Hello again. I do hope you enjoyed the holiday period and have had a good start to 2026. Now is a good time to get involved with the magazine if you feel inclined to do so. Please express yourself in a non-homophobic, non-sexist or non-racist way and contact us through: dean@fthm.org.uk or use the contact form on the Contact page.
If you feel you want to make a small donation to our running costs, this would also be most welcome.
Please note that our website address is: www.fromthehorsesmouth.org.uk
Best wishes, Dean Charlton.
MY NOT VERY SERIOUS STARS
Scorpio 24 Oct – 24 Nov
If you want to play around with the orchestra, make sure you’re honest about it and that you are only looking for a no-strings arrangement. This year promises to be a bit better than last year, but don’t be surprised if you are still doing most of the work for others. In fact, a change of career would be good for you and enable you to realise your vast potential. Be more optimistic.
Sagittarius 23 Nov – 21 Dec
It is a good time to keep your head down and pray that you are not preyed upon by the religious fanatics you know. You are full of lust at the moment, but don’t worry as it is just nature doing its thing. Shave off all your body hair like the smooth-talking man in the café. Maybe exchange your partner for a dog if you think you are barking up the wrong tree.
Capricorn 22 Dec – 20 Jan
This month you may witness a friend’s son being beaten up and do nothing – are you a man or a cowardly mouse? A new wig would be a good addition to your wardrobe, so, stop splitting financial hairs and put your hand in your pocket for once. You may feel safe shouting from the crowd but it’s time for you to be the performer and stop just consuming.
Aquarius 21 Jan – 19 Feb
Don’t react to the gay woman who clearly doesn’t like men. Also, someone with a fat arse will blow your mind and do things that make your life more bearable. You now have little to prove, so, just lie back and enjoy the ride as you deserve a bit of pleasure. Maybe do something to help someone even though it is unlikely they would do the same for you.
Pisces 20 Feb – 20 Mar
Life can be very mundane, but this month, there will be fireworks in your life which will brighten up your whole existence. Envy for other seems to be possessing you but if you don’t change your mind soon, you’ve not a ghost of a chance of finding happiness. Don’t fall in love with the person who is already in love with themselves. Spring may soon be here!
Aries 21 Mar – 20 Apr
You consume sugar like there’s no tomorrow, so, cut back if you don’t want to add diabetes to your list of ailments. Come down from your high horse and realise that everyone has value even if they can’t gallop as fast as you can. Money will be tight in the future, so, buckle down and prepare for a rough ride. A clearly privileged person will be very kind to you tomorrow.
Taurus 21 Apr – 21 May
A woman with bushes under her arms will come onto you soon, but are you ready to nurture a new romantic relationship? A nice little family unit will befriend you and make you feel loved and appreciated. You are a very creative person so use this wonderful gift from the universe more than you are doing at present. Cherish your parents more – while they are here.
Gemini 22 May – 21 Jun
It may now be inclement weather, but a stranger will warm the cockles of your heart if you accept them and don’t throw them back. Don’t work too hard for although mania can be enjoyable and fruitful, the crash that follows can be devastating. Learn to accept that sometimes accepting is all you can do. Buy some smoked kippers if this makes you happy.
Cancer 22 Jun – 23 Jul
Someone you thought you knew well will stab you in the back this week. Consequently, be more careful who you confide in. Now’s a good time to withdraw from this toxic and often evil world, and live happily inside your own little bubble. A woman may show you how silly it is to prejudge people you don’t know by giving you a nice surprise. Rely less on drugs.
Leo 24 Jul – 23 Aug
It is time that you started putting yourself first even it upsets other people. Get a new tattoo if that turns you on. Do stop walking on egg shells around someone you know, and don’t chicken out from asserting yourself if you need to. Why not plan a summer getaway for your family as you all deserve something nice. Good financial news will come your way soon.
Virgo 24 Aug – 23 Sep
You are about to enter a very fruitful time in your life when everything you touch will bloom. Maybe change your old car as you will have a large clutch of money to spend. Your life is yours to do what you want to do with it, so, if you’re happy wasting it, that’s fine. Remember a bird in the bush is worth three up the bottom. Enjoy this brief taste of sweet happiness.
Libra 24 Sep – 23 Oct
If you’re lucky enough to enjoy your work, then you will be even happier when what you have worked for starts to earn you some good money. Love will show its beautiful face if you can see what’s right in front of your eyes. Learn to know when enough is enough otherwise you will never find what you think you are looking for. Buy a new green umbrella. Share.
JUNE’S WORLD
Hello everybody. It’s me again June. It seems ages since I last wrote an article, but I know in reality, it’s only been a month!
Yesterday, Wednesday, was a lovely day, but today it’s rained a lot and is windy. But we can’t complain for the time of year. Anyway, I hope you are in good health and all is well in your world. I’m glad that I had my flu in one arm and the Covid jab in the other, so, hopefully I’ll stay well this winter.
Before Christmas, we had been visiting my sister-in-law who was in a care home, but sadly, she died and this has left a hole in our lives.
We’re visiting Dean on Saturday in Halifax. Usually, we have a drink in the lovely Marks & Spencer’s café before we go to have a fish and chip dinner at Pearson’s fish and chip restaurant. This makes a nice change from me making roast dinners.
We still visit Selby every Monday where we go to the park in order to see the lovely gardens. The gardener does his best to keep everything looking good. He is really nice and always breaks off from his work to come over and have a chat with us – it probably breaks his day up as he tends to work on his own. If the cabin is open, we buy refreshments like a cup of tea and a bag of crisps. We then go to the Hub café and buy a jacket potato with cheese unless the weather is poor, when we go to the Abbey instead.
