Month 3 of My Reading Challenge By Frances Colville

Posted on April 29, 2015 by Margaret Graham

Travel writing is one of my favourite genres so I was happy to see that Road to Rouen by Ben Hatch had arrived at the top of my pile. In fact the book is more about family life and relationships than about travelling, but is none the worse for that. It tells the story of his journey around France in a Passat, which smells strongly of French cheese, with his wife and two young children and is by turns funny, poignant and insightful. A good follow-up to his earlier book Are We Nearly There Yet? – surely a question that every parent has heard far too often.

Second up this month was The Way of the World by Robert Goddard a thriller set in the immediate aftermath of the First World War, and the first part of a trilogy. I always enjoy his books and I think I’ve read most, if not all, of them. I’d be hard put to it though to distinguish one from the other in retrospect, and I’m fairly sure I’ll have to re-read this one in a year’s time before moving on to the second in the series. But I’d still rate it as an interesting and well-put-together book. And if you haven’t discovered Robert Goddard before, this is a good place to start.

The Bees by Laline Paull has left me feeling confused. It’s most certainly a very original and well written debut novel, but I find myself at the end with a vague suspicion that it doesn’t work quite as well as it should. I wonder whether others have the same reservations as I do, and whether this dystopian tale of a totalitarian bee-hive really works on levels other than a fairy tale. But highly recommended if you want something different. Good books are supposed to leave you wondering, aren’t they?

Next I picked up The Minaturist by Jessie Burton. Another debut novel, this is a fascinating mix of history (17^th century Amsterdam), intrigue and a coming of age story. A real page-turner. I couldn’t put it down. But yet again I was left feeling dissatisfied. I don’t think all the questions posed were fully answered, and I don’t think the plot quite held together. But perhaps I read it too quickly and missed vital information. I’d better go back for another look. I’ll enjoy doing that!

No quibbles about the next book Elizabeth is Missing by Emma Healeyand no hesitation at all in recommending it. Yet again a debut novel, this one taps into a situation with which more and more of us are becoming familiar – how living with dementia feels, or how you cope with having a relative with dementia. The central character Maud is totally believable and the struggles she faces daily are sympathetically portrayed. And there is an intriguing storyline in here too. Ultimately, despite what you might expect, this is an uplifting and positive book. I loved it.

I don’t normally read cookery books from cover to cover. But Deliciously Ella by Ella Woodwardis a cookery book with a difference. It’s the inspirational story of how one young woman changed her way of eating to enable her to cope with massive health issues, devising a gluten and dairy free plant based diet. It’s a fascinating read from beginning to end – and the recipes I’ve tried so far work well too.

It occurs to me now that all of my chosen books this month have been recent ones. Not that there is anything wrong with that. In fact it’s an indication of just how much good new stuff there is out there. But perhaps next month I’ll try to redress the balance.

Win Handmade Baby Clothes & Hat From CobWebKnits

Posted on April 28, 2015 by Frostie

We loved CobWebKnits’ cute lamb hat that we recently reviewed that we were thrilled when they offered one of their adorable hat and bodysuit sets for a competition. Their original, quirky and contemporary hand crafted knitted baby hats are designed and lovingly made by hand in their studio where their beautiful other knitwear and kids’ clothing is also made. Choose from fruit, veg, flowers or animals in their range inspired by nature. Or one of their stripy hats with the added appeal of tassels, tails or mop tops. And for those looking for something a bit different, check out their ‘Hats for Heroes’, including policemen, firemen, knights, gladiators and Vikings. Ideal gifts, their hats are stylishly packaged and CobWebKnits have an excellent reputation for their speed and standard of service. But most importantly everything is machine washable so practical too. Visit www.cobwebknits.co.uk to see their full range of hats, blankets, hampers and clothing.

For your chance to win a hat and bodysuit in the style and size* of your choice all you need to do is go to the CobWebKnits’ homepage and choose a hat and bodysuit and then enter by following @Frostmag on Twitter or Instagram, or like us on Facebook. Alternatively, sign up to our newsletter. Or subscribe to Frost Magazine TV on YouTube here: http://t.co/9etf8j0kkz.Then comment below saying what you did. Competition finishes at the end of May.

