Tracklements Special Edition Date & Tamarind Chatni – Simply Delicious – by Dr Kathleen Thompson

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Frost has featured Tracklements before. We love these amazing preserves. Incredibly they’re still made by hand in small batches at their Wiltshire-based family company.

The reason Tracklements products taste so good is simple – it’s a combination of their recipes and their ingredients. Their ingredients are of the highest quality and are sourced from small companies and farms across England – they even involve school children by arranging for them to  pick their crab apples – giving the kids the opportunity to learn how traditional foods are made together with earning cash for school funds.

Tracklements use traditional recipes – some even from the 17th century – but every now and then they treat us with a Special Edition, and I was delighted to test their Date and Tamarind Chatni. Chatni is an Indian word for chutney and the blend of sweet dates with the distinctive sourness of tamarind works perfectly. I tried it with cheese and it turned a simple snack into something very special. The makers recommend spreading it on top of white, meaty fish and steaming, or slather over pork chops and grill or even dollop into a Lamb Tagine for tremendous flavour and texture. It’s vegan and gluten-free, so no dietary issues.

Tracklements Special Edition Date & Tamarind Chatni RRP £3.50 for 250g, is available from fine food delis and farm shops nationwide and from their website – I can seriously recommend you give it a try.

By Dr K Thompson, award-winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows


http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q
http://faitobooks.co.uk


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.

SUNDAY SCENE: CAROL THOMAS ON HER FAVOURITE SCENE FROM A SUMMER OF SECOND CHANCES

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Ava Flynn, the heroine of my novel, A Summer of Second Chances, feels the clothes donated to the charity shop she manages have seen more life than her. Yet maximum dedication is what it takes to keep her late mother’s beloved wildlife charity, All Critters Great and Small, running.

But when Ava’s first love, Henry Bramlington, returns to the village, life suddenly becomes a little too eventful. As the heir to Dappleburry House and estate, Henry, has the power to make or break the village he left behind – All Critters Great and Small included.

In the scene I am sharing, Ava is running with her spaniel, Myrtle, in the grounds of Dapplebury House. Unaware that Henry has returned, but well aware she is trespassing (especially as she was banned from the estate many years ago), Ava is releasing the tension she has felt building inside as she encounters Henry for the first time in over a decade.

 

The trees went by in a blur. The sensation was freeing. Ava was running too fast for rational thought. Too fast to think about all that she would like to say to her mum; too fast to think about the weight of burden she felt at keeping All Critters Great and Small afloat; too fast to think about the never-ending mountain of donations at the shop, and – Oh God! – too fast to do anything to avoid the man stepping out from the line of trees just feet ahead of her.

With the deft agility that came from being half a metre from the ground, and in possession of four paws, Myrtle darted out of the way, while Ava braced herself for impact. Seeing the alarm in the man’s green eyes as if she were registering the situation in slow motion, Ava slammed into him, knocking him to the ground as the breath left them both.

Shocked at the abrupt stop as much as the fall, cushioned only by the fact she had landed on top of the man, it took Ava a moment to regain her faculties. Embarrassment taking over, she cursed and began scrabbling up from the horribly awkward situation. Myrtle ran around the unexpected scene in a frenzy of excitement as Ava and the man disentangled their bodies.

Ava stood. ‘Are you crazy? What are you thinking just stepping out like that?’

Slowly getting to his feet, the man laughed, the unexpected response doing nothing to ease Ava’s anger.

‘Seriously?’ She felt the beads of sweat on her temples prickle.

‘I’m sorry—’ The man, still doubled over with his hands on his hips, sounded winded. ‘I heard a scream … and came to see if everything was all right. I had no idea you were about to come … like a banshee, hurtling along from nowhere, on what is …’

‘Private property, I know,’ Ava retorted, flailing her arms in the direction of the woods.

She inhaled in readiness to continue, but as the man stood to his full height, flicking his fringe from his eyes, and offering the hint of a smile, no words came. Instead, Ava stood transfixed – recognition slowly dawning upon her.

