Working at 1 Portland Place opposite Broadcasting House (BH) at London W1A, we often saw well-known presenters and personalities. We’d be queueing up for lunch in the canteen at the top of BH and I’d see a familiar media figure in the queue just ahead of me, and think, ‘He looks much smaller and moreContinue reading “QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Part Five: What further stories can you tell about your time at the BBC?”
Category Archives: buildings
New book coming 2024/25: Paranormal Gloucestershire
I’m pleased to announce that I’ve just signed a contract to write a fourth book for Amberley which is Paranormal Gloucestershire. I’ve already begun visiting some of the fascinating locations in Gloucestershire which have a rich history and are surrounded by many curious tales. These include some of the locations shown above: Woodchester Mansion, TewkesburyContinue reading “New book coming 2024/25: Paranormal Gloucestershire”
Book Review: ‘St Nicholas Owen: Priest-Hole Maker’ by Tony Reynolds
This past weekend I visited Harvington Hall in Worcestershire – a 14th century house built upon an island and surrounded by a moat both of which can be traced back to the 13th century. A recusant Catholic family lived here so it was a focus for Jesuit priests who had come to Britain during theContinue reading “Book Review: ‘St Nicholas Owen: Priest-Hole Maker’ by Tony Reynolds”
How I Came to Write ‘Paranormal Warwickshire’
I have often been asked how I came to write Paranormal Warwickshire. It began soon after my arrival in Warwickshire twenty eight years ago, through the experience of visiting many of Warwickshire’s iconic locations. A fellow writer, Sue Vincent, a great traveller throughout our country and its historic, sacred and mysterious sites, who has nowContinue reading “How I Came to Write ‘Paranormal Warwickshire’”
A Visit to Warwick Castle 1st April 2023
Today I share a few photos from Warwick Castle which I visited again the other day to see the new trebuchet being fired, and to update some of the information I give in my chapter on the Trebuchet in my forthcoming book A-Z of Warwick. A-Z of Warwick will be published on 15th November 2023Continue reading “A Visit to Warwick Castle 1st April 2023”
Strange Tales from Paranormal Warwickshire Part 3: Shakespeare’s Ghosts and Spirits
When it comes to William Shakespeare‘s own beliefs about ghosts and spirits, scholars and actors hold divergent views. ‘Did Shakespeare believe in ghosts and spirits?” said the actor who led the Stratford-upon-Avon town ghost tour. “One hundred per cent! Of course he did!” And the unspoken corollary to that was, of course, so do allContinue reading “Strange Tales from Paranormal Warwickshire Part 3: Shakespeare’s Ghosts and Spirits”
Strange Tales From Paranormal Warwickshire part 1: Warwick Castle
Today, I begin the first episode in a series of strange tales from my book Paranormal Warwickshire. Warwick Castle is, of course, the first thing many people think of when Warwick comes to mind. And no wonder: when I researched for my forthcoming book ‘A-Z of Warwick‘ (due out in November 2023 and now onContinue reading “Strange Tales From Paranormal Warwickshire part 1: Warwick Castle”
The Lure of a Country House Library
I was inspired by an Instagram post I read recently from a fellow-author. She said she was warming up with a cup of coffee at the Dorchester Curiosity Centre in Dorset, while waiting for her MOT to be done, and ‘contemplating how cover design has developed over the decades’. She was looking at an entireContinue reading “The Lure of a Country House Library”
The Love of British Folk Tradition: Coventry and Kenilworth Morris at Kenilworth Castle on Boxing Day morning
I love Morris dancers, and at Kenilworth Castle on Boxing Day morning, all those who had braved the icy winds and crisp chill of the atmosphere were treated to several dances by the Coventry Morris and the Chinewrde Morris Dancers of Kenilworth. Male and female dancers entertained us while we were fortified with hot chocolateContinue reading “The Love of British Folk Tradition: Coventry and Kenilworth Morris at Kenilworth Castle on Boxing Day morning”
Highlights of My Australian Journey 2022: A Travel Diary #14 High Views of Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, Queensland
This is the fourteenth and final Highlight. What better than some panoramic views from a great height? So we ride up to the Skypoint Observation Deck on the 77th floor of the Q1 Building, Surfers Paradise. We took lots of photos of the fabulous views and had Tacos and salsa for lunch in the bistro.Continue reading “Highlights of My Australian Journey 2022: A Travel Diary #14 High Views of Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, Queensland”
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