‘The Millennium Centre looked bold in its bronze armour…’ You Can’t Go It Alone by Jessie Cahalin
Storm Dennis raged in Wales, and I sought sanctuary in the Millennium Centre for an experience on my bucket list – my first opera.
The space age reception area of the theatre prepared me to be transported to the alien world of opera. ‘Beam me up, Mozart,’ I muttered as I waited for The Marriage of Figaro to begin. Convinced I would need to abscond from the three and a half hours marathon during the interval, I planned the best route for the exit.
The space age reception area of the theatre prepared me to be transported to the alien world of opera
My great uncle, a coal miner from Barnsley, was a great fan of opera and blasted out the music on his gramophone. I never met Great Uncle Jimmy but of family legend deemed him eccentric for a Barnsley lad. Always amused by an opera loving miner in the family, I had to discover if one could inherit this passion.
Opera seduced me with the very first note. The poetic actions of the performers showed me the way into the narrative. And the incredible harmonies of the signing convinced me that my Level 2 seat was in heaven. Performers blended their actions and singing and taught me the emotional language of an operatic performance. Suspended in the drama, I hardly looked at the subtitles.
Inside the theatre before the performance
For three hours, I felt as if I was able to interpret the Italian language that seemed perfect for the expression of the emotions. Wow! I now understand that Uncle Jimmy would enter a trance like state to escape the darkness and toil of his life under the ground. And I know he warned my late father, ‘Don’t go down the pit, lad.’
There were layers and layers of humour and then emotions. I do not think I blinked throughout the entire performance because I could not miss one single detail of this musical tapestry. I loved the way the opera tested loyalty and love and relationships, but I was not prepared for the wonderful comedy.
I am in love with opera
To me the final scene seemed to be an expression of joy and happiness when everyone found their equilibrium. I reached in my handbag for water to ease the emotion in my throat. I couldn’t believe it! The curtain call arrived too soon. It couldn’t possibly be the end because I hadn’t heard Figaro’s Aria – the tune I’d attempted to warbled for months before this experience. Where was it? Well, now I realise this is in the Barber of Seville. A perfect ending for me as I will have to return to watch the Barber of Seville later in the year.
I am in love with opera. However, I’m unsure if this love is passed down through Uncle Jimmy, my father’s uncle. My mother also attended the opera for the first time and adored it too. I have found a new love!
“I speak of love awake I speak of love in my dreams, To the water, the shadows, the mountains, To the flowers, the grass, the fountains.” Mozart, The Marriage of Figaro.
On our pilgrimage to Canterbury, we decided to stop in Wye in Kent, for provisions. When we collected our daily bread in Wye Bakery, I found myself lost in another age. Allow me some creative liberty in my tale…
The quaint Wye Bakery is accessed via an ancient corridor constructed three hundred years ago.
An ancient, mysterious corridor constructed three hundred years ago
Walking through the corridor transported my imagination back in time. The Franklin, from The Canterbury Tales, invited us inside to taste the bread. Alas, we did not wish to dip the lovely bread into wine, particularly at such an early hour. We thanked the Franklin for his hospitality and bid him to return to Chaucer’s England. The ancient vision dissolved, as the aroma of fresh bread brought us back to the present day.
Mother and daughter are passionate about the health benefits of traditional, slow baking.
Inside, we were greeted by the baker Mrs Hickson, and her daughter. Mother and daughter are passionate about the health benefits of traditional slow baking. It is hoped that Mrs Hickson’s daughter will be able to apply her Nutrition Degree to the business.
The pastries were buttery, crumbly and utterly delicious. The bread had a wonderful robust structure and a delicate taste like sour dough. Is there anything more comforting than simple bread and butter? One could taste the attention to detail in every single crumb.
I heard Robert Browning say:
‘If thou tasteth a crust of bread, thou tasteth all the stars and all the heavens.’
‘If thou tasteth a crust of bread, thou tasteth all the stars and all the heavens.’
I urge you to visit Wye Bakery. It is refreshing to listen to Mrs Hickson wax lyrical about a business that consumes sixteen hours of her day. Taste the delights of the labour of love that could be your daily bread.
Morley in the seventies. Nothing much has changed apart from the cars parked on the roadside. Photo from David Atkinson Archive, Morley Memories.
Hiraeth is a delicious Welsh word as it captures that nostalgic longing for home. As a Yorkshire lass living in Wales, I often yearn for Morley, a town in Leeds, where my family still live. Yet I also feel at home in certain places in Wales that connect to the spirit and soul of place I long for. Maybe it’s the spirit of the industrial past that connects me to South Wales.
Morley is a large town in West Yorkshire that was constructed from the blood, sweat and tears of coal and textiles. The stone buildings of Morley are crooked and leaned towards me with whispers of secrets. I always identified a beauty in the urban landscape of home and feel so happy when I return to visit my family. There is a community spirit in Morley and people will always chat and make me laugh.
I imagined Jim driving along this road in his Zephyr. The photo is from Wales online and is captures Cardiff fifty years ago.
Last year, I stumbled on some newspaper photos of Cardiff in the sixties and seventies and the people huddled together chatting connected me to a familiar community spirit and evocated a nostalgia. When imagining the people’s stories, I met Pearl and Jim, characters from my novel,Loving You (working title), searching for their dreams in a fictional Welsh town near to Cardiff.
Photo of the Welsh factory woman in the sixties is from BBC News in an article written by Gwyneth Rees, BBC Wales News
Pearl is a seamstress who dreams of becoming a singer. Jim is a car mechanic who yearns to be an artist. Secrets about Pearl’s late father thrive in Aberynys as people still gossip about him. Pearl and Jim’s dreams push them together and pull them apart. Pearl is immersed in a community, but Jim is a loner. Both characters are shaped by their lives in Aberynys and want to escape in different ways. Pearl’s friends in the sewing factory are influenced by the people my grandmother brought to life for me when I was a child, and their sense of humour is both northern and Welsh. Of course, a colourful cast of characters also barged into the book, and my fictional town of Aberynys is a port which was also influenced by visits to Barry Island, Cardiff Bay and the Valleys.
This photo of the Valleys inspired Aberynys.
Aberynys is the nostalgic place in my heart: a place built on stories I listened to when chatting to folk in Yorkshire and Wales. I created a place name with lyrical Welsh words: Aber is the Welsh word for estuary and ynys means island. Aberynys is a montage of my life experiences and a place that makes folk dream their dreams. Loving You remains one of my works in progress as I just love to visit the place in my heart where I can seek sanctuary from what is happening to us all at the moment.
Which place do you call home and is this different to place you live in now?
South and West Wales Chapter celebrate sixty years of the Romance Novelists’ Society.
The South Wales and West Chapter had a birthday party to celebrate sixty years of the Romantic Novelists’ Association. Each member of the group presented a sixty word slice of their novel or work in progress, along with a biography as a gift to romance readers. Our words and chat put the fizz into the celebrations. Unwrap the tiny parcels of words and meet the authors. Enjoy
Georgia’s glossy curls were piled high. As she moved, the light caught seed pearls scattered in her hair. Her creamy velvet dress clung to her curves. Nick watched the joy on her face when she first caught sight of him and longed to give her the world. That moment was, and he prayed it always would be, fixed in his consciousness.
Jill Barry lives close to the estuary dividing Wales from England. Her historical and contemporary romantic fiction is mainly character-driven and she delves into her life experiences to colour her writing. She enjoys bringing different eras to life and, as a multi-published author, enjoys helping fellow RNA members to realise their dreams. Jill is a co-organiser of her local chapter.
