In the midst of courses, classes, and refurbishment there is so much good being done with Columbia Community Association at its heart.

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We all know that the Columbia Community Association is not just a pretty face, but its involvement in community fundraising, and support for the community is ongoing and second to none, and inspirational.

The CCA application to host “Warm Spaces” has been successful and they will be able to open their doors and offer their facilities for those in need over the Autumn and Winter months. Phil from Di’s Diner has typically  agreed to come on board and make fresh soup and buns on a daily basis. ‘How can we ever thank Di’s Diner – but heavens, we do,’ say the team.

Marion, Kam and Dianne

Kam from the Polish Centre dropped in to collect the cheque for £250 from money raised from the Hamper raffle in aid of Ukrainian support, which in some areas seems to have fallen by the wayside. Not in Columbia though and it is aid very much neededand. And the CCA list goes on:. 

The joint CCA with Woodridge Gardens held a MacMillan Coffee morning on the 30th September which raised the magnificent  total of £200 for Cancer Support. Imran from Crave for Desserts donated cakes for us to sell.  Here is a sample to wet the appetite and make you forget all about those pesky things called calories.                           

                 

Deb and Linda baked fabulous cakes, and  Sister Mary  accepted the team’s  invitation to join us ( In Marion’s words ‘I adore having her here, she an Earth Angel and very special to us all) she will be delighted at all the 40 hats people have knitted for her beloved Seafarers.   

Frost Magazine team are busy knitting in between work, and have moved on from beige to green. They are not perfect, oh dear me no, but warm and we are trying not to drop too many stitches and get the tricky sewing up of the brim ticketty boo. 

How do the Columbia Community Association do all that they do? How does the community do all that it does? But they all do, and what’s more,  we all know the CCA  will keep on being the heart of the community, come what may.  

And as an addendum to Marion Taylor, please note that Margaret Graham now has red shoes too, it’s not just Bob, who by the way, has 2 pairs. OK yeah yeah, I agree, you told me they were on Amazon. So you win, but I win a little too.

Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

 

SUNDAY SCENE: ANGELA BARTON ON HER FAVOURITE SCENE FROM SPRING BREEZE

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I love the freedom of writing fiction. I construct imaginary buildings and places, create characters, invent stories for them and decide how they’ll react to the obstacles I put in front of them. I forge their relationships, decide who they’ll fall in love with and I determine their outcome. But over the years as my writing has evolved, I like to include real events from history, real people who were alive at the time of my story, and real objects. In Spring Breeze, Irène Némirovsky and Picasso make appearances and interact with my characters, but my excerpt below is about an object.

A great deal of responsibility comes with including actual people or objects in a book. Research has to be thorough and accurate, then entwined into the storyline without sounding like a history lesson! I never enjoyed history at school. Every time I was given homework is was to learn a seemingly endless list of names and dates. I wanted dramatic stories, heroes and heroines. I wanted adventure, romance and excitement. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons I became a writer. Now I can make my own stories whilst adding a touch of realism and history to them.

My protagonist in Spring Breeze is Matilde Pascale. She used to work in an auction house before the German invasion caused its closure. Forced into working for the enemy at the Jeu de Paume museum in Paris, Matilde discovered an object she’s been asked to log; a priceless artefact from history. Imagine the scene. Matilde has been led to the basement of the Jeu de Paume museum where the Germans are storing looted valuables: jewellery, antiques, paintings, ornaments etc. It’s gloomy, lit by dim bare light bulbs, it’s eerily quiet except for the faint echoes of footfall on the floor above her, and she’s alone in the vast storage room.

 

Kneeling, Matilde placed her notepad and pen on the floor. Whatever could it be? She touched it. It felt solid. She peeled back its wrapping and saw material that had been rolled tightly. She found one end but it was too heavy to unroll. She followed a fold, running her fingers along its length and gradually teasing out the material until she had enough to fold it back. Slowly she peeled back a corner to reveal embroidery. The workmanship was exquisite, in vibrant colours and Latin inscriptions. The material felt like linen and smelt musty, like walking into an old church. Looking closely she could see that it had been sprinkled with moth powder. She unfolded a little more: a horse, a man with a sword, arrows. The figures were immediately so individual and so identifiable that her mouth fell open. Her eyes, now wide with wonder and horror, took in what lay before her on the floor.

