Inspirational British Women by Natalie Jayne Peeke – West Country Correspondent

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Natalie Jayne Peeke with her favourite Jane Austen novel – Emma

There are many historical women around the world who have made their mark on history , Marie Curie, Charlotte Cooper, Florence Nightingale. Here are three women who have inspired me and wish I could thank for what they have done for British women. 

Firstly there is Dorothy Lawrence (October 4, 1896 – October 4, 1964)

Dorothy Lawrence was a journalist who posed as a soldier during World War I – making her the only known English woman on the frontline at that time. 

Having attempted to become a war correspondent, Lawrence decided the only way she was going to write the story she wanted was to go undercover. On her journey she met Tom Dunn, a Lancashire coal miner turned BEF tunnel-digging sapper who worried what might happen to a  woman alone among so many men. He found her an abandoned cottage where she returned to nightly while she was on the frontline. She later handed herself in and was taken back the UK for interrogation.

Next is the well known Emmeline Pankhurst (July 15, 1858 – June, 14, 1928)

Emmeline Pankhurst was a controversial woman at the head of the British Suffragette movement. In 1903 she started the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) where members became known for resorting to extreme tactics such as crimes and hunger strikes, to get their message across: that British women should have the right to vote.

Pankhurst is well known as a pivotal figure in helping women achieve the vote which they did on February 6, 1918.

Last but by no means least is Jane Austen (December 16, 1775 – July 18, 1817)

Probably one of the first modern-era feminists, Jane Austen’s literary work is still celebrated globally today. Best Known for her six major novels – Pride and Prejudice being the most well known, Austen’s plots focus on a woman’s social standing, marriage and financial security.

Austen helped to shape the literary world as we know it, with her work being the foundation and inspiration for many other novels, films and TV shows. 

Each woman portrayed great courage and strength, Dorothy Lawrence did whatever was necessary to get the story that she wanted, she risked her life and was heavily reprimanded for it. Emmeline Pankhurst stood up for what she believed in no matter what the cost, she gave every single woman a voice.

Now Jane Austen, you may ask why she has made the inspirational list, well it is no secret that her novels are classics but why? Austen’s novels highlighted what women endured and she did not shy away from the predicaments that women faced. She was fearless. With women like these I can’t help but think what life would be like now if they hadn’t been so determined.

Working adults in their thirties are on track to be the wealthiest generation

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Working adults in their thirties are on track to be the wealthiest generation – after research found they earn the highest salary, save more and have the most disposable income.

A study into how much money the average person ‘has’ in each decade of their life revealed those aged 30 to 39 earn an average of £32,561 a year, and typically save £309 a month.

They also have the most disposable income – an average of £382 a month – and have less debt than 50-somethings – £7,196 compared to £8,315.

The study of 2,000 adults, commissioned by Equity Release Supermarket, also found that those in their thirties have an average of £10,326 stored away in savings.

Mark Gregory, founder and CEO of Equity Release Supermarket, said: “Our study revealed that while those in their thirties are impressively thrifty in their approach to money and savings, adults aged 40-49 who have had more time to save are slogging along with just £11,039.

“We know first-hand that many parents and grandparents would like to support their younger family members in their later life, whether that be with university fees, property, or other financial support.

“However, the research highlights that this may not be possible for several people in their 40s, 50s and 60s, which is where equity release could come into play as one potential solution.”

The study also found that regardless of how much is in the bank, the ability to be ‘good’ with money seems to improve with age.

Of those aged 60 and over, eight in 10 believe they are good at handling their money compared to 69 per cent of those in their twenties and 73 per cent of people in their thirties.

But 59 per cent of 20-somethings reckon they are good at saving, compared to 61 per cent of adults aged 60+.

The most common reasons people aged 60 and over believe they have good money habits simply comes from knowing how much is in their account (68 per cent) and knowing exactly where they spend their money (72 per cent).

It also emerged that when it comes to breaking down exactly what each age group splashes their cash on,  those in their twenties are most likely to spend their money on clothes, streaming services, takeaways and going out for dinner or drinks.

But adults aged 50 and over are more likely to be forking out for their energy bills, paying for petrol, the weekly food shop and insurance.

Despite having a healthy attitude towards finances, 53 per cent of those aged 60 and over still worry about money.

