Competition: Be A Judge And Guest of Honour At ‘The Sammies’ UK Sandwich Awards – by Award Winning Author Dr Kathleen Thompson

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Are you a bit of a sandwich connoisseur? Do you fancy joining celebrity chef Theo Randall with other food experts as an official judge on a tasting panel? Would you love to be guest of honour at the prestigious The Sandwich & Food to Go Awards (‘The Sammies’) at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London?

Well what’s stopping you? Just fill in the application form here, including the reason why you think you deserve to be selected: https://www.britishsandwichweek.com/sandwich-taster-dream-job/  Applications are open until Friday15th April, and the successful candidate will be notified by Friday 22nd April.

And if you’re chosen? Well first you’ll munch your way through twenty-four of the finest and most innovative sandwiches designed by the UK’s top sandwich designers and then you’ll help select a winner in each category and overall ‘best in show’ for the ‘Britain’s Best Butty’ awards.

But that’s not all, you and a companion of your choice will be guests of honour at the gala evening Awards Ceremony including overnight accommodation and rail travel to and from the event.

The awards dinner is a precursor to the annual British Sandwich Week, a seven-day celebration aiming to support the industry and celebrate the nation’s love of a good sarnie.”

  This year’s Sandwich & Food to go Awards takes place on Thursday 5th May 2022. For a full list of nominees and shortlisted companies visit: https://awards.sandwich.org.uk/

 British Sandwich Week takes place from 22nd – 28th May 2022 – now in its 28th year, the annual event showcases the breadth, quality and innovation found within the UK’s sandwich and food to go sector. Find out more at https://www.britishsandwichweek.com/

Good luck.

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.

​ How Will You Check Authentic Gandalf Glass Pipes?

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Anyone who has seen the Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit knows that Gandalf can conjure some pretty impressive tricks—you can even transform into a giant eagle.

Once Gandalf’s character was established as a wise and generous smoker in the pop culture world, this style of pipe exploded in popularity. Thus, naming this style of the long pipe as Gandalf pipe.

When buying a Gandalf glass pipe, however, you’re going to have a much harder time—you’ll need to be on the lookout for some pretty specific things to make sure that your Gandalf pipe is authentic.

To help ensure that your Gandalf pipe is actual, here’s what you should know when you go looking for your next pipe.

Things to Check Before Buying Your Glass Pipe

You need to check several things before you buy your Gandalf pipe. Some of these things include:

Sticker

When you buy from an authorized dealer, such as an online retailer, you will often find a sticker with the company’s name on it somewhere on the bowl of your pipe. The sticker is a good indicator that you have an authentic Gandalf glass pipe. Do not buy any pipe that does not have this type of sticker.

Logo

You should also check for logos or words on the pipe, such as “Gandalf” or “Middle Earth.” Manufacturers often will include these words to help identify their product. On some pipes, you might even notice that the word is written both in English and Elvish—a lovely touch!

Pipe Size

The size of your pipe will also help determine whether or not you have an authentic Gandalf pipe. Most of the original pipes are over 18 inches tall and weigh more than four pounds—if you find a pipe that seems abnormally tiny, it is likely fake.

Pipe Style

Check the style of the pipe to determine its genuineness. Most pipe manufacturers use glass instead of metal, so you can be sure that any metal pipe is not actual. You should also check to ensure no moving parts on your pipe.

Smoke Quality

Find out how well your pipe performs when you smoke it. For example, many fake Gandalf pipes offer inferior quality, so they will often be more challenging to use correctly. If you find your pipe is leaking air or not sitting well, you should change it immediately.

You should also check how well your pipe works for smoking. If the Gandalf pipes are not made with enough glass around the bowl, there is little protection between the flame and your lips—this can lead to some pretty bad burns.

The pipe should have thick insulation on all sides to reduce the chances of this happening.

They work for smoking herbal substances like cannabis, and if you choose the real one, it is unlikely that you will find any of these types on the black market.

Additionally, Gandalf pipes are more likely to function as art pieces than actual tools for smoking.

Materials

Gandalf pipes come with high-grade borosilicate glass, not metal. If you find a pipe not made with this type of glass, you should avoid taking it.

Glass quality can be difficult to determine before you buy your pipe, but one thing you should know, of course, the higher the glass quality, the better your pipe will perform when smoking. Generally speaking, the best borosilicate glass comes from Germany.

