Hello. I hope you are well and enjoying something in life.
This edition features the Winners of the Summer Photography Competition, with prizes for First, Second, and Third place. We have had some great summer shots, and wish to thank all entrants for their efforts.
Anyone’s work can feature in this e-magazine as long as it is not of a sexist, racist or homophobic nature. Please send your contributions, to be considered for publication, to us at: dean@fthm.org.uk or use the contact form on the Contact page.
Best Wishes, Dean Charlton
SUMMER PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION
We had some great entries for the competition, and it took the panel of judges much deliberation to pick the winning entries.
We wish to thank all entrants for their efforts, and hope you enjoy the winning entries below.
First Prize
Arthur Sanderson
Second Prize
James Hopkins
Third Prize
Kim Lawrence
MY NOT VERY SERIOUS STARS
Scorpio 24 Oct – 22 Nov
You may be your mother’s favourite son, but you should realise that the world doesn’t revolve around you! Wise up and recognise other people’s importance in your life. Using your credit card may not be good idea at the moment. Cross the holy, gay man off your list as he is not the one for you. Your clothes have become very tight, so, try and lose some fat.
Sagittarius 23 Nov – 21 Dec
You walk around like cock of the walk just because you have feathered your own nest. A privately educated woman will show her extreme ignorance of life and make you appreciate your more comprehensive education. Time to stop smoking completely and having the odd puff. Someone you confided in will betray you but at least you’ve found out about them early.
Capricorn 22 Dec – 20 Jan
Money will come your way shortly, so, use it wisely, yet spread a little happiness. Not everyone can be king of the castle, but you can do more than just be a pawn in someone else’s game. Buy some expensive branded clothes if you want to advertise a big company’s logo. You may be rejected again this month but you are strong enough to cope? Carry on whatever.
Aquarius 21 Jan – 19 Feb
This week there will be plenty of fireworks as your popularity with the opposite sex rockets and pleasure awaits you. Someone called Catherine will spin you a fancy tale that will also amuse you. It is a good time to buy, someone who deserves it, a lovely present to show your appreciation of them. Listen to what the ex-bully has to say about their past if you can bear it.
Pisces 20 Feb – 20 Mar
A loved one will depart life in the near future, but you will know, although sad, it was for the best. A friend will do something with a stranger which shocks you and leaves you lost for words. An email from a postman will bring you fantastic news that will radically change your life. Try and be less judgemental as we’re all flawed and need each other to get by in life.
Aries 21 Mar – 20 Apr
Your work may be a struggle at the moment and some problems leave you feeling stumped, but be like Boycott and hang in there. Christmas and expense are getting near, but remember it is your choice whether you play the commercial game or not. Your plans may also be changed by an unexpected pregnancy, but this will lead to much responsibility and much joy.
Taurus 21 Apr – 21 May
The summer has gone and has been replaced by cold weather which completes a nice balance. Someone you find attractive may reveal their darker side this week. Now is the time to stop envying another person and learn to walk in your own shoes as you’re meant to. Maybe learn falconry and stop chasing birds who’ll never be interested in you. Be realistic!
Gemini 22 May – 21 Jun
Decide to make this Christmas extra special for children who are still blissfully unaware how hard life can be. Try not to ponder on the bad things in your past and grasp the opportunities that today presents. Today, if you’re lucky, you will come across an elderly deaf man called Albert who is always full of joy. Maybe treat yourself to something you’ve always wanted.
Cancer 22 Jun – 23 Jul
You may be feeling more introspective as the year comes to a close, so, make an effort to socialise with people if you’re sad. Train your mind to cope with being shunted away by a person who is suffering, and wait for them to get back on the rails. A stranger will also come into your life and quickly become a good and helpful friend. Start eating better if you can.
Leo 24 Jul – 23 Aug
You worship money, but you have missed the point and are ignorant of the joy of giving. It is a good time to recharge your creative batteries, so, next year will be your most productive yet. An extremely good-looking woman will open her pretty mouth and bore you absolutely to death, how will you feel about this? You will start to experience more aches and pains.
Virgo 24 Aug – 23 Sep
You may be feeling old, but today you will be heartened by a young person who gives you the time of day and wants to be near you. A large win at bingo will come at just the right time. A Christmas romance is on the cards for you, so, make sure you have some date-money at your disposal. Consider wearing a red tutu to turn heads at the office Christmas party.
Libra 24 Sep – 23 Oct
Now is the perfect time to acquire a tortoise and to grow a bicycle moustache. Some people think you’re a genius, but politely point out that you need a toilet like everyone else. A young barista may love the bones of you, but this may change when she learns about the skeletons in your cupboard. Father Christmas may not call any more but at least you’ve love in your life.
JUNE’S WORLD
Hello everybody! I hope you are well.
From an early age, I remember going to my grandparent’s home every day. It was easy to go to their home because I only lived two doors away. I loved visiting them. I remember that I was only 5-6 years old, at the time, and enjoyed being with them.
My grandma cooked lovely dinners as did my grandad. When I was about 12, I used to help peel the potatoes and help with the greens putting them in different pans with cold water. They still had 3 lads living at home who needed their big appetites satisfying. The things that I could not help with were the Yorkshire puddings and the roast end point of beef which my grandparents like to do themselves. But I was quite happy to watch them at work so I could learn from them.