 

I greatly enjoyed writing all of the scenes between Henry and Ava. While this marks a new beginning for them, all does not run smoothly, especially as Henry inadvertently leaves a donation at the shop that reveals secrets with far reaching consequences for them both.

EVA GLYN’S HIDDEN CROATIA: AFTER THE MONKS LEAVE…

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As so often happens when you’re researching, I stumbled across Lopud 1483. Strange name for a monastery now turned event space and high end holiday let, but not when you discover that was the year the Franciscans started to build Gospa od Spilice, or Our Lady of the Cave.

Perched on an outcrop overlooking the main harbour on the island of Lopud, just fifteen kilometres from Dubrovnik, the monastery and its fortifications have been a landmark for generations. After the 1820s it began to crumble, the monks having decamped back to the mainland leaving a local man to open the church for anyone who wanted to pray.

It was a tiny and often forgotten slice of the monastery’s history that fascinated me originally. I was researching what happened to Dubrovnik’s Jewish community during the Second World War and discovered that some of them had been interned on Lopud for a period of about six months. This was done under the strict instructions of the German occupiers, but the soldiers guarding them were Italians who up until that point had avoided imprisoning the Jews under their jurisdiction.

What fascinated me was exactly where on the island the unfortunate Jews had been interned. There didn’t seem to be very many buildings big enough, which left me thinking about the monastery. It might have been a ruin, but it had stout fortified outer walls and in many ways was an obvious choice. So imagine my surprise when, watching a documentary about the monastery’s restoration, I saw the words ‘il duce’ painted on a wall. Italian fascists had definitely been there.

I really, really wanted to visit this beautiful place, as my characters do in the book I was writing and researching. They would have been there in 2010, quite early in the restoration programme, but I knew from experience that walking around the building and grounds would enable me to recreate it so much better for my readers.

I knew I couldn’t afford to rent this iconic property (recent guests include the Beckham family), so I emailed the general manager with the dates of my Croatian trip and kept my fingers firmly crossed. The answer was yes; they had a small gap between rentals – basically a Sunday morning – and their security officer would show me around.

First let me say that Lopud 1483 is a little slice of heaven. Its restoration took the best part of twelve years, but in 2018 it opened its doors for cultural events and private rentals. The project was masterminded by Francesca Thyssen-Bornemizsa, and it now houses her family’s extensive collection of renaissance art, furniture and artefacts.

Our guide was keen to tell us about the art, but also about the property’s history, including the physic garden and the monks’ pharmacy which have also been restored. To walk through the gardens is a wonderful sensory experience and I could have lingered there for hours, but of course I needed to find out about the Italian connection in World War Two.

Standing in the master bedroom looking at the fascist graffiti from eighty years before sent more than a shiver down my spine. The monastery had certainly been the Italians’ headquarters on the island but, as I discovered that day, not where the Jews had been interned. That dubious honour went to a hotel that had been built in the 1930s as a beacon of modernity, something I would never have found out had I not visited Lopud.

And I can always dream that the book, due out in summer 2023, is an international bestseller so I can afford to go back to Lopud 1493 and stay!

Batteries re-charged at the CCA and … they’re off.

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Tuesday 30th August at 8am the lovely Donna from Haven Wellbeing Centre in Columbia kicked off a brilliant week, Marion tells us, when she arrived with a donation of a new Dolce Gusto coffee maker and pod stand, sandwich maker and food dicer. Sadly, due to the current climate they are having to close down but on a positive note they will be using Columbia  Community Centre to deliver certain sessions. ‘We are grateful beyond words.’ says Marion

Liam and Stu are here to prepare and re-hang the doors. They will need to be primed and painted and new hinges. The lads were so full of life, singing and dancing to the music while working , that Marion had the cheek to wonder if Liam had been sipping the wine he won on the Hamper Raffle.  Gasp! Then, a bit of bad news: CCA’s treasurer Pauline has tested positive for Covid. Another gasp, and wishes for a quick recovery from the team at Frost.