Stelios took her in his arms. Dipping and swaying in time to the bousouki music, Elin felt familiar flutterings in her stomach. She’d promised herself that there’d be no romantic liaisons when she was in Greece. So why did the handsome woodturner have this effect on her? His hot breath on her neck and earlobe made her whole body tingle.
Jan lives in Cardiff and writes novels about families and their secrets. An author with Ruby Fiction, her debut novel, will be published in digital and audio in April 2020. Joining the RNA and its wonderful New Writers’ Scheme in 2016 was her best decision as a new writer. She’s joint organiser of her local RNA Chapter.
For the first time, his skin touched her skin as they held hands. It was the closing of a gap, a circle joined. He remembered that quiet moment, in the midst of the restless, big city. They were like a boulder, solid and immovable, while the river raged around them. It was the moment Arthur fell in love with Pearl.
Catherine lives near cliff tops in South Wales, a view which inspires her every day. With published short fiction, articles, a magazine column and a non-fiction book to her name, a published novel is next on her wish list. She is determined, with the help of the brilliant RNA New Writers’ scheme, to become a published novelist and professional daydreamer.
Each member of the group presented a sixty word slice of their novel or work in progress.
The fading evening light caught the russet highlights in her hair and cast a faint pink glow across her face. Her eyes were alight with wonder and her lips were slightly parted. For one mad moment, he wondered what it would be like to kiss them.
He cleared his throat, trying to drive the disturbing thought out of his mind.
Liz lives halfway between the Brecon Beacons and the sea, in the South Wales Valleys. She writes light-hearted, uplifting romantic fiction, with liberal doses of humour. She joined the RNA to make friends with other writers and is now part of the admin team and a reader for the NWS, to repay the help, support and kindness she’s been shown.
We got to the heart of our books with the collection of extracts.
As they began to descend yet another endless hill Ellena turned and caught a glimpse of her home. She could make out the flags fluttering atop the turrets of Castle Swein before it finally disappeared from view. She slowly turned around in her seat and gripped the pommel tightly. The conviction she’d made a terrible mistake hardened in her stomach.
Ella Matthews lives and works in Wales. When not thinking about handsome heroes she can be found walking along the coast with her husband and their two children (probably still thinking about heroes but at least pretending to be interested in everyone else). She writes cosy crime and romance novels. Her first Mills and Boon title is out in April.
Imogen Martin can generally be found behind a laptop in her writing nook, or book in hand in a café, or on a beach in Sardinia. She has two daughters and lives with her husband in South Wales. Her debut novel is a pioneer story set in nineteenth century America. She is a member of the RNA New Writers’ Scheme.
She shrugged. ‘It’s my big romantic birthday break.’ She indicated the vacant chair beside her, straight-faced. ‘Durr. Can’t you see my hunky, virtual boyfriend?
Jake swivelled his eyes to the empty seat and back at her, raising his eyebrows in mute enquiry.
‘And no, I don’t want to talk about it.’
We invite you to post your own parcels of words on your FB pages and blogs as a gift to romance readers
Living on the South Wales coast, Sue McDonagh finds inspiration for both her novels and her art in her beautiful surroundings.
Motorcycles, her other passion, can also be found in the pages of her Art Café trilogy, the third of which will be released in July this year. Her writing explores real life events, with a light touch and humour.
I step inside the shed, hauling the net of footballs. He’s behind me. There’s something invisible pulling me to him. I turn around and he takes my hand. A surge of electricity powers up my arms. We come together in a passionate embrace. Every single bone in my body turns to jelly as he treats me to a sensuous kiss.
Lucy Mitchell is the author of Instructions for Falling in Love Again, an uplifting romantic comedy about second chances and friendship. She’s also the author of the award-winning blog, BlondeWriteMore; which records the emotional highs and lows of her life as a romance author. On her blog she also reviews romance novels and regularly falls in love with male characters.
‘Summer Island’, Natalie Normann
Jack liked seeing her laugh. The first time they met, she had been so furious with him, but right now she was happy.
‘You look beautiful,’ he said.
Ninni frowned. ‘No, I don’t.’
‘Yes, you do. You are beautiful.’
‘No need to flatter me. I won’t throw you overboard.’
She was teasing him and he enjoyed it. ‘Doesn’t change anything.’
Natalie Normann lived in Cardiff for two years, then sadly had to return to Norway, bringing home inspirations and good memories. A week after arriving in Wales, she joined the RNA and her local chapter, and still can’t believe something this good exists. She writes contemporary romance set in Norway and is determined to show Nordic is more than noir.
She was living a fairy-tale that many women could only imagine. And it was worth it, even if her nights ever after would be cold and bitter. You can’t undo love. Every moment, from here on, must be etched in her memory. The place, the time, the man. Memory she could fall back into, during those long, cold nights.
Evonne has been a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association for thirty years. While this makes her feel very old, it also means that she has been to a lot of fabulous parties and made some wonderful friends in the romance writing community. She is currently working on two new books in her romantic mystery series, set on the Riviera
She crept into the bedroom where Owen lay asleep, Bridie looked at his sleeping frame, his thick hair spread over the pillow. She knew nights like this would be few. She slipped in beside him, wrapping her arms around him. Wherever he would be sent, his spirit would always be here at her side. That would have to do for tonight.
Pat a retired ward sister and nurse lecturer lives in Cardiff and is writing a novel about two people one from Ireland and one from Wales both away from home in London and divided by war. She has plans for a second novel based in Wales. A member of the RNA New Writers Scheme hoping for a chance of publication.
‘The point is that you, Rosy, are not just the sexiest women I know, you’re the most honourable, tenacious, well, every quality there is and of course I want to kiss you right now, strip you naked and tumble into the back seat but I also want to wake up with you tomorrow and the next day and the next.’
Kitty Wilson lived in Cornwall for twenty-five years having been dragged there, against her will, as a stroppy teen. She is now remarkably grateful to her parents for their foresight and wisdom – and these days spends her time writing romantic comedies with heroines who speak their mind. She loves the RNA and all the opportunities and support it offers.
The South Wales and West Chapter hope you will raise a glass, eat cake and celebrate the 60th anniversary of the RNA with us. We invite RNA members to post your own parcels of words on your FB pages and blogs as a gift to romance readers. Let’s share the love, and ‘champion the quality and diversity of romantic fiction.’ Happy Birthday to the Romance Novelists’ Association.
Presenting (clockwise): John Jackson, Rhoda Baxter, Lynda Stacey and Anne Marie Brear
A tiny oak door opened into the warmth of the Romantic Novelists’ Association event, and a hearty welcome glowed from Lynda Stacey and John Jackson. The guests of the RNA York charmed me, and I fell in love with a family of romance writers.
The ancient Merchant Taylors’ Hall
Besides admiring books, I discovered gems of advice from the writers. Authors told me about the magic of Canva, Photoshop and Word Cloud.
What a palaver! I attempted to take a selfie with Milly Johnson and Rhoda Baxter.
Chat with the authors encouraged me to talk about writing my book. I found myself spellbound by Milly Johnson. Milly reassured me the writing process is still agony for her after sixteen books. Rhoda Baxter joined the conversation, and I could have listened to the comedy duo all afternoon. If only I had recorded the conversation. I am in awe of how Milly and Rhoda manage to write comedy with such flair. They explained that comedy is channelled through the characters and flows naturally – words of comedy experts. In a classic comedy moment, I fumbled with my phone to take a selfie with Rhoda and Milly but had the lens pointing at the table in front of me. Flummoxed by technology, I felt ‘as daft as a brush’, but the grand lasses just laughed.