They always had their dinners about 2 o’clock as my grandma loved to frequent a pub called the Dog and Mutton where she liked to sit in a little room called the Jug and Bottle. People could take their own bottles there and get them filled up with beer or shandy. She used to take me into the Jug and Bottle. I only went in there alone if my grandma was feeling under the weather which was often as she suffered from bronchitis that made her breathing very difficult.
I loved living in Castleford as there was always plenty to do like visiting Valley Gardens which had a paddling pool. One day, I took my youngest sister with me (who was 5 or 6) for a paddle with me – we disobeyed my mother who said Gwen must not go in the water as she was a sickly child, and typically, she cried until I let her go in the paddling pool. Unfortunately, Gwen fell in fully-clothed and my mam went mad when I rushed home with her. I started crying and my mother forgave me as she realised that I had not done it on purpose. I also got into trouble one day, for leaving my sister outside the fish shop in her pram as I forgot all about her. After that I was always more careful and nothing like that occurred ever again.
Our Gwen used to cough a lot, and when the doctor visited, he told my mother not to expect her to live to be very old. This was obviously upsetting to hear, but she proved him wrong as she lived until her early forties.
When I was 14 or 15, I remember saying to my mother that she was getting fat – she looked a bit embarrassed and told me she was going to have a baby. I knew it was time for me to grow up! When I got used to the idea of my mam having another child, I told everybody at work and people asked how many would that make. I said 6. At that time, it was quite common for people to have large families e.g. my grandma had 13 but 5 of them died.
Anyway, my mother gave birth to a beautiful baby but when my grandma looked in her pram, she declared that she had death written all over her face. I couldn’t believe her words. Unfortunately, she only lived until about 4 or 5 weeks old. We were all understandably very sad.
As I got older, I asked my grandma if I could accompany her to Stockton-on-Tees and she said it was alright. I was very excited about going as I had only ever left Castleford to go to Hunslet, in Leeds to visit one of my dad’s mates. Then when I was 14 years of age, a neighbour called Mrs Gill invited me to go to Cleethorpes for a week camping with her family. Happy my mother said I could go.
Well, that’s all in the past. I’ll return briefly to the present. My husband and I, are both in our late eighties and enjoying life. We can still get about and do lots of interesting things like visiting the East coast of England. I hope you are making the most of your precious time. Lot of love, June. X.
KEEPING PETS SAFE AT BONFIRE NIGHT
Written by S. Bee
Now we have reached November, it’s a good time to think about keeping your pets safe for bonfire night.
If you are having a bonfire party or a fireworks display, please inform your neighbours first, especially if they have pets. We can then all be prepared and know what to expect.
Our old moggy used to hate bonfire night – it was all the bangs and whistles of the fireworks outside that scared him. We closed the curtains at dusk, so the flashes of fireworks outside didn’t frighten him further.
Buster was an anxious cat and he often ran under the bed when he felt threatened. We usually just left him there, as this was where he felt safe.
Dogs too, need to feel safe inside your home on bonfire night.
For really severe anxiety in cats, Feliway is a good calming treatment. You plug it into a normal electrical socket, and an unscented odour is released in the air.
The cat becomes calmer and more settled. We used it a few times for Buster when we moved house, and it helped him cope with the upheaval.
Feliway is available from vets and pet shops.
If you have a dog, make their last walk of the day just before dusk, and then keep them in.
The sound of the TV or music will help drown out the sound of fireworks outside. It’s good idea to stick to your normal evening routine, too.
For caged animals outside, e.g. rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs – if possible, move their cage into a shed or garage. Drape a blanket over their cage to muffle the sound of fireworks and provide extra bedding for them to burrow in.
Personally, I hate fireworks.
I think they are great to watch in a proper, big, organised display but not being let off in the street every minute or so. Even in gardens, in a small display, accidents happen – after all, fireworks are explosives.
Thousands of children have been hurt and severely damaged by them. Casual bonfires too, create havoc – it’s a very busy time for the fire brigade dealing with fires that have spiralled out of control or are dangerous in some way.
So, on the run up to bonfire night and on the night itself, you will find me cosily tucked up in my living room with my hubby, and we will be trying our best to ignore the horrendous noise outside!
WHAT WENT DOWN AT THE RYDER CUP 2025
Written by Graham Townsend
The Ryder Cup 2025 took place at Bethpage Black golf course on Long Island, New York during the final weekend of September. I don’t consider myself to be an avid golf fan, however, the Ryder Cup is one event that has always piqued my interest and I always make an effort to try and watch at least some of the biennial competition every time it comes around.
For those of you who are not aware, it is a competition which involves a team of golfers from the USA taking on a team of golfers from Europe. The event first took place in 1927 in Massachusetts. The inaugural event saw a team of US golfers take on a team of British golfers. The match was played between the US and either a British or British and Irish team until 1977. As of 1979 players from continental Europe were involved for the first time after a period of sustained dominance by the US team.
Prior to the 2025 event, one of the most talked about issues was that the US players were being paid to play in the Ryder Cup for the first time. As part of the deal the players were advised they would be asked to donate sixty-percent of their fees to charity. The rest would be viewed as a stipend. Team Europe turned down the opportunity to receive any financial recompense for their participation, many feeling this was inappropriate for the Ryder Cup.
This year’s contest was keenly contested as always with Team Europe having a commanding lead going into the final day, when the fourteen players on each side took on each other in singles competition after competing in pairs during the first two days of play.
