The Blessed Child by Rosie Goodwin

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Wednesday’s child is full of woe…

Nuneaton, 1864

When Nessie Carson’s mother is killed and her father abandons them sixteen year old Nessie is determined to keep her family together. Coping with her flighty  sister Marcie and fragile baby brother Joseph is not easy, and with lecherous landlord Seth Grimshaw waiting for Nessie to default on the rent things are looking bleak. But Nessie is determined to keep the promise she made to her mother.

Along with her older brother, Reuben she finds a live-in position with the local undertaker, Andre Chevalier and things are finally looking up for the family. Joseph’s health deteriorates and Nessie meets newly qualified doctor, Oliver Dorsey. Although she is attracted to him she knows they can never be together.

But even in the darkest of times and saddest of places Nessie finds love, light and hope.

Nessie is a feisty, resourceful heroine in the best traditions of saga telling, filled with plot twists and turns, and larger than life characters.

This will delight fans of Rosie Goodwin. Another heartwarming and uplifting read and one for the Christmas stocking – if you can wait that long.

The Blessed Child is the fourth book in the Days of the Week series inspired by the Victorian Rhyme.

 

Rosie Goodwin is the million copy best selling author of more than thirty novels. She is one of the top 50 most borrowed authors from UK libraries.

www.rosiegoodwin.co.uk

www.MemoryLane.club

The Blessed Child is published by Bonnier Zaffre

Hardback RRP £12.99

Seussical The Musical       Theatre Review by Paul Vates

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at Southwark Playhouse, London

“It is fun fun fun – and then some!“

 

 

Based on the works of Dr Seuss, but concentrating on Horton Hears A Who!, this show is a foot-stomping, hand-clapping, laugh-out-loud delight.

 

From the very beginning, the Cat In The Hat appears and cheekily pulls us into the Seuss-iverse. Marc Pickering plays the Cat with grace and confidence, a feline brimming with fun (and just a dash of naughtiness) although he could push the clowning a little further – flex his comedy muscles and be a tad more dangerous. I felt as though he is holding back from stealing the show.

Marc Pickering

 

That honour goes to Scott Paige. He plays Horton with humour, honesty and a purity that melts the heart. Amy Perry, playing Gertrude, breaks the heart with her yearning love for Horton and her stunning rendition of All For You.

Scott Paige and Amy Perry

 

There are some amazing set-pieces in the show which is crammed full of songs, music, comedy and, of course, dancing. The group numbers are performed in such volume and choreography like the show is in a huge West End venue – it all comes together best when James Tobias’ direction calms down and realises that the space is surprisingly intimate and that less is more.

 

 

This is a Theatre for Young Audiences Version, but does not hold back. The cast of twelve and live band give everything amidst a brilliant set and imaginative costumes. It is fun fun fun – and then some!

Photographer              Adam Trigg

Producer                     Immersion Theatre

Director                       James Tobias

Choreography             Chris Whittaker

Music & Book             Stephen Flaherty

Lyrics & Book             Lynn Ahrens

Co-Conceived by        Eric Idle

Musical Director          James Doughty

Set Designers             Justin Williams & Jonny Rust

Costume                     Rachel Cartlidge

 

Venue             Southwark Playhouse, 77-85 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BD

Tube               Elephant & Castle (Bakerloo and Northern Lines)

Performances Until Saturday 29th December 2018

Times              7.30pm Tuesday to Saturday

3pm Saturday and Sunday Matinees

Extra shows in Christmas week – check website for details

Tickets            £25 (concessions £20)

Box Office            www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk and 020 7407 0234

Running Time 75 minutes (no interval)

Twitter             @swkplay, @Immersion_Thtr, @SeussicalLondon

 

 

BUSINESS OF BOOKS: TAKE FOUR WRITERS – DIVIDING, EDITING, DREAMING AND TOURING

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CLAIRE DYER: DIVIDING

This month I’d like to talk about my ‘other’ life. I see myself as both a poet and a novelist and people often ask which I prefer being. My answer is always that I like them both the same. However, there are big differences in the way poetry and fiction are published and so this does inevitably alter things.

For a start a poem is a constantly changing thing. Even when it’s been in print, a poet can change elements of his/her poem when it’s republished or collated in a collection. Secondly, putting together a collection takes YEARS! Novelists think it takes an age to get a book published, but collections of poetry can take mini-lifetimes. My last one, ‘Interference Effects’ kindly published by the very wonderful Two Rivers Press took five years from being a spark in my eye to a book in my hand.