It was the Bayeux Tapestry.

Matilde knelt reverentially before the giant roll of fabric and pulled on her gloves. She gently laid her palm against the cloth, leaned forward and smelled it. A frisson of awe forced her to close her eyes and wonder at the history this tapestry had seen. It had been associated with such bellicose men as William the Conqueror and Napoleon Bonaparte. It had survived the French Revolution in the 18th century and withstood examinations and transportations.

 

www.angelabarton.net

 

Joffe Books has a great selection of new books, and good news abounds.

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Joffe Books’ book of the week is an utterly addictive psychological thriller with a twist you’ll never see coming by acclaimed author E.V. Seymour — MY DAUGHTER’S SECRETS is out now for just £0.99 | $0.99.

Grace thought she knew her daughter. But Tara had been keeping secrets from her. Very dark secrets . . .      If you like  books by Patricia MacDonald, Shalini Boland, Claire Douglas or Liane Moriarty, then try this, you won’t be disappointed in this excellent suspense novel  from a bestselling author that has drawn wide acclaim.
“A book you’ll be telling your friends about.” Lori Rader-Day, Mary Higgins Clark and Anthony Award-winning author
CLICK HERE TO BUY MY DAUGHTER’S SECRETS BY E.V. SEYMOUR FOR JUST £0.99 | $0.99.

Just a few of the great new books on offer this week from Joffe Books. 

OUT NOW — JUST 99P | 99C 

RINA MARTIN MURDER MYSTERY BOX SET  1 – 4

If cozy crime is your bag, (it certainly is mine) meet Rina Martin, a retired actress with a taste for tea, gardening and crime solving. She played a TV sleuth for years, but now she has to do it for real. Discover your next cozy crime obsession with this great-value box set of FOUR irresistible mysteries. Such a good buy.

“A major talent .” #1 bestselling author Val McDermid

GOLDSTEIN by VOLKER KUTSCHER – my utter favourite sort of crime –  atmosoheric, taut. How wonderful, this as well as cozy crime. We are spoilt for choice this week. £2.99

DISCOVER THE INSPIRATION FOR THE HIT TV SHOW BABYLON BERLIN IN AN ABSORBING AND ATMOSPHERIC HISTORICAL CRIME MYSTERY.“Atmospheric.” Peter James   “Gripping.” Mail on Sunday
*Please note jOFFE’S edition is only available in the UK and Commonwealth (excluding Canada).

TIME TO MOVE ON BY GRACE THOMPSON 99P/99C

UNPUTDOWNABLE HISTORICAL FAMILY SAGA.

Wales, 1952. Seranne Laurence is furious. Her mum has just announced that she is to marry Paul Curtis, the latest in a slew of unsuitable suitors which will make this womaniser Seranne’s step-father.
Can Seranne’s budding relationship with the alluring, infuriating Luke survive the storm —  or will Jessie’s marriage to the sly Paul be the undoing of them all?

Book of the Month

Detectives Anderson and Costello by Caro Ramsay 1 – 3 Box Set for 99p/99c

For Joffe’s Book of the Month they highlight an incredible-value box set of THREE bestselling crime mysteries from Caro Ramsay.

“Brilliant.” Guardian  “The dialogue crackles.” Observer
“Dark, vivid and daring.” #1 bestselling author Val McDermid

NEWS 

 Joffe Books’ Associate Commissioning Editor Steph Carey has signed SIX gripping Welsh crime mysteries from P.F. Ford.

Peter always dreamed of becoming a writer, but a dream is easily stifled without support from those around you.  He says it was only when his old, unhappy life fell apart and he met his new partner Mary, who believed dreamers should be encouraged, that he finally got the chance to live that dream.

Fast forward a few years and you find a man transformed. Now, blissfully happy, settled in a quiet corner of Wales with wife Mary and their rescue dogs, P.F. Ford is living proof that it’s never too late to achieve your dreams.