One of the biggest talking points turned out to be the flashpoints which involved the crowd, players and caddies mostly on day two of the event. There were multiple instances of unpleasant scenes as the US fans bated the Team Europe players, Rory McIlroy being one of their prime targets. I know that at least one so-called fan was ejected from the venue.
This is not something that you would generally associate with golf although the passion does seem to spill over when it comes to the Ryder Cup.
As the defending champions Team Europe only needed a 14-14 draw to retain the trophy. They led by eleven and a half points to four and a half going into the final day. What most Team Europe supporters hoped would be a straightforward route to victory turned into a tense affair where the win was only secured with a few of the fourteen day three matches to be completed. The fact that Shane Lowry secured the winning half point was fairly poignant as he was one of the players embroiled in the controversy of the previous afternoon.
The final score was 15-13 in favour of Team Europe. It ended up being a titanic struggle in the end and will only whet the appetite of keen golf fans for the centenary edition of the competition in 2027.
BIBLE QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Sent in by Peter Smith
When he was in a certain city, a man who was full of leprosy saw Jesus; and he fell on his face and implored him, saying, “Lord, if you are willing you can make me clean”.
Then Jesus put out his hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed”. Immediately the leprosy left him.
(Luke 5:12,13)
The leper’s words told Jesus that the leper believed in him, that he had faith in him. So, it is for us today.
ALICE’S THING OF THE MONTH
Hello and welcome back to Alice’s Thing of The Month. this month we are going to be talking about PLAY Expo.
In October, I visited Blackpool with my brother to attend PLAY Expo, a gaming expo which is run by a company called Replay Events. This year is their 15th year of the expo. This was my first time at a gaming convention, I have been to many comic cons but this was the first time I was attending one fully focused on gaming and it was really good.
When we arrived there, I couldn’t believe how busy it was, there was hundreds of gaming lovers all in one building. PLAY Expo is at the Norbreck Castle Exhibition Centre and it really does look like a castle on the outside which adds to the gaming atmosphere. Inside was really nice and very spacious too. We were greeted by the staff who gave us wristbands before entering the main room.
It was quite dark and had a blue lighting effect around the main hall where all the games were. I think this is due to the all the gaming screens and so there is no glare whilst people are gaming. I enjoyed the dim lighting it was quite relaxing and they also had music soundtracks playing in the background. There was a lot to do when we were there and we stayed for 5 hours. You can buy day tickets or weekend tickets, we bought day tickets because we felt the whole convention could be seen in one day.
I will explain about the gaming zones, experiences and things you can do whilst at the expo. They had a retro gaming zone with vintage consoles and computers from Pong up to the PlayStation 3. Next there was an arcade zone which was very busy, these included shooting games, driving games, rhythm and fighting. They had modern gaming which consists of newer consoles, indie games, PC gaming and VR experiences. My absolute favourite zone though was the pinball zone. I’ve never really been interested in pinball before but on this day, I really enjoyed it and would go to a pinball convention in the future. They are super fun and they had retro and modern ones, the modern ones were much more exciting and faster too.
Other things you can get up to at the expo are going to see guest panels and talks, gaming competitions, trading stalls, dining areas and even a Pokémon hunt! There is lots to do and you could spend a whole day enjoying all this, it is also child friendly so it’s great for the whole family. The expo is on every October and prices range from £14 to £39 pounds. I really recommend it if you’re a fan of gaming!
Thanks for reading.
GRAHAM TOWNSEND’S MONTHLY QUIZ
Questions:
(1) Which of David Sylvian’s possessions is the “devil in the flesh” and “the iron in my soul” according to the lyrics of his song?
(2) What is the longest range of caves in the world?
(3) Alexander Ovechkin has represented Russia in which sport?
(4) Which scientist developed the first effective rabies vaccine?
(5) Which line of toys used the strapline “wobble but they don’t fall down”?
(6) The series of children’s horror novels “Goosebumps” were written by whom?
(7) What was the primary cause of the Great Irish Famine?
(8) Which programming language was developed by James Gosling, it is named after a type of coffee from Indonesia?
(9) What is the fastest land animal?
(10) Which fashion brand is known for its double “G” logo?
(11) Which sign of the zodiac is represented by a crab?
(12) How many legs does a typical spider have?
(13) Which online auction company was founded in 1995 out of San Jose, California?
(14) Who was the first Roman emperor?
(15) Kali is a goddess and figure of feminine power in which religion?
(16) Which mineral is used to make glass?
(17) Harper Lee grew up living next door to which other future author?
(18) Who was the first German born player to win a title at Wimbledon?
(19) “Hobbs & Shaw” is a spin-off from which film franchise?
(20) Who is the uncredited vocalist on The Crusaders 1979 number 5 UK hit single “Street Life”?
Answers:
(1) His Red Guitar (2) Mammoth Cave, Kentucky (3) Ice Hockey (4) Louis Pasteur (5) Weebles (6) R L Stine (7) Potato blight (8) Java (9) Cheetah (10) Gucci (11) Cancer (12) Eight (13) eBay (14) Augustus (15) Hinduism (16) Silica (17) Truman Capote (18) John McEnroe (19) Fast and Furious (20) Randy Crawford
INTERVIEW WITH GODA LVILOSIUTE
Goda, can you tell me a little bit about yourself? I’m from Lithuania and I’m 33.
How come you live in England now? My sister came first when she was 18?
Why did she come to England? She liked the country and wanted to escape from my mum’s household.
