Did you know my very first published work under the name of SC Skillman was a cry from the heart, in the form of a poem which appeared in print courtesy of The Beatles? No? Here it is, a cry from the heart of a frustrated fan, as it first appeared in Beatles Monthly editionContinue reading “The Beatles, A Cry From the Heart, and a Curious Collection of Letters From Beatles Fans Full of Youthful Passion”
Category Archives: history
Build Something That Will Outlive You in Hamilton the Musical
I recently went to see the musical Hamilton at the Victoria Palace Theatre, London where a magnificent cast through phenomenal singing and dancing told the story of a man who lived and died passionately and made big mistakes which swept him through to a memorable death. Through powerful singing and dynamic, electrifying, whiplash sharp dancing,Continue reading “Build Something That Will Outlive You in Hamilton the Musical”
A Diversity of Spiritual Outlooks Through Time at the British Museum in London
On Saturday 23rd December 2017 I went to see the exhibition “Living with Gods: peoples, places and worlds beyond” at the British Museum in London. The exhibition curator Jill Cook had set out to show the development of religious symbols through physical objects which people in widely diverse cultures and historical periods have used to denote theirContinue reading “A Diversity of Spiritual Outlooks Through Time at the British Museum in London”
Christmas Is Coming – “Enchanted Kenilworth” at Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire
On Friday 15 December we went to an Enchanted Kenilworth event at our local English Heritage castle in Kenilworth. As English Heritage members we’ve visited this castle many times but it was so beautiful to see the trees, castle ruins and grounds illuminated with imaginative light displays. We particularly enjoyed the large projected image ofContinue reading “Christmas Is Coming – “Enchanted Kenilworth” at Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire”
A Snowy Walk to the Saxon Mill, Warwick
When thick snow arrives it transforms our world, for as long as it stays on the ground and on the trees, on the rivers and ponds. The fascinating thing about snow – as an occasional visitor to our familiar landscape – is how it acts as a catalyst for the negative and the positive inContinue reading “A Snowy Walk to the Saxon Mill, Warwick”
Mountains, Castles and Inspiration in Bavaria
We are just back from Bavaria where we were inspired by King Ludwig II’s castles, delighted by glorious mountain views, enjoyed delicious apple strudels and slipped into Austria where we had a lot of fun on the Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg. But the most outstanding feature of our holiday was our discovery ofContinue reading “Mountains, Castles and Inspiration in Bavaria”
The Fatal Flaw in Human Nature, Castles in the Air, and Dreams and Visions
My recent visit to an English Heritage castle, Goodrich Castle in Herefordshire, stirred up some reflections on life. A visit to a medieval castle cannot help remind you that this great pile represents in stone the major themes in human nature: war, power, wealth, moral and economic hierarchies, social injustice and religion. Of course whatContinue reading “The Fatal Flaw in Human Nature, Castles in the Air, and Dreams and Visions”
Boxing Day Entertainment by the Kenilworth Lions at Kenilworth Castle and Abbey Fields
The English love to do fun – and some might even think silly – things on Boxing Day. Perhaps this is a relief from all the stress of preparing for Christmas. It’s also the opportunity for people to gather together in the fresh air and enjoy themselves with traditional English entertainments. Here are a fewContinue reading “Boxing Day Entertainment by the Kenilworth Lions at Kenilworth Castle and Abbey Fields”
Garden of Significant Inspiration and Curious A-MUSE-ments at Shakespeare’s New Place in Stratford-upon-Avon
O for a muse of fire that would ascend the brightest heaven of invention. So wrote William Shakespeare in the Prologue to Henry V – and a few days ago we were in the garden at New Place, Stratford-upon-Avon, site of Shakespeare’s former family home – infusing marbles with the power of that same muse.Continue reading “Garden of Significant Inspiration and Curious A-MUSE-ments at Shakespeare’s New Place in Stratford-upon-Avon”
Research in Southwark for Setting for New Novel
Last Saturday I was in Southwark, London SE1, researching locations for my new novel. To me, the setting for a novel must have a strong emotional connection. My first two novels were set in the Cotswolds, near where I now live. My next novels will be set in London, near where I was born andContinue reading “Research in Southwark for Setting for New Novel”
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