LOOKING FORWARD TO MEETING MEMBERS AND GUESTS ON SATURDAY 7 OCTOBER 10.00am-4.00pm BRENTWOOD WRITERS' CIRCLE

 All systems go towards Saturday's bonanza of writers and all things to do with publishing and books, listening to the Writing Magazine's columnist IAN AYRIS and a super lunch. Check our website www.brentwoodwriterscircle.com and see a little of what we do (and have done for 82 years).

SEPTEMBER GUEST MARGARET MILLS ON PHOENIXFM RADIO'S BOOK CLUB

 

Our zoom meeting with super PhoenixFM Presenter Michelle Ward this morning was a lovely catch-up with Margaret Mills, an experienced WEA tutor, writer and superb researcher into all things linked to Essex history. Margaret is well-known in Brentwood and Billericay and further into Essex. 

Here is the link to the interview.

Did you hear about the Monkey, The Candlestick and the Fire? BOOK CLUB September! - Phoenix FM

FIFTY YEARS OF DUXFORD AIR SHOWS - SO PROUD OF OUR ESSEX BASED FLYING HISTORY

Courtesy Imperial War Museum

 

50 Years of Duxford Air Shows The history of flying displays in the UK dates back to October 1909, when the country witnessed its first ever aviation meeting. Today’s air shows are among the UK’s largest outdoor events, attracting several million spectators each year. During Duxford's time as an active Royal Air Force station, from 1918 to 1961, it was no stranger to large-scale public displays. Given this heritage, the decision by IWM to revive Duxford’s air show tradition in the early 1970s was an apt one. The inaugural 'Duxford Air Day' took place on 14 October 1973. It was to be the first of many. This 14 October, IWM is marking 50 years to the day since that first event with a special flying display at Duxford Flying Finale. Book tickets now.  The story of Duxford Air Shows is told inside 50 Years of Duxford Air Shows, a limited-edition bookazine which charts the highlights of the past 50 years through unseen photographs and archival material from original programmes. www.iwm

Become an IWM member for 10% off Flying Finale tickets IWM members receive 10% discount on Duxford Air Show tickets, including Flying Finale, as well as a host of other Flying Season benefits like priority booking on selected events and free entry to Duxford Flying Days.  As a member, you'll also receive year-round free admission to IWM Duxford, Churchill War Rooms and HMS Belfast, as a thank you for helping to protect our world-leading collections and historically important sites.

AMAZING CHANGES TO OUR HIGH STREET - FROM ASSIZE HOUSE TO NEST BRENTWOOD CREPERIE

Number 44 Brentwood High Street has seen many changes over centuries. This fine Grade 2 red brick stands close to the Chapel ruins which are undergoing some updating at present.  However, Brentwood residents appreciate how fortunate they are that this particular eighteenth century building hasn’t been demolished as has most of its neighbours. Until about sixty years ago, there were many similar large red brick buildings facing the unusually wide, formerly tree-lined, High Street. Built for the wealthier folk, many were private homes for the professional classes. Labour was Many tourists to Brentwood are intrigued with thischeap then and servants were usually crammed into the tiny attics. Pepperell House had retained these rooms initially  as offices and to reach them you have to climb winding flights of stairs to approach them via creaky landings. One wonders if some of Brentwood Council staff and Chamber of Commerce folk who worked within, had encountered the resident ghost!

Local Studies in Brentwood Library offer good research references to many of Brentwood’s fine old houses – some demolished – others which were refurbished and converted into shops, above which owners and managers often lived with their families. 

John Fryer, our local historian  has written about the commercial side of Brentwood and has collected reminiscences and photographs of the people who once occupied the buildings.

Strangely though, there is little information about No 44. We have to look at the published recollections of one of the town’s earliest chroniclers, John Larkin (1850-1926) who used much of his wealth for the benefit of the citizens. He wrote in his "Fireside Talks" set in the 1860s, that he remembered Mr Quy at the address practising barber and haircutting services. As with many shopkeepers he obviously diversified and began selling toys and stoneware. Larkin wrote that he felt that the house had in earlier times been connected with the ancient St Thomas’s Chapel.

By the turn of the twentieth century, the building was the address of an auctioneer & estate agency, and this trend continued for many years through the partnership of Jinman and Richardson. Later, Thain & Richardson, that well-known partnership, followed by Douglas Allen Spiro. Other businesses have used the warren of offices until October 2002 when the property owner, Elsie Pepperell, died. She had spent much of her life in the town and bequeathed the premises for the use of the people of Brentwood. 

