ELECTION TIME IN ESSEX - BILLERICAY WAS ONCE FIRST CONSTITUENCY PAST THE POST!

HISTORICAL WRITER BRIAN EVANS SOON ON PHOENIX 98FM

Every month Radio Phoenix 98fm's Book Club invites a local writer on to the programme.  Wednesday 28 May is the date that Brian Evans into the studio at 11.30am when he will be talking about his work in local history. Brian is well known in Essex and his books are still selling well after twenty years. Presenter Michelle Ward always gives us a very warm welcome. 

MY ANNUAL TRIP TO CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW - PRESS DAY

 

 

Press Day is always special at the Chelsea Flower Show. We  were offered the first chance to see some of the world's most beautiful plants and the people who grow them. Public  are there on Tuesday onward for four more days.

First on the scene was my favourite, Monty Don who always welcomes fellow gardeners. We met many more keen green fingered folk who really didn't mind being snapped and give a word of encouragement to amateurs.

THE HORSES ARE COMING! WATCH THIS SPACE

I'M DUSTING OFF MY TRAINERS READY FOR JOHN BARON MP'S FUN WALK SUNDAY 18 MAY

John Baron MP at last year's Fun Walk
 

MP thanks sponsors for donating over £30,000 so far

The annual Fun Walk will take place at Barleylands Farm on Sunday 18^th May, kicking off at 12:00pm.The Bonus Pot sponsors have played a crucial role in ensuring the walk goes from strength to strength, and the 2014 Fun Walk is hoping to break last year’s records.

 

A photo-shoot with our sponsors will take place at 12:45pm after a brief ‘thank you’ has been said – all press are welcome. The Walk will start immediately afterwards.

John said:

“Our bonus pot sponsors have been integral to the success of the Fun Walk and have already donated £30,000 into the 2014 bonus pot. So far our thanks go to Barratt Homes, Veolia Environmental Services, Hallmark Care Homes, Swan Housing Association, Toomey Motors, New Holland UK, Ford Motor Co, Selex ES Ltd, IFE Global Logistics, Mr Barrie Stone, and others. More sponsors are set to join us.”

CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW APPROACHES - PRESS DAY ON MONDAY

Although still working hard on yet another new book manuscript, I am soon back to writing gardening columns and getting back into the flow once again. Chelsea Flower Show is on the horizon (press day May 19) where we will be photographing the best and most expensive of the flower world, but I just wanted to post some pictures for our ex-pat brigade who have mentioned typical English countryside 'weeds'.

 Here we have  Alkanet and Valerian (won't bother you with the Latin terms),which are in full flower at the moment. These self sown plants are so showy and each has a wonderful history in the English countryside. Shame they all have to be pulled up soon to make space for the plants ready hardening off for planting in the newly dug garden borders.   Still very pretty, but goodbye weeks and roll on exotic Chelsea!

BRENTWOOD WRITERS' CIRCLE SHOWS OFF OUR CELIA'S NEW TITLE

Great atmosphere at Brentwood Writers' Circle this afternoon. Several members are celebrating the publication of their new books.  Here we see Celia Pyke who gave her new title an airing. As you can see, it is a rather special look at the Ockendons in Essex, a place you would think had little provenance, but you would be mistaken, certainly after reading Celia's new book - hot off the press.  You can read more about Celia and her books at her new website www.CeliaPyke.com We are lucky at Brentwood to have found Gareth,a superb web creator who looks after us and I certainly recommend him.

The members enjoyed a session listening to various members' current work and applauded the winner of the Jack Kendall annual competition who is John Roberts from Maldon, a regular winner of writing competitions. His entry was well writer and such a poignant tale. Loved it!

CATER MUSEUM WILL BE WELCOMING YOU ON SATURDAY 10 MAY

This is going to be a lovely opportunity to see what we have on display and meet some of our wonderful Friends of the Cater Museum. Lots of interesting things on display to buy, including some fairly unusual plants and little shrubs. Do visit 12 noon!

BRENTWOOD: HISTORIC TOWN KINDLE BOOK

BRENTWOOD: HISTORIC TOWN published by JMD MEDIA (Derby) £2.05 ISBN 978-1-781560-79-2

With my historical hat on, this is another local book which will be the subject of a radio programme soon.

Loved researching and writing this book a couple of years ago as it brought me in touch with many of the folk from the past who so willingly gave me photographs and allowed me to interview them.  People really are so fascinating and each one has their unique story to tell! Why not come to our Brentwood Writers' Circle and find out more.  www.brentwoodwriterscircle.com

 

BILLERICAY'S ST MARY MAGDALEN: THE CHURCH IN THE HIGH STREET

Many thanks to readers of my latest kindle books. This one was the subject of a recent radio programme. Thanks also to reviewers.

ST MARY MAGDALEN: THE CHURCH  IN THE HIGH STREET Kindle Price £2.05

Religion has always played an important  part in Billericay’s history. St Mary Magdalen – the town’s much loved ‘Church in the High Street’ – has provided a peaceful, special place for the townsfolk to worship for more than 600 years. This once small farming community has been a vital spot on the Essex map with immense historical and archaeological provenance. Since the latest refurbishment of St Mary Magdalen’s in 2007, more research into its history has been revealed within the pages of this current digital book.

Sylvia Kent is an author of nine books and has been a freelance columnist for 21 years writing weekly features on numerous topics, but local history is her passion. She is Trustee at a local Museum and is Archivist to the Society of Women Writers & Journalists, producing their history The Woman Writer. This is her first foray into electronic books and she has enjoyed researching and writing this e-book about Billericay, a town with which she has been associated for 30 years.

 

“I read this booklet with much interest as St Mary Magdalen Church in Billericay High Street was the church I attended. It brought back many memories as I was very much involved with its transition to Emmanuel Church in Laindon Road, Billericay. It is a very concise and readable history of the church journey from past to the present day. I am not a great fan of history books but I found this booklet to be very educational and thought provoking of what can be achieved when a congregation pull together with their faith in God. It is inspirational and shows how people together with God are able to overcome the many obstacles and problems that can be placed before them in life. The writer catches the many emotions and the trust which surrounded people moving them forward to do what was necessary to make this amazing thing happen. I would encourage people to read this kindle booklet about St Mary Magdalen Church to have faith and be inspired to achieve their potential as well.”  Arthur Dodd

 “Sylvia Kent clearly relates the dramatic ebb and flow of St Mary Magdalen Church, the wealth of its beauty, the architectural heritage and the struggle of it its upkeep.

She manages to take us through the various epochs with its many changes, and twists of events. It feels as though one is engaged in a voyage through time.

This booklet is clearly and interestingly written proving to be a concise invitation to the history of Billericay. Mrs. S. C. Hegedus

 “A very wide ranging and detailed history of not only this church but Billericay as well, with the background starting from Bronze age times right up to the present. Loved the old photos!”

DaisyK