AND HERE WE HAVE THE GREAT BOXING DAY SAILING BOAT RACE

The race has just finished - fabulous turnout of home-made sailing boats using some amazing packaging from Christmas gifts - clever stuff here in Billericay.  To find the winner, watch this space, but in the meantime, take a look at what some of our townsfolk created. 

 

 

BOXING DAY'S GREAT LAKE RACE AT BILLERICAY LAKE MEADOWS

Christmas is here and already we've enjoyed seeing many friends, neighbours and family.  Following on the celebrations, we are looking forward to THE GREAT LAKE RACE at our LAKE MEADOWS LAKE a  wonderful place for all including those who like model sail boats - made from Christmas packaging, a bottle, plastic bag for sails and other bits and pieces imaginatively used.  Only home-made boats permission. 

THIS IS YOUR PARK - COME AND JOIN IN at 2.30pm on WEDNESDAY, BOXING DAY.  See website for FRIENDS OF LAKE MEADOWS

THERE'S STILL TIME TO PICK UP BRIAN LYNCH'S NEW BOOK FOR CHRISTMAS

Journalist, author, columnist, poet Brian Lynch has just added a new title to his impressive collection of published books.  Among his backlist is a fantasy, Sherlock and Holmes, all about a funny talking dog detective, a biography of John Bairstow, The Road from Gloster Hill and many others.

I particularly enjoyed his own part-biography Naked Knees and Blakey'd Boots.  As Brian says: "Writing fictional short stories and poetry based on my own life and experiences has, up until now been just a hobby, but now I want to publicise the plight of children starving in Africa."

After finishing a poignant poem about a fictional child (Nkoli), Brian - with his publisher Prestige Press - has gathered together a collection of some of his best stories and verse.  This latest title is NKOLI and its purpose is to swell the donations towards one of the leading charities that help to feed children like Nkoli. Among the wide range of story material, I enjoyed A TIARA FOR CHRISTMAS - so appropriate for this time of year.

Brian Lynch
 

Paperback edition ISBN 978-1-84375-614-9 published by Prestige Press £7.99
For details email:  info@prestige-press.com

JOHN INTRODUCES US TO AMY PEPPERCORN

CD cover created by John Brindley

John Brindley in Phoenix 98fm Studio at Brentwood in Essex

Friday was great at Phoenix 98fm when lovely presenter, Michelle Ward welcomed us into the studio  for my twelfth monthly programme.  My theme concentrated on Christmas stocking filler books for children. 

Wonderful to have the great John Brindley with us to tell everyone about Amy Peppercorn, his own creation whose story can be found in STARRY-EYED  & SCREAMING. Amy is a 16-year-old character so the book will be appreciated by 'Young Adults', but I feel it can be enjoyed by all ages.   There's something different with this book, too.  We have a chance to listen to Amy singing on the accompanying CD and what a voice!  Check out John Brindley's website www.amypeppercorn.com and info@amypeppercorn.com

SAD NEWS

Sir Patrick Moore displaying his new medal

So sad to hear the news of the passing of two lovely men I've interviewed. Met Sir Patrick Moore a year ago and he was delightful during our interview and George Oliver whom I've met many times over the last twenty years and have included his marvellous recollections in some of my books and newspaper columns.  Shall miss them.

Our lovely friend George Oliver

ESSEX FIRE MUSEUM AT GRAYS, ESSEX

Last Sunday, we enjoyed meeting Roger Pickett and his friend who popped into our Cater Museum.  He met Chris Brewster, our very own curator.  The gentlemen left their booklet which shows some great photographs from their museum.  They offer a warm welcome to visitors, particularly school groups and their is no charge for admission.
The Essex Fire Museum is located at Grays Fire Station. It was opened on 14 June 2007 and is housed in the former Auxiliary Fire Servive garages. Wonderful exhibits and displays are there showing a wide range of firefighting history in Essex.  This museum holds a good selelction of artefacts relating to the wartime activities of the Fire Service. 

Roger Pickett provided personal and professional information to my sister, fellow author, Elizabeth Victoria Wallace when she was researching one of her earlier best-selling books CHRISTMAS PAST IN ESSEX (currently on sale at Waterstones) £9.99 (The History Press).  roger.pickett@essex-fire.gov.uk Tel: 01375 379167

Billericay Baptist church presented ANGEL SQUADRON

So much local talent on tap this evening at the Billericay Baptist Church when Peter and Corinne White put on ANGEL SQUADRON, a superb two-act Nativity play.  This modern and unusual script, created by Peter White, was cleverly produced, involving angels - supernatural beings, intermediaries and messengers between God and humankind.  We all loved the World War II setting.

These 'heroes of the skies' involving Cadet Astra, an angel flying ace with a certain flair and cadet Celeste, a fabulous singing star with a wonderful voice. Many other angelic characters were in the cast providing energy; fun; and all cleverly blended into a thoughtful production telling the age-old story built around the New Testament framework. We loved the music, settings, costumes and the superb choir - and those little angels were out of this world. 

Peter White - Creator and Director of ANGEL SQUADRON

SUPER LOUISE WITH NAUGHTY PIXIE

Today, Pixie our naughty little  cat met, and fell in love with Louise who is one of Billericay's most skilful young mobile hairdressers.  This girl really knows her business and  cuts hair so beautifully.  I ought to know as Vidal Sassoon was one of my first scissormen, but this, of course was way back in the sixties. Will try to find some of my old pics, just to make readers laugh!

Yes, we really did wear false eyelashes 50 years ago!
 

CHRISTMAS MARKET EVEN BETTER THIS YEAR

So cold in Billericay High Street today but huge warmth from thousands who came to take part in the Christmas celebrations.  Congratulations to Rotary and supporting groups who made it such a success.  Loved this chap who was certainly colder than most of us.Think his name was Jack Frost (aka Chris) and he is certainly a clever chap, along with his youthful juggling companion.