It’s a beautiful abbey with lots to see such as the marvellous carvings and fantastic stained-glass windows. They also have a small place where they serve buns and sandwiches. Over the years, we’ve got to know Angie and Carol who are the main servers. You can also buy cards and small gifts there.
We were lucky enough to have a good and peaceful Christmas and, as usual I did my best to put some thought into the presents that I bought for others – there’s nothing worse than getting unwanted gifts. I hope you had a good Christmas too and have a prosperous year.
Love June. XXX
GRAHAM TOWNSEND’S MONTHLY QUIZ
Questions:
(1) Richard Darbyshire, who died in November 2025, was lead singer with which band in the 1980s?
(2) Who wrote the novel “The Sound and the Fury”?
(3) How many US states start with the letter T?
(4) Mt. Saint Helens and Mt. Vesuvius are examples of which geographical feature?
(5) Which element has the chemical symbol Cd?
(6) The Halle Orchestra is based in which English city?
(7) Katherina Minola is the character referred to in the title of which Shakespeare play?
(8) What is the main alcoholic ingredient in a classic Margherita cocktail?
(9) What is the French word for kiss?
(10) Which US state capital was originally known as Waterloo?
(11) What nickname is given to Haydn’s symphony number 94 in G major?
(12) Which hardware store, purchased in 1999 by Kingfisher, was founded in 1979 as the Woodscrew Supply Company?
(13) In the initialism DED, where the first D stands for Dutch and the second D stands for disease, what tree does the letter E refer to?
(14) What word, used in computing, describes a security system that monitors incoming & outgoing network traffic, it’s a barrier between that network and untrusted external networks?
(15) Where was British politician, and former deputy prime minister, Angela Rayner born?
(16) What colour goes before the word ‘belt’ to describe areas of undeveloped, wild or agricultural land outside urban areas?
(17) What name is given to the corrosive liquids that are numbers 1-6 on the pH scale, they turn litmus paper red?
(18) The battles of Yorktown and Fort Sumter were part of which military engagement?
(19) Who wrote the novel “One Flew over the Cuckoo’s nest?
(20) Iva Davies is best known for singing with which Australian pop/rock band prominent in the 1980s?
Answers
(1) Living in a Box (2) William Faulkner (3) Two (Tennessee & Texas) (4) Volcanoes (5) Cadmium (6) Manchester (7) The Taming of the Shrew (8) Tequila (9) Baiser (10) Austin, Texas (11) Surprise Symphony (12) Screwfix (13) Elm (14) Firewall (15) Stockport, Gtr. Manchester, England (16) Green (17) Acids (18) American Civil War (19) Ken Kasey (20) Icehouse
BIBLE QUOTE OF THE MONTH
Sent in by Peter Smith
The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.’
(Romans 8:16, NKJV)
When the earth was just ‘without form, and void’ (Genesis 1:2) God the Father loved his only Son – Jesus. But he wanted a vast family of sons and daughters whom he could love, and who would love him in return. That’s why we are here!
LOSING THE PLOT
Written by S. Bee
“My script’s gone missing!” My partner Jed announced, as he joined me and some of the cast at a table in the TV studio canteen. Jed and I were part of the highly popular Yorkshire set soap ‘Folk Like Us.’
I played a shop assistant, sweet-natured, kind Emily, an unlucky in love day dreamer. With plaited hair, she favoured layered, floral clothes.
“Well, you need to find it lad,” Bernard said, who played eccentric old-timer Clem. “Or else you won’t know your words. In this day and age, you can’t expect the crew to hold up boards for you.”
I shuddered…. in the old days, behind the cameras, TV crews used to hold boards up. these were sometimes used for actors and actresses who couldn’t (or wouldn’t) learn their lines.
I cut in quickly. “No. You’re perfectly right, Bernard. We can’t go back to those days, certainly not in 2026. Don’t worry, Jed. We’ll nip up to the production office later and copy another script.”
Jed smiled and took my hand. “Thanks Hattie. You’re a star!”
The missing script was one in a long line of mishaps. A while ago, Clem’s white ‘wild man’ wig had gone walkabout. Bernard had got into a sour tizz over it. It had held up production, which cost money… his wig was found later, stuffed at the bottom of the old tub in the wardrobe department.
Who had taken it and why had it been hidden? The second incident involved a pub table. It had had mysteriously wobbled, making a drink slide off and smash on the floor. It went on… the make- up girl had sprained her ankle, and I’d experienced problems operating the cash till on the grocery store set.
“It’s all down to the ghost of old Kitty,” Bernard had chuckled.
Was it? Kitty had been an original cast member of the soap. Like Bernard, she’d been in the soap for over thirty-five years. Her character, a battle-axe with a heart of gold, had run the local boozer. When ill health forced Kitty into retirement, the landlady was given the chop. Yet Kitty had felt stung about her character’s exit. Instead of her favoured gentle ‘forever sleep’ in her armchair, the production and scriptwriting team had opted for a cruel car accident. When Kitty passed away off camera, her avenging ghost was supposed to haunt the set. Was her ghost responsible for the accidents – or was there another party at work?
Six months ago, newcomer Jed had been brought in to play a hunky, heart-throb builder, Dale. We all thought he wouldn’t last two minutes, because Jed wasn’t an experienced actor. A male model, he was actually the producer’s boyfriend. To everyone’s surprise, we discovered that Jed had a natural acting ability.
