Today I want to celebrate a rare soul and gifted artist, a lover of the structure and form and beauty she found in the world, both in nature and in the built environment, who cunningly wove that into her own exquisite artefacts: Alison Hird-Beecroft.
Alison was a dear friend of both myself and my sister Julia, since the time she and her family moved into a house just up the road from us, and while we were in the early years of primary school in Orpington, Kent.
Alison passed away on Christmas morning, 25 December 2021, just four months after the death of her husband, Brian Beecroft.
Sheila (SC Skillman author) and Alison Hird-Beecroft textile artist in London 2018
We played together as children and created fantasy worlds: I was in awe then of her instinctive skill for using fabrics, assorted materials, embroidery threads and iridescent metallic papers to craft beautiful things we could both admire and play with. She would tease out embroidery threads to create glossy hair of many colours, to stick to the heads of ping pong balls to make the dolls who inhabited our fantasy world.
Over the years we also shared a love of music and singing, writing and art, and the beauty to be found in nature. Alison has left a collection of glorious artworks, and I present some of them here. These are part of a project of shadow and light photography using her stitched structures, water, glass and iridescent cellophane. Her plan was to print these on canvas.
A gallery of photographic images by artist Alison Beecroft-Hird using shadows and reflections with threaded structures and different light sources.‘Ships That Pass in the Night’ by artist Alison Hird-Beecroft.
Of the image above, Alison wrote: ‘I looked at the photos I had taken with the two light sources and I suddenly saw what looked like ghostly ships with strange masts and rigging coming out of the mist.’
On the website of the New Embroidery Group you may find Alison’s exquisite works.
These are some of the things those who have known and loved Alison have said about her:
Thank you for posting the very sad news about Alison and her husband Brian. I was one of her school friends at St Philomena’s in St Mary’s Cray near Orpington. We used to make enamel jewellery and scrap books of our favourite pop stars in the 60’s. I will miss her very much. (Elizabeth)
I met her age 17 when we both went to the South East College of Further Education in Lewisham. She was wearing a cape and she looked extraordinary. I looked at her and was so amazed by what she was wearing and how beautiful it was, that I went straight across to her. I am very shy and it’s unheard of for me to do such a thing. But I looked at her, and straightaway I just wanted to be her friend. (Susan)
Alison was sitting next to Brian at the church art club, and Brian started to talk about an exhibition he had recently been to, and some artworks he had seen, and he began to describe them. As she listened, Alison felt a sense of recognition. She said, ‘Do you know, I think you may be talking about my artworks…’ Her hunch proved correct: Brian was. They became close after that, and later on, in 2013, they married. (Alison and Brian)
I like to imagine her being swept up by the angels on Christmas night, joining with the stars and knowing Jesus, her saviour, Immanuel, close with her. ‘The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.’ I remember singing round the piano with her one time. She will be adding her creative beauty to heaven now… Alison was certainly blessed with so much creativity… and fun. She would certainly want you to enjoy Christmas and raise a glass to her! (Caroline)
It’s not long now till Christmas 2021, and I was delighted to receive the first proof of my forthcoming book Illustrated Tales of Warwickshire, and of the cover design. I love the choice of photos for the cover, and their design and layout. I look forward to being able to share my Cover Reveal with you soon, early in the New Year 2022.
Hall’s Croft in Stratford-upon-Avon, the scene of many uncanny tales – photo from Illustrated Tales of Warwickshire by SC Skillman – photo by author
Illustrated Tales of Warwickshire is due to be released by Amberley Publishing on 15th April 2022.
But it is now on pre-order, which means you can go to many online book retailers, such as here or here to register your interest, add it to your “wishlist” and make sure of getting your copy, well before publication date.
Farmyard scene in Warwickshire village Lower Quinton – an idyllic rural community where a notorious murder took place decades ago which remains the longest unsolved case in the records of Warwickshire Police. Photo taken from Illustrated Tales of Warwickshire by SC Skillman. Photo by author.