Chair of Romance Novelists Association, Nicola Cornick.
Jean Fullerton, guest speaker, showcasing her popular historical fiction.
Guest speaker, Jean Fullerton, spoke passionately about her writing journey. She also celebrated popularity or the romance genre and challenged prejudice. Congratulations to Jean on her successful historical fiction novels set in the East End of London. According to Jean, ‘to write about life is to write about love.’ She handed over her gift of hope that, ‘sometimes, just sometimes, love does win and dreams come true.’
That day, I fell in love with the RNA.
Meet (clockwise): Lesley Field, Ellie Gray, Ros Rendle, Chrissie Bradshaw, Sylvia Broady and Rosemary Smith
Congratulations to Lynda Stacey on a wonderful event. Best of luck with the release of her new book, ‘The Fake Date’. I am looking forward to interviewing her, with the book due to be released on 18th September.
Earlier this year, I chatted with Rhoda Baxter about my blogging adventure and was delighted to feature on the RNA website.
Imagine walking into a bookshop and buying the entire shop. Three years ago, Mel Griffin bought a bookshop. It was an honour to meet the woman who is living my dream. Step inside Griffin Books, located in Penarth, and turn the pages of Mel’s bookshop story. Meet Elin who is the social media guru for the business.
Jessie: Owning a bookshop has been my dream since I was a little girl. Tell me about your story. Why did you decide to buy a bookshop?
Bookshop in my Handbag
Mel: As a teenager, I had a Saturday job in a bookshop and dreamed of owning one. Having worked in a global IT company for thirty years, I decided it was time for a new challenge.  I visited this bookshop regularly and it rekindled my ambition to own a bookshop. The owners talked of retirement, so I asked if they wanted to sell. An impromptu question changed my life. Following a two year hand over period, I received the keys in 2014.
Jessie: It must have been exciting to receive the keys to your new life. Wow! This sounds like the narrative for a feel-good story.Â
Mel: I suppose it does but it is also hard work. It was great fun to rename the bookshop then build a new identity. My daughter helped me to choose the name. Initially, we were considering ‘Books, Books, Books’. In the end we decided to use our surname – Griffin – which then enabled us to create a great logo based on the mythical creature.
Jessie:Â How has the bookshop changed?
Rachel and customers present reviews and recommendations for the readers
Mel:  I’m trying to emphasise contemporary literary fiction as well as more popular fiction and the classics. The stock is split equally between: fiction, non-fiction and children’s literature. I aim to stock unique books: different to the supermarkets. I’m delighted when my customers compliment me on my choices. Customers, friends of Griffin Books, are encouraged to write the reviews we display around the shop.  I select books to suit my regular customers’ taste – it is their bookshop.  For example, I bought the first in Julia Chapman’s Dales Detective Series with a customer in mind – the customer then wrote a very positive review which built up a bit of a following for Julia locally, eventually resulting in an invitation to the author. We hosted a lovely afternoon tea with Julia where she talked about the series and her future writing plans.
Jessie:Â Is it the customer focus that gives your bookshop its unique identity?
Elin: We have a regular customer base and it’s a friendly, warm environment: the bookshop is the hub of Penarth. Customers know we can make recommendations. But, the bookshop’s ethos involves more than selling books. We reach out to the community in lots of different ways.
Mel:Â Yes, this is a bookshop for the local community. The monthly book club is so popular we have set up a second group. Story time for the under-fives is great fun.
We also like to tackle issues to support the wellbeing in our community. Recently, we organised an event to help people reconnect with those suffering from dementia. We invited two local, self-published authors who had written about dementia.  Elizabeth Webb-Hooper’s ‘Pennies from Heaven’ is about her personal experience of caring for a father with Dementia. Jane. M. Mullins’s ‘Finding the Light in Dementia’ is written from her viewpoint as a dementia nurse. Members of the local community supported the event and it was very successful.
To celebrate World Book Day, we visited the local schools and took the free books to the pupils. We are also happy to act as a base for ticket sales for local events.
Jessie: I’m impressed with the way you’ve developed a significant role in the community. I noted you narrowly missed Independent Bookshop of the Year 2018. Do you work with other independent bookshops?
The author events have also been building up over the years
The author events have also been building up over the years, because we have been working with Bookish, Crickhowell and Cover to Cover, Mumbles: we have formed the South Wales Independent Bookshop Consortium thus enabling us to attract higher profile authors. On Sunday, 3rd June, former Chancellor and PM Gordon Brown will be featuring in an event to talk about his memoirs: My Life, Our Times. Griffin Books is also organising the Penarth Literary Festival from 6th – 8th July. This will have an emphasis on writing from and about Wales, including local authors.
Jessie:Â What is the most popular genre?
‘Children’s books are the most popular genre.’ Elin
Elin: Children’s books are the most popular genre. I featured A Year in the Wild, by Ruth Symons and Helen Aspornsiri, on Instagram. Children like the experience of choosing a book here, as we have such a vibrant selection. I have been coming here since I was a child. I completed my Work Experience here and now I am working here. I love it! It is exciting to watch the business develop.
Jessie: Elin, your enthusiasm is evident, and your job will inspire job envy amongst the bookish community. I love your tweets about the statements your customers have made – so funny. Â
Mel, do you have plans to buy more bookshops?
Mel: No, I want to keep my arms around this shop where I am living and feel part of the community. I’m dedicated to developing the shop as the hub of the town.
Reading Journeys
Step inside Griffin Books, located in Penarth, and turn the pages of Mel’s bookshop story.
I was made to feel very welcome in Griffin Books. Walking into the shop is like stepping into a friend’s house. It was incredible to go behind the scenes and find out more about the life of a bookshop. I certainly don’t think there is much time for reading. However, I couldn’t resist finding out what inspired Mel and Erin’s reading journeys.
Mel, Elin and Rachel laughed about the impact of Enid Blyton Chalet School Series and Malory Towers Series. Apparently, they enjoyed the midnight feasts, skiing and adventures. Mel recalled reading Swallows and Amazons books at the age of six. She is currently reading Midwinter Break by Bernard Maclaverty.
Meet Rachel, Mel and Elin at Griffin Books.
I recommend you visit Griffin Books if you like to talk about books. Mel, Elin, Rachel, Dawn and Annie will be delighted to welcome you and offer you a complimentary cup of coffee while you browse. A bookshop very similar to Griffin Books was responsible for inspiring my own love affair with books. I wish I could cram this entire bookshop in my handbag, so I could escape there at a moment’s notice.
The quirky vintage appearance of this shop symbolises the essential old-fashioned focus on the customer. However, the website and social media pages display Mel and her team’s vision for a twenty first century bookshop that reaches out to the community.
I hope Griffin Books will celebrate Independent Bookshop of the Year 2019.
‘Autumn is the best time of year for me to write because the tranquillity inspires reflection.’
The light is magical in October and bathes everything in a warm glow. There is also a stillness in the air, suggesting nature is waiting to go to sleep so that it can create more colour in the spring. Autumn is the best time of year for me to write because the tranquillity inspires reflection.
As leaves flutter to the ground, characters come to life. The promise of the festive season hovers as winter waits patiently to present the first shimmer of frost. It is no wonder, then, that I am delighting in penning a Christmas scene at the moment.
