"You 'orrible little Man" - Brian Davis' superb new book

With permission of the Weekly News, here is this week's feature about conscription. Few pics of some of the 75 contributors to Brian Davis' superb book about the days when young men were called up, trained for six weeks and were then sent off around the world. I will be posting more pics from Brian's book over the next week or so. Double-click the column to read the piece. The young sailor is fellow columnist Brian Lynch. For a copy of the book, do email Brianwayletts@yahoo.com Tel: 01268 546431.

PIXIE KENT - MY NEW ASSISTANT

I've been looking for a new PA - someone to keep me on my toes and be a sort of muse. Found one - her name is Pixie and she certainly is a lovely assistant - if a little lazy - seems to enjoy sleeping on my desk all day.

CELEBRATE WITH ELIZABETH'S BOOK LAUNCH

Elizabeth Wallace's new book FORBIDDEN is taking centre stage today in Aurora, Denver, USA. Today is the reception for the book - wish we could all be there to celebrate. This great book has been receiving excellent and well-deserved reviews in Britain and the US.

"Forbidden" tells the story of Catherine MacDonald, a woman of seventeenth century Scotland looking for the truth behind the disappearance of her mother all those years ago. When she finds the truth, it may just be stranger than fiction. A remarkable and exciting work of historical fiction. "Forbidden" is a must-read novel.

An added bonus today is the chance to meet the talented illustrator of the book, Audrey Ledgerwood, along with Sosanna Kuruvila who is hosting Elizabeth's Book Reception.

HELP FOR PAKISTAN

The Society of Women Writers & Journalists' team is receiving bulletins from colleagues in Pakistan about the terrible flooding conditions in Pakistan. This is the worst flood in this country ever, with more than 4 million people affected, along with their crops and animals. Many charities have been set up in Britain to try to assist in different ways, but money is desperately needed. Two wonderful organisations working hard in Pakistan (among numerous others) are www.RedCross.org.uk/PakistanFloods and www.savethechildren.org.uk. Help is desperately needed in this stricken country.

Sylvia Kent: MUSEUM'S COMING EVENT

Sylvia Kent: MUSEUM'S COMING EVENT

500th ARTICLE CELEBRATIONS

After four years with Blogger, I've today posted my 500th web article - the Google Weblog is proceeding well and is such fun. Media students and others who enjoy writing, whether for their own pleasure or to earn money (difficult in today's fiscal climate), could do well to follow suit. Another interesting way to see your words fly around the cyber world, albeit on screen, is to look at www.suite101.com and check out articles which are displayed (and earn a few Canadian dollars). I've just written my latest of a set of 35 articles for them - all so diverse - but bringing in many readers' opinions from around the world. Intriguing!

MUSEUM'S COMING EVENT

The Cater Museum at Billericay is small, but one of the liveliest and most interesting, in the South East. Every month, their Curator, Chris Brewster, plans a different theme - always exciting. Currently, visitors will see the story of some of the famous chocolate manufacturers, Cadbury's, Frys's, Rountree's and others. Members of the local Society of Friends came into the Museum recently to mount a display showing some fascinating material and it's certainly worth a visit.

Coming up over the weekend of September 24 - 25 there will be a public display of the Town Model created by the Museum's first Curator, Harry Richman. The model will be held across the road in the Reading Rooms at 73 High Street, Billericay. Details from the Cater Museum 01277 622023

PIPER TERRETT'S WAY WITH WORDS - THE FRUGAL LIFE

I'm preparing to link into Piper Terrett's super website and blog. She knows so much more than me regarding SEOs and key words, so, in preparation for a couple of features on better ways to save money, here are key words from Piper. I'm experimenting with a few of my own, too.

The frugal life,frugal,frugal living,thrifty living,thrift,moneysaving tips,living cheaply,green living,downshifting challenge,downshifting,saving money on your grocery shopping,living for less,brands vs own brands.

More About Frugal Fun: Make the Most of Your Library Card Save on Movie Tickets
Free film rentals. Watch Free TV and Movies on Hulu, Get Free Music Online
Frugal Crafts for Children, Plan a Frugal Holiday, Healthy living, health, long life, happiness, positive ways of working, history matters, making your own wine, clothes, jam, marmalade and pickles

70th ANNIVERSARY OF 'THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN'

Currently I'm researching the 'Battle of Britain' aspect of the Second World War. This particular battle began on Wednesday 10 July 1940 and finished in October that year. Many young pilots died on both sides, during this terrible time. Features linked to Essex's (England) aspect during the summer of 1940 will appear in Newsquest's Weekly News series. For history students I am currently reading '2194 DAYS OF WAR' (AN ILLUSTRATED CHRONOLOGY OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR which is a sad, but authentic tome on this historical period. The aircraft is a Hawker Hurricane, an efficient deadly war machine.

ELIZABETH LORD - FRONT COVER OF WRITING MAGAZINE

ELIZABETH LORD - FRONT COVER OF WRITING MAGAZINE


Hurrah! Red Letter Day! After 1,300 published articles and thousands of photographs snapped during my time as a freelance writer, I've managed to get a front cover picture (at long last). This shows Elizabeth Lord, the super writer of 23 published novels. Inside the September edition of this great monthly magazine - which is a must for all writers, aspiring and veteran - you'll find Judith Spelman's feature which covers three pages 14-16. This is a first for Kent! Incidentally, the picture was taken in our little garden gazebo.

HELEN FINCH'S BOOK KIDDIWALKS IN LONDON

Helen Finch’s new book KIDDIWALKS IN LONDON is proving a great success, particularly during this summer holiday. Helen, who is a member of the Brentwood Writers’ Circle, was inspired to write her book while helping her taxi-driver husband learn ‘The Knowledge’ around London.

The book contains a series of 14 circular walks between one and two miles in length, just long enough for little ones. Helen has packed her book with fun things to see and do, each route offering a short history of some of London’s most famous places, with suggestions for exciting activities including a fun I-Spy feature. She mentions good picnic spots and suggestions for refreshment – so important when walking with small children. This is a super little book, very well worth £7.99. ISBN 978-1-84674 195-1 Kiddiwalks Series www.countrysidebooks.co.uk

JON'S LITTLE COMPUTER SHOP

Jon and Peter Li set up their IT company seven years ago just off Billericay High Street. Coincidentally, they leased their shop under the office where their father traded many years ago. Unless you know about their shop, snuggled in its courtyard setting close to the Billericay Town Council offices, you probably wouldn’t venture off the High Street.

Jon is now sole trader and has built up his clientele who are happy with his expertise and the way he solves customers’ computer hardware problems. Do contact him for his expert help when you have a dilemma with your computer and he offers 10% off his labour charge. Ring Jon on 01277 656592 shop@billericaycomputers.co.uk