Illustrated Tales of Warwickshire is packed with quirky and intriguing stories of ancient legends and ceremonies, folklore and folk customs, and unusual Warwickshire people. The 100 photos in the book are mainly taken by myself, and by my son Jamie Robinson and my daughter Abigail Robinson both of whom are excellent photographers besides their other talents: Jamie is a satirical blogger and aspiring screenwriter; Abigail is a filmmaker, editor and videographer.
This morning we feel so proud, as our daughter Abigail has just graduated from Griffith University Film School, Queensland, with a Master in Screen Production.
Abigail Robinson, film maker, graduating as Master of Screen Production, Griffith University Queensland 14 December 2021
I watched the live-stream at midnight as Queensland is 10 hours ahead of the UK. It was an emotional moment as Abigail went across the stage to greet Henry Smerdon, the University Chancellor! This is the culmination of two and a half decades of passion for film making for Abigail: she started as a film-maker at the age of seven. Her first film location was the front room; her actors were soft toys; and they performed The Sound of Music. The soundtrack included Abigail singing the songs. We still have the footage to prove it! From then on Abigail never stopped: she continued to film videos at every opportunity, to construct miniature film-sets out of cardboard and other materials; and to produce short animations.
Abigail’s journey has taken her from studies in Media at Trinity School, Leamington Spa, on through Creative Media Production at Stratford-upon-Avon College, a BA in Media Production at the University of Gloucestershire and now to her Master in Screen Production from Griffith University Queensland.
Now Abigail is a fully fledged film maker and she is set to join an industry which, as James Curry, film maker, said in his keynote speech at the graduation ceremony, “isfull of charlatons and con-tricksters and creative geniuses “. In a funny, honest, and very ‘real’ speech, he enjoined the new graduates to be “Bold, fearless, and above all creative.” James Currie’s credits include sound designing, acting and music, on several films, including the Australian comedy drama Ten Canoes .
Henry Smerdon, the Chancellor of Griffith University at the Graduation Ceremony 14 December 2021 in the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, with Abigail Robinson as she receives her Master in Screen Production
Abigail’s website may be found here. Please do contact her if you would like to hire a professional for your photography, music, promotional, corporate or book-trailer video production or editing, or indeed for your film crew. She is currently filming a troupe of Torres Strait Islander dancers in Cairns, and will soon complete a book-trailer video for my YouTube Channel – I highly recommend her to those of you who are writers, building your online promotion through video.
“Here you are, sir. The bread you ordered, all ready to go.” The miller said to John, the owner of the Hangman’s Noose.
“Thank you,” John said as he picked up the bread and went back to his car.
John always felt daunted whenever he set foot in Lower Slaughter, which was far more exclusive and upmarket than Lower Strangling, which is saying something as Lower Strangling was quite exclusive and upmarket in itself.
Simon, the vicar of Lower Strangling’s church and the chairman of the village council, had on many occasions called for some villages-with-gruesome-sounding-names-but-are-actually-quite-nice-really alliance with the Slaughters. But the Slaughters had pushed back against the motion, stating their reason as the fact that the Slaughters got their name from the Old English word for wet land, whereas the Stranglings got their name from the infamous Strangling of the Hethans in 670, an incident that was swiftly brushed…
Today I reblog this wonderful post by my son Jamie Robinson on his satirical blog. It was surely pure coincidence that he had recently been to the Brechin Bookfest in Scotland!
“Well, everything seems to be in order.” The Rev. Simon Abernathy said as he observed the various tables dotted around the village hall; awaiting their respective authors.
“Yes, I think we’re ready to welcome people.” Dave said.
Lower Strangling had never held a Literary Festival before, in fact it was never considered. But the economic setback from the numerous COVID lockdowns was so great that the money made from the Village Fete in July was not enough to cover it. So, other ways to make money had to be considered.