I am writing a novel set in World War Two. It is a joy to escape to the era where my grandmother was a young woman and the festive season required creativity. At Christmas time, my grandmother made her own festive wreaths and table decorations with foraged holly, ferns and berries and added bows and gold paint. She told me stories of how my great grandfather spent months making and renovating toys in the lead up to Christmas. I have given this resourceful nature to the characters. Everyone was creating Christmas decorations the last time I visited my novel.
‘Thanks to my grandmother’s memories of the era, love and laughter are shining in the scene packed with friends and family.’
Thanks to my grandmother’s memories of the era, love and laughter are shining in the scene packed with friends and family. Furthermore, families are collaborating to celebrate Christmas and there are some heartwarming moments, especially when gifts are exchanged. Romance is also sparkling but a mystery lurks beneath the Christmas magic.
‘As leaves flutter to the ground, characters come to life’
When I listen to the characters chat, I reflect on how we can create a unique Christmas without all the expense. Recent events have made me very aware of how much people matter and my characters teach me new things all the time. I am excited to share this heartwarming story one day, but for now I am enjoying the process of cutting back the scenes and walking amongst the words that have fallen.
Wishing you all a calm and creative autumn.
For more information about my writing and how Wales inspires my stories, please click on the links to the Frost Magazine below.
Each day the hills became easier and easier until I broke out into a consistent fast pace – almost jogging.
Writing takes me to another place and lets my mind travel. Alas, my imagination doesn’t burn off the calories and wandering through cyberspace does not count as exercise. In January, I knew I had to fight the constant fatigue caused by a sedentary lifestyle and word workouts. As a writer my income does not furnish me the opportunity to pay £700 in gym fees, so I used my imagination to build a fitness regime. Back in cyberspace, I found new trainers and decided to rediscover the power of walking.
At first, I completed half a mile each day and thought it better than no exercise. On my travels, I found concealed lanes and grabbed snippets of people’s lives along with stray sentences from conversations. I soon became hooked on the daily escape from my desk and decided to switch off my phone. Each day the hills became easier and easier until I broke out into a consistent fast pace – almost jogging. Within a month, I travelled to supermarket on shanks’s pony rather than firing up the car. I also let my mind do some walking when I pound the pavement. It is a two mile round trip. My rucksack replaced my handbag as is a brilliant way to carry the shopping and enhance the benefits of the walk. On opening my front door, a flood of words arrived without any effort. Better to let the words walk out of the mind rather than squeezing them out when sitting stationary at the laptop.
Within two months, the exercise boosted my energy and inspired me consider other changes to my lifestyle. The easy change was to reduce the portion sizes of my food. I love food and have no idea how these portions have crept up. I blame my husband’s wonderful cooking. I also abandoned my trusty builder’s tea for a selection of green teas as they aid digestion. I learned that green tea is loaded with antioxidants so thought I’d give it a try. Believe me it was difficult to give up my mug of dark brown Yorkshire tea, but as my habits changed, I became accustomed to it. Now I can’t face the many cups of brown tea and prefer the light refreshing tea; sometimes I rehydrate with a cup of warm water. Though I admit I do still drink my filter coffee as I can’t resist the aroma and taste. Habit had turned me into a serial tea drinker.
Cheers to your health and a creative approach to staying healthy and happy.
Over time I also noticed my stomach was swollen and uncomfortable. Having taken antibiotics, I researched the dangers and noted they can upset the gut flora. I realised that sauerkraut could make a difference. The bought sauerkraut is pasteurised, so I had to make my own. It did improve my digestion and I love it. Little did I know there is a whole trend in the consumption of fermented food. I highly recommend the homemade sauerkraut but be warned that you need to buy a fermentation jar with an air release valve. It is also essential to use salt without an anti-caking agent – it must be pure salt.
Researching healthy foods, I also stumbled on Greek yogurt which is a probiotic with many benefits. I have switched my plain yogurt for this delicious alternative. I eat the yogurt with chopped walnuts. The nuts have vitamins and minerals we require for a balanced diet. I love the texture of the Greek yogurt and like to pretend it is ice-cream. Sometimes I add a little Manuka honey to the combination. Pure luxury!
I love a happy ending! These simple changes have made a huge difference. I have a spring in my step again and am full of energy again. However, I must admit that I do allow myself treats and still can’t resist an afternoon tea: it’s about achieving a balance.
However, I must admit that I do allow myself treats and still can’t resist an afternoon tea: it’s about achieving a balance.
The journey to better health has been painless and I wanted to share them with you. Cheers to your health and a creative approach to staying healthy and happy.
If you have any health and wellbeing tips then please pass them on by leaving a comment. I am also happy to answer any questions.
The Sunshine Blogger Award empowers bloggers to celebrate other bloggers who are creative and bring positivity to the blogging community.
A nomination from Patricia Furstenberg for the Sunshine Blogger Award greeted me on a drizzly day in Wales. Patricia is a talented author and blogger and her kindness shines.
The Sunshine Blogger Award empowers bloggers to celebrate other bloggers who are creative and bring positivity to the blogging community.
Having blogged for three years in March, I am thrilled to receive this accolade and my first award. I never dreamed my blog would lead me to a global community of sunshine people. Connecting with people via my blog has gifted me with some lifelong friends and gives me such a warm feeling.
Here are the 11 questions set by Patricia for her nominees, with my answers:
Share one thing about yourself that would surprise your followers. I have a terrible fear of heights and once tried to get off a ski lift when it was ascending. I soon came to my senses when I saw how small the pine trees appeared from the lift.
Which do you prefer, mountain or sea?
The sea, the sea! I always visit the sea when I need inspiration. I like to let my mind wonder out to the horizon. I love to sit in a pier coffee shop when the weather is stormy.
The sea, the sea! I always visit the sea when I need inspiration.
What is the highest / furthest point you travelled to?
I have managed to walk up Pen y Fan one step at a time. We travelled to Singapore to stay with friends. What an experience! Singapore is so clean and never stops. The food markets were vibrant. I would like to return and then travel on to Australia.
You stand on a 1m high brick wall. Would you jump off or climb slowly?
I was once chased by a bull, made the leap of faith from a high wall and was absolutely fine. I may try it again!
If you would only start your writing career now, where would you begin?
I would begin by writing career by making an application to join the RNA News Writers’ Scheme. The support from the scheme is wonderful for a new writer.
Which animals you feel it represents you best?
I am like a loyal dog who values friendship and kindness, but sometimes I like to be let off the lead to roam free and explore new territory. And at other times I like to crash out in front of the fire and sleep.
Are you an early riser or night owl?
I do get up early but tend to have my writing inspiration in the evening, and I am certainly more creative when I have had lots of sleep.
Was writing your first choice as a career? If not, what was it?
Writing was always my dream, but I pursued a career in education. I thoroughly enjoyed making a difference to children’s lives and inspiring their creativity. I am blessed to have the opportunity to pursue my own creativity these days.
What is your comfort food?
Yorkshire puddings are my comfort food and the best ones taste like sunshine to me. The taste and smell takes me back to the lazy Sundays of my childhood.
Best way to relax and recharge?
I walk daily. Walking untangles any plot niggles, let’s me spend time with my characters and energises me.
What is your favourite word?
At this time of year my favourite word is hygge. The quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being is evoked in one simple word – hygge. Though I am not sure I say this word correctly.
I also discovered this lovely quotation from The Book of Hygge.
