What a great thing: Flying Brit Attempts to Break Four Wingsuit World Records

Posted on February 17, 2017 by Margaret Graham

Why on earth would anyone do this?

Fraser Corsan will be facing the gravity defying challenge in a bid to raise £1million for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity – a cause close to his heart

When the two grannies, who run Words for the Wounded with me, did a fundraising sky dive what heroes we thought ourselves. Well, this totally puts us in our place.

In May 2017, British Wingsuit jumper and avid Armed Forces supporter Fraser Corsan, is travelling to the USA and Canada to attempt to break four of the biggest world records in Wingsuit flying. Jumping from a height of over 40,000 feet in what is called ‘Project Cirrus’, Fraser aims to break the distance record of 19 miles, speed record of more than 234 mph and the flight duration record of 9.06 minutes, whilst also breaking the current altitude record of 37,256ft, to raise £1million for SSAFA along the way.

Sixteen years ago, Fraser Corsan was one of only 15 wingsuit pilots globally. Since then, he has completed 1,300 flights, but this year’s extreme challenge is one of the biggest tests of his career. The jump will entail exiting an aircraft at over 40,000ft, whilst battling temperatures of minus 65 degrees Celsius and winds of up to 200 mph.

As I say, puts the grannies efforts into the shade.

Fraser has worked closely with the UK Armed Forces his entire career and is passionate about supporting SSAFA in the work it does. Frost is well aware of the invaluable work SSAFA does, and this vital fundraising target of £1million, will help to positively change the lives of serving personnel, veterans and their families through the incredible work that they do every day. Funds raised will go to support SSAFA’s work in the community through volunteer caseworkers and SSAFA’s confidential helpline Forcesline. It will also help SSAFA to assist service leavers with the difficult transition process out of the Forces via its mentoring scheme and provide welfare services for those veterans of working age who have struggled with the adjustment to civilian life.

In the run up to the jump, Fraser will be embarking on intense muscle and cardio training sessions, in addition to a practicing a set of specific safety drills in the event of Oxygen system, parachute or wingsuit failure. Multiple training flights over UK airfields are taking place when the weather permits, and Fraser also intends to do 100 further endurance flights to fine polish the technology and his flying style to ensure he reaches his goal.

Fraser’s attempts will be supported by Fujitsu, his current employer, and despite his years of experience in a wingsuit, this is a challenge that is only made possible through the support of innovative and revolutionary technology, developed by a dedicated team of specialists across a number of industries. His challenge exemplifies what Fujitsu is about – technology and humans working together to achieve breakthrough results, safely and securely, innovating through technology to achieve more.

Fraser comments: “This is going to be a testing challenge both physically and mentally in my bid to make wingsuit history. However, I am wholeheartedly committed to reaching my fundraising goal in knowing that the £1million target has the potential to help to change the lives of thousands of current serving personnel, veterans and their families through SSAFA’s amazing work”.

Tegan Jones, SSAFA Director of Fundraising said: “We are amazed by Fraser’s objective of smashing four World Records and trying to raise the £1million for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. All funds raised will go toward supporting anyone who is serving or has ever served in the British Armed Forces, and their families.”

Frost Magazine and the three grannies of Words for the Wounded wish Fraser all the luck in the world, and want to hear just how it went, how he felt, and how small and beautiful the world looks.

Come on, let’s all help him reach that £1million pound mark.

To donate to SSAFA in support of Fraser’s incredible World Record attempts, visit http://projectcirrus.com/ where all donations raised will go directly to SSAFA.

5 Top Tips to Surviving Pregnancy

Posted on February 17, 2017 by Frostie

Healthy Pregnancy Guide

We’ve lost count of how many pregnancy announcements there have been over the last two weeks.

If you’re planning on getting pregnant or have already conceived, we’ve asked our experts for their best advice for common pregnancy side effects:

Morning Sickness

It’s one of the most common complaints in pregnancy, with almost 90% of women experiencing some form of morning sickness. Although it is known as morning sickness, it can occur at any time of the day or night. Dr Marilyn Glenville, the UK’s leading nutritionist and author of ‘Natural Alternatives to Sugar’ says:

“Morning sickness can definitely eased by regulating your blood sugar levels. Make sure that you eat little and often, using complex carbohydrates as snacks to keep your blood-sugar levels up. Suitable choices include rice cakes, wholemeal bread, rye crackers and any whole, unrefined products.”

