How many microbes (bacteria etc) live in our guts do you think? Well, researchers estimate at over a hundred trillion, weighing around two kilos, and outnumbering all our body cells by around 10:1 – wow. So let’s make sure this bug army is on our side, right?

Actually we’re living in exciting times, as we’re learning more every day about how these little critters influence our well-being – and it’s quite astonishing.

Maybe it’s no surprise that gut bacteria help us digest food and access important vitamins and nutrients and ‘bad’ gut bacteria can cause gastroenteritis, but did you know that gut microbes also influence our hormone production and nerve function? So they can actually influence our mood, our memory and learning capabilities. They can determine whether we’ll get certain diseases too, such as type 2 diabetes, cancers, heart disease and even allergies. They can also help our immunity, and, get this, they can even decide whether we get fat – who knew? Some fascinating studies show that faeces from fat rats can make skinny rats put on weight, and vice versa (apologies if you’re having lunch).

But can we influence our gut bug population? Well, yes, because like most armies, they march on their stomachs.

Our diet seems to have the greatest influence. The Mediterranean diet, with fresh and colourful fruit and vegetables appears to encourage good bacteria, and processed foods should be avoided. Interestingly, artificial sweeteners can discourage some healthy bugs, so it’s best to limit these too.

Probiotics (live bacteria) have become popular as supplements, but their benefit can be short-lived as without the right nutrients they’ll simply die off.

So now experts are favouring Prebiotics. These are soluble or insoluble fibres which our bodies can’t digest, but which good bacteria like, so they will take over and squeeze out any nasty bugs, creating a diverse gut population of good guys to keep us healthy and happy (and even slim).

Personally, I’m road-testing Bimuno Original which is a Prebiotic containing fibres and galactooligosaccharides (GOS) which are derived from milk sugar, and apparently good bacteria love it.

What I like is it comes in convenient daily sachets and the soluble powder can be mixed with juice, tea, or coffee, or sprinkled over cereal. Actually, being intrinsically lazy, I just sprinkled it directly into my mouth and, as it’s taste-free it was quite pleasant. It feeds and stimulates the good guys to grow within seven days, and people have noticed benefit, such as reduced bloating, within 4-7 days. You don’t need to store this Prebiotic in a special way and you could pop the small sachets in your handbag.

I’ve been taking one sachet daily for a few days now and after just a couple of days my tummy was noticeably less-swollen and more comfortable so I’m enthusiastic, but everyone is different.

You can buy Bimuno Original direct from the website, either £19.99 for a month’s trial – a good chance to check if it suits you – or save money with the Subscribe and Save Option at £39.99 for a three-month’s supply. At around 45p per day this is definitely worth a try. Give it a go – your bugs will thank you.

By Dr K Thompson, author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q

http://faitobooks.co.uk

Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.

As a child of the 50s, I can clearly recall the acrid scent filling our kitchen each autumn whilst my mother was cooking homemade chutneys which would keep us going through the winter.

Older and more sophisticated now, I spend much of December at Farmer’s Markets and expensive London shops trying to recreate the taste of my childhood in readiness for Christmas.

I am happy to report that my search is now over and that I have discovered, Tracklements Special Edition Rhubarb & Ginger Chutney which adds tangy sweetness to crumbly cheeses, a variety of vegetable recipes, sliced meats and sandwiches and brings joie de vivre to crispy-skinned, roasted duck breasts. It’s also remarkable with poppadoms, onion bhajis and with any curry you fancy.

Tracklements NEW Special Edition Rhubarb & Ginger Chutney is made with rhubarb gathered rather closer to home, from a family farm in Norfolk. Delicately pink, the tart, intensely fruity rhubarb, is gently balanced with warm ginger, sweet sultanas and carefully selected aromatic spices including nutmeg, cinnamon and allspice.

A native of north and central Asia, rhubarb has been celebrated for its medicinal qualities for millennia. The seventeenth century. English herbalist, Nicholas Culpeper, claimed that it heals jaundice and helps gout, sciatica and toothache.

Little wonder then that rhubarb powder was once worth more than opium.

A store cupboard hero this Chutney is still hand made in the green heart of Wiltshire, abiding to traditional recipes, with an underpinning principle to buy the best quality ingredients sourced locally wherever possible to ensure the products taste as good as, if not better than homemade.