Final Thoughts

The more willing you are to compare the qualities of different pipes with the above guidance and your knowledge, the easier it will be to determine a real pipe. Also, buy authentic products from reputed sellers to get the best experience and durability.

THE CRAFTY WRITER REVIEWS…

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Author Morton S Gray has a passion for crafting, and here she reviews three books guaranteed to inspire.

Wreath Making For All Occasions by Becci Coombes

This book is full of lovely ideas and makes wreath making accessible to people of all abilities.

I love the willow star wreath and it looks much easier to achieve for a beginner than the circular willow wreath. When I got to the page about the book lover’s Valentine I exclaimed aloud at the beauty of the wreath and want to make one of these very much. The lavender wrapped in ribbon project took me right back to childhood and making a similar thing with my nan.

Gorgeous photography throughout. Lots of ideas and inspiration – just a super book.

 

Natural Kitchen Dyes by Alicia Hall

I am forever trying to replace dubious chemical products in my life and use more natural alternatives where I can so that I am clear of the origin and source – this book fulfils this brief for dyeing fabric, raffia and wool. Fascinating insights and processes, and I guess a throwback to the world of our ancestors who knew how to dye cloth using just the things around them.

The illustrations are gorgeous throughout the book, making it clear what to use and making me lust after the beautifully subtle array of colours. I love the idea that I can cook a meal and use peelings, stones and leftovers to create lovely dyes later and especially the fact that as these are foodstuffs that both these raw materials and the dyes can be frozen for use at a future date.

The section about which fibres dye well is useful and I had lightbulbs going off in my head all over the place at the thought of dyeing my own wool for my crochet and weaving projects, material for my patchwork too. I also remembered that I have some unused, undyed silk scarves in my craft cupboard that I can experiment with. My eyes also lit up at the mention of dyeing antique lace.

I will heed the precautionary tales about splashes, as I suspect we are benefiting from the author’s possible previous disasters. Nice clear instructions and loved the tip for putting the remnants of the process on the compost heap.

The fact that the dye outcome is random also appeals as I often despair that all of our clothing these days is too often a carbon copy of everyone else’s. Dying to try dyeing my old t-shirts. My carrot tops and avocado stones and skins have suddenly taken on a new significance!

 

Crafting Authentic Paper Flowers by Sophie Longhurst

Adored the introduction tip in this book – ‘My number one tip when you start paper flower making is not to rush’. Slow enjoyment of the creative process sounds amazing. I also like the fact that this book is intended as more of an inspiration rather than as an exact ‘how to” as everyone will have an individual result. However, the templates at the end of the book make this craft feel more accessible to a beginner.

Beautiful illustrations throughout and a very clear list of materials. I can’t actually believe that some of these flowers are not real! My favourites are the poppies and floribunda roses. And who knew you could make replica Rowan berries from clay?

I have ordered my materials and look forward to some slow crafting in my future…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PARADIGM-SHIFTING NEW FILM ON MOTHERHOOD, CHILDFREE WOMEN AND REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE, ‘MY SO-CALLED SELFISH LIFE’, TO BE STREAMED WORLDWIDE THIS MAY

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Trixie Films is delighted to announce that its paradigm-shifting new documentary feature film about childfree women, My So-Called Selfish Life, will be released worldwide for the first time and streamed from 6 – 16May.

 Child free,

Directed by the award-winning feminist writer/directorTherese Shechter, the film is a journey through one of our society’s greatest social taboos: choosing not to become a mother, and is the third in a trilogy of documentaries by Shechter dismantling our most sacred ideas about womanhood: from power and 21st century feminism, to sex and virginity, and now motherhood. The film premiered at the Woodstock Film Festival in 2021 to critical acclaim.

 

My So-Called Selfish Life is unique in the childfree conversation for its intersectional approach to its subject matter, as well as the ways it ties women’s personal stories of choosing not to have children to the deeper cultural and political forces that tell us that a woman’s greatest value lies in her ability to reproduce. It also incorporates a lot of humour – weaving together everything from Grey’s Anatomy clips to speeches from Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

 

Film Threat said: “My So-Called Selfish Life is a timely documentary on an issue as pressing as ever. Women’s bodies and fertility are continuing areas of concern for those in power — again, usually men,” andMs Magazine described it as a “striking and imaginative documentary, which addresses [an] oft-overlooked facet of reproductive justice.”

