Set your alarms for next week. Glastonbury Festival has revealed the details of its 2025 Emerging Talent Competition, and entries are next week.

It’s an initiative aimed at giving promising new acts from the UK and Ireland a chance to perform on one of the festival’s main stages. The competition, which is free to enter, is supported by PRS for Music and PRS Foundation.

Open to artists from all musical genres, the competition will run for one week only, opening at 9am on Monday 27 January, and closing at 5pm on Monday 3 February 2025. To enter, acts are required to submit a YouTube link to one original song, along with a link to a video of themselves performing live.

What the winners get…

The winner of this prestigious competition will secure a performance slot at the 2025 Glastonbury Festival, one of the world’s most iconic music events. They’ll also receive a fat £5,000 Talent Development prize from PRS Foundation. This is to support the next steps in their songwriting and performing career.

Two runners-up will each receive a PRS Foundation £2,500 Talent Development prize.

A commitment to diversity and inclusivity is central to the competition. Glastonbury Festival has encouraged entries from disabled artists, with additional support available to ensure equal opportunities for all participants.

We’re assuming this commitment to diversity also includes mature entrants. Waiting to hear back from them on this but will update you!

Read more: Jed Novick on why festivals are perfect for the over-50s

The selection process begins with a panel of 30 leading UK music writers who will create a longlist of 90 acts from the entries. This longlist will then be reviewed by a judging panel, including Glastonbury organisers Michael and Emily Eavis, to identify eight finalists. These finalists will compete in live performances at the Pilton-based finals, where the ultimate winner will be decided.

Michael and Emily Eavis have expressed their excitement about the upcoming competition, which continues to serve as a vital platform for emerging artists. Previous winners of the Emerging Talent Competition have gone on to achieve significant success. Many have returned to perform on Glastonbury’s stages in subsequent years, such as Declan McKenna and Marie White.

For aspiring artists, this is a unique opportunity to showcase their talent on one of the biggest platforms in music. Entries open on 27th January 2025, and the Festival team is eager to discover the next wave of musical talent.

How to enter

For more details on the competition and how to enter, visit the official Glastonbury Festival website. The entry form will be available on the website when entries open at 9am on Monday 27th January 2025.

www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk

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The post Glastonbury Festival 2025 Emerging Talent Competition appeared first on Silver Magazine.

In recent years fermented foods have risen in popularity, due to increasing evidence that they improve gut health. Fermented foods contain beneficial bacteria which aid digestion, boost immune systems, and improve overall wellbeing.

These days you can spot fermented foods in most supermarkets, not just health food stores, making fermented foods more easily accessible.

However, it’s surprisingly easy to make your own fermented foods at home. And once you start, you’ll be hooked!

What are fermented foods?

Food and drink becomes ‘fermented’ when it has undergone a microbial growth process. This is an anaerobic process whereby microorganisms break down food components such as sugars into organic acids, gases, and alcohols.

The fermentation process can include salt, yeast, or even just the preservation of the foods themselves. It’s what happens once the fermentation process takes place that makes the food magical.

People have been fermenting food for centuries, not just for preservation purposes, but to reap the health benefits which the food provides. Humans exhibit a unique preference for fermented food consumption that began to emerge in our ancestors as early as 10 million years ago.

Evidence suggests that the first fermented drink was a fermented alcoholic beverage made from fruit, honey, and rice found in Neolithic China dating back to 7000-6600 BCE. Nowadays, commonly-found fermented foods include kimchi, sauerkraut, apple cider vinegar, cheese, kefir, kombucha, sourdough bread, and miso.

Probiotics vs. prebiotics – what is the difference?

There are some crucial differences between probiotics and prebiotics. Probiotics are living microorganisms, the beneficial bacteria, found in fermented foods which directly support your gut microbiomes. Our guts are filled with millions of microorganisms which maintain good digestion, and probiotics act as a way of repopulating your gut. Probiotics can help with digestion issues, such as diarrhoea, and bloating. They can also be helpful when dealing with lactose intolerances.

Prebiotics are different. They are non-digestible fibres which serve as food for the healthy bacteria in our gut, and can be found in foods like garlic, onions, and bananas. Prebiotics may help with digestion, constipation, mineral absorption, cholesterol, and the immune system.

How fermented foods benefit your gut biome

Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome plays a massive role in our health, as it can significantly impact bodily functions. Each person’s gut microbiome is unique, with scientists estimating that there are around three million genes in the gut microbiome compared to the human genome’s 23,000 genes. Your gut microbiome has a symbiotic relationship with the body, and works to minimise disease risk, support immune function, and may even improve mental health, according to some experts.

Safe fermentation from home

It is both safe and delicious to experiment with fermenting your own foods from home. Easily fermentable foods include vegetables such as cabbage and carrots, dairy products such as yoghurt or kefir, or drinks, such as kombucha.

Another article you may like: Five foods that help with the symptoms of menopause

6 Tips before you begin to ferment

1. Ensure all your jars are sterile and have been thoroughly washed with warm soapy water, before being well dried.
2. Using fresh ingredients can minimise risks, by ensuring the food is not already beginning to rot.
3. To prevent any diseases while storing and preserving foods, such as botulism, it is crucial to limit oxygen exposure. You can do this by submerging your ingredients in a jar with a fermentation lid, or a vacuum seal, for safety.
4. Always use tried and tested recipes.
5. Whilst fermented foods can be kept outside the fridge, once the fermentation process is complete, storing your fermented foods in the fridge will allow for them to last as long as possible.
6. It is always best to stay vigilant whilst fermenting your own foods. If something smells off, or you are unsure about the safety of your fermented foods, it is always best to throw it away.

