Lékué Omelette Maker & Lékué Steam Case Review: Quick & Delicious Food

Posted on July 28, 2016 by Catherine Balavage

Anything that makes family life easier has Frost onside. Mealtimes can be particularly exhausting, so we were excited to review two new products from Lékué. An omelette maker and a steam case. Do these kitchen solutions make quick, easy and healthy meals? Read on and find out.

First we tried the Omelette Maker. There are two ways of doing things. One is to add the omelette mix into the case for a plain omelette, the other is to add other ingredients first (and cook them for a few minutes), and then add the mix (eggs, milk and salt). You then pop it in the microwave. If you add lots of ingredients, only add two eggs. Otherwise it might spill over. You can make a delicious plain omelette in two minutes. Importantly, the omelette maker is BPA free. It has a ten-year guarantee and is 100% platinum silicone, just like the steam case. Both also come with handy booklets with lots of tasty recipes and are dishwasher safe (very important!). We were a huge fan of the omelette maker. Quick, easy and delicious. Just like they promised.

The Steam Case is also a handy and innovative kitchen gadget. You just add the ingredients and then microwave for two minutes. The standard size does 1-2 people, the family size does 4-5. The Steam Case allows you to steam your food in the oven as well as the microwave. The food is cooked in its own juices and retains the nutrients. Quick, easy and delicious, just like the omelette maker. We liked both of these gadgets, and they were easy to clean in the dishwasher. Recommended.

The Power Breakfast

The 4 minute spinach and mushroom omelette

Pop this in microwave, check your emails and come back to a light a fluffy omelette full of fibre and protein to keep you full until lunch

Ingredients

50 g of spinach (¼ cup)

50 g of mushrooms (¼ cup)

30 g of onion (2 tbsp)

1 tablespoon of water

1 tablespoon of olive oil

Salt

2 tablespoons of milk

2 eggs

Lékué Omelette Maker RRP £10.99

Slice the mushrooms, chop the onion and place it all inside the Omelettemaker along with the spinach, oil, water and salt.
Close the lid and cook in the microwave for 2 minutes at 800 W.
In a bowl, beat the eggs along with the milk and a pinch of salt.
Pour into the Omelettemaker and mix with the rest of ingredients.
Cook for 2 minutes in the microwave at 800 W.
Turn the Omeletteover and cook for another 30 seconds.

Lunch – al desk-o

10 minutes fish with summer lemon vegetables

Taste the Mediterranean without leaving your swivel chair on your lunch break

Ingredients

1 fillet white fish (approx. 150 g)

1/2 cup frozen peas

½ courgette

1 tablespoon butter

½ lemon

Salt

Pepper
Lékué Steam Case

Cut the fish into strips, add salt and pepper, place in the mini steam case.
Add the peas, the courgette washed and cut into cubes, sprinkle with lemon and add butter in chunks. Close the mini steam case.
Cook in the microwave oven on high at 650-800W for 2 minutes.
Stir a little and serve.

Both available online at Lekue.com, Selfridges.com and Ocado.com

In Search of the Past – A visit to the Somme Part 1 by Penny Gerrard

Posted on July 27, 2016 by Margaret Graham

Frost Magazine is conscious that this year, 2016, marks the centenary of the The Battle of the Somme, which lasted from July 1st to November 18 1916, with huge loss of life. We are enormously moved and delighted that writer, Penny Gerrard, has written a series of features for us centred around this event, which we will publish over the following weeks.

In Search of the Past – A visit to the Somme Part 1 by Penny Gerrard

In May of 2014 the germ of an idea was born. Two couples met on holiday and hit it off. The two chaps’ conversation turned to military history and an ambition was shared: to visit the battlefields of the Somme to track down the sites where their family members had fought and, in some cases, died.

“The Hodsons and the Gerrards meet in May 2014”

It was clear that 2016 was going to be an important year – 100 years since this beautiful area of France was torn apart by the First World War. Boys and men on both sides battled in awful conditions and came home physically and mentally scarred, or failed to return at all, often with not even a grave to mark their passing.

