THE MINIATURIST BOOK AND FILM

There have been some great films shown over Christmas on UK television and I thought The Miniaturist - in two parts - was superb, despite some of the nasty reviews I read today in the press.

One of the reasons why I particularly wanted to see it, was that I had read the book and spent a little time with the author Jessie Burton a few years ago where I was able to take a few photos.  I enjoyed reading her book and the storyline stayed in my memory; the film was also fascinating and I thank the Essex Book Festival for bringing Jessie as our guest author in 2015.  On this particular subject, we are preparing for the 2018 Essex Book Festival and shortly, the programmes will be displayed in all Essex Libraries, some have already arrived! 

LET'S MAKE A DATE WITH SIR TIM RICE AT CHRISTMAS TIME

Have just been reminded that one of our lovely SWWJ Patrons Sir Tim Rice, will be appearing in a tribute to his life and work on BBC4 on Boxing Day in 'Tim Rice - A Life in Song,' at 9pm.

The programme will be coming from the Royal Festival Hall, and, as our colleague Pamela Birley mentioned, this sounds a delightful way to spend Boxing Day evening. www.swwj.co.uk

IT'S THAT'S TIME OF THE YEAR AND OUR SUPER "EVERGREEN" BOOK FROM ESSEX IS SELLING WELL IN THE COUNTY'S BOOKSHOPS

Sisters Elizabeth Wallace, Eve Gladstone, Margaret Powell and Shirley Tolliday all contributed to the content of this lovely little book which outlines some of our county's fascinating folklore and history at this special time of the year. Elizabeth enjoyed interviewing so many Essex folk and their stories and pictures are precious and will bring back memories to many people who lived, loved and were part of this special county of Essex.

SNOWING HARD, BUT COULDN'T MISS THE EMMANUEL CAROL SERVICE AT BILLERICAY



Such a beautiful background for our Carol Service at Billericay's Emmanuel Church





Royal Air Force Air Cadets from 2393 Squadron were on hand to assist Reverend Carr to meet and greet parishioners who also beat the weather

Billericay's Emmanuel Church  Minister  Reverend  Paul Carr with two friends at last night's glorious Carol Service

SAD NEWS ABOUT OUR FAVOURITE MAYFLOWER MORRIS MAN TONY MOTLEY

Tomorrow, we say goodbye to our very good friend TONY MOTLEY.  We have shared so many wonderful events over the last twenty years.  Watching the performances enacted by the marvellous MAYFLOWER MORRIS MEN  has always been such fun and Tony's colleagues have added merriment and sparkle to so many of our traditional events in Billericay and all over Essex.  We will miss our lovely Tony and offer sympathy to his family.

Tony Motley and Ken Smith