More than four in 10 put it down to the fact that they don’t want to get into debt, and a fifth agreed it’s because it’s one of the most stressful things in life.

Although a quarter worry about their income and outgoings because they enjoy living a comfortable lifestyle, and don’t want that to change.

But three in four adults aged 60+ believe they will always have some worries about money, no matter how much or little they actually have.

And 77 per cent admitted they find themselves fretting over how much they have pocketed for their retirement, according to the OnePoll findings.

Half of people aged 60 and above have money for the future put away in their pension and cash savings, while a fifth are relying on investments to keep them going in later life, and 14 per cent are considering downsizing.

Mark Gregory, from Equity Release Supermarket, added: “You spend your entire life building up savings – whether that’s in your pension, cash savings or investments like property – just so you can relax and enjoy your later life retirement years.

“But that doesn’t stop people worrying about money throughout this entire cycle.

“There are plenty of ways to give yourself that added bit of reassurance and equity release is just one option.

“Many people don’t understand the features and benefits of equity release as a possible solution to support retirement, enabling them to subsequently fulfil their financial wishes.

“When we’ve worked so hard to put money away, it’s always good to know there are other options available.

“While it’s not the only option to raise capital for an enhanced retirement, equity release could be beneficial and should always be considered with the right financial advice.”

Breakdown of ‘wealth’ by decade:

Current cash savings

20s – £7,232.11

30s – £10,326.33

40s – £11,039.59

50s – £16,704.68

60+ – £20,588.30

Salary

20s – £23,920.13

30s – £32,561.51

40s – £32,175.52

50s – £28,771.27

60+ – £25,771.91

Debt

20s – £15,950.99

30s – £7,196.98

40s – £7,017.62

50s – £8,315.31

60+ – £4,654.33

Disposable income per month

20s – £269.49

30s – £382.85

40s – £364.25

50s – £362.64

60+ – £382.58

Money put away in savings each month

20s – £243.73

30s – £309.36

40s – £282.28

50s – £259.60

60+ – £264.17

SISTER SCRIBES: CASS GRAFTON ON JANE CABLE’S ANOTHER YOU

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Today, I’m delighted to be talking to author, Jane Cable, about one of her novels, Another You, a moving saga of modern-day family life. Despite touching on the horrors of combat, past and present, it’s a heart-warming tale of one woman’s fight to reclaim her identity and discover what really matters to her.

Marie is the well-respected chef of The Smugglers pub, near Studland Bay, but despite her success in the kitchen, she feels less confident in her handling of relationships, both with her (almost) ex-husband, Stephen, and her much-loved son, Jude.

A chance meeting with an American soldier, just as the Bay is preparing to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the D-Day landings, seems the perfect escape from worrying about everything—if only she could get rid of her debilitating migraines and the sense of the past coalescing with the present.

Another You was a brilliant read, and Jane is a proficient storyteller. Her characters are entirely relatable, their faults as much at play as their strengths. Although touching upon the lingering effects of PTSD and the invisible scars left by all wars, Jane manages to blend in romance, mystery, family relationships and an unforeseen twist towards the end.
The book stayed with me long after I’d finished, and I was keen to ask Jane some questions about it.

I was swept away by your beautiful descriptions of the Studland Bay area of Dorset. Was it the setting that inspired you initially or had you come across the tragic story that took place there during the war first?

Studland was the initial inspiration for Another You. I first visited with a friend in 2009 and fell in love with the enclosed bay with its calm blue waters and high white cliffs. It has a magic all of its own for me – arriving on the chain ferry from Sandbanks (Dorset’s millionaire’s row) you feel as though you’ve fallen down a rabbit hole and landed in another world. The Second World War story only came in at the second major redraft of the book, but when I read about it during my research into the area it spoke to me too loudly to ignore.

The connection between the past and the present is something you do so skilfully in your novels. What is it as a writer that attracts you to blending time periods?

I have always had an interest in consciousness beyond matter and the ways present and past could intermingle; either through the spirit world, inside people’s heads, or by any other mechanism it’s currently beyond us to understand. If that sounds seriously strange it springs from my firm belief that because we can’t possibly know everything we shouldn’t rule anything out. Just think how science continues to advance. As I writer I love the ambiguity of it all and try to let my readers make up their own minds about how it could happen.

On a lighter note, how are your cheffing skills? Are you as good a cook as Marie, because if so, please can I come to dinner?

