Scottish soap, River City, is sadly coming to an end. I got my first acting break on River City. I was an incredibly ambitious 18-year-old who had studied acting at college and was desperately trying to get as many auditions as I could. Auditions are hard to get so I was doing extra work to earn money and get some on-set experience. An actor didn’t turn up and I was picked out alongside one other woman to audition for a small part with lines. I was the one who aced it, and got my first ever speaking role on TV, and the BBC no less.
The scene was in a cafe. I ordered a drink from Luca, the character that all of the women fancied. My heart was beating fast, and I was happy. Exhilarated. I knew this was a great credit to have. When the episode came out I watched it with my family. I was left with a feeling that anything was possible. A moment of luck gave me my first proper acting credit. In truth, these moments of luck, along with a huge amount of talent, work ethic and perseverance is they key to success in any creative career.
Seeing myself onscreen was a learning curve. I was a teenager with terrible roots, who needed her blonde highlights redone. I was wearing a coat that looked instantly unfashionable the moment I saw it on screen. I cringed when I saw myself, but I delivered my lines well.
The main character in my book, Where The Light is Hottest, is based on my own experiences. Unlike me, Natasha doesn’t quit when things are going well. She continues on going from small town Scotland to big time Hollywood. As acting books go, Where The Light is Hottest, is a no-holds barred, real and raw inside into what it takes to make it as an actor. My acting career was a wild ride that left me with a lifetime of stories. The highs were like nothing else, but the lows were crashing. All thanks to that moment on the set of River City. Thank you. The show is supposed to end in 2026, but people are protesting and there is a petition. Good luck, River City. Long may you burn bright.
It’s panto season and I just love it. Move over kids, this about me, all me. What do you mean, ‘Oh no it isn’t’? Oh yes it is, and how very dare you?
Last year I saw Elgiva’s Aladdin with my very excited grandkids. The six-year old looked into my eyes and told me that it was the best thing he’d seen in his whole life. I felt the same, although my whole life takes a bit more remembering these days.
`This year is Jack And The Beanstalk and me and the kids (or some may say we three kids) have been counting the days – and we were not disappointed.
Elgiva always attracts well-known and highly-talented actors, who I suspect take part for sheer love, or certainly that’s the impression they give as they tease each other and the audience with an enthusiasm which can’t possibly be scripted. Besides some very welcome familiar faces, including Frost Magazine’s very own Drama Critic and professional actor, Paul Vates, who plays Tilly Trott with much hilarity (I was struggling not to fall off my seat at times), and Carl Johns who is a side-splitting Silly Simon, the stars include Drag Race UK’s Scarlett as Fairy Peapod and Gemma Brodrick from Blood Brothers as Witch Blackweed.
The Elgiva Theatre is a very cosy and personal experience. One never feels far from the actors, who waste no time drawing in the audience and imparting extremely funny and lightning-fast roasts on anyone foolish enough to stand out.
As always the performance was professional yet relaxed and fun. Silly Simon had kids and adults alike waving their hands in the air and singing, with an enthusiastic shout of ‘Six Seven’ to finish each refrain (and there were many). Tilly Trott paraded numerous eye-catching outfits, including a complete beehive, and her cow-milking dress was inspired. Talking of which I absolutely loved the cow (Alexander J Smith) – dancing, singing and speaking volumes with his facial expressions – all of them were just too funny.
The Elgiva panto would not be complete without the Twelve Days Of Christmas – I won’t spoil the surprise but let’s just say I’ve never seen a room full of kids, and adults having quite so much fun with five toilet rolls.
Jack and the Beanstalk has two performances daily until 31st December so do grab your tickets – you will NOT want to miss this. With tickets priced from £27/£23 for peak performances to as little as £23.50/£19.50 for adults/kids, plus there’s an over 60s concession, the excellent value really belies the incredible quality of this panto. Oh yes it does.
[slide 3 my book] Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.
Murder at Merisham Lodge: A 1930s country house cozy mystery (Miss Hart and Miss Hunter Investigate Book 1) Kindle Edition by Celina Grace
A country house. A shocking murder. Two unlikely maids turned sleuths. Doesn’t it sound just the right time to be diving into Grace’s novel – something has to take your mind off lists, wrapping paper and so on. It’s Derbyshire, 1930s. When Lady Eveline Cartwright is found bludgeoned to death in the study of Merisham Lodge, scandal threatens to shatter the family’s reputation. Suspicion falls on her wayward son—but not everyone believes the case is so simple.