It wasn’t long before research was under way. My husband, Francis Gerrard, was looking to visit the grave of his uncle, Gilbert Sexton, a private in the Buckinghamshire Battalion of the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry and wanted to establish just how he died. Was he gassed as had been handed down through the family for the past century?

Richard Hodson‘s ancestors were a very different kettle of fish with three of four being career soldiers to be tracked down – their ranks ranging from 2^nd Lieutenant, via Lieutenant, to Captain and, most senior of all, Lieutenant Colonel. Could he find out enough to enable us to visit the key battle locations as well as one grave and one memorial to those whose bodies were never found?

“Rendevouz at The Eurostar Terminal at St Pancras”

May 2016 saw both couples, Richard and Judy (no not them) and Penny and Francis, joining forces at St Pancras Station for what was to be our first trip on Eurostar. The train glided sedately through the Kent countryside, then dipped down into the tunnel under the channel before getting its second wind and revving up to full speed for the short dash onwards to Lille – our base for the next few days.

“Our hotel – The Bellevue in Lille”

Richard – a former serviceman himself – had planned our campaign with military precision and our first task was to requisition a vehicle – no easy matter as four of us tried to extract the most favourable terms for the car hire with three of us speaking English (loudly) while I spoke French (hesitantly). Setting off wasn’t without its problems either since the driver’s seat proved resistant to the necessary adjustments to accommodate Richard and his six foot something frame. Things were not helped by the Satnav stubbornly refusing to speak in anything but French despite the aid of a passing and somewhat astonished workman who was pressganged into assisting with both seat and Satnav. Richard was finally comfortable and I began putting my college simultaneous translation training into practice as I interpreted the Satnav from the back seat. We were excited to set off on our first day of exploration.

It’s Time for Tea

Posted on July 26, 2016 by Kesh

Tea is magic elixir we have sworn by since the beginning of time. Who knew that boiling various leaves could create such a groundbreaking staple of society. It is a drink which is enjoyed in many different forms globally and there is no denying tea has a very special place in the heart of British Culture. Brit’s on average drink enough tea to fill two bathtubs each year and as a nation of Tea-Lover’s, Frost were interested to see how tea is enjoyed today. We wanted to create a special feature which steered away from the traditional, and focused on the unique and innovative uses of tea, so we’ve handpicked a selection of treasures which pay homage to the humble cuppa.

A Unique Tea and Kombucha Paired Tasting Menu at The Frog E1

Overseen by inventive young chef Adam Handling, his team have once again put their creative nature to the test and this time they have paired up with Newby Teas to create a tasting menu paired with tea and kombucha. Kombucha, is a slightly fermented tea which has been hailed as the latest ‘super-drink’ believed to aid digestion and general wellbeing. With that in mind, Adam and his development Chef decided to create a menu paired with a selection of teas and kombucha which left you feeling good. Expect dishes such as Adam’s intricate Crab and Apple served alongside a fragrant jasmine kombucha, a flowering tea served with Hake and Limestone and an Assam Tea consommé to accompany Roast Lamb and Black Garlic. Expect attention to detail, quality and a menu designed to make you feel good from the inside out.

The Kombucha and Tea Paired Tasting Menu will be available until July 30th at The Frog E1. Lunch and dinner inclusive and is priced at £45pp

http://www.thefrogrestaurant.com

Bluebird Tea Co.

A couple of months ago we had the pleasure of attending a workshop with the UK based expert Tea Mixologists. Indeed, blending tea is a complete art form and a science mastered by very few and the innovation and creativity can certainly be seen at Bluebird Tea Co. They really love their tea and wanted to create something for tea lovers alike. Bluebird has the largest range of creative tea blends in the UK and create them from pretty much anything. They in turn allow you to enjoy their blends or in fact create your very own with their mixology expertise. They now have shops in Brighton and Tunbridge Wells and also pop-up in various festivals, events and run a thriving Notonthehighstreet.com franchise. Their website features a host of tea-related paraphernalia as well as tea itself and enables you to learn about their various workshops taking place around the country, at festivals and in their stores. They were kind enough to allow us to publish one of their tantalising drink recipes with a touch of tea for you to try at home.