How did your sister perceive England? As a country which was paved with gold, with a good education and health service. I used to come when I was 16 during school holidays and I told my sister that when I finished my secondary school education, I would join her in England – which I did. Then my stepdad came, and my mother followed as she was depressed on her own in Lithuania.
What do you make of England as a foreigner? I like English people, and in fact, I now have the mentality of an English person.
Can you relate to people like, for example, Russian people? No. They have a different politically mentally to people in Lithuania. However, I find Lithuania to be corrupt and that is why I want to live here now.
But you still like Lithuania? Of course. The food, architecture and countryside are amazing.
Do you ever go back there? Yes, to visit. I still have friends there, but like people everywhere, are all just getting on with their own lives, and things change.
When you arrived in England, which airport do you land at? Leeds and Bradford. I loved it when I came here and first lived in Wakefield and Queensbury.
Did you have any money when you came to England? Yes.
Did you get a job when you came here? Yes. I got a job in a card factory transporting them around Wakefield by bicycle; I loved it and earnt good money that I spent mainly on clothes. I had had also bought myself a good camera in Lithuania and made use of it in England, as I had done a photography course before I came here. But what I really like are cats as they can feel you and sense your mood. If you are depressed, they come to comfort you.
Are cats your favourite animal? Yes. I love them and want every cat. I had cats when I was in Lithuania. I also love dogs but given the choice, I would choose a cat.
Where do you live now? I live in Bradford with my mother and stepfather
Is it true that you’ve been ill recently? I had a brain trauma, fell down on my mum’s steps because I’m anaemic. I was doing too much: working very hard, gym and kick-boxing I don’t want to be like that any more and understand better what the word relax means. I wasn’t eating properly and I felt dizzy. I did things like rush when I got out of the shower. My mum then told me that you are not going to live alone any more and you are going to come and live with me. My mother is amazing and is everything to me.
Do you think you will ever be well enough to work again? I trained as a beautician and I would like my own business if it was possible. I don’t really like to work for anyone else! Women always put money aside for beauty treatments and it is a very important sector of the economy.
So, that’s your work ambition? Yes, it is.
What other type of work have you done in England? I know you worked in café in Halifax called Coffee King, where I met you Yes, that true. I’ve worked in other cafes in Bradford and I’ve also done kitchen work.
Have you travelled a lot in your life? With family, I’ve been to Turkey, Spain and Canary Islands, Majorca etc. I have also been travelling alone in Portugal?
Did you like Portugal? I loved it. They eat a lot of fish in Portugal and I had an allergy! But I went to a pharmacy and they gave me some medication that sorted out the problem.
Do you travel around Lithuania when you were younger? Yes. I also went on school trips around the country.
What was school like in Lithuania? Unlike in countries like England, kids have to study a wide number of subjects, whereas you can specialise more here.
Did you study after secondary school? I stopped after this level of education. I had wanted to do medicine, but my grades weren’t good enough. I therefore, studied Beauty at a college in Kilkenny, in Ireland for year and qualified as a beautician.
What are your hopes for the future? I want to continue putting myself first before considering getting married/having children. I really want to continue with my recovery and see what happens!
DECISIONS, DECISIONS…
Written by S. Bee
“I’m sorry, but our books are already full,” the woman in the office said. Her name badge said Sue. I nodded. I’d driven to the city to register with an agency that dealt in TV extras. I’d been given the agency address from a colleague of my husband’s. His colleague’s nephew earned a part- time living from being an extra. It sounded like a refreshing change, only…
Sue must have noticed my downcast expression.
“If you fill in this form and email it back to us, we’ll place you on our waiting list, Mrs Broadbent. We’ll need a recent, clear photo of you, too.”
I smiled. “I’ll do that as soon as I can.”
Well, I thought, so much for my dreams of mingling with the stars!
I’d worked as a receptionist at a Lloyd’s, a busy veterinary practice, for twenty-five years. But recently, at work, a young male sales rep had caught me yawning in an off- guard moment.
“Is the job tiring you out?” he’d joked.
“No, not at all!” I’d breezed.
Yet he had a point about the tiredness. As I was approaching sixty, I’d wondered about retirement. My husband Chas still worked full-time as an engineer, so we’d be okay financially if I decided to leave.
Then a vet came out. “Has my ten thirty arrived? A hamster called Boo Boo?’
It hadn’t. So he went straight to Penelope Pipstop, a sulky yet intelligent parrot.
At home that evening, I reflected.
“If I retired, I’d still want something to do,” I said to Chas.
He nodded. “Hmm…remember Alan at work? He has a nephew, who works as a TV extra. Alan’s always banging on about the popular drama’s his nephew has appeared in.”
“Oh, that sounds interesting. Tell me more.”
“Bear in mind that you’ll be called as and when you’re needed, so you must be flexible and be able to drive long distance when required, too. From what Alan says, you’ll also have lots of spare time in-between jobs.”
I nodded. That sounded good.
I was keen to join the dynamic duo… my two sisters, Kate and Liz were retired teachers. With husbands at work, Kate and Liz liked to team up for various daytime outings. They snapped up early bird, half- price theatre and cinema tickets.
Ella, Kate’s 20-year-old daughter, sometimes joined them when she was in-between jobs. It sounded lovely, and I don’t mind admitting that a pang of envy pricked.
“We had a terrific time!” Kate reported, after a train journey to a seaside resort.
