I had been reconsidering the future of SGOO as on doing the sums I found I made a stonking great loss first time round, however that was mainly due to the inept business plan and massively unsustainable transport costs.

But I've found an affordable way of getting the stuff from Italy to Stroud Green now, so if I can source supplies of a similar quality (this will be from neighbouring smallholdings) I will aim to restock with more oil in May.

I will probably change the price structure and use bigger bottles too, maybe an over-the-counter bring-your-own bottle lark at one of the local grocers. Some tastings too.

I can see this will never be more than a hobby and a barmy enthusiasm but at least it will cover the costs and pay for itself, and continue to put SG on the culinary map..... Apologies if there is an interruption in supplies towards the end of the month...

More rave reviews for Abruzzo (twinned with SG Road) on TripAdvisor too!

This is just a little email to invite you to a lovely space in The Grove, N4 in which I now offer Thai massage on a regular basis; I’ll be available every Wednesday and Friday, from 10am – 8pm, so hopefully you’ll be able to find a time that suits you. 

If you’ve never experienced this specialised therapy, you’ve been missing out!  It is a very thorough form of full body massage, and lasts 1½  to 2hrs depending on your preference.  Traditional Thai massage is performed through clothes and generally no oils are used.  It’s a wonderful way to relax muscles, relieve pain, improve blood flow and stimulate your energy levels.  I combine techniques that activate pressure points, with gentle stretching of the muscles, leaving you feeling relaxed, light, and invigorated.

All these health benefits for the appealing price of £60 for 90mins, or £80 if you want to really treat yourself for 120mins.

Please contact me if you'd like to book in, and feel free to pass on my details to anyone who may be interested.  If you’d like to treat someone else, I also offer gift vouchers!

Take care, keep warm, and stay well,

Love and best wishes, Gemma xx

Gemma McDermott BSc MBAcC
T: 07962 609554
www.naturalharmonyacupuncture.co.uk

as a hobbist gardener I grew a bit more Kalanchoe (blossfeldiana) plants than I need. I figured I should give them away and they could move to their new home. These plants will have red flowers and are very easy to maintain.

Kalanchoe plants look like this: [image]
Handling instructions: [instructions]

If you'd like one, send my a private message.

In return I only ask for a feedback a few months later letting me know how you and the plant got on (in PM or as a comment here).

Just the phone, no acessories. New condition. 3 network.

Having a clearout. Also selling a silver ipod mini, 60gb ipod with video, an ipod touch 16gb, a Green 30gb Creative Zen Vision M, a kindle (small one without keyboard, grey colour, hardly used, with box and 1 year remaining on replacement guarantee) a hockey stick (someone can have this for nowt if they want it). a folding bike - Raleigh Parkway - needs a service to chain & brakes at buyers expense.

Can't be bothered sticking it all on ebay so will consider all reasonable offers. Whisper me if interested in any of it. Might have some more bits & pieces to go soon.

Monday Evenings
18 February to 25 March 6-8pm
at the Old Fire Station, 84 Mayton Street, N7 6QT
Cost: £30 for 6 sessions

This taster course with writer, editor and creative writing teacher Lucy Popescu is designed to stimulate your imagination and get you writing. If you have a desire to express yourself on paper or want help developing your creative writing skills this is the course for you. You will be able to write and receive feedback in a supportive atmosphere.

We will begin each class by reading and examining text/s that illustrate the various topics. This will be followed by writing exercises. In the final part of the session everyone will read aloud from their work.

This will take place in a relaxed, safe environment. It is also intended to be a fun, social setting where you can meet new people, write, and share your words with others. Basic written English skills are required.

For further information or to book your place please contact Lucy: lucyjpop@gmail.com

Topics covered:

Week 1: Beginnings We will look at some memorable beginnings in both poetry and prose before creating/refining our own beginnings.

Week 2: Memory and the senses  We will look at how we can use our memories and senses as a springboard into creative writing.

Week 3: Conflict  Conflict/complications are essential for good storytelling. We will look at how to include conflict/complications in our work, its place in our ‘narrative arc’ and how this can affect tension and pace in our creative writing.

Week 4: Character  We will look at what makes strong characters and work on developing our own characters’ motivations/goals. We will also produce character dossiers.

Week 5: Dialogue  Building on the previous session on character we will work on creating good dialogue in prose, poetry and drama. This will include role-play for those so inclined.

Week 6: Fables  We will look at how we can use fables for inspiration and incorporate elements into our writing. This topic will also cover the use of allegory, metaphor and simile.

Tutor: Lucy Popescu is a writer, editor and creative writing teacher with a background in theatre, literature, film and human rights. She is experienced in developing and shaping others’ creative work having edited Write to Life’s annual anthology of refugee writing in June 2011 and co-edited the PEN anthology, Another Sky in 2007. Her own book, The Good Tourist was published in 2008. She is also a reader-editor for Cornerstones Literary Agency and writes reports that guide the writer through the creative writing process. She regularly reviews books, theatre and film. She contributes to The Independent, Independent on Sunday, Literary Review and TLS.

