With CCTV to be sorted, the Columbia Community Association were so grateful that Simon was on hand to help with mounting the CCTV cameras, which is a massive help for Red Shoes Bob

Simon

CCA’s dear old friend Brain Mason, Car styling, was there to make our signs. He never lets the CCA down. Probably that Brady Square blood flowing through the veins, thinks Marion.

Kam and his lovely wife Regina, CCA’s wonderful Polish friends, came to clean, seal not to mention buff the hard floor in our Cross Streets room. Corey was scheduled to do the flooring on our store rooms.

The CCA have a deadline for claiming the funding for solar panels, so as always it’s been all systems go. As usual the world over, it is outside influences that hold things up, but fingers crossed the CCA will be successful and meet the criteria. Clayton, is calling round to discuss the issue this week.

Bob erected a 10ft shed, and as always he just gets on with it. ‘Where on earth would the refurbishment be without Marion and Red Shoes?‘ wonders Frost Magazine. While Bob was beavering Marion was busy with new plants to re-pot. She is so delighted at how the little patio area is developing and in time it will be a peaceful place to relax. Thank you to Gloria Nesbitt, who popped in to the centre with a  watering can. It is amazing what you can acquire through social media, especially the “Washington Wombles” site, where everything is free. Believe it or not  lovely Edith called in with yet another watering can, which the CCA was desperate to get hold of.

The CCA needs to collect quotes for cementing the area behind the new gates. Their  thoughts were if it is not silly money, maybe they could get funding, but it is just knowing who to go to. They have decided on a policy of let us wait and see. As Marion says they have learned along the way: Rome was not built in a day.

Bingo ladies were back this week and everyone was so pleased to see them all and sincerely hope they enjoyed their holiday to the Isle of Wight. Along the lines of travel the exciting news is that on Sunday, the CCA is funding a coach trip to Whitby, so fish, and chips for lunch that day. Frost Magazine hopes they have the most wonderful time. May the weather hold, as we hear talk of thunder storms.

Aimee’s dancers are practicing their socks off for the Biggy next weekend in Blackpool – only the World Championships. Just look at splendid bendy Wendy making incredible shapes.

The drainage team from Sunderland City Council arrived to clean the drains. Then, hot on their heels Corey Barnes brought his tape measure and sample book, and now only the fire exit and cupboard floors are left to do, then the CCA will have replaced every inch of flooring in this centre. The buffet arrived on Friday for the coffee morning as marvellous as usual. What could be better than: good food, great company and, in Marion’s words,  ‘Lorra lorra laughs, especially when you know who does the bingo.’

Everyone at Columbia Community Association hopes you are all enjoying the glorious sunshine, long may it last, stay safe everyone.

Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

The Summer Solstice falls on the day when the sun is highest in the sky. It’s the longest day & shortest night. The sun’s potency is said to be at highest & as such it a s time of powerful healing.

International Yoga Day also falls on this day this year. It has been celebrated for 10 years after the UN proclaimed 21^st June as International Day. The theme for this year is harmony.

The number 108 is often associated with Summer Solstice. 108 is known as a sacred number & has been revered thousands of years in many spiritual traditions. It is considered to be the most auspicious of numbers.

In yoga the number 108 refers to spiritual completion; there are 108 mala beads for mantra recitation; sun salutations are often completed in 9 rounds of 12 poses or 108 in total; pranayama can be practiced no more than 108 rounds.

108 is said to represent oneness, wholeness, unity.

In nature, the Fibonacci sequence is related to the golden ration, representing 108 ways of representing the wholeness of existence. It governs the dimensions of everything from the Great Pyramid of Giza to the Nautilus seashell & is called nature’s code or nature’s universal rule.

108 is also significant within our solar system: the distance between the moon & earth is 108 x diameter of the moon, whilst the distance between the earth & the sun is 108 x the diameter of the sun.

In numerology 1 represents new beginnings & higher truth; 0 represents nothingness & completeness & amplifies the energies of the other 2 numbers; 8 represents eternity. Adding them all up gives us the number 9 which is regarded as being a highly spiritual number.

It’s said that there are 108 nadi’s converging at the heart chakra. In Ayurveda it’s believed there are 108 Marmas.

According to Buddhism there are 108 defilements., 108 earthly temptations, prayer beads have 108 mala beads. The Buddha has 108 names & 108 lamps devoted to him. Most Buddhist temples have 108 steps & 108 columns. Angkor Wat is a great example built around 108 huge stones.

Tibetians have 108 sacred books & believe there are 108 sins & 108 delusions of the mind. Tibetian legends are made of 108 Masters & 108 initiates.

In Astrology there are 12 zodiacs & 9 planets: 12 x 9 = 108.

The Sarsen Circle Stonehenge is 108 feet in diameter.