I’m sorry, but I am no more than an adequate cook – not even the best chef in my own household, to be honest. But I loved researching Marie’s recipes for Another You. And you are more than welcome to risk dinner with me at any time. I’ll get the rosé in…

 

I’ll bring the glasses! Thank you, Jane, both for answering my questions and writing such an absorbing, well researched and beautifully told story about self-discovery, emerging from darkness into light and finding love where you least expect it.

 

 

 

Leapfrog Shapes & Sharing Picnic Basket

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It is summer time and the living is easy. It is perfect picnic weather so this Shapes and Sharing Picnic basket from Leapfrog is the perfect toy. It is bright and colourful and it is great for learning.
Your child can learn about food, shapes and colours. Shape sorters are great toys for children, helping their coordination and learning all about different shapes. The picnic basket also sings and talks. I find toys with food are great for helping to encourage children to eat.
I highly recommend the Leapfrog Shapes & Sharing Picnic Basket because it is such a multitasker.

Leapfrog Shapes & Sharing Picnic Basket, toys, toy

Leapfrog Shapes & Sharing Picnic Basket, leapfrog, toy, toys, picnic basket,

Pretend to snack on yummy treats while exploring food, shapes and colours with the talking Shapes & Sharing Picnic Basket. The basket always says its pleases and thank yous too! Then put the pieces back in the basket with the shape sorter for fun on the go.

Leapfrog Shapes & Sharing Picnic Basket is available here.

UP YOUR AFTERNOON TEA GAME WITH PERFECT GIN SERVES FROM THE BOODLES BUTLER

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 In a variation on a nice cuppa tea and a scone or two: Boodles Gin is celebrating the British Tradition of afternoon tea with tips on how to make it brilliant.

For Afternoon Tea Week (August 10th-16th) the unflappable Boodles Butler, who is the ultimate expert in all things traditional British etiquette, guides you through the perfect gin tea-pot serves using his favourite spirit.

Boodles Gin itself is a modern take on an English tradition, so whether you¹re lunching out or creating your own version of afternoon tea at home, Mr. Boodles suggests swapping out the usual tea and fizz for some refreshing gin cocktails.

These cocktails are made in tea-pots using the range of Boodles British Gin, including the Rhubarb & Strawberry and Mulberry variants and are an essential component to the perfect high tea.

The ceremony of Afternoon Tea reputably began in the early 1800s and is now enjoyed in restaurants, hotels and dining rooms across the country. It usually consists of finger sandwiches and scones galore and comes with its own set of rules and etiquette.

As well as advising against dunking biscuits into your cup and ensuring you always keep the saucer on the table, Mr. Boodles suggests only using the finest bone-china pots and never putting ice in the pot itself, only ever in the serving cup. Fizz is rather gauche, in his view. He is however split on whether cream or jam is spread first on his scones.

For thirsty gin enthusiasts, the full list of Mr. Boodles¹ personal favourite teapot sharing is as follows:

Rhuby Martinez (a fruity number)

150ml Boodles Rhubarb & Strawberry Gin
60ml sweet vermouth
20ml maraschino liqueur

Combine all of the ingredients in a teapot. Fill a teacup with ice. Stir and strain ingredients into teacup. Garnish with a lemon twist.

 

Gin & Gomme (a summery, herbal refresher)

150ml Boodles Gin
60ml Pineapple Juice
45ml Mango Purée (blended chopped mango)
60ml Fresh Lemon Juice

Shake all the ingredients thoroughly and pour into teapot. Fill a teacup with ice. Pour into teacup, top with a tiny splash of soda and garnish with a fresh sprig of coriander.

Mulberry Bramble Cocktail (a berry delight)

150ml Boodles Mulberry Gin
90ml Fresh lemon juice
90ml Crème de Mure (Blackberry Liqueur)
Lemon half wheel and blackberries to garnish – the bushes are bursting with the little devils, but leave a few for the jam makers

Combine all of the ingredients in a teapot. Fill a teacup with ice. Stir and strain ingredients into teacup. Garnish with a lemon half wheel and blackberries.