I would never dream of telling my mother, but I actually prefer Tracklements NEW Special Edition Rhubarb & Ginger Chutney does that make me a bad son?

Tracklements Special Edition Rhubarb & Ginger Chutney RRP £3.75 for 200g, is available from fine food delis and farm shops nationwide and online at www.tracklements.co.uk

@tracklements#tastytracklements#LifeandSoulofthePantry

Friday evening was the launch of the Thirsk Parishes Festival Weekend – celebrating the shared creativity of Thirsk and our Herriot Heritage – at St Mary’s Church, and frankly it could not have gone better, even had we heard the crack of a champagne bottle across the bows. Goodness,who needs the crack of a  bottle when we had Prosecco and canapes to start the proceedings…  And what proceedings.

To start us off Rev. Derek Simpson read The Windhover by Gerard Manley Hopkins, his voice resonating throughout the wonderful Church, with its excellent accoustics, and more than a hint of grandeur.

Not to be outdone, Izzy Robinson, (seen here with Jim Wight and Matthew Atherton), a talented eleven year old at school in Thirsk, who is a Ripon chorister and very much into music, maths and all things medical, took over from Derek with her first solo performance. She  aced it, treating us to an accomplished piano rendition of Sneaky Business, by M Mier and swiftly moving on to sing, with Matthew accompanying on the piano, All things Bright and Beautiful (illustration by Izzy and lyrics by CF Alexander, composer J Rutter). Heavens, we were really into the swing of things as we sipped fizz, chomped on canapes, and wondered if Thirsk Parishes could please put on these events more often.

Jim Wight                     Photographs of the TV series All Creatures Great and Small

A roll of drums could have been usefully employed to introduce Jim Wight, the veterinary son of the world’s most famous and beloved vet, James Herriot, aka Alf Wight.  Oh, what a joyous start to the Herriot Heritage section of the evening, with Jim recapping ‘How it all began’. All Alf, wanted to do was to write about the already disappearing small farmers’ world, and his life as a vet in those times ‘for his family’. Each rejection brought about a rewrite, each rewrite improved the book until… Well, you know the rest, and now these books are a lasting testament to life as it was, people as they were. Jim had us laughing, remembering, and beneath it all was an undercurrent of ‘Bless that man for telling it as it was’.

The Rev Carmel Gittens then guided the audience in a meditation to music by S Davey and R Connolly with images by Loyola Hall showing on the screens on the pillars of the church before we eased seamlessly into Matthew Atherton, on the piano, evoking the Herriot Legacy by playing the TV theme from 1978 as only this superb musician can; impeccably and with lashings of heart.   Was I the only one thinking:1978? Surely not – I still feel thirtyfive-ish. Then, with the usual Atherton aplomb he walzed and slouched into Promenade – Walking the Dog by George Gershwin, having warned us that there was what sounded like a wrong note, which he felt indicated a bit of a whoopsie on the part of the dog. Boy, did we wait for that note – then, of course, sniggers along the pews.

Am I dashing through this? Well, there’s so much to cover, and we were all carried on a wave of enthusiasm, and still are, and are full of thanks for our Churches various celebrations of music and the creative arts:  not long ago the Coronation Concert, and a couple of weeks ago the Chamberlain-Haywood Duo at St Lawrence Church. Hang on, though,  as I’ve just  mentioned the creative arts, let’s take a quick look at St Mary’s art gallery. Yes, here we are, starting really young to celebrate the early days of artistic endeavour.

Jim Wight took over the microphone again to chat us through Part 2 of the Herriot legacy and how it has affected the area. We hung on his every word as he continued to bring James Herriot’s world to life through anecdotes and remembrance.

After the laughter, Julie Bates on violin, accompanied by Matthew Atherton on piano soared into Largo by Handel, and Meditation by Massenet which allowed tranquility and beauty to settle amongst us, and as always it made me cry – beautiful music always does. Dick dug out a tissue – as he also always does. This was continued by Phil Dargue as he spoke of ‘A Glimpse of Creation – the beauty of hummingbirds’ – which he and his son had photographed on their travels to South America. We were treated to extraordinary  images on the Church screens.