The collection I’m working on at the moment contains poems first written in 2014, the manuscript is due to be delivered to the very wonderful Two Rivers Press in June 2020 and it will be a further year or so before possible publication. And this is fine because it takes patience, love and a whole heap of courage to be a poet. However, all this fades to nothing when a line comes that sets your hairline fizzing or you stand in front of an audience and read something that makes them laugh, gasp or (even better) weep.

Poetry books may be slim, time-consuming, delicate and easily lost in the noise of mass paperback sales, but they are things of beauty nonetheless.

 

LUCY COLEMAN: COUNTING

Finally welcoming in the good news this month, as a loved one is out of intensive care. It feels like a dark shadow has been lifted and the sun can shine again. Miracles can happen!

I’ve hardly moved from my desk with line edits and a cover reveal for A Greek Affair, in preparation for its release on the 28 December 2018 by Harper Impulse. And copy edits for The Writing Retreat on the Italian Lake, due for release on 5 February 2018 by Aria Fiction.

And my first audio book, for The French Adventure, is due out on 29 November 2018.

The good news keeps on coming and there’s even more, but authors get used to sitting on things for a while. So, my lips are sealed. But after the darkest of Octobers, I feel that Christmas has come early and I’m truly counting my blessings!

 

ANGELA PETCH: DREAMING

What about a monthly report starting with:  I’ve been dozing in my hammock on the island of Zanzibar, wondering what to do next. Ha ha! More like – I’ve been wondering how on earth to tackle my to-do list.

“Mavis and Dot” are on a blog tour and I’m relieved my two ladies/babies are appealing to readers. When you read comments from complete strangers like: “I could really see this gem of a book as a fantastic movie…”; “A must read…”; “This book was a total joy from beginning to end…” your heart has to sing. It justifies hours of sitting hunched over a pc. This month has been a mine-field of formatting issues but lovely authors have helped.

But I’m a hybrid and have just come off the phone from a chat with my editor at Bookouture. No peace for the wicked: I have major edits to carry out on my re-write of “Tuscan Roots”.

Where’s that hammock?

 

JACKIE BALDWIN: TOURING

November has been fairly busy as I have been on a Deadly Intent tour around some of the many libraries in Dumfries and Galloway with my partner in crime, Lucy Cameron. It’s been a lot of fun getting out and about to meet readers and some of the libraries have totally spoiled us. In Wigtown, for example, we were all treated to freshly baked scones with jam and cream!

As part of Book Week Scotland, we’re reading along with some other authors at a gin/rum night at The Selkirk Arms in Kirkcudbright, which, coincidentally, is where my second novel, Perfect Dead, is set.

On 29th November, I’ll be on a wee jaunt to Edinburgh for Noir at the Bar which is always a fun night and a chance to discover some great new crime authors.

Finally, I’m pleased to report that my third novel is firmly back on track after all the thrashing about with it last month. I’ve now nailed down the plot which nearly got the better of me and I’m pushing on through the first draft.

See you next month!

 

 

 

The Mother’s Manual Book Review

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the mother's manual , parenting tools

The Mother’s Manual is a comprehensive book on parenting. It is very thorough and covers everything you could possibly think of. It is full of great advice and is written in a manner which is very easy to read. I found the bits on sleeping and potty training particularly useful. Liu Yang says that not all of the advice will be relevant for everyone, and people might not agree with it all, I agree that not all of this was for me, but any new parent that is bought this book will find it very helpful indeed. A good book with great advice. 

It’s something that confuses most soon-to-be parents – how on earth are they going to be able to bring up their new bundle of joy without some kind of manual? Well, worry no more, because one UK healthcare practitioner, parent coach has written a guide that answers every question and challenge parents could possibly face.

‘The Mother’s Manual: Your Kids Won’t Be Delivered With A Manual, Here is Your Copy’ is the new Bible for parents of children up to five years old. In short, parenting no longer has to be a puzzle!