It seems all the free crockery has gone, thanks to social media. Red Shoes Bob will be moving the fridge and freezer before Thursday, though the kettle will remain in the office as it’s always on the boil for anyone who pops in. Beautiful pottery was created by the children who received free bags courtesy of Andrew Leach from MBC Arts Wellbeing.

               

Marion wanted Frost Magazine to emphasis tthe CCA’s gratitude that so many wonderful people have come into the CCA’s lives, – each and every one of them has been the cream of the crop, and:  ‘Every one of them will remain our friends for life and always welcome at the centre. Our christmas card list will stretch from here to Newcastle by the end.’ Marion says. ‘ Oh, and by the way, Dianne is on Library duty ensuring that the fabulous novels we have for hire by Margaret Graham are all accounted for, as they are being borrowed like hot cakes. That’s great, as long as you say where Marion can find you and ‘Margaret’.

Margaret, author, BAD girl, and editor of Frost Magazine, says, ‘I will be up with more books, some by me, but as I review books by other authors I have these to share with the CCA too.’

At last, Thursday arrived, and danger -“Men at work”. Liam and Justin did a  mighty good job of dismantling the kitchen, and Phil the Plumber did what Plumbers do and it’s service with a smile.

    

Marion is so delighted. ‘We have waited so long and at last it’s all happening around us and we are all so happy. Bingo ladies are having a day off today, they tell me they wouldn’t be able to hear the numbers shouted out for the noise but they would have enjoyed the eye candy – Girls that’s naughty (but nice)’

Marion tells us that the CCA have nothing but praise for these lads from Equan, they haven’t stopped all day,  even washed the floor all ready for the joiner the next day. Then with the smooth came the rough. The emergency lights came on in the midst of a power cut. But why the power cut? After several phone calls a charming chap called Chris (Marion tells us – what is she like?!) telephoned to say he was on his way. It transpired the RCD had tripped. Now Marion knowswhat to lookout for if it happens again, so frankly, says Margaret. Marion won’t have to call out the charming Chris, so very there.

Marion reports that new kitchen is fabulous and so much is down to the skill of the men doing the refurb, plus – dare she says they are all so easy on the eye. She also says that ‘Margaret Graham will say I am Bad but Margaret Graham is not here but I bet she wishes she was. (She does) Then along came Ross to help with the handles.’

   

Liam                                               Ross                                            Supervisor

‘Linda arrived with delicious home baked Lemon cake (now the work has stopped)’ Marion said, ‘But they deserve a treat.’

‘That’s a rap,’ said Marion. ‘Roll on my next report, as we show off our doors and new kitchen.’

.Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

 

My Writing Process Rebecca Raisin

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What have you written, past and present?

I have written eighteen romance novels over a period of about ten years. At the moment I’m writing a book set in Venice and it’s been a joy exploring all the hidden gems albeit with the help of travel blogs and google images. It’s always a lot of fun to research a location to bring it to life in my stories. 

  • What are you promoting now?

My latest release, Elodie’s Library of Second Chances is about the power of stories and second chances. Elodie escapes the family media empire to take the librarian job in small town Willow Grove. She hopes to save the library but with limited funds and resources she’s fighting a losing battle. Until she stumbles upon some real-life stories that need sharing. She decides to lend people to share their stories in the hopes the community will be more accepting of those on the periphery. Everything is going well until her own past gets scrutinised and people find out she’s not who she portrayed herself to be. But don’t we all deserve a second chance? 

  • Tell us a bit about your writing process

I write the first draft fast with a brief outline to guide me. I don’t like to plot in too much detail as I prefer the characters to guide me when they come to life on the pages. In saying that, I do a full character profile for the main characters before I start. I start with their physical descriptions and then dive into what sort of person they are. Do they cry in sad movies? What kind of laugh do they have? What do they want most in the world? What are they scared of? And that gives me a wide scope to work with when it comes time to add some conflict into the story and know how they’ll react to certain situations and where to push them that little bit further. 