Sangria Punch Bowl

Makes: 1 Sangria Punch Bowl, Serves: 12

What you will need:

1 sample pouch (20g) Sangria Tea concentrate
1 1/3 bottles of red wine
10 cinnamon sticks
Honey – we use our locally sourced Brighton RAW Honey
1.5l of hot water
Fruit for decoration – 1 lemon & 1 orange
1 punch bowl
What to do:

1. Start by brewing 20g of Sangria Tea (our sample pouches are perfect sizes), in 1.5l with hot water or alternatively, you can cold brew the sangria for a few hours in your punch bowl.

2. Whilst the tea is still warm, add your cinnamon sticks and leave to cool. If you’re cold brewing add the cinnamon sticks at the beginning of the process.

3. Once your Sangria tea is cool, strain your tea and then add the red wine to the bowl and mix.

4. Taste the Sangria and if desired add honey to sweeten, we normally add 4 teaspoons and then stir until the honey has dissolved.

5. Once you have found your perfect tasting Sangria, it is now time to get decorative. Cut up your orange and lemons and add to the punch. Now it’s time to enjoy your Sangria punch!

http://bluebirdteaco.com/uk_en/

T.E.A Tea Enriched Alcohol

Because no tea feature would be complete without Tea Enriched Alcohol. Handcrafted in the UK, this multi-award winning brand distill Vodka and Gin using the best tea leaves to create T.E.A – Tea Enriched Alcohol. Made with the finest tea and botanicals sourced from around the globe, T.E.A produces premium, 100% natural, gluten free Earl Grey Gin, Jasmine Gin, Earl Grey Vodka and Jasmine Vodka. T.E.A recommend you try the The Earl Grey Gin with an orange twist, while lemon zest suits the Jasmine infused spirits. The spirits are distilled just once and remove the ‘heads and tails’ of the batch ensuring you are enjoying the smoothest part of the spirit. You can find T.E.A exclusively at Fortnum and Masons and served in Soho’s Urban Tea Rooms – which is owned by the founders of T.E.A. So we think you should take quintessentially British to the next level this summer by combining Gin and Tea. Chin Chin.

T.E.A is available directly from here and from selected stockists

Summer Rosé Wine Review Special

Posted on July 26, 2016 by Catherine Balavage

There are few better pleasures in life than a glass of rosé on a summers day. Here are some picks from us. We have been hard at work testing three different bottles of rosé. Don’t say we don’t love you.
Jean-Luc Colombo Pins Couches Rosé 2015

This is one of the best rosés on the market. Subtle and refreshing, this wine is clear and light. This gorgeous, abundant wine transports you to the Italian sunshine. A huge winner. .

Available from: BargainBooze.com, Vino Wines, Wino’s, Harrods.com, Ellie’s Cellar, Partridges of Sloane Street, Les Caves du Patron, Kingsgate Wines

RRP: £11.10

A light, refreshing and dry Rosé with abundant yet subtle red fruit characters. On the palate, notes of fresh fruits and herbs evoke the terroir of the Mediterranean coast, transporting you to sunny climates all summer long.

Joseph Mellot Sancerre Le Rabault Rosé 2014

Perfect for picnics and barbecues. Delicate and floral. A not-too-sweet wine that is both delicate and fruity. It is a beautiful salmon colour and has a fruity freshness.

Available from: Aitken Wines, Fountainhall Wines, The Whalley Wine Shop, The Leamington Wine Company, Eagle Wines

RRP: £18.80

With a delicate floral nose and fresh raspberries on the palate this wine is the perfect partner to any summer BBQ.

Villa Maria Private Bin Rosé 2015

Refreshing and dry, the ripe berry fruit makes this wine another perfect summer addition. It’s sweetness makes it a perfect apéritif.

Available from: Tesco.com, Majestic.co.uk, Temple Wines, Beers Wines & Spirits, Village Wines, Hailsham Cellars

RRP: £10.30

This New Zeland Rosé has bright floral aromas with flavours of strawberry, red fruits and spice and a delicious smooth finish which will go down perfectly at all summer soirées.