It was Dave who put the idea of a Literary Festival forward to the village council. Initially the idea was rejected. After all, they didn’t have a connection to books and literature like Hay-On-Wye had, and Upper Strangling up the road seemed a more likely place to hold one. But eventually they went with it, as it seemed more original than a charity bake sale. Also, this was Lower Strangling. Anything they did was guaranteed to bring in loads of people.
And so, here Dave and Simon were, in the village hall waiting for the authors and visitors to arrive.
A whole range of authors had been signed on to attend. An amalgamation of local smaller authors and more famous ones; including legendary fantasy writer Tristan Vimes.
“When are the authors arriving?” Dave asked.
“Sometime between now and 10:00, I believe.” Simon said.
“Ok.” Dave said.
Just then, as if on cue, a man with scruffy black hair, unkempt stubble, and a long black coat entered the village hall and walked towards Simon and Dave.
“Ah. I wasn’t expecting vagrants to turn up.” Simon said.
“We’ve never had a homeless person here before, have we?” Dave said.
“No. The Stranglings aren’t really a place homeless people congregate.” Simon said, before walking up to the vagrant in question.
“Hello, sir.” Simon said politely. “We are delighted you’ve come to visit us this morning, but you’re not allowed in here I’m afraid.”
“Hmm?” The man said, vaguely bemused.
“If you’d like to go to the vestry, I’ll be with you shortly and I can contact a local homeless shelter for you to go to.” Simon said.
“Oh no, I’m Tristan Vimes.” The man said to Simon, realising what was going on.
“Ha, ha. Yes. Very funny.” Simon said. “Now then, I’ll show you to the vestry.”
“No, really. I am Tristan Vimes.” The man said. “I’m here for the Literary Festival.”
Simon laughed again.
“I’m serious.” Tristan said. “Would it help if I got my books out of my car to show you?”
Simon laughed once more, not really listening to the man.
“Simon, I think he is Tristan Vimes.” Dave said.
“No he isn’t. Look at him, he’s clearly homeless.” Simon said. “I admit he’s very funny, but he’s still homeless.”
Just then, a women entered the village hall with a suitcase.
“Hi,” the woman said, “Felicity Addaman, I’m here for the Literary Festival.”
“See. That is an author, this is a vagrant.” Simon said.
“Simon, I think he actually is Tristan Vimes.” Dave said. “Maybe you should let him unpack his car and set up his stall.”
“Yes. Listen to him.” Tristan said.
“You can’t honestly think this man is a successful fantasy novelist.” Simon said. “He probably doesn’t even have a C in GCSE English.”
“Actually, I have an A*.” Tristan said. “It’s on my website.”
“A likely story.” Simon said. “Now please, go to the vestry and I’ll join you in a moment.”
Tristan sighed.
“Fine.” He said, before leaving to go to the vestry.
“Now then, if you’d like to follow me, Felicity.” Simon said before showing Felicity to her table.
“That may have been Tristan.” Felicity said. “He’s not like other people.”
“Not you as well.” Simon said. “Now please, come.”
Simon showed Felicity to her table and then went to the vestry to help the vagrant.
But when Simon got to the vestry, the vagrant had gone. Upon realising this, Simon went back to the hall.
“The vagrant seems to have gone.” Simon said once he’d got back. “I’m sure he won’t bother us again.”
“But what if that person was Tristan Vimes?” Dave said.
“Trust me, he wasn’t.” Simon said. “If you don’t believe me now, you’ll believe me when he enters the village hall later on with a more professional appearance.”
“Fine.” Dave said.
After a while, all the other authors had arrived and set up their stalls. Every genre was represented, non-fiction was too.
Even Micheal Richard James, the New York History professor who wrote the definitive history of Lower Strangling and had lived in the village during the 80’s had flown over from the States in order to sell his iconic book; Lower Strangling: the definitive history of Christ’s settlement and the final resting place of the Holy Grail.
There was something for everyone.
However, there was just one problem; a table was still empty. Tristan Vimes had not arrived.
“Do you still think that person you shunned wasn’t Tristan Vimes?” Dave said.