“Liz and I had fish and chips for lunch. We strolled on the pier and paddled in the sea. You’d have really enjoyed it, Jill.”
I was sure I would. Instead, I’d spent the afternoon dealing with a tearful three-year old and his panicky mum. Her son had somehow got his sticky lolly stuck in their pet cat’s fur. Finally, there was a Great Dane, who managed to knock our leaflet stands over and leave little puddles over the floor!
So, Chas approached Alan and he kindly passed on the details of the agency to Chas, and then on to me.
“I’ve had some bad news, Aunty Jill,” my niece Ella began over the phone.
“The gift shop I work in is going to be trading online only. So, I won’t be needed in the shop.”
“That’s a shame,” I sympathised. “Won’t they want someone to parcel up the online orders?”
“No. It’ll be run by the existing owner, so I’m back job hunting. In a few days’ time, I’ll be cat and house sitting for a family friend in the next street. Their moggies, Misty and Toffee, know me already.”
“Well, that’s something to put on your CV.” I tried to sound encouraging.
She chuckled. “I can’t see many employers being impressed by a casual cat sitting job!”
“Don’t dismiss it. It shows you can take on responsibility, plus you can be trusted with an animal’s welfare,” I added.
Ella and I chatted more, yet I felt out of sorts when we bid farewell. Although she’d got good grades at school, Ella had decided against applying to university. She’d wanted to earn instead. She’d worked in a variety of casual jobs. However, bar work, factory shifts and stints in retail hadn’t lasted long.
She’d loved the jobs that had involved animals best, from mucking out horses in a stable to dog walking. I wasn’t surprised by the cat sitting…suddenly, inspiration struck.
That evening, over our evening meal, I ran my thoughts past Chas.
“I think she’d make an excellent vet nurse.”
He speared a carrot with his fork. “I do, too. Why hasn’t she pursued that career before?”
I shrugged. “Maybe it just hasn’t occurred to her. I’m going to gently suggest it.”
“Good. Have you posted that form back to the agency?” he asked.
“I have, but as their books are full, I’m not expecting to hear back,” I replied. “It was a disappointment, to be honest.”
“Why not get online and carry out research? There are other agencies out there,” he advised.
I nodded, yet I wondered if it was really worth the bother.
As it turned out, things didn’t exactly go to plan….
At the weekend, Ella popped round for a cuppa. Before I could suggest anything, she launched straight in.
“While looking after the cats, I’ve had time to reflect… I’m going to study to become a veterinary nurse!” she declared.
I beamed. “Great minds think alike. I was going to say the same thing.”
“Were you, Aunty Jill? Mum and Dad are pleased.”
My heart warmed. “I am, too.”
I knew that Kate would be thrilled that her daughter had finally settled on a secure career. I was relieved that Ella had decided on a positive course of action. Maybe I needed to follow her example, I told myself. I’d do what Chas had suggested and go online to research other TV extra agencies. Yet there was a surprise in store for me…
On my lunch hour on Monday, my mobile rang.
“Hello Jill. It’s Sue, from the TV extras agency.”
“Oh hello! I wasn’t expecting to hear from you.”
“Well, things can change quickly in this industry. Now, in your application, you say you’re planning to retire from your current position. When will that be, exactly?” she asked.
“I’m handing my notice in this Friday.” I gulped.
Was I? The words were out of my mouth before I could think about it. Well, I’d mulled it over long enough. It was time to take action.
“From our point of view, that’s great.” Her tone was upbeat.
“Just be aware that I’ll need to work a month’s notice first,” I added hastily.
“Of course. That’ll give me time to secure this job coming up. One of my clients has broken her arm and won’t be available for a run of ‘Murphy and Mason’.”
‘Murphy and Mason’ was a popular police detective drama. Chas and I loved it!
My spirit soared. “That sounds brilliant.”
“You’re just the right age and gender, so you’ve hit it lucky,” Sue went on.
I smiled. “I’ll look forward to working with you.”
The lull in-between TV jobs would provide me with time to join my sisters on their jaunts, I thought happily.
The future looked bright for both me and Ella!
WHAT INFLUENCES THE MUSIC WE LIKE?
Written by Graham Townsend
This question came into my mind whilst I was walking to town this morning. It was inspired by music I was listening to at the time, a band who I know little about really but are coming to play a gig here next summer.
It was music I wanted to like but, I found it difficult to associate with. It was a band that a few of my friends like, they will probably go to the gig, and it got me thinking “why do they like this but I don’t”?
So, what is it that influences the type of music we like? Is it our cultural background? Is it the influence of our parents or peers? Is there no real reason for it? Let’s take a look shall we!
I’m going to start with my own interests. I’m pretty much open to listening to all genres of music although, I’m not keen on ballet, jazz or country and western. Why do I not like these types of music then? Ballet just does not seem to hold any interest for me despite some of the drama involved in its composition. Jazz I just find boring and country and western seems very samey although there are some crossover artists that I do enjoy such as First Aid Kit and Shania Twain.
What are my favourite genres of music? The majority of my favourite songs come from the 1980s. Many of these are the synth driven tracks of bands such as Depeche Mode, OMD, Human League, Howard Jones, ABC and Pet Shop Boys. I find electronic music exciting. Why is this? Possibly it is down to the fact that this type of music was prevalent during my teenage years and it brings back memories of good times with my friends and a period in my life when I was developing both physically and mentally.