“Just living isn’t enough,” said the butterfly, “one must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower.” -Hans Christian Anderson”
― Louisa Thomsen Brits, The Book of Hygge: The Danish Art of Living Well
Congratulations to the shiny sunshine people I have nominated
Blogging takes me to a happy place, and I love it when people join me. Thus, it is fitting to acknowledge some sunshine friends by nominating them for the Sunshine Blogger Award.
Congratulations to the shiny sunshine people I have nominated. I want you receive recognition for reaching out with your creativity and kindness. I appreciate you may not have time to respond with a blog so do not feel under pressure. I am happy for you to simply enjoy the glory and celebrate with coffee and cake.
If you choose to accept the Sunshine Blogger Award nomination, there are a few rules:
Thank the blogger(s) who nominated you and link back to their blog.
Answer the 11 questions the blogger asked you.
List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award in your blog post.
Nominate 11 new bloggers & their blogs. Do leave a comment on their blog to let them know they received the award and ask your nominees 11 new questions.
Here are 11 questions for my nominees:
Which three photographs would you present to capture your life? Feel free to include these in this post if you can.
I believe laughter is one of the best tonics in life. When was the last time you could not stop laughing?
Explain the last act of kindness you showed to a friend or stranger.
Do you prefer the winter sun or the summer sun? Explain your response.
Describe your perfect Saturday evening.
What sorts of characters do you prefer to meet in novels?
Give one sentence of advice to yourself when you were sixteen.
Is there a friend from the past you would love to get in touch with and why?
What is your food heaven and food hell?
Share your favourite recipe.
If you could travel back in time where would you visit and who would you take with you?
Wishing you all a wonderful Twixtmas. My late gift to you is a little Christmas quiz, so grab a drink and a mince pie and see how well you do. The final five questions involve guessing the answer to Christmas cracker jokes I collected on Christmas Day. Good luck!
Grab a mince pie and a drink and let’s get quizzing.
How many ghosts turn up in A Christmas Carol?
The movie Miracle on 34th Street is based on a real-life department store. What is it?
What words follow “Silent Night” in the song?
Which Hollywood actor played six different roles in The Polar Express?
Which Christmas song contains the lyric “Everyone dancing merrily in the new old-fashioned way?”
Which one of Santa’s reindeer has the same name as another holiday mascot?
Which country started the tradition of putting up a Christmas tree?
According to the song, what did my true love give to me on the eighth day of Christmas?
Which country has been donating Trafalgar Square’s Christmas tree to London every year since 1947?
What gift did Harry Potter receive from the Dursleys during his first Christmas at Hogwarts?
In the 2008 Gavin & Stacey Christmas special what gifts does Nessa give to everyone?
Question: Who was killed off in 2012’s Downton Abbey‘s Christmas special cliffhanger?
Which British monarch is thought to be the first to enjoy turkey on Christmas Day?
In what year was the first Christmas card sent?
If you were born on Christmas Day, what star sign would you be?
Who originally sang Santa Baby?
In which country do folk give books as gifts on Christmas Eve?
How many people watched the Queen’s Speech on Christmas Day?
Christmas cracker joke challenge.
Cracker jokes!
What happened to the person who stole the advent calendar?
Where do snowmen go to dance?
Who is Santa’s favourite singer?
What do you get when you cross a snowman and a vampire?
Why can’t Christmas trees knit?
Raising a glass to you all to wish you health and happiness for 2022.
Which country started the tradition of putting up a Christmas tree?
Answers
1. Four, 2. Macy’s, 3. Holy night, 4. Tom Hanks, 5. “Rocking Around The Christmas Tree”, 6. Cupid, 7. Germany, 8. Eight maids a milking, 9. Norway, 10, Fifty pence, 11. One chocolate each from a box of celebrations, 12. Dan Stevens’ Matthew Crawley, 13. Henry V111, 14.1843, 15. Capricorn, 16. Eartha Kitt, 17. Iceland, 18. Tom Smith, 19. Boxing Day was a traditional day off for servants in which they received a ‘Christmas Box’ from their master. 20. 7.4 million viewers, 21. He got 25 days, 22. Snowball, 23. Elf-is Presley, 24. Frostbite, 25. Because they always drop their needles!
The gentle sun glowed on the Spanish Steps and caressed the nude tones of the buildings huddled together.
The gentle sun glowed on the Spanish Steps and caressed the nude tones of the buildings huddled together. I paused. The silhouettes shuffled in the streets below. Ancient bells chimed and clattered in a duel with electronic beeps.
I rested on the steps and shared the moment with the strangers.
I rested on the steps and shared the moment with the strangers. Removing my sunhat, I retrieved my notebook from my rucksack. The shining steps bathed in orange light tempted me to rest my legs.
‘Madam stand up please,’ demanded a woman dressed in a yellow jacket.
Words had dissolved into the shadows so I stood up to snap some photographs and hoped the light wouldn’t hide from the frames. Part of the crowd, I waited for a space to capture impressions of the moment.
‘So sorry,’ I apologised when I nudged a couple of British women with my rucksack.
The women turned their back on me, closed the gap for my camera and removed phones from their pockets. ‘For goodness sake, why does everyone try to steal our view?’
Ancient bells chimed and clattered in a duel with electronic beeps.
I grabbed their words before re-joining the scene. And then a siren clawed at noise of lives tuning up for play.
Whispers fluttered playfully amongst the languages flowing down the steps towards the fountain. A moped grumbled. Previously, I complained about the incessant noise of Rome but here it softened into a symphony. Words now loitered on the shining cobblestones, so I picked them up with my pen. I synchronised with the heartbeat of Rome and connected with the romance of the city.
A tunnel of perfume and the clomp of footsteps announced a woman with brownish orange hair coiffured tightly to her head like a helmet. The shadow of her late husband followed her. Lovers sighed. There were touches, glances and giggles. No one bought thorny red roses from the men trying to sell romance.
Ancient bells chimed and clattered in a duel with electronic beeps.
An arm moved around me. ‘When we came here twenty years ago, you raced me to the top of the steps,’ said my husband, now tired of waiting for me to make notes.
We joined the silhouettes in the streets and searched for a restaurant.
Mud, glorious mud splashed beneath our feet at Highgrove Gardens, and umbrellas attempted to dance out of our hands. A breeze teased the plants and flowers until they bowed, and heavy rain crowned the plants with the colour.
Anticipating the tour of Highgrove Gardens
A bouquet of garden rooms offered a parade of flora, fauna and other objects d’art to nourish the imagination. Because phones and cameras are not permitted, we viewed the world through our senses rather than a lens. With Mother Nature as our guide, we were transported into an impressionist painting. Plants and gateways framed views and invited our thoughts to wander freely. Artfully decorated with climbing plants, even the house was in harmony with its surrounding and the windows peered out to the vistas.
Once upon a ‘thyme’ we visited Highgrove Gardens and we will treasure our memories.
Thyme Walk left an imprint of my senses, with the twenty varieties of herbs and topiarised yews. As I write this, I can see the thyme at the side of my garden. I will encourage the herb to become a constant companion of the roses planted over sixty years ago by the previous owner. The pathway covered with moss invited my imagination to meander. Maybe I should let the moss carpet the ugly pathway in my garden, so it blends into the lawn.
Highgrove Gardens are constantly evolving because nature presents new challenges each year. Prince Charles also collects ideas and inspiration on his travels, and I imagine he scribbles his thoughts in a notebook and sketches his ideas. Without a notebook in my bag, I scribed my reflections on a napkin while I drank tea after the tour. It was wonderful to sit and discuss the garden with my husband; we gathered different impressions of the two hour stroll.
