The Penguin Book of Puzzles by Dr Gareth Moore | Frost Loves

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The Penguin Book of Puzzles by Dr Gareth MooreFrost is a huge fan of this puzzle book. A collection of challenges from throughout history, featuring some of the greatest ever puzzle masters

From the riddles of the ancients to puzzles that perplex the greatest minds of today, The Penguin Book of Puzzles is a glorious compendium of conundrums from throughout history that have been brought together for the first time in one collection.

These challenges will require all the reader’s wits to solve, but range from the easy to the brain-bending and are suitable for novice and veteran puzzlers alike. There is something here to suit every taste, including crosswords, mathematical challenges, word games and logic conundrums, as well as some surprising and intriguing puzzles that date back to the earliest recorded periods of human history.

Timeless and entertaining, there are hours of fun waiting in this miscellany of puzzlement.

Dr Gareth Moore is on the board of the World puzzle Federation, and is the author of a wide range of brain-training and puzzle books for both children and adults, including The Mammoth Book of Brain Games, The Brain Workout, The Mammoth Book of New Sudoku and The Rough Guide Book of Brain Training.

The Penguin Book of Puzzles by Dr Gareth Moore

 

 

The Fragrance Shop launch scentaddict

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Finally, a fragrance lovers subscription box you have complete control over. Just in time for Christmas, The Fragrance Shop have unveiled their latest launch scentaddict. Scentaddict gives customers the chance to experience their favourite scents every single month, this is the cleverest of fragrance gifts. Each month a handy 8ml atomiser is filled with your choice of fragrance selected online or in store at The Fragrance Shop. Yes Ladies and Gents, you can have a rolling supply of Chanel if you like. With 8ml to fill which is approximately 100 sprays, you’ve enough time to decide whether or not you want a fragrance update or continue filling with a fragrance you love. What’s more, each time you refill, you can redeem the cost of the subscription against a full size bottle of the fragrance you choose to put in your atomiser that month. The refill fits inside a ‘twist and spritz’ casing which comes in 18 different colours and can also be used with any of your own fragrances making it perfect for handbags and travel carry-ons.

The subscription is priced at £12 per month with P&P included and can be cancelled at any point with no minimum contract. We gave scentaddict a go and it’s ideal for anyone who doesn’t want to fork out big bucks for a high end fragrance, if you just love to try anything and everything and if you’re unsure whether your spouse, nanny, uncle or colleague will like your choice of fragrance. Allowing them to pick for themselves is always a winner.

To find out more and to sign up, visit;

https://www.scentaddict.com

Toy State Reveals Fantastic Toddler Toys | Christmas Ideas

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Toy State, a toy industry leader and innovator of highly-stylized licenced “lights and sound” and radio-controlled vehicles has a fantastic selection of Christmas toys suitable for toddlers. Designed to cope with tough toddler play and encourage co-ordination and imaginative play. We reviewed the following:

Hot Wheels Extreme Action Sharkruiser– All the excitement of Hot Wheels™ with lights and sounds for extra action. Get ready for extreme fun with the chomping jaws and glowing eyes on Sharkruiser. Ages 3+ Expected Market Retail price £19.99, available from smythstoys.com, TheRange.co.uk, ASDA.com, Wilkinson.com, ToysRUs.co.uk

A huge hit with toddlers. They can barely wait until it is out of the box. Chomps away as it goes. 

Cat Buildin’ Crew E-Z Machines® R/C- You are never too young to start playing with a Remote-Control vehicle. Designed for toddlers, the single button activation allows the child to drive the Cat machine forward when pressing the button or watch it spin in circles when released. There are 2 fun characters to collect including; Haulin’ Harry™ and Rugged Randy™. Ages 2+ Expected Market Retail price £16.99, available from smythstoys.com, TheRange.co.uk, Toymaster.co,uk and Debenhams.com

A brilliant little toy for toddlers. Easy to use and tons of fun. It also helps their coordination. 

 

The Sleighmaker: A Christmas Story That’s Never Been Told By Ian Shepherd

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A novel that could well become a seasonal classic, this traditional Christmas tale is sure to win the hearts of children and adults alike.

Set just before the turn of the 20th century, The Sleighmaker is an unapologetic homage to the traditional children’s stories of the Victorian era, and is a richly rewarding tale of the importance of companionship and hope overcoming loss.

It is the debut of author Ian Shepherd, but you wouldn’t think it is his first book with the mastery of description, characterisation, plot and pacing that make it such a pleasure to read.

It’s aimed predominantly at children aged seven and up and, while it might be a little challenging for seven-year-olds to read by themselves, grown-ups are sure to enjoy reading along.

