Throughout December we asked you to send in flash submissions on the topic of Coorie & Hygge. We’re delighted to share the winning entry of Christine Law, aged 66, with you. Helpful Aide Living in sheltered housing, I keep away the winter blues by exercising a neighbour’s Jack Russell Terrier dog called Alfie. He is … Continue reading Coorie & Hygge – Winning Entry
Al was one of the runners-up in our October 2021 Poetry Competition. After a long and undistinguished career in the NHS and later in H.E. he took early retirement to polish his sonnets. Don Paterson has never heard of him. He lives in Sheffield, the capital of the People’s Republic of South Yorkshire, where he … Continue reading Quick & Quirky Questions with Al McClimens
Glyn was selected as the winner of the Autumn Voices flash entry for November on War & Remembrance with his piece entitled Norman’s War. We are delighted to have him back on the site and he’s been kind enough to answer a few of our quirky questions so you can get to know him a … Continue reading Quick & Quirky Questions with Glyn Matthews
Gillian Hamnett, Content Editor and Consultant at Autumn Voices, recommends: Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke (Bloomsbury, 2004) I’m taking a bit of a risk recommending this book as I haven’t read it yet, but it looks fantastic! I have a lovely first edition hardback copy that has been in my book collection … Continue reading Gillian’s Jolabokablog
Patti Landmann is retired from the life of a business manager. She enjoys woodcarving, photography, writing and travel. She has been married to Henry for 58 years. Two lovely sons, one angel, and three grandchildren. She enjoys life and nature, butterflies and birds. Friends and memories are both her cache of treasure. Tell us 4 … Continue reading Quick & Quirky Questions with Patti Landmann
Dear Orlando, I write in the hope you can help me to understand a problem I’ve been having for years. Every year, at this time of year, all sorts of strange things happen. The postie – who I’m not allowed to chase – arrives at the door practically every day bringing all sorts of parcels … Continue reading Help! Too many parcels
Christmas Tiffin (vegan) 500g of crushed biscuits (300g of oatie type biscuits, 200g of digestive biscuits) 30g of cocoa powder 150g of dairy-free spread 75g of syrup 225g of dried fruit mix infused with brandy (I buy mine from Aldi or Lidl but you could equally soak the dried fruit in some brandy yourself) 1tbsp … Continue reading Christmas Tiffin from Reading Lasses
Tell us 4 important facts about yourself: I’ve never had a career, but I’ve had over 100 jobs. I’ve moved house 39 times. I’m the fourth of six siblings, and there are only three of us left now. I write, play the ukulele, sing in a choir, and read the news on the Radio Station … Continue reading Quick & Quirky Questions with Lesley P Lyon
Beef & Ale Winter Stew Serves 4 3 tbsp of sunflower oil 2 large, chopped onions 2 cloves of garlic (crushed) 1kg of diced beef 3 rashers of smoked bacon with the rind removed, cut into strips 1 tbsp of plain flour 500g of passata 400ml of beef stock 150ml of dark ale (e.g., Orkney … Continue reading Winter stew for winter you
Throughout November we asked you to send in flash submissions on the topic of War & Remembrance. We received many lovely entries, but the favourite amongst the team was “Norman’s War” by Glyn Matthews, aged 69. He’s the recipient of prize, “Codebreaking Sisters”, which was kindly donated to us by Mirror Books. Norman’s War In … Continue reading War & Remembrance – Winning Entry
Tell us 4 important facts about yourself: I’m only 4’ 11’’ and bang my bottom on the kerb if I’m not careful. I have to stand on a box to reach the wine glasses. I once shared a dressing room with Julie Christie. I have been married for a long time, but not always to … Continue reading Quick & Quirky Questions with Chrys Salt MBE
Our theme for December is ‘a bit of coorie and hygge’, which frankly we all need at the moment after being thoroughly launched into winter with torrential rain and flooding, then blown away in Storm Arwen and pelted with snow! It’s definitely time to stay warm and cosy, and in our online content this month … Continue reading A recipe for heaven
Tell us 4 important facts about yourself: I am Scottish I practise Yoga I live in the countryside in Norfolk I worked as a teacher and in Public Health What is your favourite age that you’ve been so far in life, and why? I’ve enjoyed every age for different reasons. Right now, in my mid-sixties, … Continue reading Quick & Quirky Questions with Adele Godsmark
Louis Dunn was recently named the winner of our “Draw Orlando” competition. Not only was he kind enough to take the time to enter the competition, but he was also kind enough to allow us to ask him a few questions so we can all get to know Louis a little better! Tell us 4 … Continue reading Quick & Quirky Questions with Louis Dunn
This week we are delighted to have a vert special QQQ from Pat and Jean Owtram, the Codebreaking Sisters. Find out how to win a copy of their book at the end of their answers! Tell us 4 important facts about yourself: Jean & Pat: We were both born in Lancashire, and both signed the … Continue reading Quick & Quirky Questions with Jean and Pat