“Vitamin B6 has been found to be very helpful in reducing the attacks of nausea and vomiting. One theory is that morning sickness may be caused by high oestrogen levels, and vitamin B6 is helpful in clearing excess oestrogen from the body by optimising liver function.”

“Ginger is a traditional remedy for morning sickness, and it can be extremely effective, as confirmed by a 1991 double-blind clinical trial. It can be taken in the form of supplements, capsules or herbal tea. Another good method of taking ginger is in lemon and ginger tea. If you are having trouble keeping fluids down, sweeten the tea with a little honey or maple syrup and freeze as ice cubes to suck as required.”

Cravings

From chocolate and pickles to spicy foods and ice cubes, most pregnant women experience cravings. Nutritionist, Cassandra Barns says:

“Don’t skip meals, especially breakfast, as this can lead to cravings later in the day for sugary and carbohydrate-rich foods. Make sure your meals contain a serving of a protein-rich food such as meat or fish, cheese or yoghurt, seeds and nuts, or beans and lentils: protein can help to slow down absorption of sugars and starches into the blood and lessen cravings later on.”

As well as having a nutrient-rich diet, taking a pregnancy multivitamin, such as Natures Plus Source of Life Garden Prenatal Multi (£42.95, naturesplus.co.uk) can help to prevent deficiencies that could provoke cravings.

Swollen Limbs

It’s not just your tummy that grows while your pregnant, for many women their hands and feet also swell during their pregnancy. Kimby Osbourne, leg health expert at Activa UK

“Pregnancy can obviously affect the legs and feet as there is a lot more pressure and weight on them during this time. Common problems incurred by pregnant women include swollen ankles, tired, aching legs and a feeling of heaviness. This is due to hormonal changes and the extra weight gain during pregnancy, which affects the leg veins. Varicose veins are also more common during pregnancy, especially if they run in the family. Compression hosiery and simple exercises are the best solution to help prevent and alleviate these symptoms and save you from storing up health concerns for the future”.

Back Pain

As well as general fatigue, many women say that back pain is a problem especially towards the end of their pregnancy. Cassandra says:

“Back pain can be a problem for many women in the later stages of pregnancy, as the weight of the baby pulls the body forward, causing the woman to lean back to compensate. The first thing to remember, therefore, is to maintain a good posture and walk upright, trying not to lean back. Avoid high heels, as they put more strain on the back – go for pretty flats instead. Other things that may bring relief include back massage, hot showers (or warm baths, but not hot), and exercise, especially prenatal yoga.”

Skin Problems

Increased hormone levels are the main cause of skin problems during pregnancy, acne is quite common with more than half of pregnant women can expect to develop some form of acne during their first trimester. Marilyn says:“Iron deficiency is more likely to be a problem as the baby starts having a growth spurt in the last trimester it always important to get this monitored. Low iron levels can cause hair loss, the skin to become pale and dull and the nails to become weak. Iron rich foods include all dark green leafy vegetables, tofu, dried apricots and blackstrap molasses.”

“Make sure the diet is rich in brightly coloured fruits and vegetables as these contain antioxidants including Vitamin E that naturally regulates blood pressure. Taking a good fish oil (Omega 3 Support, £27.77) and Vitamin C (NHP Vitamin C Support, £15.77) can be very supportive on top of the antenatal formula (NHP Antenatal Support, £22.97, all naturalhealthpractice.com).”

“Zinc is also essential for skin, hair and nails and can get used up rapidly when under stress. Eat plenty of brown rice, pumpkin seeds and oats.”

Dr Adam Friedmann, consultant dermatologist at The Harley Street Dermatology Clinic, adds:

“If there is oiliness or acne a gentle cleanser can be applied. Treat acne pimples with topical creams (usually prescribed by the GP or dermatologist) and moisturise with a light moisturiser. Use high factor SPF during the spring and summer months.”