In both Buddhism & Hinduism it is believed that there are 108 different feelings: 36 associated with the past, 36 with the present & 36 with the future.

So, how are you celebrating the Summer Solstice?

I am offering a FREE Summer Solstice Yoga Practice on Wednesday 21^st June at 6pm on Zoom & I invite you to join us. To sign up click here:

https://mailchi.mp/2eff5b848158/summer-solstice-free-practice

Alex is a yoga teacher, mindfulness coach & menopause mentor & you can find out more:    Website: alexbannard.com

For free resources check out:  Facebook group: Mindfulness & Yoga for Self-Care: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MindfulnessYoga4Relationships

YouTube channel:

https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCQlKZJ7MeyYc6lqkv6seISw

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexbannard/

Is your kitchen sink cupboard chock-a-block with laundry products? Detergent, pre-detergent, stain remover, laundry deoderant, freshener, conditioner, laundry antiseptic, and so on and so on? Personally I have to wedge the cupboard door closed just to keep the throng of dirt-busters from spilling all over my kitchen floor.

At risk once again of sounding like an old fuddy duddy (no comments required, thank you), when I was young we just had one box of washing powder, which left plenty of space for pots and pans too. I don’t quite understand why our clothes now need an army of sanitisers, cleaners, anti-pong agents and conditioner following every wear? And what damage are all these chemicals doing to our oceans?

Rant over, I am delighted that Last Object have provided an excellent solution to protect our environment (and alleviate my sink cupboard explosion) with their fabulous Laundry Detergent Sheets.

Last Object’s founder, Isabel Aagaard, frustrated by all the single-use products in our lives, decided to design innovative solutions to wasteful habits which make a lasting positive impact. Based in Denmark but shipping internationally, their products are made to last and to have minimal environmental impact. They include clever reusable alternatives to make-up cotton swabs, reusable tissues and menstrual pads.

And then there are their laundry sheets which I love. Firstly 60 detergent sheets come in a box which is about the size of an 8oz box of chocolates. Not only does this take up almost no space at all in my cupboard, but it’s made of biodegradable cardboard. Did you know that every year, more than 700 million plastic jugs are dumped in landfills and oceans and it’s estimated that by 2050 the quantity of plastic in the ocean will surpass that of fish? So using Last Object Laundry Sheets makes an important contribution to reducing plastic waste.

The sheets dissolve rapidly and you can either put them under your washing in the drum or add them to the dispenser drawer. You can also hand-wash with them as they’re free from harmful chemicals such as phosphates, sulphates, parabens and more. You may wonder how such a tiny sheet without any chemical nasties can be effective? Well regular liquid washing detergents are up to 90% water, whereas the laundry sheets are much more concentrated. The sheets are vegan, hypoallergenic and lower your carbon footprint by 90%, so in every way they’re better for you, your skin and the environment. I road-tested the sheets and my washing came out beautifully clean and soft. I used just one sheet, but you can use up to three sheets if your washing is very dirty.

But where to buy these wonderful sheets? Well you can get them direct from Last Object website – either as a single purchase at £22 for a box of 60, or save 30% with a regular subscription. A list of other outlets are also available on the website.

So if you want a great product, more cupboard space and to make a real contribution to the environment check out these great Laundry Sheets from Last Object.

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.

Searching for a new and exhilarating life abroad together in the intoxicating sun, scenery and atmosphere of Provence, Angie and Mike sell up and emigrate, but with startling and unforeseen consequences.

There is no way they could have predicted the locals, who would begin to become an intrinsic part of their lives. From Henri, the sophisticated, suave aristocrat publisher with his Parisian wife Catherine to Pierre, the humble, illiterate peasant farmer. This exciting story envelopes and drastically affects the lives of so many people.

This is a story of burning romance, passion, unforeseen intrigues, excitement, happiness and despair, which become all consuming. The French Destiny Trilogy will leave a trail of suspense, anguish, joy, excitement and ecstasy.

Stephanie Jean is a life coach, who has written articles and stories her whole life, leading to her journey to creating the French Destiny Trilogy. Her passion for writing is what makes these novels such exciting reads, with Stephanie admitting that she writes constantly, “it is my passion and never a chore, I have no idea what writer’s block means!”.

Her long career as a life coach means that Stephanie has a complete grasp on human connection and what makes a person so layered and unique. Making characters multidimensional adds intrigue, interest, and page turning when you become invested in them as people, rather than names on a page.

The collection of people in The French Destiny Trilogy are mixed and diverse, with Stephanie crafting the group due to her belief that people go through changes at a “certain age” usually between late forties to early fifties and again in early or mid sixties. She believes that at this stage, we are old enough to know what we want or how to implement our dreams.

“France has always, and still does, provide the rural nostalgia of the perfect romantic life. Many people long for Sun soaked terraces, with fragrant lavender coupled with a glass of chilled rose”

Stephanie has been commended for her ability to bring characters alive, with many reviews applauding how the book stayed with them, hence book two and three.