 Golden Tailed Sapphire

A blink of an eye later,  we were back in North Yorkshire as Jim Wight walked to the lecturn carrying one of his father’s books. To hear those tales read by a son who had followed in his father’s profession, and actually knew the people his father brought to life was a rare privilege. It reminded us all that the Herriot Hospice@The Lambert is even as we speak being created in the old Lambert Hospital within Thirsk, a venture of which his father would surely heartily approve.

Already on a wave of emotion we were almost finished off by  Matthew Atherton as he played the Trumpet Voluntary by J Stanley, and then Chaffinch by JM Kidd. The thing is, you see, until you hear Matthew play the organ you simply don’t understand the height, breadth and sheer range of the organ; its nuances, its ability to transport one onto a different level. On this Friday evening, in the breathless hush, it was played by Matthew the master. Another tissue from Dick.  We were all so proud of Matthew, of everyone, and the rafters almost lifted with the applause, and we all thought this finale couldn’t possibly be topped.

Well, we were wrong, because then we launched into the concluding hymn, How Great Thou Art. Thankfully Dick and I had Phil Dargue without his hummingbirds standing in the pew behind, with the most sublime voice. So of course we hung onto his coat-tails and where his voice went, ours tried to follow. Then it was the turn of yet more  riotous applause, and the raising of our glasses to toast a fabulous evening of diverse, satisfying and exceptional talent and creativity.

Clamouring, chatting, laughing we tumbled out into Thirsk, with the words of one of the audience echoing in our heads. ‘Matthew plays in our church, and at the end of the service, he plays us out, but we don’t go, we stay and listen.‘ Yes, indeed.

Bravo everyone, and now I will be re-reading yet again, the James Herriot books, always available at the James Herriot Museum which was his home. How lucky we all are to live in such a wonderful community. Thank you, Thirsk.

https://worldofjamesherriot.com/     And of course, Amazon.

https://www.herriothh.org.uk/    https://www.thelambert.org.uk/ 

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Marion and Bob went shopping at the weekend for garden trellis etc. which they have found perfectly camouflaged the graffiti on the walls – problem solved.  Though it was not for want of trying, as the council lads tried very hard to remove it but it had been there for so long it just didn’t want to budge.

As always, Monday at the Columbia Community Association centre hit the ground running – well, perhaps a poor choice of words as the first meeting was with Helen to discuss arranging some armchair yoga. Helen delivers “Gentle Years Yoga” for those people who have difficulty with floor exercise. ‘That describes me,’ Marion says, because once she gets down – there she must stay.

More plants were re-potted and a new hanging basket erected, it is looking so nice, which is calming, thank heavens, since Marion’s laptop has had a prolonged hissy fit and , as I write,  on its way to Laptop Hospital. Doctor  IT  reckons the dear old thing needs a good overhaul (the laptop, not Marion – heaven forbid – though they both suffer from the same malady, Frost Magazine feels )  as they are both  trying to solve too many things at the same time, which is at the bottom of it,  Doctor IT suspects.  Marion is inconsolable, as she misses her like crazy.

Fortunately Marion’s grandson bestowed another laptop on her before he went off to Texas, but she confesses, ‘It’s not easy getting used to new fangled stuff.’

Wednesday brought a lot of forms to sign, etc.  in relation to the lease alongside the usual classes. Andrew from MBC delivered two boxes of pottery the children made earlier, which they have one week to collect as Marion and Bob need the centre spic and span for the grand opening on the 28th of the month

Belle dropped in with another bag of hats knitted by the ladies from Plain n Purl, Sister Mary will be delighted. Andy has agreed to collect them Thursday afternoon. Marion has written a note ‘to self’ to remember to ask Sister to take a photograph of her beloved Seafarers wearing these beautiful knitted hats. Margaret and her team make notes to self. Lots of them. Some work, some don’t.

Marion was so pleased  to see Simon from SCC who popped in to take photographs of a few snagging issues, then they had the most enjoyable visit from Margaret (editor of Frost Magazine) and Dick who came bearing gifts. ‘They are so kind to us.’ Marion says. ‘We do wish they lived closer, as our chin wags are precious.’

Margaret feels the same, though Thirsk is only a quick whizz up the A1.