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge watch on as Land Rover BAR Rule The Waves In Portsmouth

Posted on July 26, 2016 by Frostie

Land Rover BAR Rule the Waves in Portsmouth

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge watch on as Sir Ben Ainslie’s America’s Cup team take the series overall lead on previous leaders Emirates Team New Zealand and current Defenders Oracle Team USA

Britain’s chances of winning the America’s Cup for the first time were given a significant boost at the weekend after Sir Ben Ainslie’s team sealed an emphatic victory on their home water of Portsmouth.

Land Rover BAR started the weekend tied in second place with current America’s Cup defenders Oracle Team USA. Two days of action packed racing on the Solent saw Land Rover BAR do the Portsmouth double and emerge as overall winners for a second time following their victory in July 2015. The result leaves their American rivals in third and take the lead on current leaders Emirates Team New Zealand to 367 points with two races to go.

Among the hundreds of thousands of supporters that turned out to cheer the British team on were The Duchess of Cambridge – Royal Patron to the team’s official charity, the 1851 Trust, accompanied by The Duke of Cambridge. Their Royal Highnesses watched the action from the water as Land Rover BAR thrilled the home crowds on the final day of racing.

The British summer finally arrived creating a perfect setting for both the Land Rover BAR sailors and spectators as the team raced their way into 1st place in an action packed weekend of sailing.

Ben Ainslie, Skipper and Team Principal: “It’s brilliant for us as the home team to win again in front of our home crowd, all our supporters. It means a huge amount to us, we’re delighted and I think that for a new team to be leading the World Series now is a good indication of how far we’ve come, but there’s still a long way to go, a lot of hard work between now and the America’s Cup.

“It was a real team work day, these boats are really hard to handle on such a short course. The guys did an incredible job with the boat handling and that’s what really got us out of some of those tough situations.

“Full credit to the team and everyone back at the Camber at the base, we’ve got a hundred odd people there, designing and building boats and components for the Cup next year, and I think it’s a big moment for them as well to know that we can go out and win these events.”

Two days earlier Admiral of the Royal Yacht Squadron HRH The Duke of Edinburgh also visited the base to spend time with members of Land Rover BAR’s technical and engineering teams.

Portsmouth America’s Cup World Series weekend results:

Land Rover BAR – 82
Oracle Team USA – 81
Softbank Team Japan – 69
Emirates Team New Zealand – 62
Groupama Team France – 58
Artemis Racing – 53
Overall leader board results:
Land Rover BAR – 367
Oracle Team USA – 366
Emirates Team New Zealand 357
Softbank Team Japan – 328
Artemis Racing – 315
Groupama Team France – 292

Exclusive Because of You by Helene Fermont Book Extract

Posted on July 26, 2016 by Catherine Balavage

We have an exclusive extract of Because of You by Helene Fermont. We will review the book soon, but meanwhile this should whet your appetite.

Arriving at the Primrose Hill venue at 8:00pm on the last Saturday in September, Hannah arranged with the cab driver to pick her up at midnight. Wearing a blue sequinned dress accentuating her gure and small waist, she stepped out of the car, carrying a bouquet of owers and Belgian tru es. As she entered the foyer of the large premises to be surrounded by stran- gers, she heard someone call her name.

“You must be Hannah, Mel’s friend?”

Turning to see who it was, she found herself gazing into the friendliest pair of blue eyes.

“My name’s Matthew Jacobs – Mel’s ancé and associate – I’m pleased we nally get to meet.” With his tall, athletic build, short brown hair and big smile, it was easy to understand why Melanie had fallen in love with him.

“Mel’s instructed I take extra good care of you! She’s busy with all the guests.” Taking her arm, he proceeded to introduce her to groups of people, all curious to know what it was like to live in Sweden. A passing waiter o ering sparkling champagne. Dis- creetly watching her take a sip, Matthew agreed with his ancée. She was completely oblivious of her own beauty and of everyone staring at her, the red hair reminiscent of a rich burgundy wine. Engaging in small talk, Hannah asked if he minded Melanie having a career.
“Not at all. I want her to be happy, she’s the woman I love.”

Just then, they were interrupted.

“Hannah! Just look at you. That dress is simply divine.”

Embracing one another, Melanie exclaimed, “I’m so happy you’re here!”