P.F. Ford says:

“As soon as I spoke to the guys at Joffe Books I understood why they win so many awards, and I’m super confident that working with them is going to take my writing career to another level. I can’t wait to get started!”

Joffe Books Associate Commissioning Editor Steph Carey says:

“I am absolutely delighted to sign Pete to Joffe Books — his compelling crime mysteries set on the Welsh coast have it all: a fantastic cast of richly drawn characters, a beautiful setting, and twists and turns aplenty.” 

Watch this space to get your hands on the first utterly gripping Welsh murder mystery by P.F. Ford in November

For more releases: Joffe Books

It’s all been happening at the Columbia Community Association in weeks 9 and 10. Read on…

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Corey Barnes from CJ Carpet Fitters

COREY BARNES from CJ CARPET FITTERS is the best of the best and started the floor this week. Marion and the team are thrilled and so is Frost Magazine, who visited the CCA a while ago and heard  Marion’s plans for a new floor. It was her dream, and it’s coming true before her eyes. 

It’s all go: the computer room has dried out perfectly and is ready for the next stage,  the painters have been busy in the kitchen, and the lad said he would apply Marion’s choice, Soft Truffle Emulsion. With a name like that, how can it fail to please.

Marion explained, ‘ Our centre prides itself on working with local tradesmen; they care, and want to put our beloved community association on the map as the place to be. We have decided to name our rooms using names associated with the Brady Square area. BRIAN MASON a local lad, has agreed to make the signs for us but we won’t reveal the names just yet.’ 

So,we must all wait. How exciting and with all this going on the CCA is still  business as usual with new sessions starting for CULTURAL CREATIONS  and FLOWER ARRANGING. 

‘I have asked my Bob to toddle off to B & Q for more paint for the kitchen’ Marion told Frost Magazine.  (To be honest Frost Magazine feels  it’s  truly l“Bob a Job week” every day.’ as Marion suggested) Marion added, ‘By the way, Margaret, did I mention that Bob now has two pairs of red shoes?’  Lord,the woman knows how to rub it in. Because she knows she did, and that I am so jealous as I hunt unsuccessfuly for just ONE pair for little old me. . . 

Now for the really sad news, ( my mum Annie Newsome would be really upset) as “Bells” the Butchers will cease trading in October. They have been trading since 1883 and have always been a ficture in the life of Brady Square, Bells Mince pies are second to none. 

Marion says, ‘Our Centre has been going since 1939, it is so important that our building undergoes this refurbishment for the longevity and heritage of our much-loved community and the people of Brady Square. We even found solid brass door handles and finger plates tucked away stamped with GR and the crown. How thrilling is this. A little bit of Coke cleans the brass to a sparkling condition. (Tip of the week)

Kitchen is painted and units are up. The Gas meter on the wall has been removed, and now the wall can be plastered and finished.

Equan had sent in the plasterer comedians, much to Marion’s joy, whose sides were splitting with laughter. Above is  is ALAN and Marion thinks he should be on the stage, he brought such sunshine into the team’s lives. 

   

The kitchen units are being recycled and erected in the computer room along with new worktops. What a transformation, all done with loving care by the amazing LEE. In the midst of all the bustle, the Engineer popped in to check the Fire Alarms, a necessity and a 100% pass.

Never a dull moment, for on Thursday  RICHARD the surveyor called with TOBIN  the  Archaeologist to record the air raid shelter prior to demolition, then hopefully work can start the external refurbishment.

‘We took great pleasure in spending a £1000 grant we attained for kitchen equipment which was delivered on Monday 26,’ said Marion adding: ‘We will want for nowt we haven’t got.’  She’s even got an ‘ology’ after doing a training course on Food Allergies. Be alert Bob, there’ll be no living with her.. She’ll be getting red shoes next. 

 

Sadly, the CCA has said goodbye to the lovely JODIE from EQUAN who has gone on to pastures new, and they will miss her.

On Monday there will be news on the fabulous fundraising work the residents are  doing to help the communtiy with Columbia Community Association firmly at the heart as always.

Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Knock knock – who’s there? The new door knocker at the Columbia Community Association. Sorry about that, Margaret couldn’t help herself.

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Yes, it’s arrived, so Marion tells Margaret Graham, Editor of  Frost Magazine. Hurrah.

It appears to have been a busy week: the plaster in the kitchen was left to dry out slowly as it’s scheduled to be painted this week ready for the units to be fitted. Pauline has been  busying herself cleaning the glass in the doors ready for the fabulous rainbow window film. Bob has been replacing some of the handles on the doors and as Marion says, ‘They look the business.’

While on the subject of Bob, Margaret Graham is very very put out, because Bob has a NEW pair of red shoes, when she still has not found her first pair. Moving on…

The new Projector has been delivered and the CCA have had a donation of a 32inch Telelvision for our computer room.

Marion says, ‘This room wants for nowt it hasn’t got. so Columbia Community Association will be the place to be. The grand news is that  the lovely Laura Baines from Equan is organising Free Digital Training. In addition she is delivering training at our centre for over 16’s who are currently unemployed and looking to gain meaningful employment or to re-enter the workplace.’ This really is an outstanding initiative.

Excellent news hot off the press: the CCA is now part of the Washington Heritage Partnership, in which groups work together to commemorate and fortify the heritage of Washington and wonderful Brady Square. ‘We are now displayed on their new banner,’ Marion says.

Fat Quarters arrived and showed the team the hats they are knitting for the Seamens’ Mission which is destined to bring a smile to Sister Mary.

                                         

The CCA also had a visit from Jim Benson, Principal Designer (Health & Safety) to Marion and the rest of us. He was  Marion says,  very nice and most complimentary; He even let her take his photograph for Frost Magazine. ‘Jim advised us it would be good practice to display a poster with the location of the nearest Defibrillator. Sound advice Sir, we took a photo of our neighbours and designed a poster.’

Lee at Faltec informed  Marion that their television was ready to collect, wall bracket n all…. The team are thrilled, ‘What a star, a man of his word. That’s two in one week, and both Smart TVs.’

A vast number of glasses were handed over to Ray for the Cambodian appeal and arrangements have to made with Kam from the Polish Centre for him to collect a cheque for money raised for the Ukrainian appeal from the food hamper raffle.‘The hats for the Seafarers keep on coming but there are never enough, so don’t stop knitting.’  Marion has even spurred Margaret, editor of Frost Magazine to get out her needles. She has knitted up five, of which Dick, (him indoors) has pinched one. BAD Dick.

The paint arrived, and low and behold it was the gaffers of Equan getting the brushes out. ‘How lucky are we having such amazing people wanting to bring our centre back to life. Brady Square rubs off on everyone, whoever darkens our doors is hooked with its magnetism.’ says Marion. Well, quite.

                       

Left to right: Steven, Tom and Stu (the lovable Likely lads at work) to be rewarded at tea break with a slice of Linda’s Orange cake. Keiran arrived to take over the afternoon shift, and the lovely Beth. (Keiran is AKA Jurgen Klopp).

The colour of the flooring was chosen, grey to match the grey radiators and blinds. The TV was also mounted on the wall, the bookcase was mounted in the corner. Margaret is bringing more of her books under her writing names of Margaret Graham, Milly Adams and Annie Clarke so they can go there, along with others. The settee and reception table and chairs, donated by Faltec,  complete the picture. The problem is going to be… stopping Marion from moving in.

Friday was put aside for emptying the room ready for Corey to start the flooring this week. All hands-on deck after Callum has given the radiator a second coat of paint as  Mike,  Michael, and Dan helped clear the room.

The excitement is mounting at Columbia Community Centre, and thanks abound to all those who have supported and helped so far.

‘You are all appreciated more than you will ever know,’ say the committee. 

.Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

 

CARIADS’ CHOICE: SEPTEMBER 2022 BOOK REVIEWS

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Lynne Francis’ A Maid’s Ruin reviewed by Susanna Bavin

This thoroughly engaging and enjoyable story follows the fortunes of young Molly Goodchild, a dairymaid whose life is one of unrelenting hard work. She dreams of better things, but this doesn’t mean she isn’t a practical person, well versed in the demands of everyday life and family responsibilities.

