Approaching Coughton Court, the ancestral seat of the Throckmortons, near Alcester in Warwickshire, we may admire the mellow sandstone sixteenth century house with its dramatic battlemented gatehouse tower and lovely timbered north and south wings. In front is the most exquisitely laid-out garden packed with abundant lavenders. Everything about this house and its surrounding groundsContinue reading “The Throckmortons of Coughton Court, Warwickshire: A Family Forever Linked to those Who Conspired to Murder their King”
Category Archives: British
Felix Dennis, Eccentric Millionaire Poet – a Man with a Vision for the Future, and Founder of a Great Forest in the Heart of England
In an age of information where we are bombarded with news and facts and false facts and opinions, both genuine and prejudiced, I find we tend to select our own blind spots, to filter out the onslaught. Which is why, sometimes, although something and somebody can be publicised hugely in innumerable ways, it’s still possibleContinue reading “Felix Dennis, Eccentric Millionaire Poet – a Man with a Vision for the Future, and Founder of a Great Forest in the Heart of England”
Inspiration from JRR Tolkien in Oxford
My recent visit to Oxford to see the exhibition of Tolkien: Maker of Middle-earth was a revelation to me and full of inspiration. You may find the exhibition in the ST Lee Gallery, Weston Library, next to Blackwell’s Bookshop on Broad Street. It’s packed with fascinating objects and letters, and drawings: Tolkien’s own exquisite illustrations forContinue reading “Inspiration from JRR Tolkien in Oxford”
Insights From the Silence
Have you ever seen the episode of the TV comedy drama series Rev when our main character, Rev. Adam Smallbone, goes on retreat? Adam, played by Tom Hollander, is in the austere setting of a convent, and returns to his room when suddenly Roland, the media vicar, played by Hugh Bonneville, appears at the window, cryingContinue reading “Insights From the Silence”
The Power of a Picture: the Burton Dasset Hills Country Park, Warwickshire
It’s said that an image is much more powerful than words; which is rather a shame for authors who write books that don’t have any pictures! And so an author’s alternative is to paint a picture with words. Because, as author Isamu Noguchi says, We are a landscape of all we have seen. In myContinue reading “The Power of a Picture: the Burton Dasset Hills Country Park, Warwickshire”
Joyful Atmosphere at the Leamington Spa Peace Festival June 2018
Each year in June the Peace Festival is held in the Royal Pump Room Gardens in Leamington Spa. A colourful and eclectic mix of stallholders, different religious and activist and local community groups, musicians, street food vendors, and sellers of vibrant gypsy, bohemian and ethnic clothes, hats, bag and jewellery all converge on the gardens.Continue reading “Joyful Atmosphere at the Leamington Spa Peace Festival June 2018”
Taste the Spirit of Warwickshire – A Shakespeare-Inspired Spiritual Travel Guide
My proposed new non-fiction book, Spirit of Warwickshire, is currently in the early stages of its journey into the world. Richly illustated with full colour photos by photographer Abigail Robinson, the book contains twenty short pieces about places in Warwickshire that I love, visit often, and believe to have spiritual presence. I define a placeContinue reading “Taste the Spirit of Warwickshire – A Shakespeare-Inspired Spiritual Travel Guide”
Fun and Excitement on the Author Stand at the UK Games Expo
Just back from the UK Games Expo – a fun event for all ages at the Birmingham NEC showcasing creative games designers, model makers, authors, artists, cosplayers and Vikings! The authors’ genres spanned fantasy, paranormal, thrillers, history, sci fi and time travel. There was a real buzz about the event, and I enjoyed networking with fellow authors, soldContinue reading “Fun and Excitement on the Author Stand at the UK Games Expo”
GDPR Compliance on SC Skillman Blog
Thank you to all of you who read and enjoy my blog posts. I greatly appreciate those who support me by following, reading, liking and commenting. I hope to continue providing you with short inspirational blog posts about any subject that catches my eye! It’s been a busy few days as I have been listeningContinue reading “GDPR Compliance on SC Skillman Blog”
Book Review: “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman
A very thought-provoking novel told from the point of view of a woman who is “different” from others in her daily life and therefore arouses uncomfortable feelings in others, leading to alienation and loneliness. Yet as we progress through the novel, learning more about Eleanor and her life, there are times when we cannot helpContinue reading “Book Review: “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman”
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