And the answer is: I did! That was just one of my previous jobs, on the conveyor belt at Morphy Richards factory in my hometown, when I was in my teens. In fact it was first ever paid job and I was thrilled, and when I received my first pay packet I thought I wasContinue reading “QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Part One: Who put the pop-up in the pop-up toaster?”
Category Archives: thoughts
Review of the RSC’s new 2023 Midsummer Night’s Dream production starring Mat Baynton as Bottom
Today, I’m pleased to be reviewing the latest production at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon. I saw a ‘pre-performance’ in a packed auditorium. Mathew Baynton, of course, was the main drawcard for all those who loved him in ‘Horrible Histories’ and ‘Ghosts’! And I must say that here in this RST production, he was ableContinue reading “Review of the RSC’s new 2023 Midsummer Night’s Dream production starring Mat Baynton as Bottom”
Blog Tour for Val Penny’s New Book: ‘Hunter’s Christmas and Other Stories’
I’m delighted to be part of Val Penny’s blog tour for ‘Hunter’s Christmas and other stories’, the latest addition to her Edinburgh crime series. I’m a keen follower of Hunter’s team as they investigate the activities of the Edinburgh criminal fraternity, having read all the books in the series so far. Who knew that beautiful,Continue reading “Blog Tour for Val Penny’s New Book: ‘Hunter’s Christmas and Other Stories’”
A Visit to Denis Severs’ House, Spitalfields, East London
We recently visited Dennis’ Severs’ House at 18 Folgate Street, Spitalfields. This was a revelation to me, and I’ve discovered new things since my visit, about Dennis himself, his life, the creation of the interiors in the House, and the life of the Spitalfields community around him, which make the visit an even more poignantContinue reading “A Visit to Denis Severs’ House, Spitalfields, East London”
Book Reviews: ‘We Can’t Breathe’ by Olusola Sophia Anyanwu
Today I’m pleased to bring you my review of ‘We Can’t Breathe‘ by Olusola Sophia Anyanwu. I’ve read a few of Sophia’s books now and she gives us a vivid insight into many aspects of life and experience from within an African point of view. She is herself, besides being an incredibly prolific author, anContinue reading “Book Reviews: ‘We Can’t Breathe’ by Olusola Sophia Anyanwu”
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”
Cover Reveal for ‘A-Z of Warwick’ to be released on 15 November 2023 by Amberley
I’m delighted to share the cover design of my forthcoming book A-Z of Warwick, due out on 15 November 2023. In A-Z of Warwick I look at the past, the present and even the future of Warwick! Aethelflaed, daughter of Alfred the Great, built her fortress Waeringwicum on the river Avon in the year 914;Continue reading “Cover Reveal for ‘A-Z of Warwick’ to be released on 15 November 2023 by Amberley”
Book Review: ‘The Girl with the Louding Voice’ by Abi Dare
Today I share my reviews of ‘The Girl With the Louding Voice’ by Abi Dare, published by Sceptre on 5 March 2020. MY REVIEW Initially difficult to get into, because of the broken / pidgin English of the first person narrator Adunni, this story becomes compelling, tragic, and horrific. A 14 year old girl fromContinue reading “Book Review: ‘The Girl with the Louding Voice’ by Abi Dare”
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”
Book Review: Jane Austen the Secret Radical by Helena Kelly, and introducing a new upcoming series of Jane Austen Short Stories by Ruth Leigh
Today I offer my review of a provocative book for Jane Austen fans. Jane Austen the Secret Radical by Helena Kelly is published by Vintage. I also introduce you to a new book of Jane Austen short stories, coming soon. As a keen reader of Jane Austen’s novels I was intrigued to read Helena Kelly’sContinue reading “Book Review: Jane Austen the Secret Radical by Helena Kelly, and introducing a new upcoming series of Jane Austen Short Stories by Ruth Leigh”
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