Head kitchen maid Joan Hart and lady’s maid Verity Hunter have seen enough of the household’s secrets to know appearances can deceive. As whispers spread through the servants’ hall and tensions rise upstairs, the two women begin their own investigation. But in a world of hidden motives and ruthless ambition, uncovering the truth is a dangerous game. Can Joan and Verity expose a cunning killer before they become the next victims?
Murder at Merisham Lodge is the unputdownable first book in a new 1930s historical cozy mystery series—perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Jacqueline Winspear, and classic British whodunits and – and – it’s free @ https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DQXN95G8/
Fatal Facade: A twisty and pulsating psychological thriller (Allison Campbell Mystery Series Book 4) Kindle Edition by Wendy Tyson at a special pre-
Every silence hides a lie. Every lie can be deadly.The gripping thriller in the shade of the Dolomites Allison Campbell accepted a dream assignment: a visit to the Italian Dolomites to help Hollywood socialite Elle Rose reinvent herself. A guest cottage on the grounds of Elle’s historic castle promises to be a much-needed respite from Allison’s harried life on the Philadelphia Main Line, and the picturesque region, with its sharp peaks, rolling pastures, and medieval churches, is the perfect spot from which to plan her upcoming wedding. Isn’t it????
Well – this idyllic retreat is anything but peaceful. There are the other visitors—an entourage of back-biting expats and Hollywood VIPs. There’s Elle’s famous rock star father, now a shadowy recluse hovering behind the castle’s closed doors. And then there’s Elle’s erratic behavior. Nothing is as it seems. After a guest plummets to her death from a cliff on the castle grounds, Allison’s trip of a lifetime turns nightmarish—but before she can journey home, Allison must catch a killer. Snatch up a pre-order special price of £1.99 instead of £2.99 (due out on 15th January) @ https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0G7XQTG96/
Almost a year ago January 2025 the CCA was manic with so much going on: a music extravaganza, dancing, yoga, bingo, ladies’ day, wargamers, even fitting in several birthday parties along the way. In addition , on a personal level, we welcomed our beautiful great granddaughter Delyla Renee on the 3rd of January, a fabulous bundle of joy. The year has continued to be hectic, which is how we like it at the CCA and now …. it is almost Christmas. The decorations are a go-go and we are taking a breath to think back over the year.
In early February we became – with the backing and funding of Sunderland City Council – a Digital Hub for the community. New computers were delivered along with all the equipment that goes with them. Workers carried out the WIFI bits and we were soon up and running. We also had new office furniture with lockable cupboards where I could safely store my new computer. As a result of the new WIFI we turned our computer room into a second kitchen which was a great asset and very functional, with its new fridge. This means two groups can make a brew at the same time and eases congestion.
Our in-house events started with a Valentine’s Evening with quiz, romantic of course, where Bob presented the ladies with a red rose. Gentoo provided a new outside bench after the other had been damaged.
We hosted our very first open circle evening, which was a remarkable success, and when would we get a breather all the time new requests for room hire were coming through on a weekly basis. We continue with our weekly raffles, and of course, this year’s Christmas raffle will be as popular as ever. But back to out ‘doings’…
Easter was an immense success and our egg campaign for our chosen charities saw over three hundred chocolate eggs being delivered to various children’s charities. Holidays were also fast approaching, the sun was showing its face more often as the days went by. Our beloved Sister Mary Scholastica invited us to her book launch at the City Hall in Sunderland which was so exciting, and we felt privileged to be part of her special day.
Bob (the hunk with the red shoes as Margaret Graham describes him) and I jetted off to Corfu for a well-earned break to recharge our batteries. Aimee Green and her group of dancers did a charity car wash outside of our centre. These little darlings with the help of their parents raised a lot of money for their dance group.
We had a reminiscence evening all about growing up in Brady Square which was a definite hit and which Margaret would have loved to attend but was committed to another event. (She spent many holidays with her Uncle Stan in Brady Square.) We had pie and pea suppers with quiz, fun bingo evenings – you name it, we did it.
We were approached in relation to Maths tutoring and hey ho Ryan Mason has weekly sessions here. Twice a week for Higher Tier Maths, Foundation Tier Maths and Key Stage Three Maths all of which are an enormous success and very well attended. Then along came Jenna Briggs who delivers English Language on a Wednesday evening. Both amazing tutors who deliver a fantastic service. We received requests from the Twisted Duck theatre company to come to rehearse, then the RVI hospitals own theatre group who actually brought their own props and pop up stage which was awe inspiring and we loved having them here.
In September the CCA decided to host a charity coffee morning for the Daft as a Brush cancer patient care charity. On the 26th of September we raised an amazing £1,200 for them and had the privilege of meeting Brian Burnie the founder of the charity when we attended their headquarters to hand over the money. October, Bob, and I flew off to Texas to attend our grandsons wedding and had the most fantastic time making many new friends and experiencing an American wedding, vastly different to what we know, but we loved it.