How to make sauerkraut

What you need:

• 2kg very firm, pale green or white cabbage (any leathery outer leaves removed), cored and shredded/finely sliced
• 3 tbsp coarse crystal sea salt (or 6 tbsp flaky sea salt)
• 1 tsp caraway seeds
• 1 tsp peppercorn

1. Begin by washing a large bowl and rinse it with boiling water in order to fully sanitise it. Make sure that your hands, the container you will store it in, and anything in contact with the cabbage are clean.
2. Shred the cabbage thinly before adding to the bowl with your coarse salt.
3. Massage the salt into the cabbage for five minutes, then wait a further five minutes, before repeating this step again, and combining the peppercorns and caraway seeds.
4. Press out all the air bubbles from the cabbage by covering the surface with clingfilm, before pressing down.
5. Then weigh the cabbage down to minimise air bubbles, by using heavy plates, or small weights. Once done the level of the brine should rise to cover the cabbage a little
6. Cover the tub and leave in a dark place at a cool room temperature (about 18-20*C) for at least five days.
7. Check the cabbage, ‘burping’ it daily to release any trapped air, whilst keeping it in a cool place.

It will be ready to eat in five days, but for maximum flavour leave the cabbage to ferment for anywhere between 2-6 weeks (about one and a half months).

How to make yoghurt

• 2 litres milk
• 10 g yoghurt culture (or 2 tablespoons of homemade or commercial yoghurt)
• ½ cup powdered milk (for thicker yoghurt)

1. Pour the milk into a pot. If you want thick yoghurt, add the powdered milk at this stage. Mix well.
2. Gently heat the milk until it boils, being careful not to burn. Stir to prevent the milk from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
3. When the milk reaches 82*C, remove it from heat and let it cool down to 42*C. To speed up the process, plunge the saucepan into a sink filled with ice water.
4. Then add the starter culture to a small amount of your warm milk and mix well.
5. Pour this into the remaining milk, making sure you stir well to distribute the culture in the milk.
6. Pour the inoculated milk into one or more containers. Close, and place into either a yoghurt maker, turned off oven, or pressure cooker.
7. Let it sit and incubate for 4 to 8 hours. Fermentation speed varies according to temperature and incubation method. The longer the incubation, the denser and sour the yoghurt will be.
8. Then place in the fridge for 8 hours, or overnight, before enjoying.

For more information on fermenting, check out this beginner’s guide. There are also plenty of fermenting fan groups on Facebook, like this Wild Fermenting one.

Isabella Poderico

Overly enthusiastic and obsessed with everything a little nerdy, Isabella has written about everything from movie premieres to politics. She can often be found, as many writers often are, sitting in front of her laptop typing away obsessively in an extortionately priced independent coffee shop.

The post The benefits of fermented food and how to get started at home appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Fear not, we have done the research on the best bargains and luxury drinks for stocking your cellar up. From champagnes and wines to brandies and the best vodkas, we’ve got them all here. There are also some amazing deals on luscious low and no alcohol options. What are you waiting for? It’s time to treat yourself to a sparkling night in. After all, hoppy hour is the best hour.

Gorgeous gins

Gin is a clear spirit, flavoured with juniper berries and botanical ingredients. This premium spirit offers a refreshing and smooth experience with every sip. Served best with tonic or lemonade or shaken into a creative cocktail – I’m certain one will catch your eye. Elevate your senses and indulge in these delicious gins. A little bit of gin-spiration goes a long way.

Chase Distillery Pink Grapefruit and Pomelo Gin – 40% 70cl

Roku Suntory Japanese Craft Gin Cherry Blossom, Yuzu and Sansho Pepper 43% 70 cl

The Botanist Islay Dry Gin, 70cl 46%

Warming whiskies

There’s no whisky-business involved when buying these drinks, we highly recommend you try them. Whether served neat, on the rocks, or as the foundation of a timeless cocktail, these whiskies promise an unparalleled experience for those who indulge. Cheers to golden hour. Add a little something to your cocktail evenings with custom coasters too. Your friends will each have a personal keepsake

Think you know your drinks? Take our fun quiz

Aberlour A’Bunadh Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 70 cl

Lagavulin 16 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 43% vol  70cl

Sexton Single Malt Irish Whiskey, 70 cl

Vibrant vodkas

For many, vodka embodies the essence of refinement. Commonly known as liquid confidence, what’s stopping you from treating yourself? These selected spirits have a crisp, clean finish, making them ideal as the foundation of your favourite cocktails. Or take a shot before heading out to your favourite bar, who are we to judge?

Ciroc Premium Vodka, 40% Vol, 70cl

Crystal Head Vodka 70cl, 40% ABV – Award-Winning Premium Distilled Vodka

Grey Goose Le Citron, Premium Lemon Flavoured French Vodka

Tangy tequilas

One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor. Get ready to party. Each sip transports you to sunny beaches and festive celebrations, capturing the essence of Mexico’s vibrant spirit. Impress your gathering guests and ignite your senses with the unmistakable quality of these discounted tequilas.

Patron Reposado Premium Tequila

Don Julio Anejo Tequila, 38% vol, 70cl

Herradura Anejo Tequila, 70 cl

Breathtaking brandys

Age is just a number, but a good brandy is timeless. Life is too short to settle for anything less than the finer things, and brandy embodies sophistication in every sip. Delicate notes of spices and vanilla dance on the palate, delivering a warm, velvety finish. Whether enjoyed neat by the fireside or as the centrepiece of a classic cocktail. Get ready to make a toast this Prime Day.

Volare Apricot Brandy Liqueur, 70 cl

Torres 30 Jaime I Brandy, 70 cl

Baron De Sigognac 10 Ans Bas Armagnac Brandy 70 cl

Ravishing rums

Cupboards rumming a little empty? Time to restock on this gorgeous selection of rums. Every sip of these smooth, spiced drinks guarantees to transport you to tropical beaches and sunny breezes. With a rich amber hue and a complex flavour profile of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of spice, rum offers delight to the senses. Time to get ship-faced!

