My Life is Worth Living by Carol M. Creasey

This often heartbreaking account by Carol, whose son, Paul, was born with disabilities including autism, is told with the honesty and sincerity necessary to portray the conflicting emotions faced by any family, and particularly a mother, in such circumstances. The feelings of guilt and failure, envy of other mothers with ‘normal’ children, and feelings of bitterness and inadequacy have to be resolved to enjoy a happy family life.

When multiple handicaps gradually begin to manifest themselves in Paul, Carol learns to deal with each predicament, painful though it may be, discovering that a sense of humour is essential as handicapped children react very differently to others in everyday situations.

Strong emotions are shown within her family. Their love in these circumstances ties the bonds between children, and mother and child, tighter than normal. There is the loyalty, the fierce feelings of protectiveness that a vulnerable person can elicit from those closest to them. There is also the feeling of fear – fear for Paul every time he is ill, fear that he might not survive all his illnesses. And when it becomes impossible to cope with the traumas of the situation there are feelings of defeat, guilt and even more heartbreak.

But right at the end of the tunnel comes the light. The bravery and courage of Paul to fight all illnesses and adversities and go on living in spite of all his handicaps, becoming a happy young man enjoying life at his own pace, make everything else seem to pale into insignificance. If he could speak, he would surely say, “My life is worth living!”

Hardback, 170pp. ISBN: 9781852000516

Price: £13.95.

www.unitedwriters.co.uk

Email: sales@unitedwriters.co.uk

About the Author:

Kent born author Carol M. Creasey wrote her first book about her autistic son entitled My Life is Worth Living! With four children to cope with, the book brilliantly reflects her struggles balancing a full family life and still giving her son the extra care he needed.

As well as looking after her family, she has had a career as a manager in various china and glass merchandising establishments and also owned her own shop. Writing has always remained an important part of Carol’s life, with many novels already published, but the story of Laura and her autistic son Matthew in The Power of Love has a particular resonance given Carol’s experiences with her own son.

Other titles by Carol M. Creasey:

The Power of Love
Not Just an Affair
Evil Woman

Save

Save

Save

Brandy Tea Loaf Recipe

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barmbrack is a traditional Irish fruitcake which is also known as Irish Tea Cake if you add whisky to the tea mix. This recipe makes a really beautiful moist fruit loaf which is packed with flavour from the mixed spice and dried fruit, which sits overnight in cold tea and brandy (as I prefer) to soak up all the goodness. You can drop the whisky or brandy if you wish but I think it adds another flavour kick…

Ingredients:

Makes 1 x 900g loaf (serves 8)

225g Plain Flour

2 tsp Baking Powder

375g packet of fruit mix

250ml cold tea (strained)

50ml Whisky/Brandy

125g light brown sugar

l large egg

1-2 tsp Mixed Spice

 

Method:

Place the fruit mix in a bowl and pour over the whisky/brandy and cold strained tea. Allow to soak up the liquid overnight.

Preheat the oven to 170°C/327°/Gas Mark 3 and grease and line a 900g loaf tin. Combine the flour, baking powder, sugar and mixed spice in a mixing bowl.

Make a well and break in the egg(s), using a wooden spoon, mix the egg(s) with the dry ingredients. Add a little bit of the liquid the fruit mix is sitting in and mix it through. You may not need all the liquid. You are looking for a wet dough. Then stir through the fruit mix until everything is thoroughly combined.

Spoon the wet dough into the lined loaf tin(s) and place in the oven on the middle shelf and bake for 1 hour, or a little longer. Remove from the oven and test if cooked. No wet mix should show on the knife. Allow to cool slightly before removing the loaf from the tin and placing on wire rack.

Cover in cling wrap and tin foil when cool and preferably allow to sit for 1-2 days before cutting into it. Serve in slices spread with a little butter (if you like) and a good cuppa! This cake freezes well. I make them in batches of 3 and they are very popular. Sorry there’s only half a loaf in the picture – once tasted everyone comes back for more!

Save

Save

Save

How Would You Like To Write a Book?

