-page book also looks at where Trump is drawing his support and projects the likely repercussions both for the US, UK and rest of the world if the undisputed leading global powerhouse falls under his, or more likely his super-nationalist backers’, control.

Containing 50 original and informative infographics along with a wealth of little-known facts, figures, statistics and outrageous Trump quotes, this hard-hitting yet approachable book seeks to enlighten readers to the realities behind Trump’s campaign, debunking his thoughts on immigrants, terrorism and employment among others.

Author Mohammad O. Alanjari decided to write the book as a warning to the world, fearing for the future direction of the country that had once liberated his own homeland of Kuwait from Iraqi forces during the first Gulf War.

He said: “Trump as a phenomenon represents a disease in the same way as Hitler did before him. It is vital that people are woken up to the realities of Trump’s threat to the free world before his far-right polices and scapegoating spread across the United States and to other countries.

“Trump, however, is only a reflection of those who support him. He represents a thermometer of the moral and ethical standards of a nation, and has brought to the surface the prejudice and sectarianism that has been bubbling under within the population for some time.

“Yes, there are many issues that America needs to deal with to restore social harmony and generate better economic equality, but Trump is not the man to do this. He will only make things worse while some of his supporters, I fear, are only using him as a ladder to reach their own far-right goals and are forces he won’t be able to control.”

“The United States is the world’s most powerful nation. If Trump were allowed to pursue super-nationalistic policies and cut America off from the world, it would be a disaster leading the US to a virtual Jonestown suicide pact and having a major negative impact on Britain and Europe.”

Trump: Monster or Hero by Mohammad O. Alanjari is out now, published in paperback by Pin Mark Research Center and priced at £22.50, and as a Kindle eBook priced £7.68. Visit www.MonsterOrHero.com.

Giving Birth – The Real Story

Posted on October 14, 2016 by Frostie

Giving Birth – The Real Story

72% of mums-to-be are nervous about giving birth
Over half of respondents (61%) said their births didn’t go according to plan
The biggest fear (27%) about giving birth was medical complications affecting themselves or their baby
Almost a quarter (22%) found their birth partners more annoying than helpful

For most women, experiencing pregnancy and giving birth will be one of the most momentous times of their lives, but this doesn’t come without a certain amount of worries and anxiety. New research from The Baby Show with MadeForMums, which will be returning to Kensington, Olympia from the 21st to 23rd October, revealed that 72% of mums-to-be were nervous about the prospect of giving birth with the biggest worry cited as medical complications (27%) affecting themselves or their baby. This was followed by 18% saying they were scared of unwanted interventions (e.g. inductions, caesarean section or forceps) and then 17% saying they were anxious about not being able to manage the pain.

The research found that while most mums-to-be will stay close to home the nearer the due date gets, some babies are keen to get things moving in unusual or inconvenient places. Of the mums surveyed, 42% went into labour in their home, with 28% in hospital. These were some of the more unusual findings;

Tube station escalator
Car showroom
Whilst watching a live rugby match
On the A1 motorway
In IKEA

While the majority of women (92%) chose to have their partners by their side in the birthing room, when it actually came to the labour, almost a quarter (22%) of people admitted they found their birthing partner more annoying than actually helpful, either falling asleep or playing games on their phones whilst mum does all the hard work! Senior midwife, maternity educator and managing director of Marie Louise Maternity, Marie Louise Hurworth says: “Being a birth partner is one of the most important jobs you could have. But it can be challenging and should be taken very seriously. Being there and sensitive to her changing needs will go a long way and set the foundations for your new family. Even if you are unsure of how to help, stand nearby and make eye contact to let her know you are there and willing to help at any opportunity. One of the most important things is that you don’t become disconnected; remember to participate throughout the journey.”

When asked for amusing labour stories The Baby Show were inundated with funny anecdotes from women across the UK including;

Nina Motylinski-Davies from East Sussex said: “What kept me going throughout my horrendous labour experience was the fact my husband, who after not getting the opportunity to try the gas the first time round, was determined to have a go this time. Put simply, he got absolutely off his face. He climbed into the birthing pool naked, asked the midwife for a margarita, text my Mum saying he could murder a curry when she was actually asking how I was doing, and then danced around the room to Neil Diamond! I look back and laugh now….”

Clare Boss from London told The Baby Show: “With my first baby, the fire alarm in the hospital went off which resulted in two firemen coming in to check on the room whilst I was legs akimbo and mid-push!!”