Kraken Black Cherry and Madagascan Vanilla Black Spiced Rum 70cl

Salcombe Rum ‘Island Street’ 40%

Kadoo Club 8 Year Caribbean Rum, 40% 70 cl

Charming champagnes

You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy good Champagne. It’s time to treat yourself, put your feet up, and pour yourself a glass of bubbles. Whether toasting achievements, celebrating milestones, or simply indulging in a moment of luxury, Champagne elevates every occasion with a symphony of crisp notes. Make ordinary moments feel extraordinary, life is better with bubbles.

Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut Non-Vintage Champagne, 75 cl

Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut Champagne

Taittinger Brut Réserve Non-Vintage Champagne 75cl

Wonderful white wines

White wine provides the ultimate grape escape for all who indulge. Fresh, classic, and fruity, these wines are crafted for those who appreciate the finer things in life. Filled with delicate aromas and crisp acidity, enjoy on a sunny balcony or as the perfect accompaniment to a gourmet meal.

Canti – Italian White Dry Wine 12%, 6×750 ml

Telmo Rodriguez ”Basa”, Rueda, Spain, white wine – 75cl

Radiant rose wines

Want to feel on cloud wine? Fresh from sunny vineyards, rose wine is always a crucial ingredient for having a good time. Rose embodies relaxation and luxury, two things you deserve. Embrace the beauty of a sunny afternoon and treat your family and friends to these sweet and delicate rose wines.

Bottega Rose Gold Pinot Nero Brut Rose Sparkling Wine Magnum – 150cl

Beronia Rioja Rose – Spanish Rose Wine, 75cl Bottle

Remarkable red wines

You had me at merlot. Rich in colour, flavour and history, these red wines are crafted for those who appreciate the depth and complexity of fine wines. Each sip elegantly lingers on the pallet, give the glass a swirl and indulge. These wines can be paired with a hearty meal or enjoyed by a dancing fire. Just try not to spill any…

Batasiolo, BAROLO DOCG, 75cl, Still Red Dry Wine Barolo

Bottega Venedika Rosso Venezia DOC Italian Red Wine – 75cl

Bubbly beer

Ale you need is love. And these beers will certainly provide that hoppy feeling. Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast, or just starting your journey into the world of craft beer, these pints are all brewed with the absolute best ingredients. Bursting with flavour, these refreshing lagers will quench your thirst. Often hailed as the world’s oldest and most beloved alcoholic beverage, give these beers a try.

Camden Town Brewery Hells, 12 x 330 ml

Modelo Especial Mexican Lager Beer, 24 x 355 ml

Peroni Nastro Azzurro Stile Capri Lager, ABV 4.2%, 24 x 330ml

Amazingly alcohol-free

Fancying a night out whilst attempting to avoid pour decisions? Try these 0% spirits. Crafted for those who want a sophisticated drinking experience without intoxication. Carefully created to work in a variety of different alcohol-free cocktails, why not try them.

Seedlip Spice 94, Non-Alcoholic Spirit with Distilled Aromatic Botanicals, 0% vol, 70cl

Three Spirit Non-Alcoholic Alternative Spirit- The Livener, 50cl

Abstinence Blood Orange Non Alcoholic Aperitif distilled in South Africa, 75cl

Isabella Poderico

Overly enthusiastic and obsessed with everything a little nerdy, Isabella has written about everything from movie premieres to politics. She can often be found, as many writers often are, sitting in front of her laptop typing away obsessively in an extortionately priced independent coffee shop.

The post Get ready to refill your luxury party drinks cabinet appeared first on Silver Magazine.

If immersing yourself in the gentle glamour of a bygone age is up your street, you’ll love this. A luxurious lunch on board a beautiful steam train, a Pullman Dining Train. With nothing to do except eat, drink, and take in the breathtaking Yorkshire scenery. Escape the real world for a few hours, and let the train take the strain. Naomi Katze went along to try out the Moorlander experience…

Arriving at the station

Your experience begins when you drive into the picturesque village of Grosmont, North Yorkshire. Grosmont is actually famous for the discovery of ironstone in 1836, when George Stephenson’s original railway from Whitby to Pickering was being built. Although the ironstone industry is now a thing of the past, the railway is still a prominent part of the village.

Parking is plentiful for access to the station, with large parking areas. Don’t forget to pay for your ticket before you walk to the station like we did!

With just a 5-10 minute walk through pretty woodland, crossing over the wrought iron bridge to the station, you start to get the feeling you’re travelling back in time. It’s like a scene from Heartbeat. The staff are impeccably dressed in vintage attire. And there’s a real buzz around the station as there are trains due in, and some being shunted about. The sun was shining – we were actually blessed with some sun when we visited. And there’s just something so nostalgic about these trains. Even if you’re no train enthusiast, the beauty of them is evident as soon as you see them.

All aboard!

We’re met by cheerful staff, who check us in and also inform us of an upgrade! So we are shown to a first class private coupe, which was a lovely surprise. The table is laid out with proper linen tablecloths and napkins, and our (pre-ordered) menu choices are displayed on a card on the table, along with some fresh bread and butter. We’re asked if we would like any drinks and I have to say, during our whole time on board, the service was absolutely brilliant. Attentive, but not annoying, they work like clockwork to their schedule. It’s obviously a well-rehearsed service, and the experience and meticulous planning is clear.

It’s very comfortable in our special coupe, the chairs are beautiful. But don’t expect air con or Wi-Fi, charging points or any modern bits. The experience is authentic and it’s really rather lovely not having ‘mod cons’ everywhere. Once you get moving, with the whistle blowing, the chuffing of the train, you’ll settle back in your seat and just enjoy the food and views.

Alan and Naomi settle in for a good lunch

The views and the food though…

Chugging along the 18 miles of railway through the scenic North Yorkshire Moors, we enjoy our starter and main courses. And drinks, including some fizz, obviously. Drinks aren’t included in the price, so anything you order is an additional cost. But cash or card accepted, so it’s easy to pay.

