NEW CHAPTERS IN PLACE IN MY NEW PROJECT LINKED TO MEETING FAVOURITE AUTHORS

 Work is steaming ahead on my manuscript for new project.  Having approval for use of my images (my own copyright, incidentally), here is a snap taken in Chelmsford some years back of that super author of children's books Julia Donaldson.  Those with children will certainly know all about her famous character The Gruffalo and his adventures.  We enjoyed a super afternoon with Julia and went on to a lovely tea at well-known poet,  Anita Sackett's home.  

HARD TO BELIEVE OUR MONTHLY BOOK CLUB ON PHOENIXFM WILL REACH ITS 15TH BIRTHDAY SOON

Always a pleasure to return to PhoenixFM studio at the Brentwood Centre each month. Michelle Ward welcomes me and our guest writer for the latest Book Club programme and this has continued for many years.  We have been so lucky with our writers, poets, journalists and  entertainers who have appeared on the programme over many years.  Last week's guest was Brentwood-based Sue Copsey, (pseudonym Olivia Hayfield) whose historical books have brought her huge success, particularly in New Zealand, where she lives part of the year. Sue's newest book QUEEN, KING, ACE is about to be published and we look forward to seeing it on display in our local bookshops (and reading it) of course! 

 

 

MEMORIES OF AUGUST 2012 PARALYMPICS - MEETING THOSE GREAT SPORTS PERSONALITIES

 

This week is such an amazing time in sport and brings back recollections of being invited - along with fellow journalist Doreen Friend - to represent our SWWJ in London's Civic Hall.  There was the Mayor of London  and so many of those sportspeople who seemed happy to be interviewed (and filmed by our small team). A very happy atmosphere and we found it so interesting to be surrounded by many notable  sports people. We enjoyed a super day and a chance to interview so many interesting people we are still connected with today.  

ONLY A FEW DAYS BEFORE OUR FUN WALK BEGINS - STILL TIME TO ENTER

 

THIS MORNING'S BBC RADIO 4 PROGRAMMES MENTIONED SOME OF THE CHARACTERS I'VE MET WHO WILL BE APPEARING IN MY NEW PROJECT - TAKE A LOOK

Enid Blyton, Fanny Cradock, Joan Collins - an odd collection, I know, but my interviews with many other well-known faces over the last years, will soon be appearing in my new collection of personal stories from the past. Such a lot of work ahead of me, though, in making contact with my characters (or their families), so do re-visit my weblog from time to time?      

CURRENT THEME FOR MY NEXT BOOK - A 60s MEMOIR

Now I wonder who this teenager from sixty years ago could possibly be?  Believe it or not, many of her friends and colleagues from those heady '60s are still around to confirm and add to some of those almost unbelievable stories linked to good old Essex before so many boundary changes were made (circa 1965). 

BILLERICAY LIBRARY'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY GATHERING YESTERDAY

 

Party atmosphere at Billericay Library yesterday - great atmosphere - with friends and lovely staff providing refreshments via Waitrose (favourite store across the road), plus the Humankind Cafe ladies and other groups all ready to celebrate our fifty years in this busy and very popular library. 

CURRENTLY WORKING ON NEW BOOK (14TH) AND SOME OF MY STORIES FROM THE PAST FOR LOCAL PRESS

Today's meeting re upcoming Fun Walk opens up even more opportunities for creating funds for this fabulous charity that has been operating for 20+ years.  Check below to see what we get up to.  There is still time to join us from 1 September to perform the virtual walk and a chance to meet our friends, sponsors and participating walkers in their various towns surroundning Basildon, Billericay, Brentwood and other areas.  Join us?  www.funwalk

The Fun Walk organisers are estimating that over 80 charities and a record 3,000 supporters will take part in this year’s walk, and look forward to seeing all the returning organisations as well as those participating for the first time.

There is still time for charities, local schools and churches, grass roots sports teams and other community interest groups to participate – they can register at www.thefunwalktrust.co.uk

The event allows supporters to complete their sponsored walk anytime during September, with sponsorship forms and guidance available from the Fun Walk team.

John Baron, Chair of the Fun Walk Trustees said:

“The Fun Walk has raised over £1,500,000 for local charities and community groups since it started in 2002, and many use this as a key funding event for the year. We have a ‘Bonus Pot’ ready to distribute, courtesy of our wonderful local businesses who have already pledged over £30,000 for this year alone. They include Greater Anglia, Brown & Carroll, Butyl Products Group, Tunnelcraft, IFE Global Logistics, Swan Housing Group, RIS Group, Mr Barrie Stone and others.”