Marion is now on a mission to find a local maker of balloon arches for our grand opening, any assistance would be gratefully accepted. Pauline has offered to source the Prosecco 25% off at Sainsbury’s. Mind you that’s when you buy 6 bottles. So a quick calculation was carried out, and it was decided that quite a number of bottles will be required. ‘How can we not, as one  must raise a glass on such a day of celebration of community.‘  Well quite.

Bingo day took place as usual, and so too, the eating of home made cake, made by the lovely Linda. As Marion has said in the past, ‘It would be so very rude to refuse.‘

Now to the Sponsored walk: Aimee Greens dancers will be doing a 5k walk on the afternoon of the 22 July, walking from Seaburn to South Shields. These wonderful little troopers have no funding and need to generate funds for expenses for the dancers upcoming dance festivals. Anyone can donate through the CCA centre, and do remember, every donation helps.

Food has been ordered for the Friday coffee morning and a sneaky mouth watering cheesecake. The  hamper has also been prepared, and looks great when you think it’s a £1 stake. ( Marion does ask that the winner returns the basket for next time).

Final words from our Marion:

‘Thunder storms due for the week end but hey ho we here in good old Brady Square have learned to dance in the rain. If you can do this my friends, you can withstand any storm.’

Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

It can be no coincidence that 7^th July has been designated World Chocolate Day, and as Chocolate and Coffee have a complimentary relationship, these chocolate flight and coffee pairings take the coffee drinking experience to a whole new level.

It is rare for me to get this excited, simply by opening a box, but that was exactly my reaction the minute I removed the lid of the Ultimate Coffee Selection from the Artisan Coffee Tasting Experience.

Beautifully laid out, this is without doubt the perfect gift for the coffee lover in your life or, in case my wife isn’t reading this, the perfect way to treat yourself. At £34.99 this will be a birthday or Christmas gift for a number of my coffee drinking friends this year.

Beautifully presented, the large box contains six different blends of coffee as ground coffee, coffee bags and coffee pods, which you may think is more than enough for a gift but then Artisan Coffee go one step further and pair each coffee blend with the very best chocolate pairing.

However, if you know which is your favourite, then you can buy smaller amounts of your blend of choice.

Coffee expert and Co-Founder of Artisan Coffee Co., Ashley Palmer Watts has carefully curated chocolate flights that are tailored to match each of Artisan Coffee Co.’s signature coffee characters and amplify the coffee in your cup.

With each coffee character you purchase, Artisan Coffee Co. includes the paired Chocolate Flight to match, they are also available to purchase individually.

However, it doesn’t matter how good the presentation, the taste of the coffee is what is important, and the Artisan Coffee Company does not disappoint.

This tasting experience allows you to carry out a personalised tasting with other people, but I am afraid that I am too grumpy in the morning to share coffee, and this was far too delicious to do so anyway.

My personal favourite was ‘Big Shot’ (yes you can make up your own jokes, as indeed my wife already has). Big Shot is rich and smooth with dark chocolate and vanilla taste. The notes made mention of gooey fudge brownie which I couldn’t detect but perhaps my palate is not as refined as I like to believe. The rich dark chocolate was a perfect accompaniment to the ‘Big Shot.’

The Enigma also lived up to the billing with a rather (at least to me) unusual (in a good way,) flavour, which was at once jammy with a rich chocolatey base. I loved this one almost as much as the ‘Big Shot’ and I thought, maybe a hint of liquorice, which illustrates why it is named The Enigma.

‘The Genius,’ was another sure fire hit, nutty with chocolatey undertones and delicious notes of pecans and raisins. Delicious

The three mentioned were my standout winners but I would happily drink any of the others again (and again and again.) and I suspect that were I to taste them again my top three could change.

If you like coffee and have a particular favourite brand, then I would suggest that these are a must try. There is even a decaffeinated coffee reassuringly called the Dreamer which I have yet to try because I need this other coffee to leave my system to give it fighting chance.

If you are reading this and thinking to yourself, surely, he can sip the coffee and then spit it out, before trying the next, let me just say that once I had tasted this coffee there was no way that I wasn’t finishing the cup, even If I didn’t sleep for days and I strongly suspect that this will be the same for you because it is so delicious.

https://www.artisancoffeeco.com/