“Your ancé’s been very nice to me. Congratulations on turn- ing twenty- ve and getting engaged!” Hannah handed her the owers and chocolates.

“How wonderfully decadent! Sweets aren’t good for the gure . . . What the heck, it’s not every day one gets the opportunity to celebrate!”

“You’ve nothing to worry about – I’ve never seen you as gor- geous as you look tonight.” Radiant in a red gown, with matching lips and nails, Melanie wore her hair in a sleek pageboy cut, emphasising her dark blue eyes. Steering Hannah towards the back, she put an arm around her.

“What do you think?”

“Wow! I never saw anything like it!” Hannah gasped at the sight of pink tablecloths on the bu et, candles and roses.

“There’s someone I want you to meet . . .” Walking arm in arm in the direction of a small group of people talking amongst themselves, Melanie made a formal introduction. “This is the girl I’ve been telling you about. Hannah Stein – Benjamin Isaacs. Ben’s my oldest friend, Hannah’s over on a gap year, staying with an adorable lady in Golders Green.”

His eyes glued on the pretty woman in front of him, Ben replied, “Mel’s been singing your praises, Miss Stein. Now I know the reason.”

Eyes locking, both felt an instant chemistry, quite unlike any- thing they’d experienced before. Tall, dark and handsome, Ben bore an uncanny resemblance to Sean Connery, each muscular with dimples in their cheeks. What attracted her most was his impeccable accent, deep voice and big brown eyes, seemingly looking behind the exterior into her soul.

From a distance Hannah heard Melanie say, “I’ll leave you to it, you’re bound to have plenty to talk about. . .”

“I’m honoured to sit next to you, Miss Stein.” Flattered that he’d pulled out a chair for her to sit, Hannah felt his eyes on her. Overwhelmed by her presence, beauty and charm, Ben was acutely conscious of the fact he’d never met anyone like her; the ery red hair, delicate features and emerald green eyes.

Dinner consisted of melon with port, rack of lamb and sorbet with almond biscuits; everything tasting delicious. Ben enter- tained Hannah with stories of the time he and Melanie were enrolled at nursery, while Hannah told him about her country, silently comparing his interest in everything she told him to Mark, who rarely listened to anything she had to say.

After dinner there were birthday speeches, including one from Ben, who told everyone how fortunate he was to have such a caring, loyal friend in Melanie.

“She’s a lousy loser, though. I lost track of all the times I let her beat me at a game,” he teased, raising his glass in a toast to her and Matthew, before returning to his seat.

Touched by his words, Melanie blew him a kiss across the table. They’d celebrated her and Matthew’s engagement at her parents’ house the previous weekend. At twenty-seven, Ben was the brother she had never had.

Turning his attention to Hannah, Ben asked, “Are you plan- ning on leaving in the near future?”

“Not until after Christmas. Then I’m enrolling at university.” Relieved she’d be staying a while longer, Ben enquired about her career subjects. “I always wanted to teach.”

“Good for you!”

It felt wonderful opening up to him about her future plans. Un-like Mark, Ben seemed genuinely interested and non-judge- mental.

“I miss home and my family – it’ll be great to go back.”

“I bet they can’t wait to see you. Mine missed me a lot when I travelled to France and America. Tell me to mind my own busi- ness but I have to ask, how old are you?”

“I just turned nineteen.”

“I gathered as much. You’re extremely mature for your age.” Blushing, Hannah asked what he did for a living. “I’m a solicitor, working at my father’s law rm – hoping to start my own one day.” He proceeded to tell her about his younger sister and brother, who were both still at college. “Mum’s preoccupied with her secretarial temping agency. She and Dad are the perfect couple.”

“What a strange coincidence both our fathers are solicitors,” said Hannah. “My mother’s a housewife and extremely proud of it. She speaks several languages. My younger brother, Peter, and I are very close. My maternal grandmother moved to London when she was in her seventies.” It struck her how e ortlessly they communicated with one another, again, totally unlike Mark who wasn’t interested in anyone but himself.

Listening to her, Ben felt much the same, thinking she was special in every way. “I own a at not far from here,” he said. “It’s a typical bachelor’s pad. I only use it to sleep in.” He deliberately wanted her to know he was single, praying she was as well.