Synopsis:

The Mother’s Manual is a practical handbook on parenting children from birth to five years old. It provides easy-to-apply tips and practical tools and strategies that parents can adapt in their daily life to deal with some of the most common issues that crop up in those early critical years. The author draws on her 20 years’ experience as a healthcare practitioner, as well as on the latest research in child psychology and neuroscience on the understanding of children’s brainwave patterns and how this affects their behaviour. She explains in an easy to understand way children’s development at each stage to help parents better communicate with their children. After reading The Mother’s Manual, parents will be able to understand and experiment with more effective alternatives to time-outs on the naughty step and feel less frustrated themselves by instead using simple and direct suggestions that create miraculous changes in their children’s behaviour. Raising happy and confident children should be an enjoyable part of the parenting process, but sometimes being a parent can be stressful and bring up all sorts of emotions, especially for parents who didn’t have the upbringing they would have liked. The book talks parents through these difficult emotions and provides strategies for dealing with them, so that they can create the happy, relaxed family life.  Everyone knows that a job is easy to do once you have discovered thesecrets to how. The Mother’s Manual serves as a go-to reference book with quickly learn and apply simple strategies and easy-to-follow explanations of children’s developmental stages to guide parents through the daily challenges effectively to create the family life they desire.

“We’re of course pre-programmed with many of the skills and pieces of knowledge we need to be a parent, but my book gives them to you right now, without any trial and error,” explains the author. “Through proper bonding and communication in the early years, any parent can create theoutcome they want, to offer their children the best start in life that they deserve.”

Continuing, “We’re now selling books around the world and receiving hugely positive feedback, averaging five stars on Amazon. I’m so thrilled that my 20+ years of professional experience can now change the lives of people I haven’t even met!”

Indeed, reviews have been glowing. One Amazon customer comments, “This book was fantastic. I read it myself for helpful tips when babysitting regularly for my grandchildren then passed it on their mum to keep. It was full of suggestions with regards to weaning, etc. I’d highly recommend it.”

Another reader adds, “I work with mothers all the time and, not being a mother myself, I needed help to relate. This book helped me better understand the challenges of motherhood and the answers to problems, and now I can relate much better to my clients when I talk to them. It’s a very easy and fluid read as well, highly recommend!”

‘The Mother’s Manual: Your Kids Won’t Be Delivered With A Manual, Here is Your Copy’ is available now. 

Take Your Career Up, Up And Away! BA Enhances Cabin Crew Training With New Apprenticeship Programme

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British Airways continues its investment in world-class customer service, announcing a programme to recruit more than 2,000 cabin crew in 2019.

 

(Photo by Nick Morrish/British Airways)

  • Brand new intensive 12-month apprenticeship scheme from March 2019
  • Cabin Crew will train at the airline’s world-class Global Learning Academy
  • Airline recently awarded SkyTrax title, UK’s Best Cabin Crew
  • Almost 2,500 hopefuls have already applied for new scheme

Successful candidates with no prior cabin crew experience will train through the airline’s new cabin crew apprenticeship programme, getting their career off to a flying start.


(Picture by Nick Morrish/British Airways)


Katie Nevett (Learning and Performance Executive) leads a door drill for new entrants in the SEP hall at the Global Learning Academy
(Picture by Nick Morrish/British Airways)

 


Toby Morter (Learning and Performance Executive) does a safety demonstration in the mock cabin in the SEP hall at the Global Learning Academy
(Picture by Nick Morrish/British Airways)

 

World-class training

After completing an intense cabin crew training course at British Airways’ Global Learning Academy, including the very best training in customer service and aviation safety and security, apprentices will continue their learning journey in the air and on the ground.

The programme will see them gain qualifications in English, Maths and Digital skills, access to a dedicated mobile app to track their progress and continuous development coaching from a certified apprenticeship coach.

The airline’s initiative reflects the Government’s push to increase and enhance the number and quality of apprenticeships offered in the UK, to improve core skills and the quality of training offered.

British Airways has a long tradition of running quality apprenticeship schemes, with apprentices currently working in engineering, customer service and head office roles.

The airline’s Global Learning Academy has recently achieved the status of a registered ‘Employer Provider’ of apprenticeships, enabling it to continue delivering specialist airline learning, while also offering employees enhanced skills and professional qualifications.

Dozens of apprentices from across the airline attended Skills London* this weekend, the UK’s biggest careers event for 15 – 24-year olds, and spoke to thousands of young people about their experience as an apprentice at British Airways.

Victoria Bromley, Customer Service Apprentice, said: “My apprenticeship at British Airways has been the perfect way to begin my career in the aviation industry. The opportunities available are amazing and I couldn’t have asked for better support throughout.

“I am so proud of what I have achieved so far and I’m really excited for the future. I would absolutely recommend an apprenticeship to anyone.”

Apprenticeships for all

Announcing the training enhancements and the new cabin crew apprenticeship programme, British Airways’ Chief Learning Officer Nigel Jeremy, said:

“Apprenticeships are for people of all ages and backgrounds, and we’re delighted to be offering the UK’s largest cabin crew apprenticeship scheme as part of our cabin crew training at our world-class learning academy.