 

Director Therese Shechter said: “Humour is a huge part of my work, creating an engaging documentary style that makes room for some very thorny conversations. I’m excited to take on my most controversial subject yet: the assumption that motherhood is a biological imperative and the defining measure of womanhood. There’s no one right way to be a woman, and a woman’s value in society should never lie in her ability to reproduce.”

 

My So-Called Selfish Life, will stream worldwide for the first time from 6 – 16 May

via the Show & Tell platform:

https://watch.showandtell.film/watch/my-so-called-selfish-life

 

For more info visit:

myselfishlife.com

trixiefilms.com

Deadly Cure by Mari Cheshire Book Review

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Deadly Cure is Grey’s Anatomy gone very wrong, and that is why this bumper of a book is to be devoured. Who doesn’t love a good friends turn frenemies story? Using her medical knowledge, Dr Mari Cheshire has written a book which takes medicine and rivalry, added in a dollop of a love story, and turned it all into a brilliant book that is impossible to put down. I loved this book and I read it as quickly as I could. I loved the characters. This thriller is pacy and fun. A dazzling and unique debut.

Deadly Cure Mahi Cheshire

THE HIPPOCRATIC OATH: FIRST, DO NO HARM…

Dr Rea Dharmasena is devastated when she loses out on her dream research job to her med-school rival and best friend, Dr Julia Stone.

To add insult to injury, Julia used Rea’s own cutting-edge research to get it.

But just as Rea finds it in her to forgive the betrayal, Julia, after a life-changing medical discovery, is found dead.

Despite finding herself caught up in a murder investigation and a complicated new romance, Rea is finally happy; she has the dream job she’s always wanted.

But at what cost?

Perfect for fans of The Silent Patient and The Holiday, this is a heart-stopping thriller of betrayal, secrets and ruthless ambition that will leave you breathless.

The Wonder of Play Brought to Life Through Geomagworld

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Geomag’s popular Magicube Full Color line has added to their range. Magicube building blocks are made from 100% recycled materials and provide hours of endless magnetic fun.

We love Geomag at Frost. They are brilliantly made toys with endless possibilities. They are perfect for children of all ages.  A must buy.
Swiss toy brand Geomagworld has provided educational and fun toys since1998. Their award-winning and STEM-enriched toys help children’s playtime become full of educational elements. Geomag’s range of Magicube toys is the perfect addition to children’s playtime. Magicube is a unique building block systemmade up of magnetic cubes that attach on all six sides and is made entirely from 100% recycled plastics, ensuring the construction toy world is even more respectful of our planet.

100% Compatible, 100% Fun

The Magicube system quickly evolved into a whole new world of magnetic building blocks and Full-Color lines have proved popular with children, parents, teachers, and retailers.  All Magicube lines have been made from 100% recycled plastic since 2021.  Importantly all are fully compatible with all other cubes within the Magicube platform. The newest addition, fresh for 2022 is the Geomag Magicube Full Color Recycled Try 8 Piece Set (062), is a low-cost starter pack and a perfect introduction into the world of Geomag. The set allows children to explore the world of construction made with easy-to-use magnetic cubes. The new 8-piece set is fully compatible with all other Magicube sets. The Geomag Magicube Full Color Try Me 8-piece set joins the current Full. Color range, which includes 16-, 24- & 64-Piece Sets.


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SUNDAY SCENE: VICKI BEEBY ON HER FAVOURITE SCENE FROM A NEW START FOR THE WRENS

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The first time I visited Orkney, I’d gone to visit the fascinating Neolithic sites. However, I was surprised to find other, much more recent remains – the leftovers of Orkney’s wartime heritage. Along with ancient stone circles, tombs and stone houses, I saw concrete gun emplacements and the buildings still standing in Lyness on Hoy where there had been a huge naval base. Until then I hadn’t known about the large presence of the armed forces in Orkney during the war but after that I threw myself into research. When I learned that a lot of Wrens were posted to Orkney, it fired my imagination and I started to wonder what it must have been like for the young women who left the comforts of their homes to serve in Orkney.

It was a couple of years before I was able to start my story, and one of the first decisions I had to make when planning it was whether to make the setting wholly real or if I should blend real settings with fictional ones. In the end, lockdown made up my mind for me. The research trip I’d planned had to be postponed indefinitely and yet my deadlines were fixed and looming. As I was going to have to rely on my memories of my visit, plus maps and books, it made sense to create a fictional signal station where my Wrens would be based.