So this fine old building lives on with its new occupants at Nest Brentwood Creperie which offers refreshment and a warm welcome to customers via their speciality crepes. 

FAVOURITE RADIO PROGRAMMES - COMING NEAR THE TOP IS PROBABLY MELVYN BRAGG'S IN OUR TIME

This morning's programme on BBC 's World Service mentioned the one thousand episodes of IN OUR TIME, which I invariably hear first or perhaps later via BBC Radio 4's Sounds. 

I believe the first programme went out in October1998 and within a year or two, I was asked to meet and interview the host and presenter Melvyn Bragg who appeared at one of our first Essex Book Festival events in Brentwood, Essex. The feature eventually appeared in the local press.

Lord Bragg's disarming way of explaining often difficult topics of conversation was admired, particularly when he interviewed academic specialists about almost any subject of interest. I also loved the strict rule that one should not carry out any book-plugging - we have enough of that (even though I do this when I am allowed and the occasion presents itself!)

This programme eventually evolved in an unusual way to become the BBC's winning way to become the BBC’s most downloaded weekly podcast globally, as well as one of the most popular for younger people. 

The formula is a recorded conversation - perhaps over forty-five minutes in which the specialists are quizzed about almost any topic of human life.

Check out this programme and follow the BBC links.

TEAM MEMBERS ARE GEARING UP FOR THIS YEAR'S BILLERICAY HISTORY FAIR - DETAILS BELOW

 

TALES FROM THE CIRCLE - A REMINDER OF WHAT IS HAPPENING IN BRENTWOOD, ESSEX, ENGLAND

 

TALES FROM THE CIRCLE by Sylvia Kent

Since my introduction to The City Times magazine, there has been interest from members of Essex writing groups and readers, some of whom like the idea of releasing that book they have felt has always lurked inside them.  The writing industry - in all its different ways - is regarded as strange, delightful and possibly exhausting! Some authors struggle for years with their articles, books and stories, yet others manage to see their work published, seemingly - overnight.   But this is rare!

Many agree that by seeking out people of like-mind often helps them succeed in this intriguing way of life. Some writers are happy to work hard – perhaps not in their proverbial garret – but often alone - and wish they could chat to others of similar persuasion, This is where Brentwood Writers’ Circle can be of help, where people receive a warm welcome.

 Last year, Sam Scott, an Essex-based author arrived and outlined her work to date writing books for children and young adults. She quickly discovered other BWC members who wrote in a similar genre. Sam’s introduction to the craft was one I had heard before.

 ‘I awoke on my 40 ^th birthday and asked myself “what can I do this year that I’ve never done before?'   The answer was 'I’m going to run the London Marathon and write a book!'  Two enormous challenges, but Sam completed both that year. To be fair, her energy and enthusiasm for all aspects of life are commendable. She is also a fully-qualified personal trainer and yoga teacher and more recently completed a creative writing course.  Sam’s first book was aimed at young readers with her trilogy, the first entitled Sophie Spirit and the Batting Manor Mystery which was released in 2021 and is selling well. This was followed by invitations to visit schools and bookshops across the county.

The author recalls: ‘When I perform public readings, one question often crops up: ‘Did you always want to be a writer?’   Strange as it seems, I have to say, no. I loved all the Enid Blyton and Winnie the Pooh books suitable for youngsters; then when I reached my teens I saw a movie called The Omen and my reading habits changed forever. Horror quickly became my favourite genre and the late James Herbert, my favourite author.’

 From that point, Sam’s successes have increased. Her second children’s book called Saving Shrin Gala was released last year followed by Sophie Spirit and the Tower of London Treasure.  Sam's latest thriller House of a Hundred Doors has just been published by the Book Guild and she is delighted with her excellent reviews. Her books are available from Amazon, Waterstones, Foyles, WHSmith and all good book shops. Sam can be followed on Facebook at Sam Scott Author.

Brentwood Writers’ Circle meets monthly at Bardswell Social Club, Brentwood and we offer a warm welcome to new writers - check out: www.brentwoodwriterscircle.com

THINKING ABOUT MY NEXT BOOK - WATCH THIS SPACE!

One of the nice things about the world of writing and books is the people you come across in this often fraught industry.  I don't travel as much as I used to, but always try to pop into Waterstones Bookshops and WH Smith around Essex, where my books are on sale (as well, of course, on Amazon).  I recently visited Waterstones in Brentwood and signed a few copies of my latest book and was able to meet the lovely Khadijah who was knowledgeable and welcoming.  Here she is with a copy of my latest book which is the subject of next week's talk. I told her that I am researching and collecting material for my 14th book which will have many surprises for readers.  Watch this space!