Look for light formulaes that also have anti-inflammatory ingredients and promote skin cell renewal like the What Skin Needs Soothing Skin Gel. Dr Roger Henderson, GP with a special interest in dermatology explains: “The Soothing Skin Gel (£14.99, whatskinnneeds.co.uk) helps soothe and provide moisture to dry skin to protect after exposure to the elements as well as helping reduce the irritation of rashes”

Another You By Jane Cable Book Review

Posted on February 16, 2017 by Catherine Balavage

I have long been a fan of Jane Cable. I loved her two previous books The Cheesemaker’s House and The Faerie Tree. Each book she has written has had an interesting premise and Another You is no exception. Jane’s debut novel The Cheesemaker’s House had a strong voice and was written with incredible talent and each book since then has just got even better. It is fascinating to see how each novel sets its location and theme so well.

Jane Cable writes for this magazine and that is no accident. She is talented beyond measure. Her books are always riveting and easy to read. Not all books which are good are easy to read. It is her excellent pacing, but is also how she drives the story forward. She uses every word well.

Another You is set in Dorset and focuses on Marie Johnson who is trapped in an abusive marriage and a job as a chef in the family pub. It is the 60th Anniversary of D-Day exercises and Marie bumps into a soldier on the beach. Little does she know this chance meeting will change her entire life. Another you blends military history, PTSD, romance and family dynamic all into one novel. It is an entertaining novel that leaves you guessing and has a fair amount of twists. I highly recommend this well researched and enjoyable novel. It is yet another triumph.

Sometimes the hardest person to save is yourself…

Marie Johnson is trapped by her job as a chef in a Dorset pub and by her increasingly poisonous marriage to its landlord.

Worn down by his string of affairs she has no self-confidence, no self-respect and the only thing that keeps her going is watching her son, Jude, turn into a talented artist.

But the 60th anniversary of a D-Day exercise triggers chance meetings which prove unlikely catalysts for change.

First there’s Corbin, the American soldier who she runs into as she’s walking on the cliffs. He is charming and has a quaintness about him, calling her an ‘English rose’.

Then there’s George the war veteran, who comes to dine at the pub, and his son Mark. George fascinates Marie with his first-hand accounts of the war, whilst Mark proves helpful in making sense of the pub’s financial situation.

And there’s Paxton. Another American soldier with an uncanny resemblance to Corbin. Young, fit and very attractive, Marie finds him hard to resist. But little does she know Paxton is also battling some inner demons.

As the heat of the summer intensifies, so do the issues in Marie’s life.

Why is Corbin so elusive? Why is the pub struggling to make ends meet? Why has Jude suddenly become so withdrawn and unhappy?

Can she help Paxton open up and begin to deal with his pain?

Or will she be shackled to the pub and her increasingly spiteful husband forever?

But as events unfold, Marie finally realises that she is not trapped, but stuck, and that it is down to her to get her life moving again.

Perfectly blending the complexities of twenty-first century life with the dramatic history of World War Two, Another You is a charming tale that will warm your heart.

Another You is available here.

The Business of Books: Back to Basics

Posted on February 15, 2017 by Jane Cable

Jane Cable reaches a scary moment with her next manuscript

More often than not my own blogs for The Business of Books focus on the process of being published and on marketing, marketing, and more marketing. For any writer, particularly one clinging onto a day job as well, it sometimes seems that the actual business of creating something new is relegated to the margins.

That doesn’t mean it isn’t important. In fact writing the next novel is the most important thing an author can do. If readers don’t love your book then no amount of marketing is going to put that right. And all the time I’m up to my neck in marketing Another You, my agent Felicity Trew has been waiting patiently for my next manuscript.

The working title has changed a few times so I’ve taken to calling it my Lincolnshire novel because it tells the story of an archaeologist who is sent to work in that wonderful county and discovers more about herself than she does about the site she’s digging. The settings came to me on a weekend away to celebrate our twentieth wedding anniversary when we stayed first in Lincoln itself (which oozes history from every brick) and then at the amazing Winteringham Fields restaurant and rooms on the banks of the Humber.