*Choose one of the designs from our hats in a range inspired by nature, wildlife, heroes and stripes in size newborn, 3-6 mths or 6-12 mths.

Neilston War Memorial By Mary Cooper

Posted on April 28, 2015 by Margaret Graham

There is a village near Glasgow which, one hundred years after the event, is erecting a monument to the war dead. Some think it is too much, that we don’t need this monstrosity to remind us.

But memory is fallible and we are, after all, only human and, in times of war, are capable of terrible deeds, mostly driven by fear. Those who have lived through war will have seen the worst that we can be. The first world war is a perfect example: bloody battles, torture and not least the terrible hardship our fathers, husbands, brothers and sons had to endure in the trenches and tunnels which became home as war dragged on; terror, horror and boredom in equal measure while, at home, mothers, wives, sisters and daughters pulled together to keep everything running so that those who came back when it was all over would know that the sacrifices had been worth everything.

The monument is well under way and should be ready by the summer of this year; we stood in the rain and biting wind last Sunday and watched the first stone being laid. A lone piper played a melancholy drone as we stood huddled while the speeches were given; the cold wind driving the needles of rain into our faces stinging our eyes, a stark reminder of what those men in the trenches had had to endure, not only for ten minutes but for months at a time in the bloody fields of battle.

We retired to the cafe afterwards for a warm drink, rubbing our cold hands and wiping the tears from our eyes; not so for those gallant men, there had been no respite from the bitter wind of war.

It is going to be the grandest thing in the village, some think too grand. But I believe it should be grand just as the sacrifices were and still are, something to stand out so that people passing will stop and take notice, read the names of those who died to keep us safe and remember that they are the reason we live the lives that we live, free and safe.

Freedom is a hard fought battle which never ends. The monument will be built, lest we forget.

The Words for the Wounded Litfest – Review by Pat Heath

Posted on April 27, 2015 by Margaret Graham

What a brilliant day at Downley Community Centre, 18^th April 2015.

This inaugural one-day opportunity for new and established writers, and for readers, did what it said on the packet. We laughed with, learned from, and mingled amongst, experts in the world of writing at the Words for the Wounded (WforW) LitFest. It was organised by the ‘Writing Grannies’ who run the charity.

To open the day, Matt Pain, Trustee, reminded us that the average age of wounded soldiers is 25 years old, which proved thought provoking.

Margaret Graham (‘writing grannie’) and Katie Fforde (WforW patron) opened the day with conversazione. These two bestselling authors covered key aspects of fiction writing, including sub-plots, the need to inhabit your characters and how to deal with a ‘soggy middle’. Something that troubles many of us – writers or not.

A massive amount of invaluable information was delivered with quick fire wit, during this hilarious and valuable session. Meg Cannell presented chocolates to Katie.

After book signing and coffee it was time for some murder and mayhem, with two ‘Midsomer Murders’ TV writers, Rachel Cuperman and Sally Griffiths. Rachel and Sally explained the practical aspects of TV play-writing, punctuated with their own amusing anecdotes.

Lunch followed, with wine and coffee, organised by Jan Speedie (‘writing grannie’), Margaret’s family and Josh Edwards. It was partially sponsored by Tesco, Morrison’s and Starbucks. A feast, it must be said, and the team did a fantastic job. Seamless.

Many authors choose the Independent Author publishing route and successful ‘Indie’ writers, Amanda Hatter and Catriona Troth, chaired by Penny Deacon, (writing grannie) described how to produce a high-quality self-published book,. This time Penny Deacon (writing grannie) chaired the session as Amanda gave many useful marketing tips, including how to penetrate large chains such as Waterstones, and Catriona explained the advantages of working as part of a writers’ collective, such as Triskele Books.