The menus change, but for the record, we had goat’s cheese, pear and walnut tart, and home-made chicken liver pâté with sourdough toasts and sticky onion marmalade. Main courses, we had to try the locally produced roast loin of Yorkshire pork with stuffing, crispy crackling, apple sauce and home-made gravy. And for some balance, the Yorkshire seafood chowder, with succulent chunks of local fish, prawns and mussels in a creamy sauce. The desserts are served after we have a break – more on this below.

Seafood chowder with local fish, prawn and mussels, and roast Yorkshire pork with crackling, apple sauce, crackling and veggies

We were happy – and particularly happy that despite working in a restricted train prep area, the chefs were able to work around my husband’s allergy to onions. Special mention for the homemade pâté, which was delicious. Both main courses were good – the roast had a really good selection of veg. And the chowder was really tasty, lots of fish.

The three-course menu is all very tasty, and paced nicely throughout the journey, so we never feel rushed, but equally never find ourselves looking up and down the corridor in vain, trying to get fed. We get to the end of the first leg and stop at Pickering station for about 10 mins or so. The break is designed to allow for a leg stretch, or the opportunity to take some photos of another unique and pretty station.

Read more: Discover one of London’s best hidden afternoon teas…

And turn around again…

Once everyone is back on board, the train takes the return journey back to Grosmont. Again, you are tended to along the way, with dessert, and coffee or tea served with the most wonderful chocolates I’ve tried for some time. We went for the cheeseboard, and a trio of desserts (lemon posset, white chocolate and raspberry cheesecake, and chocolate tart). Which just about finished us off, as we sat back, happy and full.

Selection of cheese and biscuits. In case you hadn’t worked that out!

I want to mention a really nice touch with the chocolates too. They’re made by Park House Barns, a charity that supports young autistic people to develop work skills. I can vouch for the fact that they’re certainly doing a great job with these choccies.

Full and nicely relaxed, we trundle along the tracks, with everyone you pass waving at the train and its passengers, so of course you wave back. Scenes from the Railway Children aren’t far from our minds. The whole experience is a very relaxed and enjoyable affair, and you cannot help but smile every time you hear the sound of the whistle blowing. There’s just something about how that little noise makes you feel.

For a lunch, it may not be the cheapest of days out. But it’s very enjoyable and certainly relaxing. A lovely experience that’s helped by the well-organised, informative and happy team that tend to you throughout your journey. Give it a go; you won’t be disappointed.

Prices include meals but not drinks – menus change with the seasons
Per person £95
Four-person private coupe £399

North Yorkshire Moors Pullman Dining Trains

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The post Luxury lunch on board a Pullman Dining steam train? Yes please… appeared first on Silver Magazine.

In the summer sun, there’s two things you need. An ice-cold beverage of choice, and a little something to read. Here are some of our top summer book recommendations. Whether you’re into romance, drama, horror, thrillers, science fiction… we’ve got something on this list for you. 

 Crime – A Cyclist’s Guide to Crime and Croissants by Ann Claire

Cosy mystery. Set against the backdrop of the stunning French countryside, crime and murder build up, hitting close to home for recently migrated Sadie, who is left grappling for clues as her bicycling tour company comes under scrutiny when her old boss ends up dead. 

Drama –  Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty

A tense family drama. When a successful family begin to crumble and crack, questions arise. But do the Delaney family want to solve these mysteries, when the now-grown children realise that the most obvious suspect in their mother’s disappearance is their own father? 

Historical – Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon

Set in 412 BC after the failed invasion of Sicily. Two local potters begin to visit prisoners, enticing them to recite lines from Euripides in exchange for food. With little real work to do, Lempo and Geldon decide to perform a play with the help of the prisoners. But as the show date creeps closer, it becomes difficult to distinguish between enemies and friends. This historical tale will have you hooked. 

Romance – Beach Read by Emily Henry

Two writers. One holiday. A romcom waiting to happen… Both broke writers suffer from crippling writers block, amongst other things.  Despite their different writing styles, the pair place a bet to swap genres and see who gets published first. You could say this is the perfect ‘Beach Read’.

Horror – Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder

A transformation begins. Motherhood is hard, tiring, and exhausting. At home full time with a two-year-old, this protagonist’s loneliness is suffocating, but her hobbies are changing. Instead, when her child won’t rest, she begins to gain new things… New senses, new appetites, new instincts. And from deep within herself, a new voice begins to howl. This hilarious and brilliantly unique horror tale will have you at the edge of your seat. 

Mystery- The Wrong Daughter by Dandy Smith

What would you do if you came home to find your daughter missing from her bed? When Caitlin and Olivia’s parents leave them to go to a dinner party, they return to find one bed empty. Their eldest daughter is gone. Until a now grown Olivia steps forward. But is she all that she seems? And is Caitlin telling the truth about what happened that night? Dark, and chilling, this page turner is not one to be missed this summer. 

Thriller – Yellowface by R.F Kuang

How far would you go to have commercial success? When failed writer June Hayward witnesses her rival Athena Liu die in a freak accident, she sees her opportunity to get what she wants, and takes it. Stealing Athenas final manuscript and publishing it as her own, she also begins to steal Athenas identity. An identity that is not hers to claim. This best seller will certainly keep you entertained, and shocked at the extent some will go to for success. 

Murder Mystery:Murder on Stage by F.L Everett  Set in 1940’s England, detective Edie York focuses on solving a suspicious murder in the midst of the Blitz. Warm, cozy and compelling, this page turner will have you on the edge of your seat as you dive into a world of crime. Do you have what it takes to solve a murder? This is the third book in the Edie York mystery series, and they just keep getting better.