Time passed quickly, and while they were engaged in conversa- tion, the other guests drifted into an adjacent room, to drink tea and dance.

“Would you care to join me for a dance, Hannah?” Ben asked shyly, as John Paul Young’s ‘Love Is In The Air’ began to play. She was on the verge of accepting when Melanie approached them.

“Please forgive me for being such a lousy hostess – I’m like a headless chicken,” she told them, looking ustered. “Tonight’s great!” She went up to Hannah, kissing her cheeks. “May I borrow her for a couple of minutes? I promise to bring her back to you.” Sensing Ben’s disappointment, Hannah followed her into a corner of the room.

“Ben’s completely smitten with you,” Melanie enthused. “I never saw him this happy. You’re a striking couple. Didn’t I tell you you’d be perfect for each other?” She was so excited; she couldn’t stand still.

“Before you continue, there’s something you should know. I’m in a relationship . . . I’m sorry I never let on.” Hannah felt awful she had kept it from her.

“But I was under the impression . . . my mistake. I’m really gutted.”

“It’s early days but we’re committed to each other,” Hannah whispered.

“Is it someone I know?” Mel looked as if she was about to burst into tears.

“I don’t think so. His name’s Mark, we only just met.”
“Are you sleeping with him?”
Blushing at her friend’s blunt question, Hannah bowed her head in response.
“I see. What a pity. Men like Ben don’t come along often. If I were you, I’d not rule anything out just yet. I sure hope that guy appreciates you. . .”

“How about that dance you promised me earlier?” Standing behind her, Ben refused to take no for an answer.

“She’s all yours – talk to you later!” Melanie told him, leaving. “Are you alright?” Ben’s eyes probed Hannah’s.
At that moment Hannah wished things weren’t so complicated.

“I’m alright . . . I’d love to dance with you.” Taking her hand in his, Ben led her to the dance oor, Burt Bacharach’s ‘Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head’ echoing in the room.

Keeping a respectful distance between them, Ben commented, “That song goes straight to my heart.” What he meant to say was that she had already captured his. Feeling him so close to her, breathing in the masculine scent of his aftershave, Hannah felt a sense of belonging.

Twenty minutes later she looked at her watch, exclaiming, “I’m sorry but I have to leave, a cab’s awaiting me outside.” Ben was visibly disappointed.

“Can’t you call and cancel it? I’d be pleased to bring you home.”

“That’s impossible, seeing as it’s booked. . .”

“Tonight’s special. Will you let me take you out to dinner?” He’d been telling himself she was a lot younger and the last thing he wanted was to scare her o , but he just couldn’t help himself.

Not sure how to respond, Hannah started to panic. “Listen, I really enjoyed spending time with you Ben, but I’m leaving soon – take good care of yourself – you’re the perfect gentleman.”

“Please wait!” His eyes pleaded with her to stay. “Are you tell- ing me you don’t wish to see me again? The least you can do is explain.” He looked every bit as upset as she was feeling.

“It’s nothing to do with you – I’m seeing someone.”

Ben’s face dropped, the same devastation in his eyes as in Mela- nie’s. “I see . . . That explains everything.”

“I’m sorry I gave you the wrong impression.”

“Me too.” His voice faltered. “I guess it wasn’t meant to be. I hope whoever it is realises how lucky he is. Thanks for being straight with me.”

Their eyes locked for a split second and Hannah knew without a shadow of a doubt the only thing coming between them was that they’d met at the wrong time.

“You’re de nitely an item?” he asked, eyes sad.
“We are – yes.”
Taking a deep breath, Ben replied, “I wish you every happi-

ness. You’re an outstanding young lady, inside and out.” He gave her a card with his number, adding, “I’d love to keep in touch. . .” Listening to him made Hannah feel less upset; the idea of not seeing him again, too di cult to comprehend. “I’ll keep it in mind but you mustn’t expect it . . .”
As he bent to kiss her cheek, both felt the same chemistry as when they’d rst laid eyes on each other. She was on the verge of changing her mind and agreeing to meet up with him, when Mark’s face appeared in her head.

“Goodbye, Ben. I’ll see myself out.”