Felicity Trew, from Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency was introduced by Penny Deacon and gave a power-point presentation in which she explained the role of literary agents: negotiating publishing deals, making sure the contract protects current and future income opportunities, and chasing payments/royalties.

She also advised on how writers should approach agents, using amusing spoof emails to illustrate her points, and she reminded the audience to check agent’s submission instructions. Her agency’s website has a useful list of ‘pet hates’ including applicants omitting the requested information and obvious ‘carpet bombing’ applications.

Felicity was at the LitFest all day, and was enormously generous with her time.

Finally, Jan Speedie introduced Penny Deacon who talked about why she ‘turned her back on romance and took to murder’. She compared her experiences of writing Mills and Boon to that of crime fiction. This was a relaxed and amusing end to an inspirational, funny, information-packed day.

Prizes, donated by artist Sharon Bennett, Tesco, (Bollinger champagne) The Wellington, and Katie Fforde were raffled for WforW. Speakers were given boxes of chocolates, partially funded by Thornton’s and delegates were given books donated by Random House. Penny Gerrard made biscuits from heaven and Susan Atkins’ chocolate cake was seriously good.

One clever touch was the notepads and biros on every seat, for invaluable notetaking. Everything was so carefully thought out. It makes a difference.

Next year’s LitFest line up of speakers will include Elizabeth Buchan, bestselling author (patron of WforW) Jemima Hunt, Literary Agent, Catherine Balavage, e-magazine owner (Frost Magazine), and Tracy Baines, successful genre short story writer.

A total of £1,500 was raised by the inaugural LitFest for the rehabilitation of the wounded.

http://www.wordsforthewounded.co.uk

The Forge Boutique By Marie Cato

Posted on April 27, 2015 by Margaret Graham

For the men, the view down Wendover High Street towards the clock tower and beyond to the Chiltern Hills is truly magnificent. For the women, there is an equally magnificent view, called The Forge. I left my man to “stop and stare” while I pushed open the door to the sound of a tinkling cow bell and stepped over the threshold into this much talked about dress and accessories shop.

I was greeted by a friendly smile from the assistant. Her shiny white bob, silver rimmed spectacles and matching jewellery against her black clothes made for an elegant combination. She was sitting behind an antique retro desk instead of the expected counter. No till either, just an invoice book and pen. This lack of modernity was no indication of what was to be found on the rails.

Linda Moda was the label and the clothes were both timeless and fashionable in beautiful fabrics of jersey, chiffon and silk. Think: Italian style clothing. Think: affordable prices. The obligatory leggings were available in shiny black, along with a variety of jeggings displayed in a cobbler’s bench. Blouses, dresses, skirts and trousers all hanging on industrial steel rails.

Clean fresh whites at one end of the rail transcending into buttery creams at the other end. Sky, aqua and petrol blues trailing into merchant navy. Sunflower yellow mellowing into primrose and lemon. I turned 360 degrees, checking for all the colours of the rainbow, to find that orange was the only one missing.

Above the rails, on wooden slats, there were large handbags, which I mistook for leather. However, the assistant explained they were a soft man-made fibre and they felt beautiful to the touch. On closer inspection, I noticed they had a smaller matching handbag inside, very convenient. As the ceiling is low, the bags are within easy reach. Again, any colour your heart desired, including lollipop orange.

A small step at the rear of this eighteenth century building, takes the shopper into an Aladdin’s cave of footwear. Boots with shiny buckles, diamante sandals, ballet pumps and much more. This is where I found the sale rail. All items knocked down to half price but, unfortunately, nothing in my size.

A cherry pink dress with raspberry ruffles on the yoke caught my eye and I draped it across my already heavy laden arm and headed to the changing rooms. No electronic tags here or plastic tags with numbers. The room was spacious, with heavy drapes giving complete privacy. The mirror was sparkling clean and the lighting flattering.

Unfortunately, there weren’t enough hooks for the six items I had brought in, so I resorted to hanging some of them from a water pipe running along the top edge of the ceiling. I hoped it wouldn’t burst. Twenty minutes later with no water sprung I opted for two items instead of the one I had intended – always a sign of a well managed shop.