About Boodles Gin:

Boodles® Gin is a premium British gin, established in 1845 and produced exclusively in the UK according to the London Dry Gin production standards. 40% alcohol by volume (ABV), Boodles® Gin interestingly contains no citrus, obtaining its unique flavour from a number of botanicals including sage, rosemary and nutmeg. The taste is clean and crisp making for the perfect Boodles® & Tonic or Martini. Boodles® Gin is available nationwide at Sainsbury¹s and most exclusive bars and retailers.

Twitter: @BoodlesGinUK

Facebook: @BoodlesGinUK

About Proximo Spirits UK:

Proximo, which translates as ³next² in Spanish, is a privately owned, premium spirits producer based in New Jersey, USA.  In July 2013, Proximo Spirits UK launched, representing twelve premium brands including the Jose Cuervo tequila portfolio, The Kraken Black Spiced Rum, TINCUP American Whiskey, Bushmills Irish Whiskey and Boodles British Gin.  Proximo Spirits UK aim to become the next major producer of innovative marketing and new product development within the premium spirits category in the UK.

www.proximospirits.co.uk

Eliminating 12 modifiable risk factors could reduce dementia cases by 40%

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  • Excessive alcohol consumption, traumatic brain injury and pollution included in new findings
  • Sleep a possible risk factor but more research needed
  • Lower income countries at greater risk

A new report has estimated that the number of dementia cases worldwide could be reduced by 40% if 12 risk factors for the condition could be completely eliminated. The Lancet Commission Report has included excessive alcohol use, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and pollution as three new risk factors in its updated model for dementia risk. The report, supported by Alzheimer’s Research UK, is published today (Thursday 31 July) at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2020.

Dr Rosa Sancho, Head of Research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, the UK’s leading dementia research charity, said:
“This collaborative report from dementia experts across the world highlights a number of potentially modifiable risk factors for dementia throughout a person’s life. Research is constantly uncovering more about dementia and this is the most comprehensive overview into dementia risk to date, building on previous work by this commission and moving our understanding forward.

“As new studies continue to develop the evidence base on dementia risk, the report has identified three new risk factors for dementia. More evidence on the complex topic of sleep is needed before we can make a judgement on its impact on dementia risk, but we hope this report will act as a catalyst for further research.

“With no treatments yet able to slow or stop the onset of dementia, taking action to reduce these risks is an important part of our strategy for tackling the condition. Prevention strategies must be underpinned by robust evidence and while our understanding of dementia risk is growing, there is still much we need to know about the different risk factors for dementia.

“This report underlines the importance of acting at a personal and policy level to reduce dementia risk. With Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Dementia Attitudes Monitor showing just a third of people think it’s possible to reduce their risk of developing dementia, there’s clearly much to do here to increase people’s awareness of the steps they can take.

“While there’s no sure-fire way of preventing dementia, the best way to keep your brain healthy as you age is to stay physically and mentally active, eat a healthy balanced diet, not smoke, drink only within the recommended limits and keep weight, cholesterol and blood pressure in check.”

The first-ever probiotic to offer proven weight loss: ProVen Probiotic

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pro ven, probiotics , shapeliness,

I reviewed the brand new ‘ShapeLine’ probiotic from Pro-Ven probiotics  to see if the hype is real. Here is what they say:

REVEALED: FIRST EVER PROBIOTIC TO OFFER PROVEN WEIGHT LOSS

It’s a new and exciting era for probiotic supplements. The brand new ‘ShapeLine’ probiotic from Pro-Ven probiotics has proven to reduce weight, waist circumference and BMI in the largest clinical study of its kind. Participants of all ages saw a reduction after taking one capsule every day, for six months. The results are even more impressive as participants were not placed on made no changes made no changes were a mixture of a calorie controlled to lifestyle to exercise regimes ages and gender diet indicating that all of the weight reduction benefits were as a result of the probiotic!

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To dismiss any likelihood that this was a ‘one-off’ finding, the researchers repeated the study with the same target group of people over 45 years of age and have found even more impressive results

The two studies show…

Weight loss of between Reduction in waist Reduction in BMI 3 and 7lbs circumference of 1-2 cm 1-4%

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Results were most significant for the following groups…

50+

An average weight loss of 4-5lbs and 2% reduction in BMI page1image47035904

HIGHER CHOLESTEROL

An average weight loss of 5lbs

50+ PLUS

HIGHER CHOLESTEROL

Aa significant reduction in cholesterol levels average weight loss of 7lbs.