But once he was cosy installed, he’d split with our bossy producer Sally. When Jed and I got together and fell in love, these rumours intensified. The gossip circulated about killing off Dale… we all feared the ‘killing off’ rumours. TV soap producers love the media rumours – it leads to higher ratings!
Was my character – caring, friendly shop assistant Emily going to be exited instead?
“I just can’t see it happening, Hattie,” Bernard said when I’d voiced my concerns. “The viewers love Emily.”
I knew that, yet… Sally was professional and level- headed, but she was also human, and hadn’t liked Jed ending their romance. My mind wandered to Bernard…
Bernard’s current storyline involved a middle-aged woman turning up at Clem’s scruffy cottage door, claiming she was the result of a fling he’d had with a recently deceased married woman character. The plot went like this: Clem recalled the affair… but there’d been no baby. So, would ‘tough as boots’ Clem finally soften towards his only child? Or… was this stranger simply posing as his long-lost daughter, but really planning to con him out of his life savings? That’s the question that’s being asked of our loyal viewers. Bernard, of course, knew the outcome. The cast and crew did, too. Yet we were sworn to secrecy. Sally had warned us no -one wanted to see any ‘spoiler alerts’ splashed across the media!
“You don’t think these shenanigans are down to Sally, do you?” Jed asked me at home.
I shrugged. “Bernard swears it’s Kitty’s ghost at play. But like you Jed, I’m not sure.”
He frowned. “But why would Sally sabotage the show? She’s really proud of it.”
I took a moment to consider. “Well, it’d be to make us understand that she’s in charge. I expect the break up has weakened her emotionally. She feels vulnerable and needs to feel strong again.”
He grinned. “That sounds just like a revenge soap story!”
“Does it? Well, when I asked the make- up girl about her sprain today, she was very vague.”
“Right.” He had a distant look on his face.
I’d noticed that his attention had wandered over the past few weeks. I’d put it down to general stress of the job. I snuggled up to him on the sofa as I switched on the TV. We didn’t watch ourselves. We liked a rival soap, broadcast on another channel.
“I’ve had a word with Sally. She claims these mishaps have nothing to do with her, or Kitty’s ghost.
‘These things happen’, she said – and I believe her,” Jed reported to me at wardrobe the next morning.
“Oh. I thought last night’s conversation was just between us.” I felt disappointed that he’d gone running to Sally without discussing it with me.
“It was, but I wanted to get this sorted. We’re all on edge, and that affects our performance.”
I mulled it over as I finished buttoning one of Emily’s signature floral blouses.
I turned to him. “You’re right – and Sally’s right, too. She’s a mature, successful woman, not a ditzy teenager. Someone in the wardrobe department could easily have mislaid Bernard’s wig. The pub table, the cash till, your missing script and the sprained ankle aren’t anything to get worked up about. Let’s forget about it all – and those silly rumours too.”
He nodded. “You’ve probably sensed that I’ve been distant recently. So, I’ll tell you my news now, instead of later.”
My heart lurched. Was he ditching me to reunite with Sally?
“What news?”
“It’s supposed to be top secret, but I’m leaving to join the rival soap.”
I gasped. “What?”
“They’ve head-hunted me. I don’t even need to audition. But I want you to come with me, Hattie. They can create a new, major role for you. Please say yes!”
My mind whirled. Yet I’d be glad to leave ‘Folk Like Us.’ I needed a fresh start.
“Yes!”
Jed picked me up in delight and swung me around. But before we could talk about our plans, Bernard flew in, clutching a script. “My storyline’s been changed! Clem’s going to be murdered by his daughter!”
INTERVIEW WITH SAM OLDFIELD FROM KOBENHAVN
Hi Sam, first of all can you please tell us a little bit about yourself? Yes. I’m Sam, I currently manage Kobenhavn in Halifax which is a craft beer bar. We’ve just branched out into doing food which has brought its own new set of challenges. I previously trained as a graphic designer and studied it at university in Sheffield. For one reason or another, I ended up spending my time working behind a bar and I have become used to the hospitality trade way of life nowadays you could say.
And how long have you been working in the industry? I left university in 2016 I think and I started working at a bar called Dirty Dicks (now known as the Royal Oak) here in Halifax. I worked there for a good couple of years until Simon, the owner of Kobenhavn, got chatting to me and sort of headhunted me to come and work for him at our sister bar the Victorian Craft Bar Café.
Simon is the owner of both bars? Yes. He was previously at the Puzzle Hall Inn in Sowerby Bridge. He was very successful there but felt restricted by the company that owned the pub and when he saw an opportunity to move to Halifax and open the Victorian Craft Beer Café, he jumped at the chance to own his own establishment.
Opening a craft ale bar in Halifax must have been seen as something of a risk at that time? Yes. There were a lot of naysayers who were convinced that Halifax wasn’t the right kind of place for that kind of bar. I think he has clearly proved them wrong and has to some extent paved the way for quite a vibrant craft ale scene in the town. I would argue that it is as good as the one in Huddersfield and maybe Leeds as well.
Do you get people coming from these places to visit you? Yes, we do and quite a lot say they wish the bar was nearer to where they live! We are quite lucky in this respect.
How long have you been managing Kobenhavn? We opened in 2019, just before COVID so, arguably, one of the most difficult times to open a bar I would say. However, when they allowed us to re-open after the pandemic, we benefitted from being one of the few bars to have a relatively large outdoor seating area. This put us on the map really with people seeing they could come and enjoy a few beers in a safe environment in a nice covered outdoor space.