Getting the manuscript to a fit state to share with Felicity has taken about eighteen months. I desperately needed clear space in my diary and in my head to finish it and make sure that the plot hung together and the main characters at least were well drawn. The obvious answer was to do it on holiday.

Now I understand this wouldn’t suit everyone but it worked for me. I am blessed with an undemanding husband who is more than happy to do his own thing while I write. Even better we’d booked a two week chill break in St Lucia in preparation for what is going to be a hectic and potentially stressful year so suddenly the time I needed was there.

When the domestic and workaday issues are removed from your life (even temporarily) it is easy to feel creative. I’d been struggling with a final twist for the book (Felicity wasn’t keen on my initial idea) and something came along which while not perfect, is good enough for a draft and at least points in the right direction. Without this I hadn’t been able to finish the manuscript – I knew where I was heading but I was a few chapters short. But as I sat on my terrace overlooking the sea chapters kept falling off the ends of my fingertips and the story ended up about 10,000 words longer than I intended.

At this point, length doesn’t actually matter. This draft is so early that it will be unrecognisable by the time the book is ready to be presented to potential publishers. But nevertheless the manuscript had to be polished, the story had to be coherent, and the characters’ journeys real. I found myself almost living inside the mind of one of them, trying to see and feel the world through his eyes, and sure enough he came alive on my keyboard too.

It was almost the end of the holiday before I was ready to send the manuscript to Felicity. Much as she was dying to read it this is the scariest moment for me and I felt sick to my stomach as I pressed send. What will I do if she doesn’t like it, or doesn’t think it’s sufficiently commercial? I feel a little queasy thinking about it now, to be honest. But one thing’s for sure – whatever may be wrong with it I need to trust her judgment and work as hard as I can to put it right.

A helluva line-up for WforW Litfest Day near London on 25th March.

Posted on February 14, 2017 by Margaret Graham

A few years ago I was having coffee with my agent at St Pancras. Across a crowded room I spotted my all time favourite author, Frederick Forsyth, also having coffee, or perhaps, sensibly, something stronger.

Of course I hyperventilated and Viv said, ‘Go and say hello, you’re with the same publishing house after all.’

I bottled it. What if he waved me away? What if he thought I wanted a selfie?

Well, I did, but…

Guess what – after long distance hero worship HE IS COMING TO OUR WforW LITFEST DAY ON MARCH 25TH. Sorry, I’m shouting.

You see, I had written to ask if he would send us a message of support for our Words for the Wounded’s LitFest Day held annually to raise funds in support of wounded troops and to give opportunities for writers and readers. He said, ‘I’ll come and talk instead.’ More hyperventilating.

We are all utterly thrilled. We already have the most amazing line-up and Frederick is the cherry on top of the cake. Not sure if he will like that analogy, but there you go.

First thing in the morning I will be asking him about his memoir The Outsider which I have just finished reading, and which explains not just the real happenings behind his novels, but much much more – it’s exciting, funny, moving, just like his novels.

We also have the lovely jubbley WforW patron, Captain Ian Thornton, talking just before lunch, of Helmand: Diaries of Frontline soldiers. In the middle of the morning, like the jam in the middle of the sandwich, we have Dr Kathleen Thompson, Frost’s health correspondent and Award winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope. Her journey with breast cancer, and how to obtain good treatment. Dr Kathleen will talk of how to help promote your books and be around for questions throughout the day.

I have to say we do excel with our lunch, planned by Jan Speedie, with the odd cake or salad made by me and Penny Deacon and my family will be looking after us. The wine flows, but you’ll need to stay awake for the afternoon speakers though they’re so interesting, it won’t be a problem.

The afternoon is a similar feast with – Isabelle Grey, the acclaimed screenwriter, author and all time good sport. She’s written for many excellent television series and for film. CJ Carver the top notch crime writer (love her work) will be speaking next and after tea, an editor, (used to be mine) with whom I’ve had too many fun lunches that lead to a headache. Gillian Holmes will be talking about how to grab an editor’s attention with your opening chapters.

We have exhibitions by photographer Cire Simone and artist Sharon Bennett.

As always, there’s much of interest for readers and writers, and it’s a great networking day. 100% of everything raised goes to those in need, as it does all the time because the grannies absorb all expenses.