November: it was time to discuss our intentions for Christmas and went about the business off organising and preparing for this. So much to do while maintaining our everyday schedule. But there was always Dudley to remind us not to forget him!
The weather was turning wet, cold, and low and behold we discovered an issue with damp in the office. One builder visited and said it was a big job and quoted a phenomenal repair charge. However, a second builder got up on the roof and said it was the guttering which needed replacing – so not so bad after all.
We are busy now preparing for our Christmas functions. In addition, we have Christmas trees to assemble and decorate. However, our Saturday exercise class for seniors with the lovely Stacey Reay keeps us fit and, on our toes, so we should have no problem with this at all. We are seasoned gymnasts (ha ha) and quite agile in lunges, thrusts, and squats. In December up went the Christmas trees, all three of them and they look fantastic. Next were the window lights and decorations.
We are again sponsoring the amazing Washington Youth Council who are collecting pamper products for women escaping domestic violence, a marvellous charity for these young and thoughtful children, showing care for others less fortunate fills us with pride and respect at their initiative. Our Christmas raffle is well under way. We successfully attained an Aspire grant from GENTO which has allowed us to purchase items for the raffle and Christmas Hampers, the first one is now completed and even if I say it myself, she is a beauty. Tickets are now on sale at £1 a strip and well worth it. Furthermore, we have had promises from local businesses of more food hampers and vouchers to be donated as raffle prizes.
We have enlisted the services of the lovely Racheall Thompson owner of Cosy Café to do the Buffett at our Christmas party on the 19th of December. In addition, Santa just happened to be free that day and confirmed he will be attending the party (let’s hope he comes bearing gifts) as we have all been very good this year. So have the builders, Ryan and his team who will set about removing the existing guttering, replacing it with sparkling new guttering in time for Christmas.
Marion and Sister Mary Scholastica
Monday 15th was put aside for the amazing Sister Scholastica. Bob and I had Wooley hats knitted by the lovely Belle Cummings for the Seafarers and gifts for the lady herself to deliver. During our visit, sister asked Frost Magazine to mention her thanks and good wishes to all the parishes in Sunderland, and all the fabulous people who had been so generous in her mission. Sister said, and I quote ‘I would love to send each and everyone of them a Christmas Card but it’s impossible as there is so many.’ She is also preparing for her big event where she will receive the Freedom of the City of Sunderland. All so exciting.
As the year closes in on the CCA and all its members, we remember the loved ones among us who did not make it and send our heartfelt blessings to each and everyone. Columbia Community Association continues to go from strength to strength with the support of our local community in good old Brady Square and our friends at Frost Magazine.
We wish you all a very merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
First off the blocks, and FREE: An Unfamiliar Murder: An absolutely addictive female-led crime thriller – really it is…(DCI Helen Lavery series Book 1) by Jane Isaac Kindle Edition
Some secrets just won’t stay buried. Arriving home from a pretty ordinary day at work, Anna Cottrell has no reason to think her life is about to change – forever. You see, she finds the stabbed body of a stranger – right there – in her flat. Not only that, she becomes prime suspect in a murder inquiry. This is only the beginning, though, because evidence seems to link her with the victim…
Leading her first murder investigation, DCI Helen Lavery unravels an unsettling trail of deception, family secrets and betrayal. Then people close to the Cottrell family start to disappear, and Lavery has to up her game. Will she solve the case before he kills another victim – perhaps the main target. As I said. It is a free offer – just what you need when expenses are high. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D8S1HC3G/
If I Were You | A totally gripping domestic thriller with a heart-pounding twist. Kindle Edition by Helen Matthews
Tessa, a former career woman with long Covid and depression, lives a reclusive life in a London suburb. When her long estranged younger sister Maddie suddenly turns up with a baby, events spiral. Maddie claims she’s fled a controlling partner who is threatening to take the child. Overwhelmed at first, Tessa wants to help—both her sister and, by acting, herself.
But the situation grows murkier. Maddie’s story is flawed. Doubts nag. Is she really just a victim? As Tessa gets pulled deeper into Maddie’s story she begins to question her own reality. Loyalty is strained by mistrust,and then Maddie suddenly disappears and leaves the baby with Tessa, What on earth does Tessa do now? And frankly, what on earth is going on. The situation needs solving. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0G64HJ23M/ @ the heady price of £0.99 for a limited time, instead of £4.99.