  • How do you structure a book?

Every book is different depending on the goal of the heroine but I usually start with a hook, a catalyst that changes her life and forces her to act. The character profile comes in handy here because I will already know what she doesn’t want, or what she fears so I will then move the plot forward by making her face those fears. I use the general idea of what is her goal? Her motivation? What conflict can I add to the mix to make her work for what she wants ahead of the resolution. I also focus on friendship as well as romance so these factor in too but for my heroines the priority is always about them finding their own way in the world. 

  • What do you find hard about writing?

Deadlines! They creep up so fast! It feels like I’ve got all the time in the world and then two minutes later the book is due. Luckily, I love editing, so once I get the first draft done, I enjoy the editing process a lot more. 

  • What do you love about writing?

The best part of writing is when a story comes together in such a way that those characters are in your heart and on your mind and you know you’ve connected to the story on a deep level. The Venice novel I’m writing now feels that way, almost as though they’re real people and not inventions of mine. It’s the best feeling when that happens! 

SUNDAY SCENE: LYNN JOHNSON ON HER FAVOURITE SCENE FROM THE POTTERIES GIRLS ON THE HOME FRONT

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Would you have been ready to leave home to become a live-in servant in a posh country house – when you were twelve? That’s what happens to Potteries Girl, Betty Dean. She knows her life will be very different, but is she ready for the loneliness of being in two worlds and not being settled in either? In the following extract, Betty is about to leave home and all her sister, Mary-Ellen is worried about is taking over the housework.

 

‘I’m glad I’m going.’ Betty jumped to her feet. ‘You’ll all have to do some things for yerselves and about time too. I’ll come back to see yer on me day off each month, like I said.’ She glared at Mary-Ellen. ‘But I’ll not be coming back to do the washing, ironing, cooking or anything else, I’ll tell yer that for nowt.’

There was silence round the table. The faces looking up at her brought home the enormity of what was happening. Betty had to take a stand right from the outset.

Her annoyance soon fizzled out. It was beginning to hit her – from this point onwards, she wouldn’t know what her brothers and sisters were up to, whether someone was ill, happy, or sad. All she would have would be letters, if they could be bothered to send them. They would live in different worlds, with different things to talk about, and she would be a train ride away. She would come to know less and less about her own family, be the odd one out, living alone. She had wanted space to be herself in their crowded home, but it came with a heavy cost. When she put it like that, it sounded lonelier than she had ever imagined.

It would be up to her to make sure she didn’t lose touch. She would insist everyone, even little Tommy, with a bit of help, write her a letter each month. That way she could begin to bear it, she hoped.

 

It’s only when you are parted from the family and friends that you realise how much you have taken them for granted over the years – a hard lesson to learn at so young an age. And it’s difficult to think about others when you are hurting too.

 

 

That night, she lay in bed, curled up with Mary-Ellen and Lily, eyes wide open, unable to sleep.

‘Betty?’

The hiss of a voice came from the doorway. A young voice. Tommy.

Betty sat up, careful not to bump against Mary-Ellen ‘Are you all right, Tommy?’

He let himself into the room. ‘I conner sleep knowing as you’ll be gone soon. Conner get it out of me mind.’

‘I won’t be far away. And I’ll come back regular. I promise.’

‘Why d’yer have to go?’

‘We need the money and now we’re all growing up, there’s no room for all of us here.’

‘I’m going ter miss yer.’

Betty put her arms around him. ‘And I’ll miss you so much. You know I will.’

‘Can I stay in here? Just for tonight.’

‘There’s no room, Tommy,’ muttered Lily.

‘Course there is, just for tonight, said Betty, on the verge of tears.

‘Yes, but you’ll have ter get up early.’

‘Dunner care.’