The story’s central character is Drummond, a master craftsman and gentle giant once known far and wide as the most talented sleighmaker around.

However, after a personal tragedy he shuns his trade and the company of the others.

Eventually, he is persuaded to work on the estate of Lord and Lady Harrington and is enjoying the solitude of his new work until a cheerful little boy named William appears.

William possesses unusual calming abilities with both people and animals alike and demonstrated his gift by preventing a nasty accident involving Henry, the Harrington’s young son, and his father’s horse, Jonty, after it becomes spooked by a wild boar during a ride.

Taken into the household, William becomes an apprentice to Drummond. At first, the craftsman wonders how he can be of any use, but quickly falls for William’s innocent charm and finds himself opening up emotionally for the first time since the tragedy.

One room in Drummond’s workshop had always been out of bounds, but William finds a way in and discovers a broken sleigh. With the emotional support and encouragement of his apprentice and a young kitchen maid called Marny, he is persuaded to restore the wrecked sleigh back to its original splendour.

Along with William, he calls on his old friend, the French artist Auguste, and together they create a magnificent sleigh for the winter parade.

Towards the close of the book there is a special twist that I don’t want to spoil, but it’s OK to say that the sleigh goes on a festive ride like no other and Drummond is finally able to move on and look to the future once more.

Author Ian Shepherd comes from a large family where Christmas has always been an extra-special occasion. In The Sleighmaker, he has succeeded admirably in crafting a timeless tale celebrating the true spirit of the season.

It might not have the whistles and bells of modern Christmas gifts, but that’s really the point. It’s a perfectly-wrapped present in itself, aimed at taking kids away from electronic screens if only for a little while.

With its snowy setting and rich descriptions, characters you care for and fair share of mysteries to uncover, this novel will appeal to children and parents who yearn for a simple, magical story packed with more yuletide spirit than a Christmas pud.

The Sleighmaker by Ian Shepherd is out now through Raj Joshi Publishing and priced £11.99 in hardback, £6.99 paperback and £4.60 as a Kindle eBook. It is available on Amazon UK

The Sleighmaker by Ian Shepherd is available here. 

 

Win a copy of The Sleighmaker by Ian Shepherd

We have three paperback copies of The Sleighmaker by Ian Shepherd, usually priced £6.99,to give away. To be in with a chance of winning, just email frostmagazine@gmail.com with your name and address.

The three lucky winners will be notified by 1st of December and will receive their prizes shortly
thereafter.

 

The Red Lion by Patrick Marber : A brilliant theatre review by Paul Vates

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at Trafalgar Studios, London

 

“Worthy of a roar of approval…”

 

The lady sitting next to me admitted that she knows nothing about football. I support Leeds United, so it could be said that I don’t either. But knowledge of the game is not required in this stunning play by Patrick Marber.

 

Set in the changing room of RLFC, a very low non-league club struggling with survival on a daily basis, it opens with ex-hero, now the kit-man, physio and mentor, Yates, hanging up the shirts in preparation for the game that is only a few hours away. He is methodical and proud, kissing the badge of every shirt. John Bowler plays Yates with a distant look, as though he can still hear the crowd calling his name, pondering where the years have gone and when the stiffness and aches arrived.

 

The Red Lion, Trafalgar Studios – John Bowler (courtesy of Mark Douet) –

 

Yates’ subtle reverie at the altar is interrupted by the maelstrom that is the manager, Kidd – a whirlwind of nervous energy and bitterness. Stephen Tompkinson shines in the part, grabbing the character and thrusting upon everyone his ambitions of success, whether or not they ask for them. He is arrogant and angry, the kind of man who is going places but always quick to blame others for his own faults.

The Red Lion, Trafalgar Studios – John Bowler and Stephen Tompkinson (courtesy of Mark Douet) –

 

 

Enter the new lad, young Jordan, played by Dean Bone. He’s a rising star and potentially worth money for everyone. But, like everything that is business, it is dirty and back-stabbing. Jordan is played with a grand mixture of innocence and violence – a small player with big dreams.

 

The play has no interval, lasting 95 minutes – the length of your average football match. The characters attack and defend each other. They seamlessly pass the mood, stylishly producing high comedy as well as magnificent drama, as they tumble out of control towards the inevitable final whistle.

The Red Lion, Trafalgar Studios – Dean Bone and Stephen Tompkinson (courtesy of Mark Douet)

Marber is too good a writer for the play to be solely about football. It is much more than that, just as the three actors create a depth that is worthy of a roar of approval from the stand. First produced in Newcastle at the Live Theatre, Max Roberts’ production travels well and, even though this could be classed as an away fixture, it looks like the team will win.