Would you like to explain a little bit more about the location of Kobenhavn? Yes. It’s under a covered arcade called the Westgate Arcade, literally a one-minute walk from the Piece Hall which is one of, if not the biggest attraction in the town centre. It has brought us a lot of trade in recent times due to the events and gigs they put on. So, as you can tell, we are quite lucky location wise.
Would you say the impact of the Piece Hall gigs has brought about a large upturn in business for you? Yes. It’s only getting better and, as you mentioned before we started recording, the list of artists appearing there is just growing and growing and as the years go by, the quicker they get the stage the more shows they will probably hold. It has been a major success for the town as a whole.
Focusing a little bit more on Kobenhavn as it is at the moment, is it quite a relaxed environment? Yes certainly. It’s a very modern take on a bar but, we still offer cask beers as well as having twenty-four keg taps with lagers, IPAs, ciders, you name it, we try to do a bit of everything. Even teas and coffees as you know yourself!
Just to clarify for people who might not be so familiar with beers and types of beers, would you describe Kobenhavn as a craft ale bar? Definitely. We walk the line between something for everyone and more niche craft beers. But even so, we still have the option of a pint of everyday lager for those customers who are happy with that.
What is your favourite thing about working here? I guess just the amount of people you get to meet really. No two days are the same. There are always new issues to face or problems to solve. Sometimes things that relate to the everyday running of the bar or for example, forward planning for financial constraints experienced by customers due to the cost-of-living crisis. There are plenty of people out there who don’t have lots of money so, you can’t just create a nice place and then push the prices up. We want to make it a nice place to come and at the same time make sure people feel like they are getting a decent deal when they are spending their hard-earned cash.
Do you think the prices are reasonable for the product that you offer? I certainly think if you went and made a list around Halifax in terms of the higher end bars and then if you cast your net a bit further to cities like Leeds, Manchester or even London, you’d be spending half again for a pint on top of what you will pay here. So, I think we are pretty well placed and priced for where we are in the UK.
In terms of the staff you have, what kind of blend of experience do you have? Again, we are quite lucky here. There’s a couple of more experienced heads, the likes of Chris and Jim whereas we also have people who do more casual shifts who are as young as eighteen. We have a good mix of male and female staff too. I’ve worked in places previously where the staff were exclusively male however, currently, we might even be slightly outnumbered by the ladies at the moment.
What are staff turnover levels like? They are low. We have a consistent approach across both bars really in terms of management and general bar staff.
Going back to the ladies, do you have a reasonable proportion of lady drinkers who drink craft ale? Yes, and it’s dangerous to compartmentalise people and say for example “here’s a wine list to look at” because they might want a nice pint of stout perhaps and you don’t want to come across as patronising. But that works both ways and you might get a bloke who wants a nice glass of wine or a nice G&T like yourself!
If there was one thing you could change about Kobenhavn, what would that be! Particularly looking at the price point, our demographic probably lends itself to the more mature members of the population shall we say! We have tried to combat that by starting to put the food on. One of our key menu items is burger and chips.
Would you like to tell us a little bit more about the menu? It sounds like fast food but in reality, we’re trying to aim it at the top end of the market. Something that doesn’t turn us into a restaurant and can be enjoyed with a beer or three. It’s more about appealing to a slightly younger crowd. Since we have started doing food, we have noticed younger families coming in. The kids seem happy with a glass of pop and a portion of chips whilst mum and dad might have burger and fries and a beer or two.
So, it has been a success so far? So far yes. We only launched it at the start of October. It was our intention to launch it in the summer but a few teething problems meant we were delayed until what can be a difficult time of year for something new. Because of the large footfall in the summer period, there was quite a lot of scope for things to go wrong.
Do you ever put on any special events? Yes. Our flagship festival is called “Pucker Up”. It features sour beers. They can be anything from fruited sours, there’s an Irn Bru one for example, through to niche Belgian beers that are fermented with various yeast strains. So again, trying to walk that line between trends and classic style.
You’re trying to find a balance then? Yes. You don’t want to alienate customers by trying to be too niche. You want it to be interesting and authentic for those people who are genuinely interested in craft beer.
Just changing the subject, when you get some spare time, what do you like to do with it? Well, as you know, I’m a big Halifax Town fan. I’m a season ticket holder and have been since I was at school so, that must be sixteen years of more. I spend a lot of time screaming and shouting down at The Shay.
Does it give you a lot of satisfaction, even when they lose? Yes. I guess I’m bound by the fact I usually have to come straight to work after the game. Certainly, in my younger days I used to travel home and away. When I was still at uni, in Sheffield, I’d do little away days by myself. I’d get the train to various places around the country. Grimsby away was one of my favourites. We won 1-0 with a screamer of a goal from Lois Maynard. I think it helped us to cement our place in the play-offs that season and we took around 900 fans there that night. I remember putting a message on the Town message board asking if anyone could give me a lift as the train times were going to be difficult for me. I even tweeted our centre-forward Lee Gregory, as I knew he was based in Sheffield to see if he could help. Anyway, a guy called Lawrence, a fellow Town fan who lived in Sheffield – I think he was an English teacher, gave me a lift. Looking back at it now, that was a pretty strange and potentially dangerous thing to do getting a lift from a complete stranger! At the time I think I was gripped by football fever. It was our first season back in the National League and we were riding the crest of a wave with Neil Aspin as manager and we were starting to believe we could make it back into the Football League.