As he huddled against her, Betty put her arms around her brother and sisters. Would this be the way of it all from now on? Always saying goodbye. She had to be strong. To think for herself. To be herself.

 

Staying in touch – is at the heart of Betty’s story.

 

Website: www.lynnjohnsonauthor.com

On this the 100th Joffe Books Digest we discover a multitude of fabulous new books

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Joffe is delighted, on this the publication of the 100th digest, with our readers’ superb support for all their wonderful authors – who are very much part of the Joffe family, and they so  look forward to introducing many more in the years to come.

Joffe’s book of the week is the latest absolutely unputdownable crime thriller from #1 bestselling author Cath Staincliffe — DESPERATE MEASURES which is out now for the special launch price of just 99p | 99c.

It would be a shame to miss out on DCI Janine Lewis’s last case. Ever . . .   Respected GP Dr Don Halliwell is discovered brutally murdered and his colleague Dr Fraser McKee goes missing. Then McKee walks into the police station: ‘Somebody’s trying to kill me.’ However, he and Halliwell had been seen screaming at each other right before Halliwell’s murder.

It’s up to Janine to separate the murky truth from the lies.

CLICK HERE TO BUY DESPERATE MEASURES BY AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR CATH STAINCLIFFE FOR JUST 99P | 99C.

           

The Guernsey Ferry Murders by Pauline Rowson 99p/99c

Detective Inspector Andy Horton is in Guernsey when he receives an urgent call from his friend, Inspector John Guilbert. ‘A woman’s been found dead on the ferry which sailed from Portsmouth this morning.’Renegade detective Horton dives headfirst into his investigations, where dark secrets lead to destruction . . . 

A Future Murder b Linda Mather  99p/99c

MEET JO HUGHES, YOUR NEW FAVOURITE PRIVATE DETECTIVE.  Jo Hughes goes undercover to investigate Flora Howell. She tells Jo she’s looking for a missing friend and almost immediately afterwards she gets knocked off her bike in a hit-and-run accident. Then Flora’s friend is found dead. It’s up to Jo to read the signs and uncover the truth.

Murder at the Roman Baths by Jane G Goodhind 99p/99c

Amateur sleuth Honey Driver is attending the funeral of one of her mother’s friends. But before the deceased can be laid to rest, another body is found in the grave.The victim is C.A. Wright, renowned hotel reviewer with a nasty reputation and some even nastier habits. Wright was known as a leech, a lecher and a venomous cockroach by most people who crossed his path — including Honey Driver . . .

Such great great news:

Coming soon from Joffe Books — BABYLON BERLIN by Volker Kutscher. These truly are wonderful novels. I love them, love love love them. (You get the picture)
Joffe are not unnaturally delighted to be publishing Volker Kutscher’s award-winning series of Gereon Rath historical crime mysteries set in pre-war Berlin do not miss them. Do buy them.

The series of five historical thrillers, notable for its atmospheric portrayal of Weimar Republic Germany, has sold over a million copies worldwide and was recently adapted for television by Sky Atlantic, with the critically acclaimed Babylon Berlin TV series.

CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER BABYLON BERLIN BY VOLKER KUTSCHER.
“Atmospheric.” Peter James  “Gripping.” Mail on Sunday “Splendid and chilling.” Crime Time   “Conjures up the dangerous decadence of the Weimar years.” The Sunday Times

Joffe Books Publishing Director Kate Lyall Grant says:

“We are thrilled to have acquired digital rights in the remarkable Gereon Rath series, which brings the seedy underworld of 1920s’ Berlin to vivid and memorable life.”

NEWS

Now for a fulsome tribute on this, the celebration of Joffe’s100th digest, to honour Joffe’s beloved author Roy Lewis, creator of the Arnold Landon and Inspector Crow mystery series, who recently reached the impressive benchmark of over half a million books sold!

Joffe Books were delighted to receive a testimonial to Roy from his son, John,  which they wanted to share with Frost Magazine readers.