Before we departed from Highgrove, we bought wine and a decorative tortoise for my garden wall.
Without any photographic evidence of the visit, we will have to rely on our memories and show the influences of the Prince’s pallet in our garden. Before we departed from Highgrove, we bought wine and a decorative tortoise for my garden wall. The tortoise, now named Charlie, is a reminder that I should slow down, watch the seasons and not be too hasty to control the environment with chemicals. I will let Mother Nature work her magic, and this is the best gift I received from the garden.
What a joy to capture my experience with words rather than with the camera. I departed with memories, conversation and questions for gardeners.
How does your garden grow? Do you battle with Mother Nature or adapt your garden according to the challenges you face each year? What inspires you to shape your garden?
I’ve become so familiar with the seafront in Penarth that I’ve never ventured from the main path. Contented with the changes in the light, I found comfort in the same view. On Boxing Day, crowds of people in Penarth forced me to walk a new path above the seafront.
An unfamiliar perspective of Penarth pier that allows me to look at the bigger picture
As I looked down on a familiar view from a new perspective, I released some of the characters in my work in progress. Maybe these characters will remain forever lost or appear in another story. Who knows? I’ve worked in my tiny writing room, with my cast of characters, for many months. In the new year, I will print out my work in progress, read it aloud and look at it from a fresh perspective.
I realised that I needed to release some of the characters
It’s certain I will remain with Pearl and Jim who will also need to digress from their familiar paths. Alas, they can’t text each other, connect via social media or email each other. When the characters are a distance apart, they must physically travel to meet up or write a proper letter. They can’t even use a landline as they don’t have telephones.
As the sun sets on another year, I wish you and my characters some happy and new destinations.
Attitudes and beliefs in this era continue to shock me. My twenty first century perspective means I can support my characters a little yet cannot control their anxiety. The girls in the factory are currently on strike and they can’t google the legislation to find out more. It would’ve helped if they could connect with the Dagenham strikers in a Facebook Group, but social media is decades away. Of course, they’ve seen the headlines and the world seems to have gone on strike. And I’m in despair because some of the women have been tempted to parade in a fashion show of clothes for the bosses. In future, they will learn about the Miss World protests. I know these destinations are ahead of them but how can I navigate them and force them to take new paths?
Like me the characters are facing January, but the January of 1970 was a harsh one. I have twenty ideas for the title of my next novel and all suggestions include the word ‘love’. Love will guide my characters. In the words of Dylan Thomas. ‘Though lovers be lost, love shall not…’
As the sun sets on another year, I wish you and my characters some happy and new destinations.
I am sending you all a big wave, a smile and hope you’ll grab yourself a coffee and send me a message.
Step inside my virtual front door to celebrate kindness, pop in for a virtual chat and see if you want to accept a doorstep challenge.
Chatting with friends and family on the phone and via social media made me realise how much we value the freedom to interact with each other and strangers. Everyone said they missed daily interaction when out shopping, and even commented on how they loved to chat at the bus stop. To bridge the ugly social distancing gap, I have telephoned people so they can displace anxiety then embark on a happy chat. Others commented on the fact they were going for walks in the countryside, but people were walking metres away from them and it made them feel as if they didn’t exist. Today, I shouted greetings at other people on their walks and loved the smiles beaming at me.
Let’s open a virtual door to celebrate the kindness of neighbours.
As the books in handbag lady, I considered how books have always been my companion and a welcome escape. I will place books in bags and take them to neighbours who want a collection of good reads to help them escape. A friend here in Cardiff has decided she will bake Welsh cakes, wrap them up beautifully and leave them on neighbour’s doorsteps. Obviously, we will telephone them to see if people want the gifts first.
A bag of books ready for delivery
Other friends are pooling their resources and swap goodies rather than fighting for goods in the supermarkets. Again, we place them on the doorstep. It makes sense and does encourage us to dig deep into the cupboards for those unwanted items. I have found home for all those cosmetic gifts sets I have been storing for years. It’s like Swap Shop all over again, and now I am showing my age. Nod now if you remember that Saturday morning show from the eighties.
Kindness is free so let’s share it. I have left a recipe for you on my virtual doorstep.
Could you call on someone who is self-isolating and leave them a bag of goodies on their doorstep? The challenge is you can’t buy anything new and must create something from whatever you can spare in your home? Sharing really is caring.
Wishing you all good health! You are always welcome to visit my blog and leave a comment, or you can find me on Facebook and Twitter. I make of point of responding to comments, so there is no need to be alone. I am sending you all a big wave, a smile and hope you’ll grab yourself a coffee and send me a message. Stay safe, everyone and we’ll get by with a little help from our friends!
The ritual of making tea always punctuates the flow of my day. I meander to the kitchen between words. Making the tea helps my thoughts to flood out. Builder’s tea is my preference, but a friend challenged me to try something more refined. Thus, we went to Bath in search of tea and Jane Austen.
Bath Market has a wonderful array of teas. The selections are stored in jars like a sweetshop, but woe betide you if you venture to pick up the jars. The assistant will guide you through the tea sniffing journey.
Selections are stored in jars like a sweetshop
I noted the different textures of the tea leaves: some leaves are larger and crisp while others are smaller and smoother. It was all rather overwhelming to learn selecting tea can be an art form.
I was forced to make my selection on the scent rather than the taste. I pontificated for some time. It had to be Lapsang Souchong, because I liked the sound of the words. It is a black tea, and the aroma of the tea leaves is beautifully smoky. The assistant said, ‘It is packed full of antioxidants and supports well-being.’ The tea sounded like a medicine delivered by a therapist. Apparently, ‘ this tea strengthens the immune system, prevents cardiovascular diseases and fights inflammation.’ Moreover, the Lapsan Souchong can assist with a hangover. What more could one ask for?
Which tea would you choose?
My selection was carefully wrapped in a parcel, labelled and presented to me. I couldn’t wait to try the tea at home. Initially, the tea was smoky with a hint of disinfectant. However, as the tea reached room temperature, the taste was pleasantly smoky and quite soothing. As I drank the tea, I decided to write this blog post.
According to Lin Yutang, ‘There’s something in the nature of tea that leads us into a world of quiet contemplation of life.’ And this seemed to work for me after the taste of the disinfectant had subsided.
I did meet with Jane Austen on another trip to Bath. On this occasion, I heard whispers as I strolled past the Royal Bath Crescent. A woman’s voice confided:
‘But indeed, I would rather have nothing but tea.’ Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
I prefer builder’s tea
Perhaps, the esteemed Miss Austen visited one of the grand houses to take tea with the lady of the house. However, I suspect tea making was also a glorious, thought-provoking ritual for Jane Austen.
Let me know what you think of speciality teas. Do you prefer a robust builder’s tea or a speciality tea? Is coffee the only fuel for your words?
As a Valentine’s Day gift, my husband planned a winter holiday to Cornwall. Severe weather warnings via every form of communication heralded the beginning of our adventure.
On the first day, we went to look at St Michael’s Mount, but it was closed. No worries, I wanted to visit the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, as I adore The Hepworth in Wakefield – well she was a Yorkshire lass. Alas, you guessed it, the museum was closed. Off next to Trengwainton Gardens but it was closed until Sunday. The bitter cold drove us back to the log cabin for the evening.