Was that the season we lost to Cambridge in the play-offs? Yes. We beat them at home in the first leg of the semi-final but got comfortably beaten in the second leg down there.
Right Sam, just to wrap things up, do you think that craft ale bars like Kobenhavn have a long-term future in the UK? I think craft ale as a concept is becoming better understood by the public. More to the point, I think the drinking culture has changed from going out and trying to find deals like four pints for a tenner and drinking in what might be described as a spit and sawdust type of pub to somewhere you can spend time with your family having a few nice drinks in a nice environment and feeling that you’re getting good value for your hard-earned cash.
And on a personal note, do you have any specific aspirations for the future, either work related or otherwise? I guess it’s always in the back of my mind to have a place of my own potentially but, I certainly don’t see that happening in the foreseeable future. I’m part of a successful business already and it’s not as if I’m itching to get away or anything like that because, they look after me well here.
Do you have a website that people can go to? Yes, it is https://kobenhavn.beer/ – we’re in the process of updating it at the moment as some of the stuff on there is probably a little bit out of date now.
Is there anything else you would like to add or you think we’ve missed? No. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect but, I think we’ve covered most things.
Ok Sam. Thank you for your time today. We really appreciate it! Thanks Graham
BRENDA’S WILDLIFE CORNER
Shire Horse
The Shire Horse is the result of selective breeding undertaken by people like Robert Bakewell in the seventeenth century who introduced the “Bakewell Black” or “Lincolnshire Black” variety.
Shire horses were originally used for heavy work like farm work, forestry, delivering beer and for transporting other goods by road. They were even strong enough to tow barges on the canals.
A shire horse is indeed of impressive stature with the average height of a grown stallion being 17.2 hands and weighing between 850 and 1100 kg. In fact, the tallest and heaviest shire horse recorded, in 1846, was one called Sampson which stood at over 21.2 hands and weighed an incredible 1524 kg.
The head of a shire horse is distinct from other breeds with a lean, long neck which is slightly arched and long relative to the size of its body. It is indeed aesthetically pleasing. Unfortunately, because of its build, it is prone to Chronic Progressive Lymphoedema which can be very debilitating and painful.
At its peak, there were over a million shire horses in the UK and business flourished transporting thousands of them to the US, beginning in 1853. However, with increasing mechanisation and changing rules on the purchase of livestock food, the breed was considered superfluous, and as a result, thousands were slaughtered and breeding studs closed down.
Happily, due to public interest in the seventies, the breed started to become popular again with breed societies popping up in France, Germany, Canada, the Netherlands and in the US. In 1996, the first Shire Horse Congress was held in Peterborough. The breed is still considered to be at risk and needs to be preserved for every generation to enjoy.
Today shire horses are still employed in ploughing, logging and there are still a few breweries who employ them for traditional dray work. They are a magnificent animal.
* Ref. Wikipedia
ALICE’S THING OF THE MONTH
Written by Alice Kaur
Hello and welcome back to Alice’s Thing of the Month.
This month we are going to be talking about Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game.
I’m a huge fan of gaming and have wanted to play this game ever since it was advertised. I finally bought it in the Black Friday sales and have been playing it ever since. Tales of the Shire was released on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 on 29th July 2025. The game is set in the period between the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, set around 59 years before Frodo inherits the One Ring. This setting allows us to experience The Shire before all the doom and gloom over shadows it.
At the beginning of the game you get to create your own hobbit, their name and the way they dress which is a fun opening. It is a super cosy game where you learn to fish, garden, cook, make friends with other hobbits, have meals with them and complete quests to progress the story. This game is a breath of fresh air in the world of stressful, complex games like RPGS. There is no pressure in this game and you can take all the time in the world and do the main story at your own pace, this is how I imagine actual hobbits would live.
The game is developed by Weta Workshop Game Studio, a division of the legendary creative studio that brought the visual world of Middle Earth to life for the Peter Jackson films, so they really had an authentic understanding of the source materials and how the world should look and it really is perfect. The game unfortunately got quite a lot of bad reviews when it was first released, more so because of how the game looked. These days people want to see everything in 4K and to have absolutely amazing graphics. I find the cartoon style charming and perfectly suited to the game’s light-hearted tone, proving that great graphics aren’t always about realism.
If you’re a fan of gaming and The Lord of the Rings films, I really recommend playing the game it really stays true to Tolkien’s world and has a beautiful relaxing soundtrack.
Thanks for reading.
A KIND OF KARMA
Written by S. Bee
“I’m sorry about this, folks,” the bus driver announced. “The engine has conked out. I’m going to call for another bus.”
Forty- something Gemma silently panicked. She was going to be late for her job interview!
She was about to inform the company (201 Design) that she’d be late, but then she noticed a small group had gathered. After a speedy chat, a male office worker approached her.
“We’re getting a taxi into town,” he said. “Care to join us?”
She smiled. “Oh, that’d be great!”
A taxi was easily found and four bus passengers all piled in. Then, a mile on, the cab suddenly stopped in a traffic jam.
“Blasted roadworks!” the taxi driver groaned.
Gemma decided to walk. Before she left, she handed a ten-pound note to the guy she’d been chatting to. He wasn’t bad looking, actually… but this was neither the time or the place to be thinking about dating!
“Here’s my share of the fare. I’ve got to go. I’m late for an appointment!” she explained.