“Yes. I’m sure Tristan is just running a bit late.” Simon said. “Rye is a long way away.”
“Hmm.” Dave said.
When the Festival officially begun, the village hall was packed. All the authors had sold at least a few of their books. Everything had gone without a hitch as was expected.
But Tristan’s table was still empty, and people were beginning to notice.
“Has Tristan had to cancel?” The woman said. “We only came here because Susie wanted to see him.”
“No he is still coming.” Simon said. “He’s just running a bit late that’s all.”
“Or, he was the first to arrive and the organisers turned him away because they thought he was homeless.” Dave whispered to Simon.
“Best not to dwell on it.” Simon whispered back.
“It was bad enough that H. P. Granger was cancelled because she was murdered by those activists.” The woman said before leaving the village hall with her disappointed daughter.
Despite the lack of Tristan, the crowds still came to the festival, bought books, listened to talks, and generally enjoyed themselves.
But then, all of a sudden, they left. The village hall was empty two hours before the festival was due to end for the day.
“Oh, that’s odd.” Simon said. “The festival isn’t due to end until five. Where’s everybody gone?”
“They’ve probably had their fill.” Dave said. “But oh well, there’s always tomorrow.”
“There’s still two hours to go.” Simon said. “I’m sure people will come flooding back in once Tristan finally shows himself.”
“You still think that’s going to happen?” Micheal said to Simon.
“Yes. Anything is possible.” Simon said.
Eventually the clock struck five and no one had turned up. Simon, Dave and the other authors left the village hall and locked up for the night, ready to do it all over again the next morning.
“No idea why everything suddenly died two hours before the festival ended.” Simon said.
“No, neither do I.” Dave said.
And so the two men bade each other goodnight and went home.
Meanwhile, two miles away at the Golden Pheasant in Upper Strangling, legendary fantasy author Tristan Vimes was still signing books for the large queue of people in front of him… and he was only halfway through.
November 2021 for me has been an amazing month. In the last two weeks of November 2021 I’ve met so many exciting fellow authors at two fabulous book events. There has been a great sense of cameraderie, we have all deepened relationships or made new ones, discovered each other’s books, and we have sold our books to keen readers too!
I was delighted to be invited to take part in these two events. I came away having signed up for mailing lists, bought new books, sold some of mine, listened to several fascinating talks, enjoyed creative conversations and experienced kindness, generosity and friendship. There were lots of warm, smiling authors, readers and book-buyers.
As a postscript, at the Priory Theatre, Kenilworth, I also added a few ghost stories to my collection, including ones about theatrical ghosts which I wish I had known about while I was writing Paranormal Warwickshire! (They may come in useful for a future book). Here are a few photos which give a flavour of these two events.
The authors of the Socially Shared Business Support Network at the Meet the Author event, Priory Theatre Kenilworth 24 November 2021Authors SC Skillman, SR Summers and Shelley Wilson at the Priory Theatre, Kenilworth 24 November 2021Author SC Skillman at the Meet the Authors event at the Priory Theatre Kenilworth 24th November 2021The authors who exhibited their books at the Brechin Angus Bookfest, Northern Hotel, Brechin, Angus, on 20th and 21st November 2021 – photo credit Wallace Ferriersubscribe to the SC Skillman mailing list here
Today I’m pleased to be part of the blog tour for a delightful new contemporary novel by fellow-author Lizzie Chantree.
The Woman Who Felt Invisible is a title which I believe will engage many women especially those who are creative, and involved in marketing and promotion of their own creative work. I am part of a Facebook book group run by Lizzie and she does an enormous amount to support and encourage other authors, asking us challenging and stimulating questions, and sharing helpful information. For many of us, she is building up authors to step out on a path to becoming much more visible. In this novel, Lizzie gives us a main protagonist, Olivia, who goes on a journey many women will identify with.