Laura Jackson from Cheshire explained her dramatic birth story: “I opted for a home birth and hired a birthing pool but sadly never got round to using it! I woke in the middle of the night with a small leak, one week over due, which turned out to be my waters breaking. I woke my husband who immediately started filling up the birthing pool whilst I called the hospital who said the midwives would take around an hour to get to my house. Within moments I had a really strong contraction and suddenly I knew my baby’s head was already out. I was desperate to get into the pool but it wasn’t full and my husband was having problems with the valves. He was in complete disbelief and just said ‘the heads not out’ whilst staring at the front door thinking this would make the midwives appear! Thankfully he snapped into action because with the next contraction he literally had to catch our baby. Such an amazing experience but personally I felt it was a shame for happening so fast…”

Wing Yan Lee, Marketing Manager at The Baby Show says: “Birth plans can be a contentious subject and as our results show many births don’t go according to plan. However, most experts would still agree that planning and looking into your birth options is essential, allowing you to prepare and feel in control of your birthing experience, no matter what direction it takes. We have midwives on hand throughout the show who are able to answer any questions or concerns, no matter how big or small, regarding your pregnancy, birth and beyond.”

Marie Louise continues: “Each and every woman is different and has specific individual needs so there is no one rule for all when it comes to labour and birth. As healthcare professionals we focus on women’s individuality and are guided by what women tell us; we then use technology according to the woman’s history and verbal communication to ensure we do our very best to make the entire process as safe, easy and calm as possible. It’s natural to be nervous about your birth and potential intervention but always remember that our aims are reflective of yours to have a happy, healthy mum and baby.”

Once you’ve arrived home and settled into a new routine, another subject you may be thinking about is sex… Am I ready? Will my partner be expecting sex straight away? Will it be hurt? Will it be the same?

The highest number of couples surveyed chose to wait between six weeks to three months before having sex again (42%) whilst one in five (20%) waited just 0 to six weeks. Reassuringly, a quarter of new mums said they didn’t feel self-conscious about their bodies during sex post-baby, and 29% said at first they did but their partners made them feel comfortable and relaxed.

Marie Louise says: “Guidelines suggest that women wait until they “feel ready” to have sex after birth but there isn’t enough discussion about it. Once again, everyone is different and has a unique experience during childbirth. You may have had a home water birth with no complications or you may have had a forceps delivery in hospital. If you have had a C-section, for example, you may feel ready mentally but your wound may need more time to heal. Or maybe you don’t feel ready mentally but your body has healed well. The most important thing is that you do what’s right for you at the right time and always ask a health professional if you are concerned. If you are experiencing pain during sex postnatally don’t just put up with it, talk about it.”

From the 21st to 23rd October the biggest pregnancy and parenting event of the year, The Baby Show with MadeForMums, will be returning to Olympia, London. The Show is the must-attend event for mums and dads-to-be and new parents, with over 200 exhibitors showcasing all the latest essentials for your new arrival, plus a stage programme jam packed with fashion shows and informative talks by renowned baby experts.

Advance tickets are available from £12.25, while on-the-door tickets cost £20. For more information visit www.thebabyshow.co.uk.

Opening times:

Friday 21st, Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd October, open from 10:00am-5:30pm each day.

Gastronomic splendours of Canvey Island – good eating in Thames Estuary

Posted on October 13, 2016 by Jack Shamash

Labworth Cafe – based on the bridge of HMS Queen Mary

Canvey Island is one of those places that Londoners have heard of but never visit. An island in the Thames Estuary, it was popular as a resort – primarily for caravan holidays – between the wars. In the 70s it attained a sort of fame because blues bands such as Doctor Feelgood emerged from the area. There are some lovely houses by the sea front, but the area has always been seen as a bit common. Last week I went there, and I can tell you it is worth the trip.

The only famous restaurant there is the Labworth Cafe. This was built in the 1930s in the modernist style. It was designed by the famous engineer Ove Arup and was intended to look like the bridge of the the liner – The Queen Mary. It’s now a sort of bistro. You can buy a full English breakfast, but we ordered the grilled skate and chips and salad. And my son had roast pork belly.

Actually, it was very nice. I won’t go any further than that. After all, you don’t go to Canvey Island for cordon bleu cookery. It’s the sort of place where almost every house has a St Georges flag – largely because of the football – and where Asian women in saris go paddling in the sea. It’s not upmarket, but it’s not completely chavvy.

My skate was well cooked – a little more than I’d like. The chips were obviously out of a packet and salad was fresh and well dressed. My son’s pork was very soft and tasty and his roast vegetables weren’t overdone. It was simple food and cost us about £12 each – including soft drinks for my son and a beer for myself. It was very good seaside fare.

And if you’re feeling in the mood for a snack in the afternoon, can I recommend The Welcome Cafe – a snackbar on the seafront. Tea is made in a pot and the locals buy cooked chopped up sausages to feed their dogs. The only thing I didn’t like was the mugs. These all carried headlines from the Sun newspaper. Mine had the delightful headline: ‘Elton takes David up the aisle’. Canvey is a lovely place to visit, but it’s not exactly a centre of high culture.

Mugs of tea at Canvey

My son attacking a plate of pulled pork

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