To make matters worse, she’d snagged her perfectly smooth tights. There wasn’t time to buy another pair! Gemma thought, as she raced on. When she arrived at the sleek office block, Anna the receptionist explained that because she was late, Gemma was now the final candidate. She peeled off her ragged tights in the loos and threw them in the bin. Yet when Gemma was called in the interview room and discovered the identity of her interviewer, her spirit sank. It was Kelly Firth. She and Kelly had worked together a long time ago. But they hadn’t been best buddies… far from it.
“Hello Gemma. It’s good to see you again,” Kelly began.
Was it? she thought darkly.
“Please take a seat,” Kelly indicated the chair, and she shot a disapproving glance at her nude legs.
“Look Kelly, I didn’t realise it was you worked here,” Gemma gabbled. “The email said I was seeing a Ms K Robinson -”
“I married five years ago and changed my surname. Now, we have your CV, but have you brought copies of your qualifications?” Kelly asked.
“Of course.”
But when Gemma opened her bag, the copies weren’t there.
She gulped. “I’m sorry. I’ve forgotten them. I was rushing around this morning and -”
“You arrived late too, I gather.” Kelly didn’t sound very impressed.
“Yes. I’m sorry but the bus broke down and…” she tried to follow her thread of memory.
Had she rung 201, to update them? With all that panicking, maybe I hadn’t, she thought glumly.
“I can scan my qualifications and email them over later today,” Gemma put in.
“No problem. Tell me about your last job.”
This was time for Gemma to shine. Luckily, she’d memorised her notes from her application.
If I do well here, she thought, perhaps Kelly could overlook their time together at work?
Later that day, Gemma was back home when her phone had rung.
“Good afternoon. It’s Anna from 201 design. Am I speaking to Gemma Pearson?”
“Yes. This is Gemma Pearson.”
Gemma nerves were on edge. Had she, despite the morning from hell, managed to scoop her dream job?
“I’m sorry to tell you that on this occasion, your interview was not successful.”
Gemma sighed. “Right. Thanks for letting me know.”
She couldn’t really expect Kelly to forgive her. Her mind flew back…
Aged twenty, Gemma was the office top dog and Kelly had been on the unfortunate receiving end of her arrogant attitude. Gemma was supposed to be providing ‘on the job training’ for Kelly but she’d simply asked Kelly to make endless cups of coffee, plus she’d gone out and fetched Gemma’s lunch every weekday. Kelly also carried out stacks of photocopying and posted company letters. She’d often stayed late to type up Gemma’s reports, too…
Gemma felt appalled, knowing how she’d behaved as an ambitious go- getter. On impulse, she decided to ring 201 Design back. “It’s Gemma Pearson. Could I speak to Ms Robinson, please?”
“She has made her decision -”
“This is a personal matter.”
“Hold the line, please.”
Gemma waited until Kelly’s cool voice cut in.
“Hello again, Gemma.”
She launched straight in. “I’m so sorry, Kelly. I was unkind and inconsiderate towards you when we were young. I regret my behaviour now. I’m deeply sorry.”
“Thank you.” A whisper – then the line went dead.
When her mobile rang again, ‘unknown number’ flashed up.
“Is that Gemma Pearson?” A strange male voice enquired.
“Speaking.” She frowned. She’d heard that voice somewhere before.
“I’m Chris, the guy from the bus this morning,” he explained.
“Oh, I see! How did you get my number?”
“When you handed me that tenner for your taxi fare, I found your business card attached to it.”
She chuckled. “I must have grabbed it from my purse without realising.”
“I’m ringing because your skills might interest my sister. She’s launching a jewellery business, trading online, and she’s looking for a web designer.”
“Oh!” Gemma beamed.
“It’s not a nine to five position. It’d be freelance work, but you never know where it could lead,” he went on.
“I’m still job-hunting Chris, but I’d be happy to consider it,” she said.
“Great! Could us three meet later to discuss the project?”
They arranged a cafe date for the weekend.
“And – er, maybe dinner with just me, later?” he hedged.
Her heart warmed. “That sounds good.”
Gemma reflected. Had this turn of events happened because she’d apologised to Kelly?
Was it karma that had conjured up work and a romantic date for her so soon after failure?
Maybe. Maybe not. Yet whatever lay behind it, there was no harm in sending up a silent prayer of thanks!
FABULOUS JUNE CHARLTON’S VARIED RECIPES
Baked Rice and Apricot Pudding
Ingredients:
3 oz of pudding rice
2 oz of castor sugar
1 ½ pints of milk
Ground star anise or grated nutmeg
½ oz of butter
2 oz of ready to eat dried apricots, chopped
Method:
1. Rinse the pudding rice in cold water, drain well then place in a 2-pint buttered dish.
2. Add the sugar and milk.
3. Stir in the apricots and sprinkle the top with the star anise or nutmeg and dot with butter.
4. Bake at 150 C for 1 ½ – 2 hours until rice is soft and creamy.
Brussels Sprouts and Potato Soup
Ingredients:
8oz of potatoes
8oz of Brussels sprouts
1 onion
1 pint of water
¼ pint of milk
Salt and pepper
Method:
