HILARY MANTEL'S DEATH TODAY - A GREAT WRITER WHO WILL BE MISSED

 So sad to hear this morning of the passing of Hilary Mantel, a great writer. As local readers know, Hilary paid a visit to Billericay some years ago, long before she wrote Wolf Hall and all those other great titles linked to Tudor history.

Here is my photo snapped at the time I interviewed her when Hilary paid us a visit around twenty years ago.  

HISTORY LOVERS WILL ENJOY THIS DAY - FREE DISPLAYS AND TALKS PROVIDED BY OUR BILLERICAY COMMUNITY ARCHIVE MEMBERS

 

FAREWELL TO OUR WONDERFUL SOVEREIGN

 A sad day - wish I could have been there to at least to say goodbye.  Later, I learnt that four billion people across the world had watched King Charles lll performed a final act of honour for his mother, placing the banner of the Queen's Company of the Grenadier Guards on the late Queen's coffin before it was lowered into the royal vault at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. Heartbreaking. 

A BREATHTAKING MURAL PAINTED IN QUEEN ELIZABETH'S MEMORY

 What a week.

The strength and resolve shown by the Royal Family as they grieve the loss of Her Majesty The Queen has been incredible. People across the world have paid tribute to our late monarch, including in Rochford, Essex, not far from the capital, where a wonderful mural was painted in Her Majesty's memory. 

SAD TO SAY - WON'T BE ABLE TO PAY RESPECTS TO OUR QUEEN TOMORROW

I had planned to travel to Westminster Hall today with thousands of others from Essex (not too far from the capital) and, obviously from around the world. But, as people are expected to descend on London for the historical moment as the United Kingdom comes together to pay their respects, I think I had better change my plans. Just heard that the transport and local authority officials are warning people of the huge, growing crowded scenes in and around London, with trains and tubes being tested to the limit. So sad!

by Taboola

Sponsored Link

WHEN OUR QUEEN CAME TO TEA WITH OUR SWWJ MEMBERS - CIRCA 1969

 

Our Society of Women Writers and Journalists members enjoyed being in regular contact with our royal family, as far back as the court of Queen Victoria.  Our journals were regularly sent to Buckingham Palace and Westminster's Library. 

Although, it was a while ago, Her Majesty accepted an invitation to join us for tea, where a number of our Council members were honoured to meet our monarch and enjoy a piece of our specially baked cake.

Since that time, members have been delighted to visit Parliament and Buckingham Palace on special occasions and have welcomed many royal friends to our SWWJ events.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in Essex in 2015  (S Kent) © 

HM Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip 2014 (© S Kent)

 

SAD NEWS FROM BALMORAL AT THE LOSS OF OUR QUEEN - THE END OF AN ERA

Such a terribly sad day.How strange that a double rainbow  appeared over Buckingham Palace as thousands of members of the public gathered outside to pay their respects to our Queen Elizabeth following her sad death today at Balmoral.

A sign of the times perhaps was the way that people among those standing outside the palace, turned round to take pictures of that rainbow that appeared after the heavy shower.

BRING BACK PIPER TERRETT'S FABULOUS BOOK THE FRUGAL LIFE - WE NEED IT MORE THAN EVER!

 

MORNING TV FOR PIPER - JUST A FEW YEARS BACK

Rarely do I watch breakfast TV but this morning I knew that my friend, colleague, blogger and author, Piper Terrett would be appearing on the  BBC, so up with the lark to watch. Of course she put on a great performance talking about her money-saving tips and advice on keeping our homes warm for the least possible outlay and  how best to manage our pennies. 

Unfortunately, they didn't mention Piper's super non-fiction book called THE FRUGAL LIFE which incorporates a couple of years of research into saving money in all areas of our lives.  Her pet theme is growing her own vegetables and knowing how to handle the gluts of fruit that are coming our way at the moment. in Essex.  Check out her book in good bookshops and on Amazon. £9.99 ISBN 978-1-90487-155-2