It may sound daunting, but once you have completed this Amazon No.1 Best Selling Author System, presented and taught by a best selling author who knows what he is talking about and teaches you the exact steps, you will see that actually it’s very easy.

This is a step-by-step course made up of 6 parts, designed to take you through the process of writing a best-selling book, even with no prior experience. It teaches you everything you need to know in order to write your book, what does and doesn’t sell, bits to outsource such as cover design, how to publish and the most important step which is how to market and have customers crying out to buy it.

Self-Publishing is now a profitable reality and this course includes a detailed blueprint for publishing the book yourself. This means you don’t have to go through the struggle of finding a traditional publishing house if you don’t want to and it also means you get to keep 100% of the profits!

Ready to start your publishing journey? Then Click here to find out more.

The course content includes:

Course content includes:

  • Step-by-step instructions on how to write a best-selling book
  • The key stages you must follow when writing your own books
  • How to choose the right genre and topic for your book
  • How to determine whether your book will sell before you write it
  • What subjects and chapters to include in your book, and why
  • The step-by-step proven blueprint for self-publishing
  • How to make your book stand out from the crowd
  • A step-by-step book marketing campaign
  • How to set up your very own book publishing company
  • The proven strategy for getting any book into Waterstones
  • How to publish your book on Amazon Kindle
  • How to generate massive levels of traffic from Social Media for free
  • How to create fast and easy videos to promote your books
  • How to get lots of sales through LinkedIn for free
  • How to promote your book on FaceBook for pennies per click
  • How to use Youtube to promote your books
  • Pricing options for your books
  • The secrets of how you can get your book to become a No.1 best seller on Amazon

Ready to start your publishing journey? Then Click here to find out more.

Antonio’s Quick Paella

Ingredients

For 4 people:

½ Cup Olive Oil
2 Medium Onions – chopped
2 Red Pepper – sliced
3 Ripe Tomatoes – chopped
3 Cloves Garlic – chopped
300 grm. Squid – sliced
750 grm. Chicken pieces – chopped/sliced
750 grm. King Prawns
150 grm. Frozen Peas
2 ½ cups Uncle Ben’s Wholegrain Rice
5 ½ cups of stock, already bubbling hot
10 Strands of Saffron / Yellow food coloring, taste
150ml (1/4 pint) dry white wine
Salt to Taste

Method

STEP 1: Heat the oil in a large pan and place the chicken, tomatoes, onion, pepper, the squid and chopped garlic. Fry until the chicken is cooked and the vegetables are softened.

STEP 2: Add the chicken stock, rice, peas, King Prawns, white wine and saffron / coloring, salt to taste.

STEP 3: Cook for 15 – 20 minutes until most of the water has been absorbed and the rice cooked and tender. Turn off heat and rest for three more minutes before serving.

Good appetite!!

Save

Learn all your gardening tips from members of your local Gardening Club

You may know nothing about gardening, you may be fairly knowledgeable or you could be an expert, but whatever stage you’re at, you can always learn something new and the best place to start would be your local gardening club. They are also great places to make new friends with similar interests.

IMG_6459Throughout the UK most villages have a gardening club. They generally meet in the local village hall and usually have a variety of members who are willing to give anyone starting out the benefit of their knowledge. You may find that some of the members have an allotment and this maybe something you might consider yourself at some time, especially if you don’t have much space for a garden at home. Some clubs encourage their members to join in on local projects such as for their local school or village green.

Most gardening clubs have regular talks and discussions with guest speakers on many different garden related subjects as members are usually interested in many aspects of gardening whether it be growing plants, flowers or shrubs or planting a vegetable garden and producing your own fruit and veg. There’s usually the opportunity to join in on trips to gardens open to the public – both large and small local gardens as well as other famous gardens such as those operated by the National Trust.

Sometimes there is the opportunity to buy seeds or plants from your gardening club at very good prices as they can often buy in bulk and members receive the benefits.

IMG_1240Local club members are usually keen to show off their produce and many clubs arrange one or two produce shows each year with classes for everyone. These can be great social occasions as well as giving members a sense of pride.