1. Prepare the sprouts, toss into boiling water and strain after 2 minutes.
2. Peel and cut up the potatoes and onion, place in a pan with the water and seasoning and bring to the boil.
3. Add the sprouts and simmer gently for 20 – 25 minutes. Pass through a sieve or liquidiser.
4. Add the milk and colouring if needed. Adjust seasoning. Reheat before serving.
Potato and Cheese Custard
Ingredients:
1lb of potatoes, peeled, boiled and sliced
4oz of grated cheddar cheese
4oz of bacon, cooked and diced
2 eggs
½ pint of milk
Salt and pepper
Method:
1. Grease an ovenproof dish, then place alternate layers of potatoes, cheese and bacon in it, ending with cheese.
2. Beat the eggs, add the milk and seasoning and pour over the potatoes.
3. Bake in a slow oven at 180C (350F/Gas Mark 4) for 40 – 45 minutes.
Sole Otero
Ingredients:
4 large potatoes, baked in jackets
1 egg
1oz of butter
4 fillets of sole, rolled and poached
2oz of prawns
2oz of mushrooms, cut in quarters and poached
½ pint of Mornay sauce
Cheddar cheese, grated
Method:
1. Bake the potatoes and scoop out the inside.
2. Mash, and add the beaten egg and butter.
3. Pipe a border around the potato shells.
4. Put rolled fillets of sole inside the shells.
5. Add the prawns and mushrooms and coat with Mornay sauce.
6. Sprinkle the top with grated cheese and return to a hot oven at 220C (425 F/Gas Mark 7) to glaze the top and reheat the potatoes.
Tea Bread
Ingredients:
1 cup of cold tea
2 cups of self-raising flour
2 cups of mixed fruit
1 cup of sugar
1 egg
Method:
1. Soak the fruit and sugar in the tea overnight.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients and beat well.
3. Put in a greased 2lb loaf tin.
4. Bake in a moderate oven at 200C (375F/Gas Mark 4) for 1 ½ hours.
GRAHAM’S 2025 SPORTING REVIEW
Written by Graham Townsend
I think now is as good a time as any to take a look back at the sporting events of 2025. As I am based in the UK, this will have a mainly British perspective.
So, what were the highlights? The first one that springs to mind personally is Rory McIlroy’s victory at The Masters in Augusta to complete golf’s Grand Slam. In achieving this he became only the sixth player to do so.
Liverpool, under new manager Arne Slot won their first Premier League title since 2020. In the end they won the title fairly comfortably. Arsenal were their only real competitors for the majority of the season as Manchester City fell well short of their previous very high standards. A long-term injury to midfielder Rodri seemed to play a major part in their downfall.
England’s women footballers were able to become the first team to defend the European Championship. They defeated Spain after a penalty shootout in the final in Basel, Switzerland.
England’s women were also successful in the Rugby World Cup. Claiming victory by 33-13 over Canada in the final on home soil at Twickenham Stadium, London. The tournament was lauded as a major triumph in terms of highlighting women’s sport in the UK itself.
Sticking with rugby union, the British and Irish Lions beat Australia 2-1 in their test series Down Under. It was the first time the Lions had won a series in Australia since 2013.
In another team event, Team Europe managed to retain golf’s Ryder Cup despite a strong fightback from Team USA on the final day. I watched a fair bit of this and to say it was nerve-wracking towards the end is an understatement.
In the world of darts, Luke Littler started the year by claiming his first PDC world championship. He has dominated the sport throughout 2025 and has recently taken over the world number one ranking from his predecessor as world champion Luke Humphries. Humphries has been his only real competitor throughout the year and the two of them seem to be streets ahead of the rest of the competition.
As I write this, Scotland have just qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. The way they defeated Denmark to reach the finals for the first time since 1998 was spectacular to say the least. England have already qualified and Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are involved in play-offs to see whether they are able to join their compatriots from the British Isles.
England’s cricket team have just started their Ashes series in Australia. They are trying to reclaim the urn that the Aussies have held since 2017. The first test did not end well with defeat within two days in Perth after a promising start with the ball, if not the bat, where they were dismissed cheaply in both innings.
Looking ahead to 2026 can England put an end to “sixty years of hurt” and finally recapture the World Cup? Only time will tell!
OH, AUNTY BRENDA!
Written by S. Bee
When Aunty Brenda unwrapped my birthday gift and peered at the fancy glass bottle, my heart sank. I just knew what was coming.
‘It’s very thoughtful of you, but this perfume is quite expensive, Ella.’
I shook my head in frustration. Oh, Aunty Brenda!
I’d had a good idea that she’d say this!
‘It doesn’t matter about the expense. I wouldn’t have bought it for you, if I couldn’t afford it. I thought you liked ‘Essence of You,” I said.
She smiled. ‘I do, love. Look, it’s lovely and I yes, I like the scent, but it’s well, it’s way too posh for me.’
I stifled a sigh. ‘But Aunty Brenda -‘
‘Don’t argue with me please, Ella. I’d like you to give this perfume to someone who deserves it, for a birthday or Christmas. Now love, I must get on. My shift at the charity shop starts in half an hour.’
Brenda was my dad’s older sister. She was single and childless, which was probably why she’d seen me as the child she couldn’t have. She was a sensible, no-nonsense type of woman, yet caring and warm-hearted too. As a child and teen, I’d stayed with her at weekends, to keep her company and to escape the mood at home. Around that time, my parents had divorced – Mum was very wrapped up in her sales career and dad’s job had taken him to Australia, so Brenda and I formed a close bond. She disapproved of the divorce, yet wisely didn’t criticise my parents. Yet Penny pinching Brenda (as my Mum unkindly called her) was just what I’d needed – she’d offered me stability and security.
When I left school and began office work, I decided to lodge with Brenda.
‘It’s silly forking out for rent and bills when you can live with me and save most of your salary,’ she’d pointed out.
‘That’s a great idea!’ I’d said.