Dystopian – The Blueprint by Rae Giana Rashad

Maybe dark dystopian futures are your thing? Set in a dystopian Texas where choice no longer exists, Solenne Bonet has an algorithm determine her occupation, spouse, and residence. She finds peace in penning the biography of an enslaved ancestor from 1800s Louisiana. But when paths weave with high-ranking government officials, she must decide whether and how to leave behind all she knows.  

Science fiction- I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream and Other Greatest Hits,  by Harlan Ellison

 Now this book is for anyone who wants to have an existential crisis pool-side. Filled with five stories, each unique and slightly terrifying, these science-fiction futures are certain to entertain. But most importantly you won’t want to look at technology for the rest of your holiday duration. 

Fantasy- The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

A magical library filled with secrets. How would you look back at your life? And what would you regret? On her last day on earth Nora finds herself teleported to a magical library. Where she is given the chance to undo mistakes and look at all the other lives she could have lived. But is it too late, things have already gone from bad to worse? And with unlimited choices and possibilities what is the best way to live? 

 Another article you may like: Getting your car ready for a summer roadtrip

 Comedy – I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue 

After an unfortunate IT error allows Jolene access to all her coworkers emails and private messages, initially she is horrified. The less she knows about them the better.  However, once she realises the power she now holds, Jolene uncovers a lot more than she bargained for. Filled with humour and a little romance, this is one for the pool-side.

 Fiction- Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar

Not all journeys’ have to be to outer space. Cyrus has always been lost. He’s grown up haunted by the mysteries of his past, losing his mother whose plane was shot down. This tale explores how revelations and new people can change your life, whether it be for the good or the bad. 

Non-fiction –It’s Not Hysteria (Everything You Need to Know About Your Reproductive Health) by Karen Tang

Women’s health often flies under the radar. Many of us know what it is like to go to the doctors with a feminine issue, and feel unheard. It’s Not Hysteria explains crucial information about abnormal periods, PCOS, endometriosis, and fibroids, to more complex aspects of gynaecological care like fertility, sexual health, and hysterectomies. This book empowers readers to act and advocate for themselves with healthcare professionals, and get talking about reproductive health.  

Isabella Poderico

Overly enthusiastic and obsessed with everything a little nerdy, Isabella has written about everything from movie premieres to politics. She can often be found, as many writers often are, sitting in front of her laptop typing away obsessively in an extortionately priced independent coffee shop.

The post Summer book recommendations 2024 appeared first on Silver Magazine.

But hopefully, we are due a nice stable spell of warm weather in the months ahead. Time to plan and enjoy taking your family away on road trips and staycations across the whole of Britain. From John O’Groats to Land’s End. Before you rush off to pack the car, there are some steps you should take to get your car ready for a summer road trip. Let’s take a look.

Are you legally compliant?

Being a driver is not just a matter of knowing how to drive and having a car that runs. Instead, there is a set of laws that deal with drivers and driving. You should always make sure that you stay on top of the latest updates to legislation. For example, not only must you have a valid driving license, but your car must be insured and MOT tested.

In fact, you cannot get car insurance without having a valid MOT test certificate. Although you can own a car without having a driver’s license. But you can’t drive on the UK’s road network, obviously. MOT test must be performed on cars that have reached the third anniversary of their registration dates.

Keeping up with these requirements can sometimes be challenging. But, the bright side is; they save you from potential penalties and enhance your vehicle’s performance. It’s always better to get your MOT booking on time to avoid last-minute hassles. If your MOT is due, you can book MOT at Fife Autocentre and you can be sure that their experts will take care of everything so you can drive off secure in the knowledge that you are obeying both the spirit and intention of the law.

Top up the tyres

Your tyres are the one part of your car that is in constant contact with the road. They should be in great shape at all times. There is nothing more depressing than having all sorts of exciting holiday plans put on hold by an unexpected puncture or blow-out!

As well as making sure your tyres have no signs of ageing or damage, you should check your tread depth to make sure you have sufficient coverage (a minimum of 1.6mm over the central three-quarters of the contact surface). Ensure that your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure as stated. These simple steps can help you to ensure that your tyres stand whatever tests your road trip inflict upon them.

Service for peace of mind

And finally, before any long trip, you should make sure your car is freshly serviced. If you’ve recently had your major service done, your car is probably good to go. But, if it’s been a while and you’ve done a lot of driving in that time, book your car in for an interim service.

Once your car is sorted and good to go, all you have to do is worry about where to stay, what to see, and what to do.

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If you’d like to receive a regular mini-magazine direct to your inbox with a selection of editorial features to read at your leisure, please sign up for our newsletter. We also run the odd competition and offer and whatnot, and newsletter members get the heads-up first.

The post Getting your car ready for a summer road trip appeared first on Silver Magazine.

If you’re high on believing you love fishing (otherwise known as angling), then you’re not alone. Fishing is a good way to kick back, relax and soak up the nature surrounding you. And catching a fish and then releasing it back into the water, you already get that thrill. So why not have a go with a fishing competition? We’ve rounded up some of the best fishing competitions and events in the UK, which will encourage you to grab your fishing rod and get involved.

Let’s talk about fish, baby

Just like the diverse waters in the angling world, there are different types of fishing. Coarse fishing, game fishing and sea fishing are among the most popular forms of fishing in the UK. Each type of fishing has its distinctive experiences and challenges:

Coarse fishing

This is where you focus on catching freshwater fish, typically roach, bream, carp, and tench, where the species are considered undesirable to be eaten, also called rough fish. Coarse fishing aims to manoeuvre powerful and larger fish in slow-going waters, including rivers, lakes, ponds and canals.

Game fishing

Game fishing, or sport fish, centres around fish species that can be eaten. Predominantly, this includes salmon, trout and grayling. For this type of fishing, the tackle is usually lightweight and used for precision. These fish species are often found in flowing waters, such as rivers and streams.

Sea fishing

Sea fishing is simply catching fish from the sea. The best locations for sea fishing in the UK are Cornwall, Scotland, Cardiff, Northern Ireland, Brighton and Northeast England.