Glorious cliffs sculpted by time and nature: Land’s End
No one can close Land’s End, so we travelled to the famous landmark and planned to grab lunch there. Land’s End is accessed through an entrance you would find at a theme park – so it could be closed. We walked past the souvenir shops before we reached Land’s End. Glorious cliffs chiselled by the elements and reminiscent of Hepworth’s sculptures greeted us. Lunch in The First and Last Inn was not possible as it was closed. I wore two coats, two hats and a hood teamed with my waterproof trousers to keep out the arctic temperatures.
Mousehole is the ‘loveliest village in England’ according to DylanThomas.
Amused by the name ‘Mousehole’, we called at the village for a very late lunch. Quaint stone houses welcomed us in the sheltered harbour. We ate cheese sandwiches in a friendly coffee shop tucked away at the end of the village. Apparently, Dylan Thomas described Mousehole as ‘the loveliest village in England. And, there was an ice cream parlour called Jessie’s, so we ordered vanilla ice cream.
We stood in the amongst the silhouettes of people found in a Lowry painting.
Rejuvenated by our rest in Mousehole, we braved the cold to visit beaches. Golden white sand marked with endless footsteps greeted us at Sennen Cove. We rambled along the beach. Light showcased the beach in all its glory, and we stood in the amongst the silhouettes of people who had escaped from a Lowry painting. The next day we hiked around the coast in St Ives and marvelled at the magical beauty of the golden light. Sadly, our camera could not capture the texture of an artist’s brush.
We marvelled at the magical beauty of the light in St Ives
Winter is the best time to view the beaches of Cornwall. Forget the art galleries and tourist traps and enjoy nature’s treasures. Step onto the beaches and walk inside a painting to enjoy nature’s pallet. Snow fell as we drove home. Thankfully, the Severn Bridge remained open until we got home. Visiting Cornwall in winter felt like having the world to ourselves – an idyllic romantic winter paradise. Shh, don’t tell anyone…
The accidental viticulturists: Judith and Colin Dudley at Parva Farm Vineyard
People who follow their dreams make my heart sing: people who find their dreams accidentally make my heart sing and dance.
On moving in to Parva Farm, Judith and Colin discovered vines on the neglected, bracken infested land. The vines planted in 1979 survived, so they decided to cultivate them, without any prior knowledge of viticulture. The first yield, in 1998, produced fifty six bottles, then in 2006 they went on to produce eleven thousand bottles. We have marvelled as an abandoned vineyard has been brought to life to produce award winning wines.
They adapted their farmhouse to include a shop and wine tasting room.
Colin and Judith grow a variety of grapes including: Bacchus, Seyval Blanc, Muller Thurgan, Pinot Noir and Regent. They adapted their farmhouse to include a shop and wine tasting room. Tours of the vineyard, with excellent views of the abbey, are available for the more adventurous. There is always a warm welcome! We have visited Parva Farm Vineyard for two decades because we like to hear about the latest developments in their narrative. Their achievements seem like a dream, but behind the scenes, I am sure there is a great many ups and downs. Judith and Colin’s story has attracted visits from Countryfile and the Hairy Bikers. This delightful, industrious couple battled on quietly to become the first vineyard in the area. The vineyard, on the hillside, can be seen for miles and is testimony to their determination.
We have marvelled as an abandoned vineyard has been brought to life to produce award winning wines.
Nowadays, Judith and Colin tend the vines and keep sheep on their land – they have exceeded their dreams. These accidental viticulturists have become experts at nurturing the vines, but they accept that some years one will have bad years: they cannot control the Welsh weather
Authors can take inspiration from vine growers. The story is nurtured, pruned and cultivated.
Award winning sparkling wines at Parva Farm Vineyard
Sometimes the narrative flourishes like the healthy vine, but on other days there are too many off shoots to the narrative. On other occasions there is a drought of ideas. It is essential to keep working and chasing the dream, as there may be a dream waiting around the corner.
If one is struggling, then you could take a break and visit some people who can infect you with their enthusiasm. As a reward for your labour, you could reach for a bottle of the Regent wine. It tastes of cherry pie and vanilla and will warm your heart.
I confess, a visit to Tintern and the vineyards did contribute to the inspiration of my fictional Welsh village of Delfryn
I confess, a visit to Tintern and the vineyards did contribute to the inspiration of my fictional Welsh village of Delfryn. In my novel You Can’t Go It Alone, Olivia and Marcus walk to a vineyard and taste some wine.
‘As Olivia and Marcus trekked along the river, they searched for a sight of the vineyard. Sunlight danced on the river and caressed the trees. Signs of moss and water damage clung to the row of houses on the opposite side of the road. The spring sun glowed on Olivia’s skin, as she stopped to glance towards the proud Delfryn Abbey. Olivia turned around to point out the vineyard on the hill. Neat rows of naked vines yearned for the heat of the summer sun. The steep hill leading up to the vineyard distracted from her favourite view of the village. Buoyed by the promise of wine tasting, Marcus rushed ahead while Olivia struggled to breathe. The gravel crunched as an old pickup truck climbed up the hill in front of them; a cloud of dust made Olivia cough until she almost fell over.’
The young Marcus, in my novel tastes the wine and his observations remind me of the Tintern wine.
As a reward for your labour, you could reach for a bottle of the Regent wine. It tastes of cherry pie and vanilla and will warm your heart.
‘The Seyval Blanc is citrusy, light and refreshing. I prefer the Pinot Noir and the flavours of red berries. Oh, and the hint of vanilla.’
Cheers, Judith and Colin and thank you for the inspiration!
I urge you to visit Parva Farm to sample Welsh wines, sparkling wines and cider – you won’t be disappointed.
Meet Bruce and Rebecca and let them welcome you to Elsworth kitchen.
Though I’m a Yorkshire lass, it never ceases to amaze me how friendly the folk are and how natural it is to have a good old natter with strangers. When I met Rebecca, one of the proprietors of Elsworth Kitchen, it was like stepping into a friend’s new home. She gestured for us to grab a seat in the café and was very patient when we wandered around the place searching for the best spot.
Cosy interior of Elsworth Kitchen upstairs (photo from Elsworth Kitchen FB page)
In truth, there wasn’t a ‘best spot’ to grab as the entire café restaurant is well designed and every nook and cranny is welcoming. I wasn’t surprised to discover Rebecca has a degree in Art and Design. I couldn’t resist sitting in the Naughty Corner and loved the way Rebecca engages in her design as a talking point. On this occasion we were only ordering hot drinks. I suffer from allergies and sometimes it is simply too much hassle to eat out. However, I am delighted to report that Rebecca was keen to make provisions for dietary requirement in a friendly manner that did not make me feel like a foodie allergy freak. Nothing was too much trouble!
Rebecca’s husband, Bruce, is the chef and has wealth of experience, including working with working under acclaimed Michelin-star chef Nigel Haworth. Indeed, Bruce came out of the kitchen to explain that the menu is constantly evolving, and he shapes the menu according to feedback. Rebecca and Bruce’s approach appears to be a dynamic approach to dining where they will not churn out the same menu each year. I think I have just discovered the latest trend in dining and it’s about time. At Elsworth Kitchen, food and folk matter, and you’re invited to have a good natter with friends, family and the Elsworth team.
The kitchen at work
Thursday lunchtime was buzzing and was filled with the sound of happy customers savouring the food. Is there a better accolade than the chorus of ‘mmm’ as people tuck into their great grub? And I have to say it was also wonderful to watch the chefs in action. Some of them listened into the conversation and one chef came to engage in discussion. For me, the philosophy was ‘we care about you and we can tempt you with food’.