Now Aunty Brenda was retired, she spent her days volunteering at a charity shop. She was on a decent pension, yet she loved bagging a bargain there (and in other charity shops) and boasting about it to me.
But buying something special for Aunty Brenda was a very difficult experience. She appreciated the thought behind my gifts, yet there was always a reason why she couldn’t accept them. No matter how many times I reassured her that she deserved to be treated, she wouldn’t see sense! Although I could plainly see that she adored it, the pale rose silk blouse I’d bought her last Christmas was deemed ‘a wicked waste of money.’
So, I kept the two gifts – the perfume and the blouse – and tucked them away in a cupboard, in the unlikely event of a change of mind.
On Saturday, I called into the charity shop where Aunty Brenda volunteered. After her shift, we were lunching in town. Naturally, she favoured a cheap, greasy spoon cafe.
When I’d suggested we visit a lovely new vintage style tea shop, she’d spluttered: ‘Don’t be silly, love. I’m not paying those prices!’
‘But everything will be of much higher quality there. Look, don’t worry, I’ll pay,’ I soothed.
‘No Ella, I won’t allow you to – it’s a complete rip- off!’
So that was the end of that!
Later, when we Skyped Dad, he had a suggestion. ‘It’s my fiftieth birthday next month. I’d love to see you two. Why don’t you book a trip out? You can stay at my beachside apartment, there’s plenty of room.’
My heart leapt. I’d love to see him too and the thought of sunshine, blue sky and sea were very appealing.
‘Air tickets for two to Australia will cost a small fortune. I’m not made of money,’ Brenda retorted.
He waved a hand. ‘ I realise that, Brenda. I’ll cover the cost of the flights.’
It was an automatic response: ‘No, you won’t, Terry.’
He shrugged, clearly hurt by her dismissive tone. ‘Oh well, it was only an idea. How are things at work, Ella?’
Later, I reflected on the Skype chat. This time, I felt Aunty Brenda was being really foolish.
‘Why won’t you take the trip to see Dad?’ I asked gently, as I placed two mugs of cocoa on the coffee table. ‘I really miss him.’
‘I miss him, too. But it’s the cost of the tickets, love. I don’t want him to waste his money.’
‘Right. Well, this is the way I see it – he hasn’t a partner, or any other children. He’s no expensive hobbies and he hasn’t got a pet. He’s not into designer clothes or show- off cars, and he doesn’t take exotic holidays – so why shouldn’t he spend on his family?’
She scooped up the remote control. ‘Shall we switch over to the news?’
The next day, I emailed Dad and poured out my frustration.
He replied:
‘Maybe this will explain her attitude. We didn’t have a great childhood, Ella. Money was tight because dad was a gambler, so mum took a series of low paid, part-time jobs. We didn’t go hungry, but there weren’t any extras, such as holidays, nice clothes or a family car,’ he went on. ‘Being raised like this leaves an impact. I became ambitious, but Brenda became cautious.’
Ah – it all made sense now. I finally understood her cost cutting ways!
That night after I’d gone to bed, a soft tap rapped on my door.
‘Come in!’ I called.
Brenda sat on my bed. ‘I’ve been thinking about what you said. I’ve been so silly, demanding you pass on the gifts you’ve bought me. You must have felt very upset.’
I nodded, as tears spurted.
‘I’m sorry I’ve hurt your feelings, Ella. From now on, I’ll accept any gift from you gracefully with thanks. So, about that blouse, and the perfume…. have you given them to someone else?’
I smiled. ‘Of course I haven’t.’
‘Good. Because I’ll need them if we’re going to Australia.’
My spirit soared, as I hugged her. ‘Yippee!’
ANOTHER FUN QUIZ FROM THE HORSE’S MOUTH
Questions:
(1) How old was boxer Ricky Hatton when he died?
(2) Who invented the road surface Tarmac?
(3) What is the currency of Tasmania?
(4) Who wrote the book ‘The Outsider/The Stranger’?
(5) What is the capital of Andorra?
(6) Where was the superstar footballer Diego Maradona born?
(7) What is anthrax?
(8) Where do Scunthorpe United FC play?
(9) Who played David Stockwell in the series Heartbeat?
(10) What is thought to be the most common tree on Earth?
(11) What is the French word for handbag?
(12) Who invented lipstick?
(13) Who owns Manchester United FC?
(14) How many runways are there currently at Heathrow Airport?
(15) Where is most iron found in food?
(16) Who grows the most tobacco in the world?
(17) What is the chemical symbol for Titanium?
(18) Who played Eddie Yates in Coronation Street?
(19) Which species of dog tends to live the longest?
(20) Who is the javelin world record holder for men?
Answers:
(1) 46 (2) Edgar Pumell Hooley in 1902 (3) Australian dollar (4) Albert Camus (5) Andorra la Vella (6) Lanus, Argentina (7) A serious rare illness that impacts animal like cattle and deer (8) Attis Arena/Glanford Park (9) David Lonsdale (10) Probably pines (11) Sac a main (12) Originated with the ancient Sumerians and Egyptians (13) The Glazer family holds a majority stake and Sir Jim Radcliffe’s INEOS group holds a significant minority stake (14) 2 (15) In animal-based foods like meat and eggs (16) China (17) Ti (18) Geoffrey Hughes (19) Smaller breeds like Chihuahua, Maltese and Tibetan Spaniel (20) Jan Zelezny
Editor’s Final Word
Thank you for bothering to read this magazine. I think it would be good for you to get involved if you want to through: dean@fthm.org.uk
Best wishes Dean, Brenda, Graham and Hari.