Fishing competitions can be won in various ways. Some target a single fish species, while others include all types of fish. Normally, winning depends on the total weight of the fish caught. Most fishing competitions will require a fee but will offer you a cash prize by the end of it.

Our round-up of the UK’s best competitions and events

UK Saltwater Fly Fishing Festival

After following ‘seven very successful years’, the UK Saltwater Fly Fishing Festival is oh-fish-ally back.

I will stop with the fish puns, but if you’re a flying fish enthusiast, then you might want to stick around for this one. One of the UK’s biggest game fishing scenes is centred around the historic harbour of St Mawes in Cornwall and is set to take place from Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 October 2024.

While taking advantage of the numerous beaches and rocky areas, the organisers say that participants will fish from the shoreline ‘using your fishing skills and watercraft’ and, when entering, you will receive detailed local information on the best local marks and how these vary with tide and wind conditions. The organisers have also stated that ‘accommodation is available to suit all budgets.’

Naturally, this competition has the extra thrill of being one of the best flying fish festivals in the UK, however, the essence lies in meeting like-minded people who share their interest in fly fishing. The fly fishing festival will host social events, such as a training day which features Cornwall’s top guides and training clinics along with other social events in local pubs with a drink reception.

If you’re an aspiring fly fisher or already an enthusiast, then this is a must-joiner. The entry date closes on 30th September 2024.

Mull of Galloway

The Mull of Galloway Sea Angling Festival in Scotland offers a wide range of different competitions. Immerse yourself in one of the UK’s luscious fishing environments and experience great fishing in the Mull of Galloway while joining a community of anglers.

During the MOGSAF Tope Event, which took place Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 of June 2024, money was raised for the Kirkmaiden Community Harbour Trust, where anglers came together and raised £150 for the Drummore Harbour sea wall, which will help facilitate the harbour. The MOGSAF Facebook page stated: “The foreshore area in Drummore is an excellent area to use during our events. Without the work of the KCHT, this area wouldn’t be anywhere near as suitable as it is today”.

Thanks to the MOGSAF collaborative spirit with local organisations like the KCHT, they help to create a joyful experience for anglers and spectators alike, which enhances the event and strengthens the community, making the festival a true celebration for the local area.

Other upcoming events are the MOGSAF Species Event 2024 in August, starting at 8:00 am on Friday 2 till Sunday 4 at 5:00 pm and the MOGSAF Bass Event in September, set to run at 9:00 am on Saturday 21 and end on Sunday 22 at 6:00 pm.

If this is reeling you in, pun not intended, check out their Facebook page to seek more information and get the latest updates for these exciting events.

Fancy a different type of hobby? Read: How to have your own beehive

European Open Beach Championships 2025

This event has passed, however, if you feel that beach fishing may be your calling, or you’re a beginner looking to challenge yourself, then you should take note in your calendar for the 2025 Paul Roggeman European Open Beach Championship, as this is Europe’s largest three-day beach fishing competition.

The competition will run from Friday 7 till Sunday 9 March 2025 and will be held at the breathtaking east riding of the Yorkshire coast, with many fishing locations stretching from the North Marine Promenade to Spurn Point.

Like every year, there is a cash prize to be won, fantastic fishing equipment and a free goody bag. The organisers have stated that accommodation is available, but you will need to book in advance for Sad-Le-Mere Holliday Village.

The Yorkshire coast

This event draws anglers from across the UK and Europe; fostering a sense of community where participants share their love for the sport. In the 2024 competition, councillor Nick Coultish stated how each year “we look forward to welcoming visitors from across the UK and Europe to our region and providing the local visitor economy with a timely boost during the early part of the year”, where the competition brings an influx of visitors which gives economic benefits to local businesses. From hotels, restaurants and shops, the EOBC showcases a vibrant and welcoming destination.

The 2024 winner, Pippen Moore (pictured at the top of this article), won with an aggregation of 4,690 fish, where throughout the three-day event he caught them on the Sunday’s event alone.

The EOBC event will also give you the chance to meet top companies within the industry, who will provide insight into all aspects of sea angling. This is a good opportunity for you to gain valuable experience and refine your fishing tactics.

If this sounds like something you want to get involved with and be inspired by other anglers, why not visit their Facebook page and website for more information.

Get Fishing events run by Angling Trust

Whether you’re a first-time angler or returning to the fishing scene and feeling overwhelmed – do not fear. You can still join the angling community.

Get Fishing is a campaign run by the Angling Trust. These are events aimed to encourage people to discover the joys of angling. The events are free or sometimes low-cost beginner sessions, where you’ll learn and gain skills from other anglers.

These events happen all over the country, where you will discover new spots to go fishing while adventuring into the UK countryside.

From learning how to use a rod to safely returning the fish into the water, you’ll experience the ins and outs of fishing. These events are aimed at all abilities and ages where they will enhance your techniques and help you to get more confident with fishing.

It’s all upstream from here

Yes, these competitions and events may be a good way to showcase your fishing abilities, but you will also be able to make friends, build community, get inspired and learn from one another.

If you’re a beginner, an expert or someone just curious about the angular lifestyle, then perhaps you should look at these competitions and events.

Elena Harris

Elena is one of Silver’s interns. She has a love for illustrating, reading, and all things media-related. She is a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur who spends her free time in coffee shops sketching and journalling.

The post All the best fishing competitions you’ll need this year in the UK appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Consider running a game of bingo to boost the party mood! Make sure it goes without a hitch by following this guide to hosting a bingo event which includes caller tips and decoration and gift ideas.

1. Create a fun atmosphere

No event is complete without over-the-top decorations! Go all out to create a lively and fun atmosphere for your bingo event.