Cover design for novel ‘The Woman Who Felt Invisible’ by Lizzie Chantree
I must admit I was immediately attracted to this novel by the gorgeous cover design. I am an occasional reader of women’s contemporary novels with romance stirred in, and I feel sure Lizzie’s novels strongly appeal to all those who love such writers as Katie Fforde, Debbie Young, Ritu Bhathal and Fern Britton.
Here is the blurb for Lizzie’s new novel:
A gorgeous romantic story of love and new beginnings. Learning to love herself and be content on her own is the first step. But will Olivia be able to leave her past behind, follow her heart and find lasting happiness? A read full of humour, romance and tear-jerking reality, from international bestselling author, Lizzie Chantree.
Have you ever felt invisible?
Working as a stationery supervisor and a sitter to a pair of internet famous, delinquent dogs, wasn’t how former cyber-specialist, Olivia, imagined her life turning out.
Working in a tiny cubicle with a decrepit computer and being overlooked had suited her for a while, but now she’s fed up, lonely and determined to make the world ‘see’ her again.
Old school friend, Darius, wants to fill Olivia’s days with romance, but their love of technology has taken them on very different paths.
Gorgeous undercover policeman Gabe, is steadfast in finding out if Olivia was part of an online scam, but something doesn’t feel right and he suspects someone else was manipulating her life.
Can love blossom from the most deceptive of starts? And can someone who feels lost, find a way to flourish against all odds?
Author Lizzie Chantree
International bestselling author and award-winning inventor, Lizzie Chantree, started her own business at the age of 18 and became one of Fair Play London and The Patent Office’s British Female Inventors of the Year in 2000. She discovered her love of writing fiction when her children were little and now works as a business mentor and runs a popular networking hour on social media, where creatives can support to each other. She writes books full of friendship and laughter, that are about women with unusual and adventurous businesses, who are far stronger than they realise. She lives with her family on the coast in Essex. Visit her website at http://www.lizziechantree.com or follow her on Twitter @Lizzie_Chantree https://twitter.com/Lizzie_Chantree.
Short bio:
International bestselling author Lizzie Chantree, started her own business at the age of 18 and became one of Fair Play London and The Patent Office’s British Female Inventors of the Year. She writes books full of friendship and laughter, about women with unusual businesses, who are stronger than they realise.
I have just finished this excellent anthology Write Well which I found an inspiring resource.
Write Well, published by Instant Apostle
A varied selection of writers have contributed pieces to this book, which are arranged under three main headings: Section One: Digging the Well; Section 2: Priming the Pump and Section 3: Filling the Bucket.
I found the different chapters very inspiring and encouraging, with diverse viewpoints and experiences about the writing and publishing journey. One very powerful insight emerged for me: so many of the authors had travelled a path between multiple obstacles, of disappointment, discouragement, new hope, fresh inspiration, unexpected help and guidance, unlooked for success, fresh turnings… This book is a valuable resource for all writers on their journey across rocky and uneven ground.
Amy Scott Robinson has compiled this anthology. Amy is herself a prolific writer, storyteller and ventriloquist, as well as being a lovely, bubbly personality whom I have met and chatted to at a few writing conferences. She has published a series of delightful children’s books for children age 7-9 as well as Images of the Invisible, a book of daily bible readings for Advent.
Do follow the links and check out these books if you are looking for ideal book gifts for Christmas.
Please do subscribe to the SC Skillman mailing list here
Today I bring you my review of the final book in Michael J Harvey‘s fantasy trilogy Oron Amular. I reviewed the first two books in the trilogy here in my last blog post.
Book covers for the fantasy trilogy Oron Amular by Michael J Harvey
I found this, the third in the Oron Amular Trilogy, a very intense read. King Curillian, along with his Captain of the Guard, Lancoir, his magician ally Roujeark, and his loyal band of Armist comrades go through a series of extreme ordeals, tests and snares in the Mountain of Aron Amular. These tests are set for them by the Wizard Kulothiel, along with all the other tournament competititors from various races. Their company is joined by a new heroic figure whom I found fascinating: Sir Theonar of the Pegasus, who wants to challenge Southilar for the Clan Lordship of the Aranese.
