FINOLA HOLIDAY'S NEW BOOK - A NEST OF TIGERS - NEWLY PUBLISHED BY SCRIPTORA

 

Both East and West Sussex enjoy a remarkable literary past. Their list of legendary writers and poets includes Hilaire Belloc, William Blake, HG Wells, Lord Tennyson and a host of other illustrious characters who once lived and worked in this area. 

 In modern times, numerous members of the prestigious Society of Women Writers & Journalists have excelled themselves in publishing their best-selling books across all genres. The latest SCRIPTORA published  collection of poetry emanates from Hove resident, 98-year-old poet, Finola Holiday, whose work spans a lifetime of award-winning publication.

 Finola has long enjoyed success in regional and international poetry competitions. She won the Sussex Poet of the Year prize and the Edna Bourne-Jones Cup – an award of the Downland Poets Eastbourne - as well as the Slipstream and Ver Poets competitions, and on three occasions, the prestigious SWWJ Lady Elizabeth Longford.

 A Nest of Tigers is the title of Finola’s latest collection of poetry, crafted over years spent in remote places in different continents.  Some of her poetry belongs to the landscape of art and others to the tangible world of tide and change, while others exist only as images reflected in a darker glass. Finola’s latest eclectic work has brought reviews from respected leading poets:

 Susan Skinner: Finola Holiday presents the people or the objects in her poems with an eye for enchantment and an ear for rhythm that combine to give her poems an appealing vision.”

 Stella Davis: They are stand-alone good, and clearly the work of a poet who knows what she is doing!   A good strong voice with things to say and a confident sense of form in which to express them.

 Publisher: SWWJ/SCRIPTORA (in association with the SWWJ

MY NEW LITTLE STORY IN TODAY'S DAILY MAIL - BARONESS BOOTHROYD WHO LOVED OUR SWWJ

 

THE GARDENING SEASON IS APPROACHING, SO LOOKING AHEAD TO RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW

As a 'regular' in times' past, I am looking forward to visiting Chelsea Flower Show again this year when I return to London in May. First stop was always at the Royal Hospital in Chelsea to visit my super pensioner friends who lived there (for a cup of tea before some of them made their way into the gardens). Always received a warm welcome and a wave (from the late James Reddell) from Brentwood in Essex. 

 

  You can never anticipate just who you will meet there.  Here are a few well-known faces who share England's most popular pastime.  Friendly people, gorgeous plants and a wonderful time for people who just love their gardens.

Didn't realise that Cliff was a keen gardener. Lovely to meet him and dozens of other favourites that day.  Also happy to share a glass of wine with one of my favourite actors Helena Bonham Carter and her super mother.  Notice they are holding one of my SWWJ journals.  Was hoping one, or both, were able to join us at Stationer's Hall that particular year for one of our special anniversaries.  

All images are my own family copyright.  Have a few hundred others in my collection. 

ADORE MY DARLING DAUGHTERS AND FELINES (AS YOU CAN SEE)!

 

COME JOIN US AT THE 2023 FUN WALK - REGISTRATION OPENS - LEARN MORE!

 

2023 Fun Walk: Registration Opens for September Virtual Walk

The organisers are inviting local charities and community groups to register for this year’s virtual fun walk which will take place through September. Supporters can walk individually or organisations can host an event on any day during the month, to raise money for their project or good cause. The event is free to enter and registrants receive everything they need to participate in the event, including posters, finisher’s certificates and sponsorship forms.

The BONUS POT is a unique feature of the event, with funds donated by local businesses and individuals and then distributed to participating organisations on a pro rata basis in addition to the monies they themselves raise in sponsorship. This year’s local businesses and supporters include Anisha Grange Care Home, Butyl Products, Mr Barrie Stone and others.

John Baron MP, Chair of The Fun Walk Trustees, said

“With help from local businesses and supporters, the Fun Walk has raised over £1,450,000 for local charities and good causes since 2002, and we invite any local charity or community group to register for the 2023 event."

"In 2022, courtesy of the generosity of local businesses and residents, the Fun Walk Trust provided a 40% bonus to each participating charity and good cause over and above the amount they raised through their own sponsorship efforts."

"Registering for the first time this year are: Billericay Baby Basics who are raising funds to provide baby clothes and essential toiletries for vulnerable mothers; PCC of Langdon Hills who will be raising money to enable them to continue to outreach and support for the local community; and the Runwell Village Pre-School Committee, who aim to provide additional experiences for the children which enhance their education and development."

"Getting together a group of friends and doing a sponsored walk is an enjoyable way for people to raise money for their favourite cause, and knowing that the money they raise will be increased by the Bonus Pot provides an additional incentive.”

Organisations are encouraged to register at www.thefunwalktrust.co.uk/

UP AND COMING: A NEST OF TIGERS by FINOLA HOLIDAY

Wait for it!   More details arriving soon.

A LOVE STORY LINKED TO OUR SPECIAL TOWN - MY BRENTWOOD VALENTINE TALE TOLD IN 60 SECONDS - COURTESY OF PHOENIXFM RADIO

In Brentwood, Essex there’s a rather special place called St Vincent’s Hamlet which remembers the great wars with France and Spain in the 18^th century. At the time, a poor junior naval officer John Jervis fell in love with Martha the rich daughter of Sir Thomas Parker, Chief Baron of the English Exchequer. 

In those socially class ridden days, it was impossible for them to marry. 

England was at war with France and John became captain of a huge ship which successfully scuppered the largest French navel force. He returned home, received a knighthood and a fat purse, becoming Commander of the British Navy; later Earl of St Vincent. He and Martha were now able to marry after waiting for 20 years. They took up residence at the beautiful Rochetts manor-house in South Weald, Brentwood.

Jervis once commented (with mock humour) at a dinner: “ My year of destiny was 1797 - 14 February when I committed three great faults  I got knighted; I got married; I got into Parliament!”  The Cape of St Vincent in Portugal has a plaque as does our little hamlet in Brentwood, Essex.

A VERY SPECIAL DAY FOR ALL WOMEN - INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

Well, ladies, it's here again. International Women's Day. Every year this news reaches more and more women around the world.

International Women's Day provides a useful opportunity to reinforce the fact that everyone has a role to play in forging a more gender-balanced world. IWD is for celebrating the achievements of women and/or calling for gender parity.

Around the world - from small grassroots gatherings and local celebrations, through to large-scale events and press conferences - people everywhere are delivering exciting and engaging speeches and presentations that reinforce a commitment to women's equality and rally action and awareness raising.

REFLECTIONS ON THE LOVELY LADY BOOTHROYD AND MY TRIP TO SPEAKER'S HOUSE

 

I'm so very sad to hear of the loss of a lovely lady who has been a wonderful inspiration to all of us, linked as she was with our women's movement. 

Baroness Boothroyd (Betty) was a charming and inspirational woman - the very first female Speaker of the House of Commons and a great interviewee when she invited me to tea at Speaker's House 25 years ago. I am now digging out some of the dozen photos she allowed me to snap and which I will certainly treasure.