You could have a theme for your evening and use decorations to bring this to life. Why not try to recreate the glitzy luxury of the casino with a red tablecloth, black and gold banners, and giant fluffy dice? Alternatively, go for something silly to encourage your guests to let their hair down!

Background music and finger food are essential as well to complete the party mood.

2. Get the bingo essentials

Don’t forget to get the bingo essentials for your game. You could mimic the traditional bingo hall and hand out paper grids and daubers, or play a group game online via a bingo app from a reputable provider.

3. Hone your hosting skills

As the party planner, you’ll need to run the game and ensure that play stays fair. In advance of the event, take time to hone your hosting skills so that you’re comfortably in command on the day.

First and foremost, make sure that you understand the rules! You’ll need to explain to everyone how to play and make sure that no one is cheating so that the game runs smoothly. The standard 90-ball bingo has two major winners – the first to a row, and the first to a full house.

You could also look up tips on how to be a good bingo caller. Why not attempt the East End London Cockney rhyming slang that has become synonymous with the game?

4. Mix up the games

Especially if you have time for a few rounds, mix up the games to keep up enthusiasm and competitive spirit.
75-ball bingo is a version of the game that’s popular in the USA, where players can complete rows horizontally, vertically, and diagonally. There’s also a super quick 30-ball version.

For something more inventive, consider changing the completion pattern or switching out the numbers for words, songs, or celebrity names.

5. Prepare your prizes

Lastly, don’t forget to prepare your prizes! You can go for gifts commonly awarded at game nights or be more creative and tailor your offering to your friendship group.

Safe bets include scented candles, bath bombs and essential oil diffusers, boxes of chocolates, and film tickets or gift cards. At the other end of the spectrum, you can have a lot of fun with joke presents like comedy keychains and fancy dress items.

As well as rewards for the winners, you could introduce forfeits for the losers! This might include a performance of their favourite karaoke song, or asking them to be a waiter for the night.

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The post A guide to hosting a bingo event appeared first on Silver Magazine.

The Scala started life on London’s Tottenham Road as a cinema club in 1978. Before later moving on to grander premises in Kings Cross in 1981 under the management of Stephen Woolley. In an era when multiplexes were starting to expand and ultimately snuff out many smaller cinemas, the Scala was a weird and wonderful anomaly. Until the wild ride came to an end in 1993.

Those who were part of the Scala during its heyday, complete with terrifying toilets, resident cats, sex scenes on and off screen and the occasional death, will no doubt enjoy Scala!!!

By operating as a members-only club, the Scala was able to get away with screening an astounding range of films that you probably weren’t going to experience at the local Odeon. Debuting (and closing) with the original 1933 King Kong, from 1978 until 1993, the Scala was a hard-seated, graffitied, tube train-rattled haven for the likes of Salo: The Last Days of Sodom, anything made by John Waters, (sometimes literally) eye-popping horror and films you probably wouldn’t watch with anyone of a nervous or prudish disposition.

Directed by Jane Giles and Ali Catterall, Scala!!! chronicles 15 years of a cinema that was as much about the “weirdos and misfits” who frequented it and the challengingly magnificent building as it was about the films.

Known for all-night screenings of back-to-back movies, it was not just a place for film fans to indulge themselves. It was a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community in an era of oppression thanks to Section 28 and the stigma of the AIDS tragedy.

A place of warmth on cold, brutal nights in pre-gentrified Kings Cross. And an alternative to expensive London hotel rooms for bands from out of town, such as The Jesus and Mary Chain.

Those who were part of the Scala during its heyday, complete with terrifying toilets, resident cats, sex scenes on and off screen and the occasional death, will no doubt enjoy Scala!!! for the genuinely heartwarming, riotous romp down memory lane that it is. For those who were not part of that scene, usually for reasons of age or distance, there is still so much to love about this film.

The Scala’s politics and activism is an important part of the documentary

For me, the last days of the Scala coincided with my early 20s, which were spent in Sydney. So I’ll never know if I would have hallucinated my way through an all-nighter or thrilled to the spectacle of Divine eating dog poo in Pink Flamingos. But as someone who spent a lot of time in the UK as a child and, with a history teacher father in a house where the news always seemed to be on, I was acutely aware of Thatcherism and have fond childhood memories of catching the tube with punks in the ‘80s, which made Scala!!! resonate with me as a catalyst for my own memories.

The Scala’s politics and activism is an important part of the documentary and a timely reminder of how awful things were for the LGBTQ+ community then – and how, despite changes such as marriage equality, discrimination has not been eliminated. The recollections of Vic Roberts, a proudly queer usher at the Scala, and Jim MacSweeney, manager of Gay’s The Word bookshop, are profoundly moving.

When Roberts talks about how the Scala allowed everyone to be whoever they are and MacSweeney recalls the cinema holding a benefit for his bookshop after a ridiculous police raid threatened its future, the documentary instantly becomes part of the wider narrative of London’s LGBTQ+ history.

Watching Scala!!! made me wish I had moved permanently to London a bit sooner than 2011. But equally it was a joy and an honour to hear the stories of the people who made the cinema the unique place it so clearly was.

Paul Burston, author and participant in the documentary, told me the Scala was “many things – a cinema, a party venue, a community hub and what we’d now call a safe space.” Recalling his experiences as a young, gay man, he says the 1980s were “a hostile time for minority groups and the Scala provided refuge.”

He says the cinema’s lasting legacy was the strong sense of community it created. “All sorts of outsiders felt equally at home there – it was intersectional before it became fashionable.”

Directors Jane Giles and Ali Caterall at the screening

The Scala cinema club closed its doors amid financial pressures exacerbated by a court case involving the screening of Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange. It was a heartbreaking time for the community it created in a part of London that was seedy and often dangerous… but not without its dark charms.

For anyone who wants to try and experience a taste of what it was like to be a Scala cinema club member, Burston recommends a small cinema in Hastings called The Electric Palace where “the programming is eclectic and the seats are uncomfortable.”