Monday Evenings
14 January - 18 February 6-8pm
at the Old Fire Station, 84 Mayton Street, N7 6QT
Cost: £30 for 6 sessions

This taster course with writer, editor and creative writing teacher Lucy Popescu is designed to stimulate your imagination and get you writing. If you have a desire to express yourself on paper or want help developing your creative writing skills this is the course for you. You will be able to write and receive feedback in a supportive atmosphere.

We will begin each class by reading and examining text/s that illustrate the various topics. This will be followed by writing exercises. In the final part of the session everyone will read aloud from their work.

This will take place in a relaxed, safe environment. It is also intended to be a fun, social setting where you can meet new people, write, and share your words with others. Basic written English skills are required.

For further information or to book your place please contact Lucy: lucyjpop@gmail.com

Topics covered:

Week 1: Beginnings We will look at some memorable beginnings in both poetry and prose before creating/refining our own beginnings.

Week 2: Memory and the senses  We will look at how we can use our memories and senses as a springboard into creative writing.

Week 3: Conflict  Conflict/complications are essential for good storytelling. We will look at how to include conflict/complications in our work, its place in our ‘narrative arc’ and how this can affect tension and pace in our creative writing.

Week 4: Character  We will look at what makes strong characters and work on developing our own characters’ motivations/goals. We will also produce character dossiers.

Week 5: Dialogue  Building on the previous session on character we will work on creating good dialogue in prose, poetry and drama. This will include role-play for those so inclined.

Week 6: Fables  We will look at how we can use fables for inspiration and incorporate elements into our writing. This topic will also cover the use of allegory, metaphor and simile.

Tutor: Lucy Popescu is a writer, editor and creative writing teacher with a background in theatre, literature, film and human rights. She is experienced in developing and shaping others’ creative work having edited Write to Life’s annual anthology of refugee writing in June 2011 and co-edited the PEN anthology, Another Sky in 2007. Her own book, The Good Tourist was published in 2008. She is also a reader-editor for Cornerstones Literary Agency and writes reports that guide the writer through the creative writing process. She regularly reviews books, theatre and film. She contributes to The Independent, Independent on Sunday, Literary Review and TLS.

many thanks, Tordie

Unfortunately our circumstances changed and we are unavailable to take her out as we work longer hours.

Send me a private message if you want more information.

A six week taster course 

This taster course is designed to stimulate your imagination and get you writing. If you have a desire to express yourself on paper or want help developing your creative writing skills this is the course for you. You will be able to write and receive feedback in a supportive atmosphere. By the end of the course, you will have learned some of the essential principles of good writing and will have acquired some simple techniques to improve your own creative writing. You will also have an enhanced critical awareness of your own and others’ creative writing. The course is also intended to energise, inspire and promote your writing confidence.

We will begin each class by reading and examining text/s that illustrate the various topics. This will be followed by writing exercises. In the final part of the session everyone will read aloud from their work.

This will take place in a relaxed, safe environment. It is also intended to be a fun, social setting where you can meet new people, write, and share your words with others. Basic written English skills are required.

When: Monday eves 6 – 8pm

Monday 22 October to 26 November inclusive

Where: Rowan Arts Office,

The Old Fire Station
84 Mayton Street
London N7 6QT

Topics covered:

Week 1: Beginnings We will look at some memorable beginnings in both poetry and prose before creating/refining our own beginnings.

Week 2: Memory and the senses  We will look at how we can use our memories and senses as a springboard into creative writing.

Week 3: Conflict  Conflict/complications are essential for good storytelling. We will look at how to include conflict/complications in our work, its place in our ‘narrative arc’ and how this can affect tension and pace in our creative writing.

Week 4: Character  We will look at what makes strong characters and work on developing our own characters’ motivations/goals. We will also produce character dossiers.

Week 5: Dialogue  Building on the previous session on character we will work on creating good dialogue in prose, poetry and drama. This will include role-play for those so inclined.

Week 6: Fables  We will look at how we can use fables for inspiration and incorporate elements into our writing. This topic will also cover the use of allegory, metaphor and simile.

Tutor: Lucy Popescu is a writer, editor and creative writing teacher with a background in theatre, literature, film and human rights. She is experienced in developing and shaping others’ creative work having edited Write to Life’s annual anthology of refugee writing in June 2011 and co-edited the PEN anthology, Another Sky in 2007. Her own book, The Good Tourist was published in 2008. She is also a reader-editor for Cornerstones Literary Agency and writes reports that guide the writer through the creative writing process. She regularly reviews books, theatre and film. She contributes to The Independent, Independent on Sunday, Literary Review and TLS.

Cost: £30 payable in advance for 6 sessions

For further information or to book your place please contact Lucy: lucyjpop@gmail.com