The assistant complimented me on my purchases and with old fashioned courtesy and no pushiness, suggested some jewellery to compliment the outfit. I won’t tell you whether I succumbed. I watched enchanted as she hand wrote my invoice with great care and then, unexpectedly, produced the latest technology from under the table. I handed over my credit card and at £77 for two pieces I was very pleased.

I’ll definitely be going back and, believe it or not, my husband was still there when I came out, taking in the view.

3 The High Street, Wendover, Bucks HP22 6DU Tel: 01296 623154

Opening Hours:

Monday – Saturday 9.30 am to 5 pm

Sunday 11 am to 4 pm

There are two further stores at;

280 High Street, Berkhamsted, Herts., HP4 1AH

Tel: 01442 862255

32 Station Road, Gerrards Cross, Bucks SL9 8EL

Tel: 01753 887577

www.forgeboutique.com

iWhite 2 Instant Teeth Whitening Review

Posted on April 24, 2015 by Frostie

Ah, whiter teeth. They really do make a difference. The professional route tends to cost a bomb though. So what to do? Home whitening of course. No, none of that awful bleach stuff and nothing that will affect your health negatively. We reviewed iWhite 2 Instant Teeth Whitening. On the packet it says it is 100% safe. Here is how we got on…

First of all, it is easy to use, if not a little uncomfortable and weird. You just put the pre-filled trays in your mouth for 20 minutes. That’s it. The product can be used for 5 consecutive days.

The results? It does whiten teeth. Not sure about 8 shades whiter but definitely whiter. Results will vary from person to person. We do think it removes stains and it also restores enamel. For the convenience, price (£34.95) and results we say it is worth the money. Especially if you have a big event coming up.

iWhite Instant Professional Teeth Whitening Kit is available here.

Is Acting Training Worth It?

Posted on April 23, 2015 by Catherine Balavage

To train or not to train, that is the question. To paraphrase some little known writer, ahem. It is a debate that has raged on. The truth is, there is no easy answer. Frankly, studying at Cambridge will get you noticed but training at some random never-heard-of polytechnic won’t do you much good. In a recent Mark Strong Acting masterclass I went to Mark made the excellent point that it is not the training that is important, but the confidence it gives. Sometime people who don’t train have a chip on their shoulder, Mark said, much like people who don’t go to university think they missed out on something. It is all rubbish and in fact they did not miss anything at all, but the lack of confidence is there.

So, do you need three years worth of training? Especially with the exorbitant fees that universities now charge? The answer is yes, and no. There is still a hierarchy to acting. If you go to a school which is a brand name it will look great on your CV and open some doors. RADA is one, as is Central and LAMDA. Ditto Oxford and Cambridge. The acting industry is just as snobby as the wider world. People love brand names.

Some training is smart. Although I believe that acting is a talent you either have or don’t, but you can improve. Take classes, join improv groups, make your own work. Keeping up your skills as an actor is important but just doing three years of training for the sake of it is not. Many great actors have no formal training. You will also have the added bonus of not having any debt which will take you years to pay off.

In the end the decision is yours. Just don’t think that your acting career is over before it began just because you cannot go to a prestiges school. Not everyone has the money to do so and they only take a small number of applicants every year. Developing your skills is important but this can be done on the job, doing student films, fringe theatre, in drama classes and even in (shh) amateur dramatics. None of this has to go on your CV. Just get out there and work. The acting industry is not the closed shop it used to be. Go to the theatre, watch film and TV. Learn as much as possible. Actors who went to one of the top schools may get a head start but the good news is that the acting game is a marathon, not a sprint.

Catherine Balavage has been an actor for over ten years. Her book on acting, How To Be a Successful Actor: Becoming an Actorpreneur, has gotten numerous five star reviews and has been called the ‘best advice available’ by numerous sources.

27th Annual Sunday Times Rich List 2015 Who Made It?