“I attended a friend’s 50th birthday party there with a screening of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Several guests said it felt like being back at the Scala, albeit on a smaller scale,” says Burston.

In the meantime, check out Scala!!! for yourself. It is being released at cinemas across the country. And, on 22 January, it will be released on Blu-Ray and available on the BFI Player.

Georgia Lewis

In a career that has spanned Australia, the Middle East and the UK, Georgia has written about all sorts of things, including sex, cars, food, oil and gas, insurance, fashion, travel, workplace safety, health, religious affairs, glass and glazing… When she’s not writing words for fun and profit, she can usually be found with a glass of something French and red in her hand.

The post Scala!!! A nostalgia trip, even if you weren’t there appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Cheese, France, and the EU funding things that would cause ragefits in the offices of certain newspapers are among the things that I enjoy. As such, I jumped at the chance to head to the dark and stylish Eve Bar in London’s Covent Garden to take part in a cheese speed-dating event, which is part of the EU’s “Enjoy, It’s From Europe” agriculture initiative. French cheeses and romance – what’s not to love?!

The idea was simple, yet surreal. Six cheeses from across France would be represented by six different characters. The guests got to sit down with each character, taste the cheese, try the cheese with different accompaniments, chat about the cheese – chewing the fat, if you will – and see if they could find their cheese perfect match. A bell rang every few minutes to keep everyone moving.

I went blue early…

I started the speed date with Bleu d’Auvergne, represented by a blond-haired, flirtatious farmer-cum-inventor character who kissed my hand and complimented me on my reptile print shirt (£3.50 from a Cats Protection charity shop. Tres chic!). Bleu d’Auvergne became an early favourite. And not because Farmer Jacques was laying the flattery on as thickly as the honey. This cheese from central France was a gentle blue, rather than one that punches you in the bouche with a slap of ammonia. It went really well with honey, and I made a note to myself to do this more often. The cheese that is, not the farmer.

A challenging cheese

Saint Nectaire was not a cheese for the faint-hearted. Definitely the Marmite cheese of the night. The flavour was big, brash and earthy to the point of being rural. It gave me flashbacks to childhood days spent on the family’s farm in the Australian town of Cowra, where, coincidentally, cow farmers are pretty successful. This Lyon-made cheese was represented by a mushroom-hatted girl-about-town who was honest about the divisive nature of Saint Nectaire. I found it more palatable when she gave me some aromatic leaves to accompany it. But one of my fellow tasters thought the leaves made it worse. I took a glug of white wine and moved on.

Read another ridiculous food article: Readers’ unusual sandwich recipes

Dream toasties incoming!

Is it gauche to suggest that a fine cheese, only made in summer in the French alps, would be absolutely amazing on toast? If so, I don’t care, because the Cheddar-on-steroids lush-fest that is Beaufort Chalet d’Alpage is made for melting on a thick slice of bread with a slathering of real butter. Represented by a sexily stubbled man in lederhosen and a flower-festooned hat, he explained that this cheese is made in summer. The cows are chowing down on assorted flowers, which creates the unique flavour. It was several cuts above cheap supermarket Cheddar. A classic case of getting what you pay for when it comes to a better class of toastie.

A nutty heart

Nutty, creamy Neufchâtel is presented in the shape of a love heart. Cute! Adorable! And it was so yummy that I was happy to overlook my general disdain for anything remotely twee. This one comes from the village of Neufchâtel-en-Bray, a village of 5,000 people in Normandy. It comes with plenty of history, as it was likely first made in the 6th century. It had its heyday between 1050 and 1543, even remaining popular as a festival cheese during the Hundred Years’ War, which actually lasted for 116 years. As a bonus, this cheese was represented by a spectacularly-hatted woman who did not break character. Not even when I ran into her in the loo at the end of the night and she struck up a conversation as we washed our hands.

Cream, cream, and more cream

By this stage of the evening, I was very glad I’d had a light lunch. I rolled myself over to my speed-date with Brillat-Savarin, represented by a jovial Champagne Charlie type who was not interested in low-fat anything. The Brillat-Savarin cheese comes from the Forges-les-Eaux region of Normandy. It’s a triple-cream cheese, so called because full-fat milk is added to double cream to make this bad boy. It was so rich and creamy that it resembled luxury hotel scrambled eggs when punctured with a cheese knife. It had a Brie edge, but it was so much better than Brie.

Dark and mysterious…

I concluded the evening’s cheese dates in a darkened corner of an already dark bar, where I met Epoisses. Represented by the character of a non-binary meditation teacher, Epoisses was resplendent in a black polo neck jumper and thick glasses. Epoisses is the much calmer sibling cheese to the massive flavours of Saint Nectaire. The Saint Nectaire earthiness is there, but it didn’t transport me quite as far as the family farm 10,000 miles away. Another history-laden cheese, this one was first made in the 16th century by Cistercian monks at Citeaux Abbey, just south of Dijon. For all that time, they’ve been rinsing the rind with brine and a local brandy. I tried Epoisses with a little dollop of blackberry jam, washed down with white wine and wanted to have a whole session with just this cheese, wine, jam and an open fire for company.

Did I find my perfect cheese match?

In short, nope. Instead, I found a few matches that I really want to go back to for further, less speedy dates. A good cheese is designed for a lingering session, not a quick fling. And now that a whole new world of French fromage fabulousness has been brought to my attention, I am going to indulge in some cheesy threesomes with just me, something rich and creamy, and my husband.

Georgia Lewis

In a career that has spanned Australia, the Middle East and the UK, Georgia has written about all sorts of things, including sex, cars, food, oil and gas, insurance, fashion, travel, workplace safety, health, religious affairs, glass and glazing… When she’s not writing words for fun and profit, she can usually be found with a glass of something French and red in her hand.

The post Would you date these French cheeses? And yes you read that right appeared first on Silver Magazine.