“We are looking for candidates who can offer exceptional customer service. The scheme has already proved to be extremely popular, and as we head towards our Centenary year in 2019, there couldn’t be a better time to join the airline.”

To find out more, and to apply, visit: https://careers.ba.com/

 

*Skills London is the UK’s biggest jobs and careers event for 15-24 year olds and their families. It took place on the 23rd and 24th November 2018 at ExCeL London. To learn more visit: https://skillslondon.co.uk/our-events/skills-london/skills-london-2018/

Fernando Alonso Celebrates His F1 Retirement At Amber Lounge Abu Dhabi

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Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, 24 & 25 November, 11pm-6am
Amber Lounge Abu Dhabi, Yas Links Golf Club, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

It was a night that will go down in history as Amber Lounge welcomed the Formula 1 drivers, teams and party-loving international guests for the celebration of the year.

Photo credit:  Amber Lounge

F1 drivers entered Amber Lounge’s luxury oasis on Sunday night and let their hair down for one of the greatest end-of-season parties to date. Fernando Alonso, departing from the Championship after 17 years, was joined by his fellow drivers Max Verstappen, Kevin Magnussen, Carlos Sainz, Esteban Ocon, Pierre Gasly, Stoffel Vandoorne, Marcus Ericsson, Brendon Hartley, Sergey Sirotkin, Antonio Gionivazzi.

International cricketer Chris Gayle and former pro football player Michael Brown were also spotted in the crowd.

Photo credit:  Amber Lounge

When the time came to say goodbye to the Spaniard, the club plunged into darkness for the ‘Black Out’ moment, then lit up with 17 specially designed bottles of Moët Champagne filled with sparklers and flashing lights. Each bottle signified a year he has competed in Formula 1.

Emotions ran high as Sigala announced the exclusive bottle moment which was delivered in true Amber Lounge style, fueling the euphoric atmosphere. Joining Sigala on stage Alonso soaked up the elated vibes as the superstar DJ revved up the ecstatic crowd with an ultra-energetic performance. 

Photo credit:  Amber Lounge

To add to the electric energy, the Grey Goose bar illuminated the exclusive party. The ‘For The Hunters’ inspired terrace area was a favourite for partygoers after a chic but relaxing vibe.

Max Verstappen

Kevin Magnussen

Esteban Ocon

Sergey Sirotki

Marcus Ericsson

Fernando Alonso

Photo credits: Amber Lounge

Amber Lounge will be back in 2019 bigger and better than ever, with parties and luxury events and experiences both inside and outside F1. The next event, Amber Lounge Monaco on May 24th, 25th and 26th, will offer the ultimate in luxury race viewing on the trackside Celebrity Yachts, terraces or Paddock Clubs combined with a unique party experience and Amber Lounge Charity Fashion Show.

Sonia Irvine said: “It was one of the most incredible nights we’ve ever had at Amber Lounge. Although it was sad to see a much-loved driver as Fernando end his career in F1, we were honoured to hold the official celebrations for him. I think what we created was worthy of an F1 legend.”

Photo credits: Amber lounge

For more information on Amber Lounge, visit: http://www.amber-lounge.com/abu-dhabi 
To book tickets and tables, call: +971 55 291 4013 or contact abudhabi@amber-lounge.com

About Amber Lounge…

Amber Lounge was founded by Sonia Irvine, who has worked in F1 for two decades. Sonia is regarded as a pioneer of F1 nightlife experiences and continues to create the most sought-after events on the F1 calendar.

The Amber Lounge experience consists of Formula 1 race viewing hospitality options as well as post-race afterparties, dining, charity, fashion and tailor-made events throughout the year. In 2018 it took place in Monaco, Singapore and Abu Dhabi. http://amber-lounge.com/index.php/tickets/

AMBER LOUNGE 2018/2019 EVENT SCHEDULE
Abu Dhabi 24/25 November | Monaco 24/25/26 May 2019 | Singapore 21/22 September 2019

Asenso “Senz” Ampim | Music Profiles

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PRODUCER | RAPPER | PRO BASKETBALL PLAYER

Asenso “Senz” Ampim is the physical manifestation of persistence, passionand raw talent. Most people dream of one day becoming either a professional athlete or a musician but rarely ever both at the same time. With his athletic 6 foot 6 frame which he imposes on defenders on the basketball court, Senz in his music off the court, offers a raw, honest and at times humorous perspective into his life over thought-provoking emotiveproductions that make you feel. There’s a fresh wave of music coming your way that is intriguing, uplifting and vulnerable.