Come and meet us, we don’t bite, and we’d love to see you.

WforW LitFest Day: 25^th March. Downley Community Centre, Downley, High Wycombe HP13 5TR. 9.30 – 5.30.

To secure your ticket, and find out more: www.wordsforthewounded.co.uk

The Outsider by Frederick Forsyth

Posted on February 14, 2017 by Margaret Graham

This memoir is subtitled My Life in Intrigue, and it certainly is, but so much more besides.

I have a friend who was telling me that she read The Day of the Jackal when she was a teenager, and has never forgotten it. She remembers thinking, ‘Now that’s how to write a book that can’t be put down.’

I feel the same, and even more so about The Odessa File, and then there’s…

Well, I won’t go on, but there has never been a dud from this author.

So, what about this memoir? In a nutshell it’s fascinating, fluent, unputdownable. Frederick Forsyth is Words for the Wounded’s LitFest Day’s guest speaker on March 25^th and I will ask him if he writes as easily and fluently as his books read. I fear he will say yes, and that he only writes one draft. After which I will go outside and scream, because I sweat over at least two drafts.

The Outsider is so funny, exciting and utterly fascinating. What’s more, it is a life that didn’t just come to Forsyth, it is one he made happen.

This man wanted to fly, so he entered the RAF as their youngest pilot ever, at seventeen and a half, during National Service. I won’t tell you how. Read the book.

He didn’t want, ultimately, to be a desk pilot, so left to become what he did want: a journalist, in particular a foreign correspondent. This he achieved, of course. It is during this career that he found the grist for his mill when it became time to write his novels.

Never a yes man, always an outsider… I now know about Forsyth being a pilot, and by crikey, this bloke flew through his life by the seat of his pants on an absolute roller-coaster. He escaped disaster by the skin of his teeth, met crazy and/or inspiring characters, witnessed things better not seen, and went back for more.

You must read The Outsider. Amusing (if you don’t laugh out loud at the ‘nannies bearing talcum powder’ then I despair). You will be in awe at his self-confidence, and be moved at the clear emotional bond between Forsyth and his parents, fascinated by the worlds in which he found himself. No wonder his novels are so ‘real’, so breathlessly exciting.

Start with The Outsider, then work your way through the novels – again if you have already read them. It’s no wonder they’re the benchmark for today’s writers.

The Outsider – My life in Intrigue by Frederick Forsyth Corgi pb £8.99

WforW LitFest Day 25^th March: Guest Speaker Frederick Forsyth. Fabulous line up. Downley, near London. Tickets and details: www.wordsforthewounded.co.uk

An Important day is coming up

Posted on February 13, 2017 by Margaret Graham

BREAST CANCER: DRUGS FUNDING & TRIALS

Achieving world-class patient outcomes

A Pink Ribbon event Thursday 23 March 2017,

9-5. Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine, London EC1V

Gerard Dugdill, publisher/coordinator Pink Ribbon is the organiser of this crucial Breast Cancer event.

Dr Kathleen Thompson, Frost Magazine’s health correspondent and award winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope, will be chairing this event.

Theme of the Day:

To identify issues and discuss potential solutions around achieving best care and treatment for all patients with breast cancer (primary and secondary) in UK, including enhancing options for research into curative treatments for secondary breast cancer.

Although within the UK, generally, treatment of Breast Cancer is good, nevertheless the best possible treatment is not available to every patient with breast cancer who would benefit, within an optimal time-frame, for various reasons which will be discussed through the day.

In addition there is the general problem that secondary breast cancer is incurable currently. The purpose of the day is to explore how current initiatives, together with new unexplored initiatives can be implemented to maximise quality of treatment and cure for breast cancer within UK (and beyond, but the purpose of the day is primarily UK).

Suitable for:

Top level movers and shakers and opinion formers in healthcare, regulation, industry, politics, academia, media, third sector

Attendees also include doctors, senior nurses, hospital administrators, other pharma personnel, researchers, civil servants, financiers, economists, lawyers, campaigners, media

Sessions will range from The Problems – patient perspectives, System perspectives before moving on to the Solutions – Drug Development – Regulation – Funding -Keynote.