One winter’s night, a lone figure walks into a remote Pennine village. As heavy snow begins, a man’s body is discovered in the village churchyard. Anne Tilston, one of three sisters living in a brooding run-down house in the shadow of the church, realises that the dead man is her father, a disgraced former senior police officer long estranged from his family.
As DCI Kenny Murrain’s team arrive in the village to investigate the unexplained death, another body is discovered in a nearby field – a young man from the village but is there a connection to Tilston or his daughters? With the snow continuing to fall, another body is discovered, and Murrain finds himself stranded with his team in the sisters’ house with a seemingly motiveless killer waiting outside in the night. Creepy? Oh yes. In fact it reminds me of an Agatha Christie, updated of course. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0G65D24DX/ @ £1.99 instead of £2.99.
We love these two picks for children for Christmas. One is the JJ from CocoMelon toy which will definitely be a huge hit. It’s from Jazwares UK and the Skillmatics Fantastic Sand Art which gives hours of mess-free, creative, fun. It all stays in the box.
CoComelon Musical Toy JJ Bedtime Doll
Bring CoComelon nursery rhymes to life with the J.J Bedtime Plush doll! This cuddly toy is inspired by J.J., the much-loved character from the hit CoComelon YouTube series. Dressed in his iconic onesie and holding his favourite teddy bear pillow, J.J is the perfect bedtime companion.
BEDTIME FRIEND: Soft plush J.J doll in his iconic onesie with teddy bear pillow
SING-ALONG FUN: Plays the “Yes Yes Bedtime” song
SOUNDS & PHRASES: Includes 7 bedtime sounds and phrases
COCOMELON MAGIC: Inspired by the popular educational YouTube series
AGES:18m+
RRP Price (£) 13.49
Skillomatic Fantastic Sand Art
Sand-tastic Art Animals (ages 4+)
Description
Watch the stickers come to life as you fill them in with colorful sand! Add monkeys, elephants, seahorses, and more to your works of art! The special tray and magical rainbow pen make your sandy adventures easy and mess-free!
Popsapersonalised photo books are perfect for Christmas. These luxe, high-end books have lots of personalisation options, and AI puts them together for you with minimal effort. Just download the app and upload your pictures. The rest is done for you.
Using their photo curation app yet, it helps you create premium photo books, calendars, and more keepsakes in minutes from your smartphone.
Powered by AI, it makes the process highly accessible and intuitive – think automatic layouts, designs, captions and 3D previewsthat take your photos from camera roll to coffee table in just a few taps. Popsa aims for photo book design to be seamless for less tech-savvy customers, without compromising on quality.
The result is a premium, coffee-table-worthy photo book that feels special and is made to last – and ideal gift for loved ones.
The app was founded by Liam Houghton, who set out to make preserving memories effortless after seeing how much time his own family spent struggling with complicated design tools.
To date, they have 10 million app users across 50 countries. They are rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot from over 105,000 reviews, and have a 4.8 star App Store rating.
We already have our book and a lovely Christmas ornament. Now get yours.
The Thirsk Yarnbombers have signalled the start up to Christmas, with nativity scenes on post boxes, and the shepherds on their way to the stable.
The bollards are festive, with wonderful knitting from our Yarnbombers who come in the night and festoon the Market Square.
And of course, Santa is not forgotten though he may be stuck in the chimney, or is it just that he gave us a moment of his time before slipping down and dispensing toys into stockings hung on the end of beds?
And carol singers, which reminds me, there will be carols with the glorious Royal British Legion Band in the courtyard of The Golden Fleece on the evening of 18th December.
And we must not forget Christ, Mary and Joseph, ooops, and the donkey who carried Mary with her ‘precious load’.
Here, in Thirsk we are thrilled when these wonderful knitters, busying themselves all year, come quietly to festoon the square for the meaningful ‘occasions’ concerning our community. ‘Yes,’ we say, ‘The tree is up, the lights are on, and the Yarnbmbers have been, so Christmas is on the way, all is well with the world.‘ Just as quietly, all these little miracles will be gone. We won’t know, when, but are safe in the knowledge that they will come again, for the next occasion worthy of note.
These are just a few of the many that have lifted our hearts.
Is it any wonder that people come from miles to enjoy these gems, and perhaps slip across the road to The Golden Fleece for a coffee and, this year, 3 white Maltesers as a nod to a possible white Christmas. Or let’s not forget the myriad other cafes pubs and restaurants. Do come, and share in the sights.
Milly Adams is the author of The Waterway Girls, Love on the Waterways and Hope on the Waterways. (Kindle editions) You can shop all three @ £5.97, or one at a time. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FRN1JWMF/