Posted on April 23, 2015 by Frostie

Frost did not make it onto the Sunday Times Rich List this year. Oh well, there is always next year. Still touring at the age of 72, Sir Paul McCartney is the wealthiest entertainer in Britain and Ireland with a £730m fortune which is boosted by the personal wealth of his wife Nancy Shevell, who has a £150m stake in her family’s US trucking business.

The fortunes of the richest performers and composers – old and young – are revealed in the 27^th annual Sunday Times Rich List – the definitive guide to wealth in Britain and Ireland – published this weekend, on April 26, in a special 128-page issue of The Sunday Times Magazine.

Newcomer to the top 40 music millionaires chart is Dumfries-born DJ Calvin Harris, aged 31 and worth £70m. Harris is reported to earn up to $1m a night as the world’s highest-paid DJ, appearing in clubs and at festivals from Las Vegas to Ibiza. Last year, he became the first UK solo artist to clock up more than a billion Spotify streams, worth £4m, and his track Summer was the number one iTunes download in 40 territories.

The four members of Dublin band U2 – Paul Hewson (Bono), 54, Adam Clayton, 55, Dave Evans (the Edge), 53, and Larry Mullen, 53 – have made most of their £431m fortune from touring. Guy Berryman, 38, Johnny Buckland, 37, Will Champion, 36, and Chris Martin, 38, the four members of Coldplay are each worth £52m, giving them a combined fortune of £208m.

The wealth of Phil Collins, 64, is down by £5m this year to £110m because the Geneva-based former drummer and singer with Genesis, who has sold 250m records, has announced that he has given some of his fortune to his children.

THE SUNDAY TIMES RICH LIST 2015

THE TOP 40 MUSIC MILLIONAIRES IN BRITAIN AND IRELAND

2015 rank	2014 rank	Name	2015 wealth	Wealth increase, unless indicated
1	(1)	Sir Paul McCartney and Nancy Shevell	£730m	£20m
2	(2)	Lord Lloyd-Webber	£650m	£10m
3	(3)	U2	£431m	£3m
4	(4)	Sir Elton John	£270m	£10m
5	(5)	Sir Mick Jagger	£225m	£10m
6	(6)	Keith Richards	£210m	£10m
7	(7)	Michael Flatley	£195m	£2m
8=	(9)	Ringo Starr	£180m	£10m
8=	(8)	Sting	£180m	£0m
10	10)	Roger Waters	£160m	£0m
11	(11=)	Eric Clapton	£155m	£5m
12=	(13)	Sir Tom Jones	£150m	£5m
12=	(11=)	Sir Tim Rice	£150m	£0m
12=	(14)	Rod Stewart	£150m	£10m
15=	(15)	David Bowie and Iman Abdulmajid	£135m	£0m
15=	(17)	Robbie Williams	£135m	£15m
17	(16)	Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne	£130m	£0m
18=	(18)	Phil Collins	£110m	Down £5m
18=	(19=)	Brian May	£110m	£5m
18=	(21=)	Charlie Watts	£110m	£10m
21=	(19=)	George Michael	£105m	£0m
21=	(21=)	Roger Taylor	£105m	£5m
23=	(21=)	Jimmy Page	£100m	£0m
23=	(21=)	Robert Plant	£100m	£0m
25=	(25)	Enya	£90m	£2m
25=	(26)	David Gilmour	£90m	£5m
27	(27)	John Deacon	£85m	£10m
28	(28)	Noel and Liam Gallagher	£77m	£3m
29	(29=)	Nick Mason	£75m	£5m
30=	(new)	Calvin Harris	£70m	(new)
30=	(29=)	Mark Knopfler	£70m	£0m
30=	(29=)	Pete Townshend	£70m	£0m
33=	(32=)	Gary Barlow	£65m	£0m
33=	(32=)	Engelbert Humperdinck	£65m	£0m
35=	(34=)	Barry Gibb	£60m	£0m
35=	(34=)	John Paul Jones	£60m	£0m
37=	(37=)	Kylie Minogue	£55m	£5m
37=	(36)	Sir Cliff Richard	£55m	£0m
39=	(37=)	Guy Berryman	£52m	£2m
39=	(37=)	Jonny Buckland	£52m	£2m
39=	(37=)	Will Champion	£52m	£2m
39=	(37=)	Chris Martin	£52m	£2m