Is there a local Gardening Club in your area?

Why not include the details on this page for others to see such as Name of Club, contact details and where meetings take place, dates and times. There’s no charge!

KENT

Biddenden Horticultural Society
Sec: Irene Orsborne. Email: Steve Orsborne steve-orsborne@supanet.com.
Chairman: David Stiles 01580 291350.
Treasurer: Leslie Lidgett 291931 Email:
Website: www.biddendenhorticulturalsociety.co.uk
Venue: Biddenden Village Hall. 4th Wednesday of the month. 7.15pm.

Tenterden & District Horticultural Society
Chairman: Jan Page Tel: 07752 914419
Vice Chairman: Sylvia Elsey Tel: 01580 763003
Secretary: Lindy Bates: e-mail alanandlindybates@yahoo.co.uk
Meetings: St Mildred’s Church Hall, Church Road, Tenterden

Horsham & District Horticultural Society
Membership Sec: Carolyn Smith Tel: 01403 261737
Website: http://www.horshamhorticulturalsociety.co.uk
Meetings held alternate Tuesdays starting at 7.30pm, at the Brighton Road Baptist Church, Brighton Road ,  Horsham, RH13 5BD.  The venue has disabled access

Lindfield Horticultural Society
Chairman: Chris Gurr. Email: cjgurr@aol.com
Membership Secretary: Joyce Gladwell
Treasurer: Michael Elliott.  Email: michaelelliott6@googlemail.com
Meetings held at King Edward Hall, Lindfield, (opposite the pond)

Shoreham Horticultural Society
Membership Sec: Ron Yetman – 01903 535991
Meetings held 1st Friday of each month (except January) at St Peter’s Church Hall, West Street, Shoreham, starting at 7:30pm. New members always welcome.

Bridport & District Gardening Club
Membership: Mrs W Thorogood – enquiries@bridportgardeningclub.co.uk
Meetings are in the WI Hall, North Street, Bridport – contact Mrs W Thorogood for details

Orleton & District Gardening Club
Chairman: Nick Russell – 01568 780678 – nick@nickrussell.co.uk
Secretary: Monica Todd – 01568 613861 – monica.todd@btinternet.com
Treasurer: Eddie Clanzy-Hodge – 07827 536884 – eddie@tweedies.biz
Website: http://www.orletongardeningclub.co.uk

Richmond Garden Club
Chairman: Anna Jackson – 01748 821343 – anna@freeform.plus.com
Secretary: Tina McDonald
Treasurer: Rachel Walker
Meetings are in Richmond Town Hall, DL10 4QL on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm.
Website:http://www.richmondgardenclub.co.uk

Melmerby & District Gardening Club`
Chairman: Sheila Ripper – 01768 881348 – sheilaripper@icloud.com
Secretary: Sue Littlewood – 01768 88205 – riggside97@gmail.com
Treasurer: Jennifer Baker – 01768 881653 – BAKERJ2@sky.com
Website: http://www.melmerbyanddistrictgardeningclub.btck.co.uk/http://www.melmerbyanddistrictgardeningclub.btck.co.uk/
During the ‘winter season’, usually between September and the following May, we hold evening meetings in the New Village Hall, Melmerby on the third Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm.

Gardening things you’ll love

[amazon_link asins=’B0060Y60YU,0600608581,B001TW5KLM,B00DO899HU,1405363053′ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’idealgiftsh05-21′ marketplace=’UK’ link_id=’8968b243-d670-11e6-83b4-19922a191af2′]

Save

Save

Save

Flapjacks with Black Treacle

IMG_1068This is an adaption of an old recipe I have used for years. If you don’t like black treacle you can leave plain or add raisins or chopped cherries etc. The black treacle version smells delicious and is moist and sticky.