This is  A Pink Ribbon event, in aid of the national hereditary breast cancer helpline

Supported by Pfizer Limited

To book, and for more information: https://goo.gl/3FExaS

Treat your Valentine – Jersey Oysters Blonde and Blue

Posted on February 13, 2017 by Christian Gott

If you intend to spend an amorous evening tomorrow with your Valentine you may indulge in an abundance, nay a veritable feast of aphrodisiacs, chillies, chocolate, figs, avocados, bananas and pomegranates to name but a few. There is, however, one foodstuff that features in web searches, recipe books, and people’s imaginations more than all the others put together and this is, of course, the oyster. Now here in Jersey, we are lucky to have Royal Bay of Grouville oysters which are delicious, but why are they considered to be such an amatory stimulant.

Most people think that since Giacomo Casanova, the Italian adventurer, author, and perhaps more famously renowned lady’s man was said to consume fifty oysters a day for breakfast they perhaps had some magical quality.* This has been put down to the zinc levels which handily for you lusty feeling folk are highest in early spring. Then in March 2005, a group of American and Italian researchers presented a paper to the American Chemical Society following a study into molluscs, such as clams and mussels, that were rich in a series of rare amino acids that triggered increased levels of hormones in mice. There was a huge interest in the research but really no proof of the effect from eating oysters directly, in fact, Nancy Amy, a nutritionist, and toxicologist at the University of California provided another theory “There’s an amazing placebo effect with aphrodisiacs,” she said. “It’s very culturally specific and there’s no scientific evidence, but if you think it’s going to work, then there’s already a 50 percent chance that it will.”

*Casanova retired from adventuring and took up the position of librarian to a Bohemian Count, perhaps he relished a quieter life but it somewhat dispels the image we have of shy, retiring bookworms.

Oysters are eaten raw traditionally with lemon, tabasco or a spoon of migonette, a mix of very finely diced shallots, cracked black pepper and wine vinegar or lightly baked or grilled. There are a number of classic grilled oyster recipes such as with garlic butter, oysters Rockafeller with spinach and pastis, oysters Kilpatrick with Worcestershire sauce and crisp bacon. Alternatively, oysters can be deep-fried in in tempura batter or covered in breadcrumbs for the Southern favourite oyster Po’boy.

So while I cannot guarantee that this recipe will have you swinging from the lampshade in leopard skin briefs it’s really rather nice and tasty and uses some really nice Jersey ingredients. The oysters are gratinated with a crisp mix of fresh herbs, savoury biscuit crumbs, and Jersey Blue soft cheese which creamy and slightly tangy taste accentuates the salty ozone flavour of the Jersey oysters. The very light continental style beer, Liberation Blonde provides the base for a refreshing dressing to the baked oysters and chilled is an ideal accompaniment. You can substitute these with a local cheese and beer of your choice and you won’t be disappointed.

Grilled Jersey Oysters ‘Blonde and Blue’ serves 2 or 3

12 Jersey oysters

Classic Herd organic Jersey Blue cheese or similar such as organic blue veined Brie

50 ml Liberation Blonde ale

25 ml quality White Wine Vinegar

80 gr crushed Water Biscuits or plain Cheese Crackers

2 medium Shallots, peeled and finely chopped

2 generous pinches of Cayenne Pepper

1 teaspoon each of the following, finely chopped Chives, Chervil and Parsley

If you have a friendly fishmonger you can ask him to shuck or open your oysters for you before taking them home to cook and serve. If not you first need to open your oysters and loosen them from their shells. Set each opened oyster down on a small mound of rock salt, on a baking tray. Remove the rind from your cheese and finely dice, divide evenly onto the oysters. Mix the herbs with the finely crushed biscuit crumbs and sprinkle over the cheese topped oysters.

For the dressing simmer the chopped shallots with the white wine vinegar, cayenne, and a little water until the shallots start to soften but retain a little bite. Evaporate almost all of the liquid. Chill. When cold add in the Blonde beer. Grill the oysters for 3 to 4 minutes under a medium grill until the cheese starts to bubble and the crumb mix browns. Serve topped with a little dressing, extra chopped herbs and the remaining dressing as a side.