In more recent times I have found myself listening to a lot of internet radio music. Credit must go to stations such as Mad Wasp Radio for opening my mind to music I have always admired from a distance but have come to appreciate much more. We are talking rock/heavy rock, Britpop and the more obscure material from the 1980s.
I have three friends in particular who I think of as music aficionados. One of them focuses solely on heavy rock and metal. Whilst I find some of this appealing with melodic rock by artists such as Those Damn Crows, Chez Kane and Nine Inch Nails, I still can’t get into the bands who major on the growly vocals. I’m torn on acts like Opeth because they combine both of those spheres. This particular friend comes from a Serbian background and therefore I wonder whether this has been a strong influence on his musical preferences as hard rock is very popular in continental and eastern parts of Europe.
A second friend has some similar tastes to him but also likes 80s pop and has developed a penchant for country rock. I think he would admit that his love for all things Americana has probably had an impact in terms of his enjoyment of the latter genre.
The third friend pretty much likes everything apart from the hard rock/metal element of popular music. I must admit though he likes some of the less commercial stuff out there and if I’m being honest, he likes to be different to the crowd. Maybe this is why his choice of soundtrack to his life is somewhat different to the majority of us.
I’d be intrigued to know what readers feel have influenced their taste in music. Please feel free to contact me via dean@fthm.org.uk if you would like to share your views on this subject.
BRENDA’S WILDLIFE CORNER
Fox
The fox is an omnivorous mammal that is much maligned in many parts of the world and while in East Asian folklore, it is depicted as possessing magic powers, while elsewhere it symbolises cunning and trickery. The Red fox is the most common fox and is the largest weighing in at 4.2 kg to 8.7kg, the smallest is the Fennec fox which only weighs between 0.7 kg and 1.6 kg. In fact, there are various species of fox on every continent except Antarctica, with the Grey fox being the only example of one that regularly climbs trees.
The physical attributes of the fox are interesting with them being generally smaller than jackals and wolves yet larger than raccoon dogs; it has a long bushy tail, triangular ears and a flattened skull but this can differ according to the species and environment – including colouration. Interestingly, a fox walks on its toes and has, partially retractable claws. It also moults in Spring to shed its winter coat.
In the wild, a fox lives between 1 and 3 years and most exist in family groups, though species like the Arctic fox tend to be solitary creatures. Most foxes feed on things like: reptiles, birds, insects, eggs and vegetation (omnivores) but some are specialist feeders like the Crab-eating fox.
A fox employs a pouncing style of hunting and uses its pronounced canine teeth to grip a prey’s neck and shake it until death results; it needs to consume 1 kg of food a day to remain healthy, although excess food is buried and consumed at a later date.
The reproduction of foxes usually involves a gestation period of 52 to 53 days with a resulting litter size of 4 to 5 kits, although the Arctic fox can have up to 11 kits at a time.
Some species, including the Island fox is under threat from habitat loss, are hunted for their pelts, and in the Darwin’s fox’s case, is hunted profusely by the golden eagle. In many countries, the fox is considered to be a pest attacking poultry and other small livestock, but, ironically, it has itself been successfully used on fruit farms to control other pests. It is important to state that attacks on humans are extremely rare.
The fox has also successfully adapted to an urban life where it lives on human waste, but is scarcely seen as it is nocturnal. In this location, its litters tend to be smaller. Humans do not normally eat their meat even though it is edible.
Since the sixteenth century, in the UK, foxes have been hunted by dogs but now only hunting them without dogs is permitted; the red fox was introduced in Australia in the early nineteenth century for hunting and other countries including France, the US and Italy also allow the hunting of foxes.
If you are near a fox, you may witness its extreme vocal range of whines, barks, growls, yelps etc.
The fox can indeed be a pest to humans, but it has its place in nature and is aesthetically very pleasing, so, needs valuing by us all.
* Ref. Wikipedia
STARTING AFRESH
Written by S. Bee
“How did you find the book I recommended last week?” Debbie addressed her home- based book group brightly. Calling it a group with just three members was stretching it, she thought glumly. Still, it was a new group. Maybe more people would join later? At the same time, Debbie wondered if Sue or Fay had bothered to read the novel.
“To be honest, Debbie, it was like wading through treacle,” Sue replied.
“Thanks, Sue. I appreciate your -”
“Opinion?” Fay jumped in. “Frankness?”
“Frank opinion. How did you find it, Fay?” Debbie asked.
She shrugged. “If you don’t mind me saying, I found the plot quite tedious. I’m afraid I gave up on it after chapter 3.”
Sue broke in. “Same here. Hey, did you hear about the sheep who couldn’t get into a pub? Because it was -”
“Baared!” Fay burst out.
On the sofa, Sue and Fay clutched each other and collapsed into giggles.
Debbie stifled a sigh. “I think it’s time for a tea break.”
She headed for the kitchen. It was way too early for tea, but… those two just want to have a giggle. We may as well give up and go to the pub, she mused. Debbie was newly retired from her admin job. Stuck at home, on her own all day was difficult to get used to. She needed a new hobby and friends!
She’s thought that setting up a book group would be a good idea. Debbie had got busy and had designed some posters. She’d displayed these in the library and she’d also posted information on local social media groups. But Debbie had hoped to recruit more than two members. So far, the fifty- something group consisted of just her and two others – Sue, cheerful, blonde and curvy, who liked to tell corny jokes, and arty bohemian Fay, adorned in floating floral dress and jangling bracelets, who had a habit of finishing other people’s sentences.