I was enormously fond of Molly. She is a naturally strong character who shows both determination and tenacity in the face of adversity, but at the same time, her youth and inexperience make her vulnerable. I found her utterly believable and I rooted for her all the way.

This emotional and dramatic story is set in Georgian times and Lynne Francis has filled the pages with period detail and beautifully written descriptions of the various settings. A lot of research has gone into this book, adding vibrancy, immediacy and depth to the telling.

This is the coming-of-age story at its best.

 

Sandy Barker’s The Dating Game, reviewed by Jessie Cahalin

What happens when a journalist goes undercover on a reality show?

I absolutely loved The Dating Game. Abby is a wonderful character guiding the reader through her hilarious observations of the world of reality television. This smart, witty character exposes the micro-politics behind the scenes. This is a romance novel with so many twists and turns you’ll be dizzy, and you’ll giggle your way to the end. Besides entertaining me, this was an astute observation on reality TV culture. The novel is jam packed with wit, sensitivity and humour. I could not put this novel down! A perfect beach read, and I wanted to book a holiday in Sydney by the end.

 

Jules Wake’s The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim reviewed by Carol Thomas

This was a fun, feel-good read with a cast of wonderful characters. I enjoyed the setting and the unfolding romance between Ettie and Dominic. There was plenty of humour; I even laughed out loud at times. I loved Ettie for her moments of candour, albeit she was also prone to the odd little white lie. The characters were from a broad age range, leading to realistic and funny interactions and a community feel. I enjoyed the blossoming friendship of the wild swimmers and getting to know what spurred them to need their swim. It was also great to check in with returning characters from The Saturday Morning Park Run, a book I also greatly enjoyed. While I was a little unsure about the set-up for the penultimate scene, I welcomed the happy ending. Overall, it is escapism that will make you smile!

 

Josie Lloyd’s Lifesaving for Beginners reviewed by Jane Cable

There was nothing I didn’t love about this book. How often do you read that in a review, but it isn’t a phrase I use often and I really mean it.

The stories of the five women who meet on Brighton beach to swim during the pandemic are wound seamlessly together to make a cohesive whole. Maddy, whose marriage and Instagram-perfect lifestyle have fallen apart; Helga the elder stateswoman who refuses to accept the limitations of her advancing years; Claire, the wife and mother who feels she has become invisible; Dominica struggling with grief; and Tor who is afraid to tell her family about the woman she loves.

This is a book about the power of friendship and the ability to move on. There is no one central shared ‘quest’ and really no central character. Their stories blend and twist together in such a powerful way I found it impossible to put down.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Devika Shallivan’s tips for first time writers of erotica genre

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Don’t be stumped: Most writers do not even attempt to write erotica as they are lost as to how they would write it? What words they would use? Whether a sex scene is good or bad? How would a reader react? Previously written books may be for a previous generation. You can write something new and unique.

Sex scenes aren’t about sex only:  A good sex scene is about the exchange of emotions, not bodily fluids. There can be emotions from rage or desolation to exultation, tenderness, or surprise.

Increase your vocabulary according to your book era: If you are attempting to write contemporary sex scenes try to find current slang or words. If you are trying to write in the Georgian or Victorian era then know more about the words current at the time. You can very easily do this by googling words and finding which centuries they were used.

 

Show the exchange of emotions:  The best way to show exchange of emotions is by dialogue, expression or action. Dialogue is by far the most flexible and powerful tool a writer has. What people say reveals the essence of their characters. A good sex scene is usually a dialogue scene with physical details.

Use all senses: Many writers and authors use only sight and sound. You can make a vivid scene by including smell, taste, touch.

Do not use ambiguous words: Do not leave too much to imagination. Try to fill in the blanks in the mind of your reader.

Use appropriate trigger warnings : If your story includes violence, sexual harassment, sex trafficking, coercion, rape, make up sex, sexual assault, childhood sexual abuse, sexual fantasy, BDSM, fetish, etc put appropriate trigger warnings.