Singer and songwriter Adele, aged 26, heads the list of young musicians with a £50m fortune, up £5m on last year. Each member of One Direction has seen their personal wealth grow by £11m in the past 12 months, giving the four current members of the band – Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson – a combined fortune of £100m. Zayn Malik, who left One Direction last month, is also worth £25m.

At £45m, Arctic Monkeys are the second wealthiest young band, with Matt Helders and Nick O’Malley each worth £10m, while Jamie Cook shares a £12m fortune with his wife Katie Downes, who has made £2m from her career as a model. Alex Turner, who has other music interests, is worth £13m.

Mumford and Sons, worth a total of £37m, are the third richest young band in Britain and Ireland, aged 30 and under. Band members Ted Dwane, Ben Lovett and Winston Marshall are each worth £8m, while Marcus Mumford is jointly worth £13m with his wife Carey Mulligan.

Although no longer performing, the four members of JLS have a combined fortune of £30m. JB Gill, Aston Merrygold and Oritse Williams are each worth £7m, while Marvin Humes shares a £9m fortune with his wife Rochelle, who is a member of the Saturdays.

The only newcomer to the Young Musicians Rich List is 22-year-old singing sensation Sam Smith. The Cambridgeshire crooner, who writes his own material and won two Brit Awards and four Grammys last year, already his £12m to his name on the strength of album sales and future tours.

THE SUNDAY TIMES RICH LIST 2015

THE 20 RICHEST YOUNG MUSICIANS

IN BRITAIN AND IRELAND (Aged 30 or under)

2015 rank	2014 rank	Name	2015 wealth	Wealth increase
1	(1)	Adele	£50m	£5m
2=	(4=)	Niall Horan	£25m	£11m
2=	(4=)	Zayn Malik	£25m	£11m
2=	(4=)	Liam Payne	£25m	£11m
2=	(4=)	Harry Styles	£25m	£11m
2=	(4=)	Louis Tomlinson	£25m	£11m
7	(23=)	Ed Sheeran	£20m	£13m
8=	(23=)	Ellie Goulding	£13m	£6m
8=	(12=)	Jessie J	£13m	£3m
8=	(9=)	Leona Lewis	£13m	£0m
8=	(11)	Katie Melua	£13m	£1m
8=	(9=)	Marcus Mumford and Carey Mulligan	£13m	£0m
8=	(14)	Alex Turner	£13m	£4m
14=	(23=)	Jamie Cook and Katie Downes	£12m	£5m
14=	(new)	Sam Smith	£12m	(new)
14=	(12=)	Florence Welch	£12m	£2m
17=	(23=)	Matt Helders	£10m	£3m
17=	(15=)	Olly Murs	£10m	£2m
17=	(23=)	Nick O’Malley	£10m	£3m
20	(23=)	Marvin and Rochelle Humes	£9m	£2m

THE SUNDAY TIMES RICH LIST – 128 PAGES ON APRIL 26

The 2015 Sunday Times Rich List – the definitive guide to wealth in Britain and Ireland – is published on Sunday, April 26. The 128-page special edition of The Sunday Times Magazine is the biggest issue of the Rich List ever published since it first appeared in 1989. It charts the wealth of the 1,000 richest people in the UK and the 250 richest in Ireland. The list is based on identifiable wealth, including land, property, other assets such as art and racehorses, or significant shares in publicly quoted companies. It excludes bank accounts, to which the paper has no access.

The Sunday Times Rich List is compiled by Philip Beresford, the leading British expert on wealth, and edited by Ian Coxon. The complete list will be available to all the paper’s digital members and will be fully searchable online at thesundaytimes.co.uk/richlist

Source: The Sunday Times Rich List