Waving at Melanie, who was busy talking to a guest, Hannah walked out of the venue and towards the cab waiting for her out- side. Exchanging a few polite words, Hannah’s thoughts turned to Ben. He’d made such a lasting impression. She could only ask herself if it was possible to be in love with one man yet feel attracted to another.

Watching the last guests leave, Melanie and Ben retired to the back of the foyer. Looking into his eyes, she whispered, “I’m so sorry things didn’t turn out the way you’d hoped.”

“That makes two of us. I’m in love with a woman I just met and lost.”

“Listen to ‘Auntie Mel’: I’ve a feeling you’ve not seen the last of her. If I were you, I’d not give up just yet.”

“You’re seriously thinking I stand a chance?” There was a glimmer of hope in Ben’s eyes.

“I do. Trust me on this one, okay?”

That night Ben vowed to not give up on the woman he loved. Mel’s intuition had never failed her before. Despite wishing Hannah and that guy she was involved with every happiness, Ben couldn’t stand the thought of her belonging to anyone but him.

Because Of You by Hélene Fermont (Fridhem Publishing) is released on August 15, priced £9.99 in paperback and £3.99 as an eBook. Visit www.HeleneFermont.com

How School Bosses Spend Your Millions

Posted on July 25, 2016 by Frostie

An investigation by Channel 4 Dispatches can reveal that some bosses of academy schools are spending taxpayers’ money on luxury hotels, top-end restaurants, first class travel and executive cars.

The Academies programme may have started under Labour, but it was pushed through a rapid expansion by David Cameron. In just five years the numbers have grown from 600 to more than 5000, they are now controlled by trusts and run like businesses. Over 3,000 of these schools are part of chains known as multi-academy Trusts, which are in control of millions of pounds of taxpayer’s money.

Expenses:
More than £14 billion of public money now flows directly to Academy Trusts. For the first time, the expenses of some of those running thousands of Britain’s academy schools can now be disclosed following a raft of Freedom of Information requests.

Dispatches looked at the expenses of more than 100 Academy Trusts, they reveal:
• The chief executive of another Trust spent almost £1000 on hotel bills, including a £245 stay at a luxury golf resort in Cheshire
• The executive principal of a Trust spent more than £1400 on two hotel bills including £909 at the Park Plaza in London
• One Trust pays a monthly Broadband bill for executive principal’s home in France
Research by Dispatches shows that largest 40 Academy Trusts have spent more than £1m of public money on executive expenses since 2012.

One of the most notable uses of taxpayer’s money is by Ian Cleland of the Academy Transformation Trust in Birmingham, which runs 22 schools. Mr Cleland is paid £180,000 per year. The Academy’s expenses reveal that he spent 3,000 on first-class travel and over £1,000 on restaurant bills. The Trust also pays for the use of his XJ Premium Luxury V6 Jaguar car including around £3000 on items like new tyres, a vehicle health check and insurance for himself and his wife. His expenses include a meal at Marco Pierre White totalling £471 and Bank totalling £703.45.

The Academies Transformation Trust said they are “committed to being… transparent” and to “achieve value for money”. They confirmed the credit card is only used for business purchases, including work-related expenses for other members of staff. The most efficient rail fare is booked wherever possible, his role “requires significant, regular travel… hence the car maintenance costs…” which are paid for by the Trust. He is “reimbursed for his business mileage only”.

Margaret Hodge, former chairman of the Public Accounts Committee said: “This money is supposed to be there for the education of our children… the governance system is inadequate, there ought to be proper oversight so these things don’t happen.”

The Department for Education said academies are “subject to stricter oversight and accountability than council-run schools” and that it “proactively oversees academy governance and… spending.”

Salaries:
Dispatches has found that more than half of largest 50 chains pay their chief executives more than the Prime Minister (£143,000).

Last year the chief executive of the Aspirations Academies Trust which runs 12 schools trust pays its chief executive and Founder Stewart Kenning a total package of £225,000 and his wife Paula Kenning £175,000 as executive principal and Founder.