Jack Gierlich
CEO & Founder Ferus Solutions LLC

Born in Ghana (’88), raised in England then studying and living in New York, Asenso “Senz” Ampim is a man of the world. He is a Professional Basketball Player, Musician, and Entrepreneur seeking to continuously develop and display his abilities.

Senz got his start playing basketball for a small high school in Massachusetts, which then led him to play Division 1 college basketball at Columbia University where he was

named Ivy League Rookie of the Week, finishing his career amongst the Top Ten all-time Offensive Rebounders in school’s history. After graduating, he took his talents internationally to professional leagues in countries such as

France, Lithuania, Lebanon and South Korea to name a few. Throughout his career over the past 7 years, he has earned himself tournament MVP awards and “All Imports Team” Honors.

Senz began pursuing music as a hobby while traveling and playing basketball. His early influence stemmed from

the 2012 EDM hype with then younger acts such as Avicii, Afrojack and Calvin Harris leading the way as budding superstars. He would in turn make a slew of EDM remixes for friends who were Dj’s at local venues while also developing his own original tracks. Senz began to quickly find his own sound which features strong kicks, catchy melodies and emotive transitions intricately woven together. These components add a unique feel to his productions that set him apart from the status quo. He then started jotting down lines to his productions which led to his first single “Photoshoot Fresh” that has made him not only a professional athlete, but also an artist, producer and engineer of his own music.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zfsVEMYIHY

 

Those special Christmas gifts don’t have to break the bank…   By Milly Adams

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Look no further – fabulous inexpensive gifts for the youngsters in your life. This pushchair and accessories will be loved by my certain someone, the one it is destined for – shhhh.

But this isn’t all that Play Like Mum offer: there is offer an extensive range of Silver Cross doll’s prams, pushchairs and accessories available for under £50.

The quality is what is expected from one of the world’s leading nursery brands, and Play Like Mum exclusively offers a number of the most popular models from the Silver Cross nursery range, carefully designed to imitate the grown-up versions.

I remember years ago the pram my mum had for my younger sister. Very plush it was too, and these are as substantial, and detailed as that was.

The popular Pop pushchair is available in three different colourways – Vintage Pink, Vintage Blue and Eton Grey – and is perfect for children aged 18 months to three years.  With a fixed handle height of 61cm, the Pop is priced at £29.99.

Or if you child wants to take two dolls for a walk, why not give them the gift of the Pop Twin, suitable for ages 18 months – three years and priced at £39.99?

Similarly, the Pop Max and Pop Twin Max are the larger versions of the Pop and Pop Twin and have innovative fully adjustable handles from 76-82cm – perfect for children aged from 4-9 years. Priced at £39.99 and £49.99, both come in Vintage Pink and Vintage Blue with the Pop Twin Max also available in Eton Grey.

Upgrade your pushchair with the Pop or Pop Twin Accessory Pack, priced at £22.99 or £23.99 respectively which includes a raincover, shoulder bag and cosytoe. 

 

Or the Ultimate Accessory Set that is designed for the best-selling Pioneer 5-in-1 pram which includes a sun parasol, raincover, shoulder bag and a litle cot mattress. The Luxury Tote Bag is also available in Vintage Pink, Vintage Blue or Eton Grey for £19.99 and is the perfect accompaniment to any of the Play Like Mum prams or puschairs.

Priced at £39.99, the Simplicity 4 in 1 High Chair is a multi-use product that can either be used as a high chair with tray table, or converted into a fantastic car seat compatible with the Pioneer and Sleepover prams. Simplicity is available in Vintage Pink, Vintage Blue and Eton Grey.

Susie the interactive doll is priced at £44.99 and is the perfect passenger for a Play Like Mum pushchair or pram. Susie can tell you when she wants to go for a walk, and will cry if you take her away from her pram. Suitable for children aged three and over, she can also recognise her own pram and giggles, cries, sleeps and feeds.

Frost Magazine is thrilled with these products, so much so that as we said at the beginning, a pushchair and accessories are destined for a very special little someone.

Play Like Mum is the exclusive licensee for a number of the most popular models from the Silver Cross nursery range, carefully designed to imitate the grown-up versions.

Play Like Mum’s full range of prams, pushchairs and accessories are available to buy online at www.playlikemum.com.

Milly Adams’ latest series is The Waterway Girls pub by Arrow.