My spice girl is hot stuff

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GOOSEBUMPS

Carol James arrived in Britain from Jamaica on Christmas Day 1983. She’d always loved raising her own fruit and veg so put down her name for an allotment.

For years she grew food for her family, but discovered she had a real gift for growing chillies.

Friends and relatives raved about her home-made chilli oil and eventually Carol started selling small quantities to eke out the household budget.

Then, when her husband was diagnosed with dementia and she became his carer, she decided to turn her hobby into a little business.

I know from experience how hard it is to start trading from scratch on a limited budget. But one of my mentors told me: “If your product is good and people like your story, competition from big brands isn’t a problem.”

Well, Carol’s product IS good. Every bottle of her delicious chilli oil is made in her own kitchen.

So if you are a foodie – or are buying for one – check out Carol’s website calienteoil.co.uk.

It’s hard to credit this, but the powerhouse of talent that is Beverley Knight is about to celebrate 25 years in the music business.

As a big fan, I’m not surprised she’s been chosen to sing chart legend Stevie Wonder’s greatest hits for BBC Radio 2’s Friday Night is Music Night, to be aired next January.

With Beverley centre stage, a great performance is signed, sealed and delivered.