In the book they are tasked with challenging and monitoring all shipping entering and leaving Hoy Sound, the entrance to Scapa Flow, which was the wartime anchorage for Britain’s Home Fleet. I made up a headland, which I called Kyeness, where the signal station would be based, placing it just outside Stromness. Now I’m writing the third book in the series, it feels like a very real place to me, up on a high headland with stunning views across Hoy Sound, with the Hoy Hills beyond.

Another fictional location is the Wrennery, the large old house where the Wrens are billeted. However, it’s located in Stromness. It’s one of my favourite places in Orkney, with its narrow, winding streets and stunning views across the harbour. In one of my favourite scenes in the book, Iris, the heroine, goes for a walk with her sweetheart while recovering from a terrifying experience the night before. The route I describe is all real, starting in Stromness, and I spent ages studying maps and Google Street View, hoping I didn’t get anything wrong. When I visited Orkney again last November, I followed the same route myself and was relieved to find I’d described the scene correctly, although with the addition of barrage balloons and warships!

‘… they walked out of Stromness on the Howe Road. The road climbed steadily until, looking back, Iris could see across Scapa Flow. The waters were now still and a clear blue, reflecting the sunlit sky. ‘It’s hard to believe it was so stormy out there last night.’ With the daffodils dancing in the breeze along the verges and even the barrage balloons gleaming in the sunshine, Iris felt the lingering fear of the night fall away. Far across the bay, she could see the faint outline of ships at anchor. At that distance, the water looked like silver, the ships set upon the surface like toys. Thoughts of yesterday’s stormy weather and those terrifying moments when she was being dragged beneath the water were fast fading like a half-remembered nightmare.’

 

 

To find out more about me and my books, please visit my website: vickibeeby.co.uk

 

 

 

 

Joffe tells our readers some wonderful news, as well as letting you know about a few fabulous new books

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Joffe’s book of the week is the electrifying new thriller THE PERFECT WITNESS, out now for just 99p | 99c. Filled with great characters and gripping twists and turns, the new psychological suspense by bestselling author Susanna Beard is certain to hook you from the first page to the riveting conclusion.

We know that if you love books by Gillian Flynn, T.M. Logan, Liane Moriarty or Celeste Ng, then you’ll devour this page-turning, character-driven psychological thriller from Susanna Beard, author of What Happened That Night, and The Perfect Neighbour.

CLICK HERE TO BUY THE PERFECT WITNESS BY BESTSELLING AUTHOR SUSANNA BEARD FOR 99P | 99C.

And now for just a very few of this week’s new offerings…

 

The Briarmarsh Close Killings by Gaynor Torrance 

Discover a page-turning new murder mystery set in Cardiff from bestselling author Gaynor Torrance, filled with stunning twists and turns and featuring a complex and compelling protagonist in DI Jemima Huxley.

OUT NOW — £1.99 | $2.99

Detectives Roper & Hooley Books 1 – 4 by Michael Leese

A fabulous offer from Joffe: FOUR gripping crime mysteries featuring the unforgettable odd couple pairing of Consulting Investigator Jonathan Roper and DCI Brian Hooley in Michael Leese’s beloved series — just 99p | 99c

Murder at Mortmead Hall by Annie Dalton with Maria Dalton

Anna, Isadora and Tansy, dog walkers and part-time sleuths, go to a WWII-themed murder mystery weekend at the ramshackle Mortmead Hall.

As the weekend unfolds, they find themselves caught up in a web of intrigue that puts them on the trail of a lost painting and a devastating secret . . .  99p/99c

Now for some really exciting, but not entirely unexpected news given the nature of JOFFE BOOKS. They  are  SHORTLISTED FOR INDEPENDENT PUBLISHER OF THE YEAR (AGAIN!)  Hip hip hooray.

Joffe Books are delighted to have been nominated for Independent Publisher of the Year at the British Book Awards by the Bookseller magazine, the leading trade magazine for the book industry, for the third year in a row. Hooray hooray say Frost Magazine. Whoop whoop!

This has been a record-breaking year for Joffe: they doubled their staff numbers and became the sixth-biggest e-Book seller in the UK.

Last year Joffe Books also launched its very first prize for crime writers of colour, which was awarded to Christie J. Newport. Her debut novel will be launched later this year. Watch this space . . .

The past year has been truly remarkable and all at Joffe Books want to thank their amazing readers and authors for this honour.

For more news about books go to Joffe Books