When Debbie returned to the living room with a loaded tray, once again, Sue launched into her stand- up routine. “What do you call a deaf elephant?”
“Anything you like – he can’t hear you!” Fay finished.
Sue and Fay cackled with delight.
Oh, this is getting ridiculous, Debbie thought. She needed to take control! Maybe a light rom-com novel would be more up their street? Before she could leap in, Debbie noticed Fay looking up at the living room wall and pull a face. It was only a slight grimace – yet she could understand it.
The 1990’s wallpaper was absolutely hideous – the dark brown and lime green triangles clashed horribly. It was hardly soothing decor.
“It’s awful wallpaper, isn’t it? I was working full- time until recently. That’s why I haven’t got round to decorating,” she explained.
Debbie had planned to decorate once she’d retired, but as usual, time had run away with her.
“Look, I’ve got all the decorating gear at home. My ex-boyfriend left it when we split up. Why don’t I jump in the car and bring it round?” Sue suggested.
Debbie looked alarmed. “What – now?”
“Sounds like a great idea. I’ll come with you and help you carry it,” Fay offered.
“Hang on -” Debbie protested.
“With the three of us, we can get cracking. It won’t take long to strip the walls,” Sue breezed.
“There’s no need -”
“There’s every need,” Fay cut in. “Look, the main reason I wanted to join a book club was to make friends.”
“Same here,” Sue said.
Debbie frowned. “But if you’re not interested in reading fiction, why pick a book club to meet people?”
Sue looked shifty. “Well, I do like reading – but I don’t have -”
Fay cut in: “The time? The inclination?”
“The inclination. My factory job’s so boring. My silly jokes liven up the day,” Sue said.
“I know what you mean, Sue. I work in an art supplies store, part-time. We trade mainly online, as that’s how artists buy their supplies now. Some days are very slow. I’d prefer something more absorbing and rewarding, but jobs like that are hard to find,” Fay said.
“Well, I actually miss my job,” Debbie admitted, as she blinked back tears. “I miss my daily routine, the chats over coffee…”
“As we’re in confession mode, I’ll tell you the reason why I’ve developed a habit of finishing people’s sentences. It’s because I’ve found it’s the only way of getting people to notice me,” Fay confessed.
“I see.” Debbie’s mind was in a whirl.
Sue then clapped her hands. “Right ladies! How about getting this decorating done?”
Before Debbie could object, the two women had raced off – only to return with bin bags, buckets, pairs of sturdy rubber gloves, sponges, a wallpaper steamer, scrapers and dust sheets.
They cleared the room and covered the big furniture with the dust sheets. With the radio blaring and everyone singing along, they began work. By midnight, Debbie’s walls were clean and stripped, ready for a fresh look.
“Thank you so much!” she gushed.
“No problem,” Sue said.
“We’re happy to help,” Fay added.
Amongst heartfelt hugs, Debbie bid a cheerful farewell to her new decorating gang. She needed a good night’s rest, because tomorrow (Saturday) Sue and Fay were popping round again. Fay was driving them to a big DIY store to help her chose some pretty wallpaper. Later, the three of them would finish the job by pasting the nice wallpaper on the walls. Sue also had a decorating paste table.
She smiled. What a night! From disaster to triumph!
“Hey, you’ve done a grand job here, Debbie.” Agnes, Debbie’s neighbour was impressed as she looked around the newly decorated, bright, airy living room. The subtle floral wallpaper gave Debbie’s home a completely different, uplifting mood.
“Thanks. My friends helped.”
“Hm. I wonder… would you and your friends re-decorate my bedroom? I’d pay you a reasonable rate.”
Suddenly, an exciting idea sprang up. Fay had a tedious job. Sue disliked hers – and I need something to occupy myself too, she thought. But would people use a female- only team of decorators? She asked Agnes if she would, right there and then.
“Of course I would!’ she beamed.
Debbie’s heart soared. A brand-new career beckoned!
WONDERFUL JUNE CHARLTON’S INTERESTING RECIPES
Brandy Snaps
Ingredients:
2 oz of self-raising flour
1 level teaspoon of ground ginger
Pinch of salt
2 oz of margarine
2 oz of sugar
2 tablespoons of golden syrup
Cream
Method:
1. Sieve the flour, ground ginger and salt.
2. Melt the fat, sugar and syrup in a pan and allow to cool.
3. Stir in the flour and mix to a soft dropping consistency.
4. Drop small teaspoons of the mixture on to a greased baking sheet, leaving plenty of room for spreading.
5. Bake in a moderate oven at 375 F/gas mark 5 for 10 – 15 minutes.
6. Allow to cool for 1 minute, then remove the biscuits carefully, using a palette knife.
7. Bend the warm biscuits around the handle of a wooden spoon and leave to cool.
8. Serve filled with cream. Makes about 1 dozen.
Yorkshire Curd Tarts
Ingredients:
½ lb of short crust pastry
8 oz of curds
3 oz of butter
2 oz of sugar
2 eggs, separated
½ a teaspoon of grated nutmeg
The grated peel of l lemon
2 oz of currants or sultanas
Method:
1. Beat the butter with the sugar, then add the curds and the egg yolk, and mix well.
2. Stir in the peel, nutmeg and dried fruits.
3. Finally, fold in the beaten egg whites.
4. Use the pastry to line several small patty pans, and fill them with the mixture.
5. Bake in a moderate oven for 30 minutes.
Plot Toffee
Ingredients:
1 lb of soft dark sugar
4 oz of black treacle
4 oz of butter
2 tablespoons of water
1 tablespoon of vinegar
Method:
1. Put the sugar, butter, treacle and water in a pan and bring slowly to the boil, stirring constantly.
2. Simmer for 20 minutes, then test to see if it is ready by dropping a little in to cold water. If ready, the water should immediately set brittle and hard.