These stories need to be written and be heard rather being labelled as pornographic or too rude.

Get Feedback: If you are writing a sex scene and are unsure if it would be something your readers would like. Join a writers’ community or group who would be happy to tell you what works and what doesn’t work.

As a writer or author write your story and have a distinct voice. Tell your story!

 

Devika Shallivan Services: https://www.facebook.com/rgrprt/services

Resources

Wikipedia: Erotica Genre
Game of Thrones – George R. R. Martin (1996) Books
Bridgerton – Julia Quinn  (2000) Books
Nymphomaniac Volume I (2013) Film
Nymphomaniac Volume II (2013) Film
Fifty Shades of Grey (2015) – E L James
Sex Education (2019) TV Series

As with all articles in Frost, the opinions expressed are the contributor’s own.

 

 

 

 

 

SUNDAY SCENE: SUZANNE SNOW ON HER FAVOURITE SCENE FROM SNOWFALL OVER HALESMERE HOUSE

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Inspiration for me often begins with the setting and I knew I had found my characters’ home when I visited this gorgeous house and garden in Cumbria. Soon I could envision Ella and Max here and picture their story unfolding around me. The scene I’ve chosen to share is set on a Sunday evening when Ella is feeling tense and alone in the house on her first weekend at Halesmere. Active by nature, she heads out into the frosty night for a walk in the grounds to settle herself before bed:

 

Not a thing seemed to be stirring when Ella reached the empty lane; she felt like the only person awake and watching the world at this hour. She really ought to go back to bed; midnight would soon be past, and she couldn’t spend the night marching up and down the drive.

She heard Prim before she saw her as she neared the house. She saw the dog freeze, then her tail shot up and Prim barked once, cautiously, then let out a volley of noise that had Max running after her.

‘Prim, shut up, there’s nothing there,’ he hissed. ‘Be quiet, you’ll wake the kids up.’

Ella had been looking for a tree or convenient spot where she might hide, but it was too late. Prim had found her and immediately swapped the barking for a madly wagging tail and a desperate wish to put her paws on Ella’s shoulders.

‘Who’s there?’ Max called sharply.

‘It’s me.’ She stepped forward, offering a quick smile she wasn’t sure Max would see through the dark. ‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to set Prim off like that.’

‘Ella! You had me worried for a minute, Prim’s never barked like that before.’

‘Just doing her job, aren’t you, girl.’ Ella stroked the dog leaning against her legs.

‘I suppose.’ Max was wearing a T shirt over lounging trousers, and he shivered. ‘It’s pretty late to be out for a stroll. Couldn’t sleep?’

‘No,’ she admitted. ‘Walking usually helps.’

‘I work rather than walk when I can’t sleep.’ He wrapped his arms across his body. ‘Not so easy for me to leave the house.’

‘Of course.’ She thought of his children, cosy in their beds. ‘But doesn’t working too many hours late at night just make you more tired?’

‘Yeah.’ She saw the gleam of his smile. ‘But I’ve got two excellent alarm clocks who like crashing on my head first thing, so there’s not much danger of me sleeping in.’

A gorgeous new image jumped into Ella’s mind, one featuring Max being woken with cuddles and love every morning by Lily and Arlo tumbling over him. ‘You’re not still working?’

‘Just finished. I let Prim out last thing before I head up.’ Max stamped his feet, blew out a breath. ‘It’s freezing. You don’t fancy a hot drink, do you?’

Not wise, Ella, she told herself. Not wise at all. But exactly what she wanted and quite possibly just what she needed. ‘I’d love one. Maybe not coffee though.’

‘No problem. I do a mean hot chocolate, and I could throw in a shot of brandy to warm us up.’

‘Perfect.’ It was, and Prim seemed delighted to be escorting Ella safely into the cottage instead of seeing her back to the silent house.

 

I loved writing this scene as it marks a change in Ella and Max’s relationship as they begin to understand one another and the circumstances which have led them to Halesmere House in search of new beginnings.

 

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