8oz Porridge Oaks
6 oz margarine or butter
4 oz Sugar – preferably half demerara half golden granulated.
1 dessertspoons Black Treacle.
Pinch salt

Prepare oven 375-400°F (190-200°C) . Melt the margarine slowly in a saucepan. Place the oats, sugar and salt in a large mixing bowl. Spoon the black treacle into the melted margarine and stir to combine.  Pour into the oat mixture and stir until well coated. Press the ingredients into a greased sandwich tin or similar and place in middle of oven for about 15 mins.  The mixture does not look cooked but believe me, it is! If you leave it until it browns, it will become hard. Cut into slices whilst hot and leave to cool before removing from tin.

I always double up on the mixture and bake in a flat metal baking pan so it becomes a tray bake.

Recipe from Shirley Reeves

 

Wildlife Artist and Photographer Amanda Ferras

Hedgehog

My name is Amanda Ferras and I am a wildlife artist and photographer based in Ashford, Kent. I am an illustrator by profession and I love to work in various types of media including oil, watercolour, pastels and charcoal. I specialise in animals but I am equally at ease with portraits of people, often using charcoal to get the best effect.

Amanda

After graduating from the University of Kent with a First Class Hons degree in Illustration, I decided to gain practical experience in the industry and initially worked for a sculpting company, which created theatre sets and props for movie premiers out of polystyrene, including building Thunder Bird 3! Thereafter, I undertook a PGCE teacher training course at Canterbury Christ Church University and taught Art & Design, along with Graphics & Photography, at Invicta Grammar School in Maidstone.

However, whilst working I continued to produce my own art work (undertaking private commissions) and develop my interest in photography. I gave up teaching in 2008 and now concentrate on art and photography full-time. This enables me to combine my two great passions: wildlife and travel.

 

One Tusk (Oil Painting)

‘One Tusk’ (Oil Painting) © Amanda Ferras

I have been very fortunate to travel to some fantastic locations to sketch and photograph all manner of wildlife in its natural environment. To date my source material has come from the world famous Masai Mara in Kenya (where I spent time photographing with Jonathan Scott and his wife Angie); the Serengeti in Tanzania; the Okavango Delta in Botswana; South Luangwa National Park in Zambia; the Parc National des Volcans in Rwanda; a number of national parks in India including Bandhavgarh & Kanha ; and most recently I managed to visit my first polar region, completing a circumnavigation of Spitsbergen in the High Arctic, on a twenty-man schooner, as part of a 16-day expedition.

A Dusting of Snow (Oil Painting)‘A Dusting of Snow’ (Oil Painting) © Amanda Ferras

Closer to home I like to spend time chasing our own British wildlife, which I find is every bit as interesting and photogenic as those I have seen in more exotic locations. In fact, in many ways, it is much more pleasing to capture images of British wildlife, as you have to work much harder, given it is so shy and not habituated to jeeps or visitors. I have a number of locations that I visit regularly locally including Knole Park, Challock, the Romney Marshes and any garden that I see a butterfly land in!

I have to admit that one of my favourite destinations is the stunning Cairngorms National Park, Scotland. February usually provides great opportunities to view some iconic British wildlife such as the endangered red squirrel; the endearing crested tit and the elegant red deer.

If you would like to see more of my work please visit my website www.amandaferras-wildlifegallery.co.uk or come along to one of my exhibitions, which are generally held locally and you can find details of future dates and venues on my website in the events section.


All photos © Amanda Ferras 2014

Latest Films on DVD

Check out the latest films available on DVD….

You can order today and receive them within just a few days, by clicking on the links below. Why not leave a comment once you have watched a film or suggest something that you really enjoyed. This is helpful for other visitors.

[amazon_link asins=’B01A5OEYC0,B008N6YQ26,B00HT29OOK,B01IVOEC0A,B00DHJT59I,B00M482XVA,B00H3IG1HS,B01GQMXE8A,B01LHE7MIU’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’idealgiftsh05-21′ marketplace=’UK’ link_id=’a0db6fd0-d672-11e6-b6d0-73053d3f2bb2′]

[amazon_link asins=’B01MYNWGVF,B01LZPJQ2M,B01J9WKRAW,B018SBSAJK,B01M3O4PPL’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’idealgiftsh05-21′ marketplace=’UK’ link_id=’2cb468ca-d674-11e6-ac0c-c39ef055ed82′]

Gardening Gifts for someone special

Looking for a present for someone special? Why not check out these great gardening gift ideas below. Whether its for the keen or reluctant gardener, you may find something perfect! To see more, click left or right.