The lunch menu is well considered and not over brimming with too many choices: always a good sign. Seasonality sings throughout the menu. But what impressed me is that there was a confident and relaxed approach to the food and flavours in the language of the menu.
This dessert is calling me back to Skipton.
I will revisit Elsworth Kitchen because I know it is real food, served by real folk with a real attention to detail and hospitality. I am not surprised that they have received two awards in less than a year. Wishing Rebecca and Bruce the very best of luck. It certainly receives a Books in Handbag Award for hospitality, and I can’t wait to return.
What do you want for breakfast? I’ll have everything on the menu.
In the meantime, I could not resist finding out more about Rebecca and Bruce’s story. After their lunchtime service, they took the time to have a good old chinwag. As a writer of romance fiction, I was bursting to ask my first question.
Jessie: Where did you meet and was it love across a crowded kitchen?
Rebecca and Bruce: We are both from Skipton, so we have known each other a long time. Owing to our dedication to running different restaurants, our paths didn’t really cross until much later in a local pub. Having similar interests, especially both being big foodies, we would spend our time exploring different European cities and their culinary specialities.
Jessie: Great to hear that food brought you together. This means that Elsworth Kitchen was meant to be, so what should customers expect to find at Elsworth Kitchen?
Rebecca and Bruce: A warm Yorkshire welcome is the first thing that will greet you at Elsworth Kitchen. We offer casual dining in a relaxed environment. In terms of the décor, we spent days trawling through auctions, fairs and reclaim yards to find unique pieces for the restaurant. We have also designed the layout so the kitchen area is open enabling guests to see the team at work. Plus, as we are new parents ourselves, so we have made a special effort to make children feel welcome; there is even a mini kitchen to keep the budding mini chefs busy.
At this stage they politely broke off to greet guests and ensure they had a hearty welcome. And then Rebecca helped some parents with pushchairs find a suitable place. I was impressed.
Jessie: You have been open one year and I see you already have two awards. Share one review that made your heart sing.
Joy as Bruce and Rebecca and their team receive an award. In the first year of business, Elsworth Kitchen received the Yorkshire Evening Post Oliver Award and the Skipton Business Award 2019.
Rebecca: Bruce’s cooking style is local, seasonal, hearty and full of taste. I know it’s great food and we have a loyal customer base. Though it’s always wonderful to receive independent feedback. A review that stands out is:
‘Now I’m a real foodie and I love to be wooed by food!! And this place it’s a food lovers heaven!! My friend and I came after having heard great reviews in just the short time it’d being open. The reviews met the expectations and it’s now a firm favourite of mine and a great addition to Skipton’
Jessie: Wow! That is praise indeed and I imagine this restaurant will become an institution in the town. Having a new family and new restaurant must be exhausting for you both. What do you cook at home?
Rebecca: A good old Chicken Dinner with, of course, Yorkshire pudding
Jessie: If invited, what would you cook on Saturday Kitchen?
Bruce: Our signature black pudding dish, the black pudding is made in the traditional farmhouse way and I serve it with homemade smoked beans, slowly cooked ham hock, poached free range egg and finished with our bourbon glace.
Jessie: Who would be your dream dinner guests?
Rebecca and Bruce: Marco Pierre White and Tommy Cooper, now wouldn’t that be a fun night.
Which restaurant do you dream of visiting one day and why?
Bruce: It would have to the famous restaurant Jules Verre, which happens to be in Paris and located halfway up the Eiffel Tower. Say no more!!
Who is your favourite author?
Rebecca: We collect many cook books, old and new, from Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly by Anthony Bourdain to Nose to Tail Eating: A Kind of British Cooking by Fergus Henderson.
If you are in Yorkshire, then I recommend you visit Elsworth Kitchen. Rebecca and Bruce explained, ‘We are an independent restaurant situated in the beautiful canal quarter of Skipton.’ You will receive a hearty welcome and great food. Take a peek at the website for more photographs of the stunning food.
For me, the thrill of chasing ideas is the most exciting element of the writing process.
Words can take us to any place and any time. I was delighted to discover words I wrote in my notebook during a summer holiday in Devon. My thoughts were scattered on the page, so I picked them up, revisited my photo album and returned to a time when I suffered a creative drought.
Words let us travel to any place, any time and any season.
The heat stifled ideas and frazzled my creativity. I complained the holiday cottage was too dark for me to write. After a few days, I worried my ideas had taken leave. I blamed the environment because small windows trapped the darkness in the room, and I seemed to have reached a dead end with the story.
I found the ideal house for an author.
Entering A la Ronde, created by Jane and Mary Parminter, confirmed that the correct environment is essential. My creativity opened again as soon as I wandered around the eighteenth century house. I found the ideal house for an author. Imagine a sixteen-sided house that allows you to follow the light around the house. Perfect!
In this house, I would be able to chase my ideas around and around in circles until I found the correct room to write. Ideas travel around like the wheels of a windmill until I get them on paper and stop them circling. Sometimes, I release ideas too early and they must be abandoned. For me, the thrill of chasing ideas is the most exciting element of the writing process.
There is a beauty in the towering mills of the town, and I am ‘chuffed t’bits’ Yorkshire is still welcoming newcomers that will enrich the town’s future.
There’s ‘nowt’ like going home to Yorkshire. Because I haven’t lived in Yorkshire for over twenty years, I love to identify what is the same and how it is changing. However, I can always rely on the warmth of the people and a hearty welcome.
The signature Yorkshire warmth was commented on in a programme of Hairy Bikers recently when Si and Dave visited Yorkshire Dama Cheese shop in Sowerby Bridge. Razan Alsous, a pharmacist, came to the UK from Syria with her husband and family and set up the cheese factory where she makes Haloumi cheese and other products. Razan explained how welcome she and her family had been made to feel in Yorkshire. After hearing Razan’s story, we stopped off the visit the shop. We were greeted by a very enthusiastic employee who loved the products and convinced us to buy a selection of cheeses.
The squeaky cheese selection
On returning home to Cardiff, we sampled the halloumi cheese which is labelled a squeaky cheese. Little did we know that a taste sensation awaited us. We fried the cheese in a drizzle of olive oil, sprinkled the cheese with smoked paprika and served on some banana bread I made earlier in the day. The combination of sweet and savoury really worked, and the cheese did squeak. Perfect comfort food! We also bough ricotta and have frozen it so we can use it during the festive season.
The combination of sweet and savoury really worked, and the cheese did squeak.
The shop is tucked away in the mill town of Sowerby Bridge. There is a beauty in the towering mills of the town, and I am ‘chuffed t’bits’ Yorkshire is still welcoming folk that will enrich the town’s future.
My version of Sue’s banana bread is delicious.
Recipe for banana bread provided by author Sue Bentley
It’s super easy.
Here goes.
Mash five very ripe bananas then add one beaten egg and I teasp. Vanilla.
In another bowl combine one and a half cups of any plain flour, 1 teasp. Bicarbonate of Soda, half a teasp. Cinnamon, Half a cup of chopped walnuts, dash of salt.
Mix dry ingredients into banana mixture. Stir to combine don’t over mix.
Pour into lined loaf tin.
Bake for 40 to 60 mins on Gas mark 4.
Let cool and enjoy! When using cups as a measure just choose a medium sized one and use the same cup to measure everything.