Stephanie feels everyone needs or seeks romance. The romance genre is an endorphin boost, it is an escapism, giving us all hope that we too could experience a relationship like those in the books.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stephanie-Jean/e/B0C49TNM77

Exhibition opens 9^th of June to 20^th July 2023

A few minutes’ walk from Fortnum and Masons, the Sims Reed Gallery is hosting a fascinating exhibition.

Aaron Kasmin – Bubbles

Strike a Light takes its inspiration from Matchbooks. Now, in the pursuit of full disclosure, I wasn’t sure what matchbooks were before visiting this exhibition, but once I saw the display I was transported back to my younger days. Not quite as sturdy as the wooden stemmed matches and housed in a more flimsy wrap, the matches were peeled off a stack of two rows of 5 or six matches. These matches worked as well as their more expensive counterparts, but the more heavy handed could easily find them bending before bursting into flame.

It was a chance find at a Car Boot Sale in Normandy in 2012, that provided a eureka moment for British artist Aaron Kasmin, here showing his biggest exhibition to date, with 30 new artworks, drawn from the artist’s treasured vintage matchbook collection.

Kasmin became an avid collector of Lion Match Company’s matchbooks inspired by their lively and inventive images that reflect the rise of America’s consumer culture, originally mass-produced for advertising purposes. In the early 1920s, the humble matchbook soon became the most effective advertising medium and is now embraced by every industry.

Aaron Kasmin The Chef                                         Aaron Kasmin  The Palette

The Matchbook increased in popularity through the 1920s and 30s and up to the second world war when matches began to be superseded by the BIC lighter.

Safe in a glass cabinet are 98 such examples of matchbooks, and repay the viewer’s closer inspection.

The Sims Reed Gallery is transformed into the dynamism of a bygone America, setting the opulent party scene for viewers to wander to exotic places, and venture back in time to the glamourous early to mid-20^th Century America – also known as a romantic world in the era of F Scott Fitzgerald, Humphrey Bogart and Raymond Chandler.

                                                    Aaron Kasmin Vogue

The exhibition features coloured pencil drawings (30 x 21 cm) in Aaron Kasmin’s signature style of fusing together vibrant colours with striking imagery shedding a new light on American culture. The drawings are a dynamic, bold paeon to a glamourous bygone age

Look carefully at some of the images (and also the matchbooks) and it is possible to see how the artists have incorporated the actual match into the design. In some you can see the sulphur end of the matches forming the bristles of paint brushes, elsewhere the sulphur ends become the tips of a lipstick

This exhibition is well worth a visit and the drawings can be purchased, £1750 framed.

Images courtesy of Aaron Kasmin and Sims Reed Gallery

www.gallery.simsreed.com

43A Duke Street St Jame’s,

London

SW1Y 6DD

+44 (0)207 930 5111

This one-man show, at the gorgeous Marylebone Theatre, is a short and sweet journey through Roger Peltzman’s story: who he is, what he does and how he got here.

Nothing new there. But his tale is eye-opening. Not necessarily for the details – we’ve all heard about, read about or witnessed, these kinds of events before – but the way in which Roger pulls us into his family’s history.

He plays the piano. Beautifully. Tinkling for fun, playing the blues and letting himself fall into Chopin. All because of his uncle, Norbert Stern. Norbert would have become a world-renowned pianist had he not been captured by the Nazis and killed in a concentration camp. Roger never knew his uncle, of course – but as he looked into Norbert’s ever-too-short life, he has found newspaper clippings, competition awards and, even, an actual piano that Norbert played on. All very touching.

Dedication is a one-hour exploration about a man ‘suffering the PTSD’ which has been passed onto him by his mother. As he wittily unfolds the drama, images appear on the screen behind him. Photographs, maps, quotations.

The whole experience is fascinating for so many reasons. Neatly directed by Jessi D Hill, Roger plays piano, paces the stage and talks with the confidence of an excellent orator. He has a story to tell and certainly revels in the telling.

Roger has also recorded a CD dedicated to Norbert (pictured above), in which he plays Chopin in the very hall where Norbert won some competitions. Marvellous.

Photography © Roger Peltzman

Director Jessi D Hill

Projection Design Jason Thompson & Kaitlyn Pietras – PXT Studios

Running Time 70 minutes (no interval)

Dates until Saturday 24th June 2023

Wednesday to Saturday at 7.30pm

Wednesday & Saturday Matinees at 2.30pm

Sunday Matinees at 3pm

Venue Marylebone Theatre, 35 Park Road, London NW1 6XT

Tickets via marylebonetheatre.com

or phone on 020 7723 7984

Age Guidance 12+

Instagram @marylebonetheatre

Twitter @MaryleboneTHLDN

Facebook @MaryleboneTheatre