3. Quickly stir in the vinegar and pour the mixture into greased shallow tins to set.
4. Mark it into squares while it is still warm and break into pieces when cold.
Madeleine Cakes
Ingredients:
2 eggs
2oz of sugar
2 oz of butter
2oz of flour
2 drops of vanilla flavouring
Method:
1. Whisk the eggs in a large basin, add the sugar and place it over a pan of very hot (not boiling) water and beat until thick. This will take about ten minutes.
2. Meanwhile, stand the butter in a warm place to melt, and add it to the egg mixture together with the flour and vanilla, folding in with a light hand.
3. Bake the cakes in small tins for 10 or 15 minutes in a moderate oven.
ADVENTURES OF A MAN SITTING DOWN
Written by Krishna Francis
How many psychologists does it take to change a light bulb? Which is a standard joke form from the eighties but with a peculiar difficulty in this particular case. In this matter I identify with the light bulb. Perhaps over-identify is a better term.
But what’s the joke? Is any form of identification necessary? Isn’t it as relevant to ask: ‘Why, is a psychologist changing a light bulb?’ As opposed to say a parent, a Southampton supporter or a tax payer?
Anyway, the answer to the joke is one. With an important caveat. The light bulb has got to really want to change. Which is the part that strikes me with the greatest force. (Talking as someone who identifies with the light bulb.)
You see, without wishing to mansplain, and pretty certain you already know this, a light bulb, once spent, is without purpose. It doesn’t change; it is discarded and then replaced.
In the meantime, a fresh new bulb is installed. That psychologist is full of false promise. With regards to the idea of change, I’m done. I’ve served my purpose. I came, I saw, I commented. The real nub of the thing, the pay dirt, where the gold is, all of that happened before me. Whilst I’m a key element because I carry the linking bits that make several disparate stories a coherent whole, I’m unimportant from here on in. From gestation through cultural cross examination, I’ve come to a rinse and repeat position. Dean contacts me and I come up with some sort of story about something…
I’m the crippled child left behind to tell the tale of the Pied Piper. Or the Ancient Mariner, surviving after everyone else has gone, I tell the tale to anyone I can persuade to listen but my preoccupation is with another world that may or may not have passed. Paraphrasing Johnny Rotten, I’m the light bulb in the dustbin. Why do I write these pieces?
Yet, I like the essence of the joke. It gives a strange potency to an apparently spent thing. Both my parents must have experienced this in their darker moments. My mother went from being a university hopeful to a fallen women at a time when society was just beginning to catch up. My father became an exile just when he hoped to be part of a solution. From the perspective of unfeeling history, in those moments the pair of them were no longer fit for purpose. It was at that point they found the strength and will to shift direction. Oddly enough it was at that point that they found one another.
I’m typing this in the dark of a hospital ward in the early hours of the morning. Around me snores reassure me I’m not alone. The hum of machinery reminds me that I’m inside a vast network. Experience tells me there is care at the end of a buzzer. In this environment I feel the responsibility of honesty. Whatever follows, I believe it.
ANOTHER FUN QUIZ FROM THE HORSE’S MOUTH
Questions:
(1) Who was the first recognised heavyweight boxing champion of the world?
(2) Who invented tube-based toothpaste?
(3) What is the French word for auntie?
(4) What is the currency of Turkey?
(5) What film featured Jack Nicholson as a man with OCD?
(6) How old is footballer Harvey Elliot?
(7) Who invented the boomerang?
(8) When did the American Civil War start?
(9) Who is the most capped Brazilian male footballer?
(10) Which country grows the most bananas?
(11) How old was Martin Luther King when he was murdered?
(12) What is the Spanish word for door?
(13) What is alliteration?
(14) When was One Flew over The Cuckoo’s nest released in the UK?
(15) When did decimalisation occur in the UK?
(16) Who are the current Women’s Olympic hockey champions?
(17) Where do Saracens RUFC play their home games?
(18) Who created the food chain Burger King?
(19) What is 9 42pm on the 24-hour clock
(20) What is the capital of Ireland?
Answers:
(1) John L Sullivan (2) Dr. Washington Sheffield – 1892 (3) Tata (4) Turkish lira (5) As Good as It Gets (6) 22 (7) Aboriginal Australians (8) 12 April 1861 (9) Cafu – 142 (10) India (11) 39 (12) Puerta (13) The occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected word e.g. busy bee (14) 26 Feb 1976 (15) 1971 (16) Netherlands (17) StoneX Stadium/Copthall Stadium (18) James McLamore and David Edgerton (19) 21:42 (20) Dublin
Editor’s Final Word
Thank you so much for reading this magazine. I hope it will inspire you to undertake your own project or join ours.
If you want to get involved, please contact us at: dean@fthm.org.uk.
If you would like to make a donation to help towards the costs of running the magazine, please use the donations form on the Donate page.
Best wishes, Dean, Brenda, Graham and Hari.