 

[amazon_link asins=’B0060Y60YU,1405363053,1785780387,0600608581,B000WMAPGA,B00DO899HU,B001TW5KLM,B011VHN93U’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’idealgiftsh05-21′ marketplace=’UK’ link_id=’5a4a3540-d671-11e6-b1c1-132b618beef0′]

English Heritage – Summer Discoveries at Stonehenge

Two ditches belonging to the Stonehenge Avenue buried beneath the modern roadbed of the A344 have been uncovered during works to decommission the road as part of English Heritage’s project to transform the setting and visitor experience of Stonehenge.

Stonehenge AvenueThe Avenue, severed by the A344, will be reconnected to Stonehenge soon

The two ditches represent either side of The Avenue, a long linear feature to the north-east of Stonehenge linking it with the River Avon. It has long been considered as the formal processional approach to the monument and is aligned with the solstice axis of Stonehenge. But its connection with Stonehenge had been severed by the A344 for centuries as the road cut through the delicate earthwork at an almost perpendicular angle.

The two ditches were found in excavations undertaken by Wessex Archaeology in their expected positions near to the Heel Stone, about 24 metres from the entrance to the monument.

Missing Piece in the Jigsaw

Heather Sebire, properties curator and archaeologist at English Heritage, said: “The part of the Avenue that was cut through by the road has obviously been destroyed forever, but we were hopeful that archaeology below the road would survive.  And here we have it – the missing piece in the jigsaw.  It is very exciting to find a piece of physical evidence that officially makes the connection which we were hoping for.”

Dr Nick Snashall, National Trust Archaeologist for the World Heritage Site, said “This is a once in several life time’s opportunity to investigate the Avenue beneath the old road surface.  It has enabled us to confirm with total certainty for the first time that Stonehenge and its Avenue were once linked and will be so again shortly.”

The Avenue is difficult to identify on the ground but is clearly visible on aerial photographs. Once the A344 has been restored to grass in the summer of 2014, interpretation features will be put in place to clearly mark out the solstice alignment to enable visitors to appreciate the position of the Avenue and its intimate connection with and significance to Stonehenge.

Parchmarks at the Stone Circle

The recent prolonged spell of dry weather has also led to some exciting discoveries within the stone circle. Two eagle-eyed members of staff spotted some dry areas of grass, or parchmarks, amongst the stone circle in July. After investigation by English Heritage experts they seem to be positions of three holes where stones 17, 18 and 19 might have stood on the south-west side of the outer sarsen circle.

Susan Greaney, senior properties historian at English Heritage, said: “There is still debate among archaeologists whether Stonehenge was a full or incomplete circle, and the discovery of these holes for missing stones has strengthened the case for it being a full circle, albeit uneven and less perfectly formed in the south-west quadrant.”

Stone CircleParchmarks discovered at Stonehenge by staff Simon Banton and Timothy Daw
© Simon Banton/English Heritage

See more details on the English Heritage website:

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/

 

 

 

NOTE: This story as reported in the Guardian on 9 September contains a number of inaccuracies. The article, including the headline, failed to distinguish between fact and interpretation, and presented one expert’s view as established fact. It also gives the impression that the expert’s view has been adopted by English Heritage. This is very confusing. English Heritage is firmly of the view that Stonehenge was built as a prehistoric temple aligned with the movements of the sun, contrary to what was implied in the article.

Professor Mike Parker Pearson’s theory about the naturally formed ridges is interesting, but is by no means established. English Heritage’s role was to record any archaeology that survived under the A344 and present the results of the recent discoveries clearly to the public. English Heritage’s interpretation of Stonehenge in general will be presented at the new visitor centre due to open in December 2013.

1 2 3