The Co-Founder and President of the Aspirations Academy Trust, Dr Russell Quaglia is based in the USA. In the past three years the US organisation that he founded was paid more than £200,000 by the Trust. Dr Qualiga’s standard rates show that an average visit to the UK costs $8,300 for travel, hotels and meals, consultancy rates start at $8,000 per day and rise to $15,000. When added together it equals $190,000, approximately £114,000. He says that he gives the Trust a substantial discount, only charging around £90,000 per annum.

The Aspirations Academy Trust said, “Dr Quaglia is a highly respected figure in International Education.” The figures quoted “represent value for money” and ignore the free support that is not costed. “The amounts charged are significantly below cost” and “in line with the Department of Education rules.”

On Mr and Mrs Kenning, the Trust said, “The Kenning’s pay is not “out of line” with their previous earnings as “principles of outstanding schools” and “reflects the responsibility” in running a £33m organisation “with over 500 staff”.

Related Party Transactions:
Dispatches have discovered that Academy chains have spent millions of pounds of public money with business deals which are in some way connected to the Trust.

Out of 100 Trusts Dispatches surveyed, around half had paid money to directors, trustees or their relatives through business deals or even direct employment. In one year these related party transactions added up to more than £9 million of taxpayer’s money. These deals are permitted as long as they take place at cost, and the parties involved do not make a profit.

Examples uncovered by Dispatches include:
• One Trust awarded a £123,000 two year contract to the chairman’s daughter for clerking services.
• Another Trust spent more than £100k over two years to a recruitment firm owned by the Trust’s managing director.
• One trust spent £695,000 in one year on IT services from a firm majority owned by one of its members.
Margaret Hodge told Dispatches: “The Department for Education should be much tougher on them, should not allow them to take place… I just think it’s wrong.”

The Department of Education said these transactions “can save money” and “must be disclosed” in academies’ published, audited accounts. “In the vast majority of academies’ transitions” no concerns had been raised, but where they are they “will investigate” and “take swift action”.

HOW SCHOOL BOSSES SPEND YOUR MILLIONS: CHANNEL 4 DISPATCHES – Monday 25th July, Channel 4, 8pm

Day in the Life of Wendy Walker

Posted on July 25, 2016 by Margaret Graham

Sometimes I think my friends envision me sitting at a well-organized antique desk, nicely dressed, showered, hair blown dry, nails manicured and sipping a gourmet coffee while I effortlessly type page after page. It’s a very nice dream! The reality is that after seventeen years of juggling kids, a house, writing and my day job as a lawyer the last five of them, I find myself in a constant state of disheveled chaos, scavenging for time and still in my pajamas when my boys get home from school!

Here is how it unfolded.

After I had my first son eighteen years ago, I decided to stay home to raise my children until they were all in school. I felt lucky to be able to do that and so I took the job very seriously. But after about a year, I felt unfulfilled so I started to write whenever I had free time (which was not very often!). I had two more children in five years and all the while I kept writing. I even wrote in the back of my minivan while waiting for them at pre-school! I picked up the pace after I found an agent who thought she could sell my work. Of course, life is never that straight forward. It was a long road getting to the writing and publication of All Is Not Forgotten. During that time, I published other novels, edited, and eventually went back to work as a lawyer (after fourteen years away from the field).

But I never gave up the dream of making a career as a writer. I used to tell my boys that it was important to always have a dream, but to also be responsible. I did not stop working as a lawyer. Somehow, I also managed to keep writing. I signed with a new agent and she loved my concept of a psychological thriller based on memory science. I was a bit nervous about switching genres, but I had always enjoyed suspense and thrillers and I was very interested in this story concept. So I dusted it off and wrote All Is Not Forgotten. It was great advice and I am so glad that my children may get to see my dream come true.

Of course, “living the dream” for me, and so many other writers, is far from glamorous! I spend my days juggling promotional work with family obligations and staring down blank pages of the next novel that is dying to make its way out of my overcrowded head. I sometimes fantasize about the world coming to a halt for a day (maybe two) so I can catch up. But that is one dream that will never come true! Still, as I sit here in my pajamas writing this, a long list of things-to-do sitting beside me, I know I wouldn’t have it any other way.

All is not Forgotten by Wendy Walker. HQ £12.99