Roy was born in Ton Pentre, Rhondda, South Wales on 17/1/1933. He died on 18/8/2019. He probably started writing as a teenager.    In the late 1950s he contributed a number of short stories to an Australian publication, Man Magazine (and possibly also Adam). Suffice it to say that these publications mostly consisted of photos of young women in bathing suits with some articles and stories thrown in! 

He was first published by Collins in 1969, John thinks, and stayed with them in their Crime Club series for many years. He took inspiration for his books from what he saw around him, from his early years in the Rhondda, through his years as a Further Education college lecturer, college inspector, and the places where he lived — Wales, the North-East, Spain and France. He also travelled widely in the Far East, which features in his writing as well. Archaeology was of particular interest to him, as was mediaeval history (e.g. the Knights Templar), which is reflected in the Arnold Landon series of books

Joffe Books Publisher CEO Jasper Joffe on Roy Lewis:

“For a long time I wanted to publish Roy Lewis’s excellent crime novels. We used to speak occasionally on the phone and I always really enjoyed the charming lilt of his voice and his warmth.

I am very proud to publish his books and that we have sold over half a million of them, reaching a whole new generation of crime lovers. There’s a little sadness that he’s not alive to see the new-found success of his titles, but his books live on for his many loyal readers and I am so happy that we are his publisher.”

For more information: www.joffebooks.com

Fun and Games at Columbia Community Association … Keep calm as Corporal Jones would say …

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They say everything comes to those who wait…

But how long? I hear Marion call. Well, the good news is that the WiFi is up and running, with the misspelling of the user name on the hub rectified, and responsibility accepted by the supplier.  The email was a game in itself, but has eventually been resolved. I’ll leave Marion to tell you the full story when you pop in. It’s a hoot.

The kitchen is being stripped out on 1st September and refitted on Friday 2nd.

 

 

Natural Oak doors /Turkish Marble worktops. Crockery free to anyone who wants it
And clever Bob – he with the red trainers  (BTW, as editor of Frost I felt I too must have a pir of red trainers,so I will be NOTICED, Could I find a pair?) But back to Bob, who has passed an on-line PAT training course; Marion tell us ‘I am looking forward to hiring him out. ‘    ‘Bagsy me,’ said I. Marion insisted she was  only kidding. Huh.   Equipment ordered and delivery due any minute. 

Even with the turmoil of the  refurbishment, the classes continue, and brilliant news- Marion has had so many booking enquiries going forward into June 2023 she has had to buy a 2023 diary. Marion also met with Laura Bains from Equans to discuss the centre hosting a week-long training programme. Oh Laura, were you ‘had’? Yes, of course, you were,  for lo and behold Marion managed to negotiate the decoration of the computer room, benches installed, along with wall cupboards, as payment for the room hire.

Marion also told us: ‘Let’s not forget ‘Wind Chime making day’ with MBC Arts Wellbeing and happy smiling children. They are due to return on Friday with their creative work.’ So we’ll see the finished work on Frost Magazine. Hurrah, the doors have returned, though people have been enjoying the air conditioning in this hot summer. How lucky they have been  are with the weather, and though it has been relatively quiet, Marion said, ‘ Hang onto your hats folks we are about to take off because, our home is is very much on the way to being our pride and joy.’  We will hear more as this week closes.

Of courses, the Bingo ladies had cake – calorie free, though Linda won’t confirm. Last Friday of the month is Coffee morning and a good old natter. Hamper Raffle took place at the coffee morning berfore bank holiday and  fabulous news, it has been announced that the Hampers made £190 in donations, and the committee  thank every single one of you who supported the Ukraine appeal and a special thank you to Yvonne who donated £40, making a grand total £230.

Friday afternoon the Centre hosted  another ceramic class then the doors were firmly shut, and all headed off for the long weekend – to take a breath, recharge,and be ready for a new week at the Columbia Community Association. Can’t wait to hear how it’s going.