 

The Red Lion, Trafalgar Studios – Stephen Tompkinson, Dean Bone and John Bowler (courtesy of Mark Douet)

 

 

 

 

Performances until 2nd December 2017

Monday to Saturday at 7.45pm – Thursday and Saturday Matinees at 3pm

 

Producer         Live Theatre and Trish Wadley

Director           Max Roberts

Designer         Patrick Connellan

Photographer  Mark Douet

 

Theatre           Trafalgar Studios, 14 Whitehall, London SW1A 2DY

Tickets            From £19.50 to £39.50, via Theatre Box Office and www.atgtickets.com

 

Twitter             @theredlionplay, @TrafStudios, #theredlionplay

Facebook        /theredlionplay

Instagram       @theredlionplay

 

 

RedDog Metallic Silver BagPod Leather Handbag | Christmas Ideas

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Reddog, leather, metallic, handbag, organiser, clutch, handbag, fashion, christmas ideas. Is this a bag? Is it a clutch? Well, actually, it is a handbag organiser. In fact, it is your perfect bag companion. It looks beautiful and glamorous, is well made and high quality and made of leather.  It is designed to simplify your life, but the truth is, it is so beautiful it could also be used as a handbag or a clutch. Who needs rules, right? 

The truth is, having a handbag organiser is a great idea as it saves so much time. You just put everything in your Reddog Bagpod and then transfer that when you change your handbag. It saves time and makes sure you do not forget anything. We reviewed the silver one and think it is gorgeous. Perfect for the Christmas season and beyond. They also have a va va room red one. A great Christmas gift, for yourself or someone else.

red handbag, reddog bagpod

RRP £79.99

Available in a variety of festive colours.

#getorganised #RedDog #BagPod

Being organised can be tricky….using a leather BagPod Voyager makes it easy-peasy.

Keeping all your personal belongings in order.
Keys? Check. Purse? Check. Phone? Check. Glasses? Check.

A bag organiser, arm candy, clutch with wrist strap or a shoulder bag.

*Voyager also available in Nylon/cotton at £29.99

 

 

THE BUSINESS OF BOOKS: PRINTING PLUS – Jane Cable meets Nigel Mitchell of Biddles

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For a number of reasons I won’t go into here I have a personal dislike of Createspace paperbacks, so when I wanted a short print run of Another You, another author recommended Biddles. Not only do they print and design books, but they do all the ISBN legwork, including taking orders from wholesalers. So I delighted to introduce Nigel Mitchell who worked in book manufacturing with Biddles for 41 years and now runs the company as Biddles Books a book print management company.

WHAT IS YOUR BOOK RELATED JOB OR BUSINESS?

I left school at 16 and after spending two weeks at an accountants which I didn¹t enjoy, I found another job working at Biddles Limited in Guildford who had just started the transition from commercial printers to book printers. I worked in the office at Guildford for nine years and then transferred to the Kings Lynn factory in 1982. Biddles continued to be successful and expanded over the years and eventually employed nearly 200 people. In 2011 I was made redundant and at 54 wondered who might employ me at that age and started my own business Shore Books and Design and received design work from the company that I used to work for. In 2013 Biddles, who were then owned by the MPG Printgroup went into liquidation and myself and a colleague bought the Biddles name from the administrator.

Since October 2013 I have run Biddles Books as a book print management company using my experience gained from the book manufacturing environment to help self publishers, design consultants and professional companies who want to produce anything from 10 mono paperbacks to 4,000 colour hardbacks.

WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING PART OF IT?

The rewarding elements of the job are giving advice and help to customers from the inception of their idea for a book they would like to produce so that they can have a book produced for a price that they can afford. Then receiving some compliments after they have received the completed book which they can hold in their hands.

Meeting so many people from so many different ways of life including Greek Orthodox nuns, Vice-president of British Aerospace, Boycie from Only Fools and Horses, men who fought in the Korean War and pop music promoters. After meeting all these people you realise that people have so many different reasons for producing a printed book.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR MAJOR SUCCESSES?

I think it must be in becoming self employed and running your own business for over six years. When I was being made redundant, it was one of the scariest times in my life because when I was employed I wouldn¹t have thought of running my own business whatsoever. I was in the comfort of being employed and getting a reasonable wage each month. There are so many things to learn and at the end it must be a profitable business to survive. You cannot do it all on your own and you have to rely on a good team to help make the business work. Biddles Books has continued to grow each year that it has been trading and at the end of 2017 we would have helped produce over 650 different titles, a 30% increase from 2016.