With dazzling eloquence and extended scenes of violent action, the narrative seizes you and never lets you go in this book. Many pages are devoted to a ferocious account of brutal fighting. The narrative drives you along relentlessly and the series of ordeals is the stuff of dreams and nightmares, and not unlike some of the scenes in an Indiana Jones film.
Along with this the author explores the emotional and psychological landscape of his principal characters with great conviction. The outcome of the story totally defeated my expectations. I have given this book 5 stars for its power to engage, but will admit the end left me unsettled and disturbed.
We are told the story will continue, so do look up the author’s website World of Astrom to find out more.
I would love to welcome you to my mailing list. Please sign up here.
The Oron Amular fantasy trilogy by Michael J Harvey
Michael J Harvey is a fantasy novelist with a degree in Ancient and Modern History from the University of Leicester and a Masters in Medieval History from the University of Cambridge, blogger adventurer and traveller, his foremost passion is writing. Michael lives in Cambridge, England, with his wife Lucy and two sons.
Author Michael J Harvey
I met Michael at a writers’ conference in Cambridge on Saturday 4th September 2021, and listened to him talking about how he came to write this high fantasy trilogy. He shared with us how he had created the maps of his world (see worldofastrom.com), about his process of worldbuilding, and his journey towards publication.
Michael did a book-signing at the conference and we bought the trilogy from him then. I particularly loved the book covers, with their glorious colours and sublime landscapes Indeed, one of the outstanding elements of the trilogy is the author’s sharp, detailed and vivid descriptions of the landscape through which his hero and allies travel on their quest.
The Oron Amular trilogy book cover designs
My Review of Book 1: The Call of the Mountain
This, book 1 in the Oron Amular trilogy, held me captivated after a rather slow start, albeit beautifully written. I always feel with fantasy, the challenge is to build the fantasy world whilst also engaging us in a central character; and I didn’t feel fully engaged with the principal characters until well into the book. Nevertheless all the archetypes of the fantasy journey are here, and the author’s descriptions of the landscape through which the travellers pass are outstanding.
There are several extended scenes of extreme threat and physical peril which are very exciting to read. I began to feel a strong sense of identification with the journey and with the characters of Curillian the king of Maristonia, and Roujeark, his faithful ally. Roujeark as a character is especially intriguing: a gifted young magician and indispensable companion on the journey, who has special powers and a unique connection with Prelan, whom we might call the ‘Supreme Spirit’ or the deity of this narrative. The book ends on a fantastic cliffhanger, and I think we can see parallels in our life journeys here. Onto the next book in the trilogy, which is called ‘Rite of Passage.’
My Review of Book 2: Rite of Passage
In this, the second of the Oron Amular trilogy, our hero King Curillian of Maristonia, and faithful ally, magician Roujeark must complete a vital task which seems to distract them from their great journey, with their entourage, towards the Mountain of Aron Amular. There, the Keeper Kulothiel has prepared a mysterious tournament for the various races of Astrom – men, armists, dwarves and elves among them.
But first Curillian must follow a controversial and dangerous diversion on his journey, to rescue an imprisoned elven princess, before he can continue his quest. The account of the rescue is fascinating, filled with peril and vividly told.
I found this second book very exciting, engaging me on a much deeper level with the multi-dimensional character of Curillian. The narrative gathers momentum, increasing the complexity of the relationships, introducing new characters, and enriching our knowledge of Astrom and the tensions between its various races, together with several different intriguing personalities who come to the fore and challenge our heroes in a variety of ways.
In particular, I find the author’s presentation of the elves and their sometimes contradictory and ambivalent character very striking. The story works on a powerful spiritual level as well as that of a pacy, thrilling yarn. Highly recommended. Now on to the third book!
Do check out Michael’s blog here. He may also be found here on his website, and on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads. The Oron Amular Trilogy is widely available online and through bookshops.
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