Book Launch for ‘A-Z of Warwick’ by SC Skillman pub Amberley

I enjoyed my book launch event at Warwick Visitor Centre on Saturday, 25 November 2023. Thank you to the Warwick Visitor Centre staff for making space for us next to the new Guy of Warwick exhibition (which was fascinating). Thank you too to fellow author Fran Hill, whose very funny and highly acclaimed novel, ‘CuckooContinue reading “Book Launch for ‘A-Z of Warwick’ by SC Skillman pub Amberley”

My new book ‘A-Z of Warwick’ is out now from Amberley

I’m delighted to announce that my new book ‘A-Z of Warwick‘ is now available online and in all bookshops. This completes my trilogy of Warwickshire books – ‘Paranormal Warwickshire‘, ‘Illustrated Tales of Warwickshire’ and now ‘A-Z of Warwick’. As with all my Warwickshire books, William Shakespeare has something to say, at the head of everyContinue reading “My new book ‘A-Z of Warwick’ is out now from Amberley”

Tolcarne Beach, Newquay, Cornwall

Here I am in Cornwall and, as always, for someone who lives in the Midlands, mesmerised by the sea! I think these photos tell the story, with little need for more words. The last few photos are of Tolcarne Beach Village, and, best of all, the ‘Colonial’ beach bar and restaurant… The pumpkins will tellContinue reading “Tolcarne Beach, Newquay, Cornwall”

The Beauty of the Sea: East Sussex Coast, England

Today, I share photos of the south coast of England where I’ve just spent four days. Eastbourne, Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters together form one of England’s loveliest coastlines. Enjoy these images. Seagulls, sky, sun, water, pebbly beaches, chalk cliffs and walks to the lighthouse all combine to give you this beauty. Why notContinue reading “The Beauty of the Sea: East Sussex Coast, England”

Book Review: ‘How the Irish Saved Civilization’ by Thomas Cahill

How the Irish Saved Civilization by Thomas Cahill has the subtitle: ‘The Untold Story of Ireland’s Heroic Role from the Fall of Rome to the Rise of Medieval Europe.’ I loved the title of this book and was led to read it after I visited Tintagel; the Roman remains and exhibition at St Albans; andContinue reading “Book Review: ‘How the Irish Saved Civilization’ by Thomas Cahill”

Sunset over the Sea at Newquay, Cornwall

Today I share some views from Narrowcliff at Newquay, Cornwall. I took these photos on 6th and 7th July 2023. Sometimes blogs are best with fewer words! Sign up here to join my mailing list. I send out a monthly newsletter in which I share gems and snippets from my research discoveries, and news andContinue reading “Sunset over the Sea at Newquay, Cornwall”

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 2: Guy’s Cliffe

Today I continue my series with the second episode: the mysterious ruined manor house off the Coventry Road, Warwick. The land at Guy’s Cliffe has been a magnet for Celtic hermits, holy people, and legendary heroes since well before the Norman Conquest, and for medieval historians and the Warwick earls later. The combination of wildContinue reading “Strange Tales From Paranormal Warwickshire Part 2: Guy’s Cliffe”