HAVE YOU ALWAYS LOVED BOOKS, AND WHAT ARE YOU READING AT THE MOMENT?

I think I enjoy books more now than when I was growing up. Certainly in my formative years I read a lot of children’s books with Enid Blyton and A A Milne being favourites and in my youth I remember reading all of Tom Sharpe’s books which I found hilarious and remember on many occasions laughing out loud at some of his bizarre descriptions. These days I love reading novels as I find them so relaxing after a busy day at work. I have read quite a few of the novels that we have arranged to print and enjoyed the many different but at the moment I am reading The Wrong Side of Goodbye by Michael Connelly.

 

Dulwich Literary Festival 2017 programme announced

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Ali Smith, Alan Hollinghurst, Sam Leith, Henry Blofeld, Mihaela Noroc and many others to appear on the main weekend, 10-12 November. Additional events to take place throughout November, including a spooky All Saints Day special with Andrew Michael Hurley, a pop-up at West Norwood Feast and an evening in conversation with Robert Peston.

 

Dulwich Literary Festival returns this November with a striking line-up of speakers, including celebrated writer Alan Hollinghurst, Man Booker shortlisted Ali Smith, ITV Political Editor Robert Peston, renowned sports journalist Henry Blofeld, The Spectator’s Literary Editor Sam Leith and photographer and social media sensationMihaela Noroc. Presented by award-winning independent bookshop Dulwich Books, events will be hosted at various local venues including Dulwich College, Dulwich Picture Gallery and the bookshop itself. The 2017 programme includes something for everyone, with talks for children, walks for adults, ‘how-to’ workshops and thought-provoking discussions covering everything from sport and literature, to faith and global affairs.

 

Commenting on the festival programme, Susie Nicklin, owner of Dulwich Books said: “We are delighted once again to bring together some of today’s most celebrated authors, leading thinkers and local writers in Dulwich, to celebrate the best that words have to offer. In times of uncertainty we need to join together in celebrating the things that matter in our communities, whether feasting, worship, education or culture, and books and writers are the perfect way to link them. From Man Booker Prize-winning writers to a creative writing competition for all the young writers of Southwark, there are opportunities for all to participate and engage.”

 

Stand out events taking place across the main weekend include a unique evening with Ali Smith, who will celebrate the work of author and illustrator Tove Jansson at Dulwich Picture Gallery, a free exhibition of photos by Mihaela Noroc, who became a social media sensation with her images of women taken around the world, and a talk with Alan Hollinghurst, who will discuss his much anticipated new novel, The Sparsholt Affair, with the BBC’s Razia Iqbal.

 

Inspiring debate at the festival will be Political Editor Robert Peston, who will draw insights from his career in journalism to address the problems of our time and how we might put them right. Catherine Nixey will discuss the controversial findings of her new book The Darkening Age, which suggests early Christianity might be more violent, ruthless and intolerant than first thought. And, as new protest movements rock the political mainstream, Alexei Sayle, Courttia Newland and Francesca Rhydderch willlook back at dissidents who made history, discussing their contributions to a new anthology of stories re-imagining key moments of British protest.

 

As well as engaging ideas and debate, the festival will offer a number of sessions and workshops for visitors to celebrate pleasurable pastimes and new skills.  Veteran broadcaster Henry Blofeld will discuss a career in cricket with Nicholas Lezard, former National Trust chairman Simon Jenkins will lead a session on Britain’s best railway stations, Peter Fiennes will offer a guided tour of the remnants of the Great North Wood, and Anjula Devi will hold a tasting and book signing at the festival’s West Norwood Feast pop-up to explore the secrets of Indian cuisine.

 

Helping people to write clearly, correctly and persuasively, The Spectator’s Literary Editor Sam Leith will offer top tips from his latest book Write to the Point, award-winning illustration agency Scriberia will hold an interactive drawing session to encourage people to use images to think and communicate more effectively, and designerSusan Wightman will discuss the art and science of typography.

 

The festival will also cater for families, with two exciting children’s events and a short story competition for schools across Southwark. Picture book author and illustratorKate Pankhurst, a descendant of suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst, will lead an interactive session on fantastic women who changed the world, including fun role-play and craft activities. Local mums Lucy Reynolds and Jenna Herman will also run a free story-time session at the festival’s West Norwood Feast pop-up, reading from their book Parrots Don’t Live in the City. Expect plenty of squawking.

 

Tickets will go on sale on the festival’s website from this weekend. For tickets and more information, visit: http://dulwichliteraryfestival.co.uk/