Alongside impressive weight management results, the ShapeLine study also found impressive wellness benefits, which include…

A 40% reduction in A 30% reduction coughs and colds in headaches

Improved energy Improved mood

The new Pro-Ven ShapeLine is perfect for…

Women trying to shift the stubborn ‘muffin top’ and men looking to reduce their spare tyre anyone wanting to achieve weight loss in a healthy and sustained way

Those looking to maintain a healthy weight or prevent rebound weight gain those looking to reduce their high cholesterol

Anyone invested in their overall health, looking to improve their gut health those suffering from headaches, cold and flu, lack of energy or lack of mood.

So what did I think? They work. They really do. I did lose weight and my stomach was the flattest it has ever been. I felt better in other ways too. I will definitely buy these and use them again and again. I am sold . They are available from Amazon here. 

Frost Loves: Dantoy “I’m Green” Line of Bioplastic Products & Toys

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green toys, bioplastic, toys, toy reviews, Dantoy,

I am always on the lookout for environmentally-friendly products. Sustainable living is important to me, and important to all of us at Frost. Dantoy ticks all of our boxes with these gorgeous and well made products. Their is a pretend play dinner set and an equally gorgeous Bio-Toy Bucket and Spade 4 piece set.

From the moment my children saw this 22-piece, pretend play dinner set their eyes light up and they have played with it non-stop since. It is excellent to get my toddler daughter to try different foods too. It can be used for garden picnics. Ideal for playing it is safe, durable and toxin free. It encourages social skills, interaction and helps children to learn whilst having fun.

The bucket and spade 4 piece set has been played with non-stop, especially as the weather is so good. The toys are stylish, green and high quality. I cannot recommend them enough. 

Dantoy have launched a brand-new “I’m Green” line of bioplastic products, their bioplastic is made of at least 90% sugarcane, a sustainable raw material, and their bioplastic is 100% recyclable.

Dantoy leads the way with their bioplastics. The manufacture of bioplastics reduces carbon emissions. The sugarcane is cultivated on controlled, pesticide-free plantations in central and southern Brazil. The sugarcane is harvested every 6 – 12 months. Bioplastic made of sugarcane is a 100% sustainable raw material.

Traditional plastic is made from crude oil, whilst dantoy “I’m Green” PE (bioplastic) is made from at least 90% sugarcane (ethanol). Ethanol, a form of alcohol, is extracted from sugarcane, after which it is used to make bioplastic.

The sugarcane used for dantoy bioplastics grows in plantations in the southern and central regions of Brazil, more than 2,500 km from the Amazon region. The enlargement of areas for cultivating sugarcane is managed by “Sugarcane Agroecological Zoning”, formed by Brazil’s federal government. The harvested sugarcane is conveyed by train for further processing, which is more eco-friendly than being transported by lorries.

Sugarcane can be harvested several times a year. New sugarcane plants are planted every five to seven years. The fields are harvested every six to twelve months enabling them to be classified as a sustainable raw material. Sugarcane absorbs carbon dioxide from the air, thereby minimising the greenhouse effect. For the manufacture of bioplastic, the carbon emissions accounts are positive from the budding of the plant until it is manufactured into bioplastic. For each kilo of manufactured bioplastic, 3.09 kg of carbon dioxide are removed from the atmosphere.

Dantoy’s packaging is all made from recycled cardboard. Their toys are made to last and are approved for contact with foods, microwave safe, dishwasher safe, frost-proof and contains no toxins.

Dantoy’s range of bio toys includes the popular 22-piece, pretend play dinner set which can be used for garden picnics. Ideal for playing it is safe, durable and toxin free. It encourages social skills, interaction and helps children to learn whilst having fun.

Dantoy believe that people should buy less, buy well. That is why their toys are only made with sustainable products.  We can all be eco-friendly and by choosing brands who care will make a little difference.

The Dantoy Bio-Toy Pretend Play Dinner Set 22-Piece set costs £18.73 from Amazon.

Dantoy’s range of bio toys includes the bucket and spade set, pretend play dinner set which can be used for sandpits, the beach or mudk itchens. Ideal for playing it is safe, durable and toxin free. It encourages social skills, interaction and helps children to learn whilst having fun.

bucket and spade, bioplastic toys, green toys,

 

The Dantoy Bio-Toy Bucket and Spade 4 piece playset costs £28.99 from Amazon