4 September 2017 - On one of our regular visits to my home town of Ludlow, I dropped off some of my books at the local independent book shop, where they continue to sell steadily. It always makes me wonder how many books I might have sold if I'd secured an agent and publisher, and my titles appeared in a wider selection of book shops. But it was not to be, and beyond these infrequent musings, I really am very content with the self-publication route I chose to follow.
Then, having visited the graves of my parents and Laurie Whitbread, the Battle of Britain pilot to whom Wings Over Summer is dedicated, I ambled back through the town and into the local Oxfam Book Shop. There, I was surprised to find a copy of Wings Over Summer. It's the first time I've seen one of my titles in a charity shop, and I didn't know whether to be pleased or disappointed. In the end, I chose pleasure. Somehow, seeing it sitting there among the John Grisham and James Paterson titles seemed like a rite of passage, another milestone on the way to being an established author.
Then, having visited the graves of my parents and Laurie Whitbread, the Battle of Britain pilot to whom Wings Over Summer is dedicated, I ambled back through the town and into the local Oxfam Book Shop. There, I was surprised to find a copy of Wings Over Summer. It's the first time I've seen one of my titles in a charity shop, and I didn't know whether to be pleased or disappointed. In the end, I chose pleasure. Somehow, seeing it sitting there among the John Grisham and James Paterson titles seemed like a rite of passage, another milestone on the way to being an established author.
8 August 2017 - After two years when poor weather prevented their visits, the Red Arrows returned to display over Barry Island on Sunday. The photographs below were taken by fellow writer, Robert Darke, a much more talented photographer than me - because of the glare, I couldn't even find the aircraft in my viewfinder! As usual, the display was fantastic, and inevitably it rekindled memories of flying with Red 2 on a full display practice over RAF Scampton in June 2003. It was one of the highlights of my life and is the event which opens my first volume of memoir, Shropshire Blue.
After the crash of the Hunter at Shoreham, all displays have to be attended by an adviser from the Civil Aviation Authority. The one who turned up to observe the Barry Island display was a retired RAF pilot I first met on Ascension Island in 1982. Small world.
I'll try not to sound too desperate, because it is a natural process, but sales of all my titles on Amazon have slowed to a trickle. Any help in generating renewed interest would be much appreciated. I guess what I really need to do is publish another title, and to that end I'm still working on Shropshire Blue Vol 2.
After the crash of the Hunter at Shoreham, all displays have to be attended by an adviser from the Civil Aviation Authority. The one who turned up to observe the Barry Island display was a retired RAF pilot I first met on Ascension Island in 1982. Small world.
I'll try not to sound too desperate, because it is a natural process, but sales of all my titles on Amazon have slowed to a trickle. Any help in generating renewed interest would be much appreciated. I guess what I really need to do is publish another title, and to that end I'm still working on Shropshire Blue Vol 2.
22 July 2017 - Geraldine and I went to see the movie, Dunkirk, yesterday. We really enjoyed it, and I was especially pleased to see a public vindication of the RAF's role in the evacuation hit the mainstream after all these years. For good reason, in the film, the impressive scenes of Spitfires taking on the Luftwaffe take place at low level in sight of the soldiers and sailors on the beach and in the ships. In reality, most of the action was up at 25,000 feet, beyond the beaches, so those on the ground rarely saw a British aircraft. This led to the belief that the RAF had let down the Army and Navy - which was untrue. Take 92 Squadron. In his book, First Light, Geoffrey Wellum explains that on the first day over Dunkirk - the day after his arrival - 92 Squadron lost five pilots, including the CO. (Roger Bushel, who became a POW and mastermind of the Great Escape. He was one of 50 escapers shot by the Gestapo on the orders of Hitler.) Even so, the Squadron received abuse from the Army, even having to vacate a pub to avoid a confrontation. I hope Christopher Nolan's film will go some way toward setting the record straight.
On a lighter note, the attached picture is an example of Geraldine's crafting skills. She has made the jester to raise money for a childrens' health charity in a 'guess the name' competition.
On a lighter note, the attached picture is an example of Geraldine's crafting skills. She has made the jester to raise money for a childrens' health charity in a 'guess the name' competition.
19 June 2017 - A quiet period at the moment, with just the odd talk and babysitting to interrupt my writing. But I thought I'd share a few photos that demonstrate the variety in our lives. On Saturday, Geraldine and I walked up and around the Blorenge, a prominent hill above Abergavenny that gives stunning 360 degree views of south Wales. We probably saw about 100 people, 80 in and around the car park feeding the wild ponies. And then, on Sunday, we walked out of our door and round Barry Island, which was full to the brim with holidaymakers. On a similar day when we moved here 12 years ago there would have been a few hundred. Then came Gavin and Stacey, and the rest is history...
Lara, aged one.
7 June 2017 - A double celebration today. Our granddaughter, Lara, is one year old. To say she continues to light up her lives is an understatement. She is simply marvellous. And it is the fortieth anniversary of the day Geraldine and I met on the 7 June 1977. I have always found it easy to remember, because it was the day of the Queen's Silver Jubilee. I was at home on leave from RAF Scampton and saw Geraldine with a girl with whom I used to go to school. I latched on, and the rest is history. For me, it was love at first sight, but I can't help thinking Geraldine would have had a much lesser sentence for murder.
On the writing front, the muse seems to be on me at the moment, and I'm making good progress with Shropshire Blue, Volume 2. I've also had some heartening reviews and emails, including one from an old RAF colleague who now flies for Cathay Pacific, and whose son is finding Wings Over Malta invaluable as a primer for an up-coming visit to Malta.
On the writing front, the muse seems to be on me at the moment, and I'm making good progress with Shropshire Blue, Volume 2. I've also had some heartening reviews and emails, including one from an old RAF colleague who now flies for Cathay Pacific, and whose son is finding Wings Over Malta invaluable as a primer for an up-coming visit to Malta.
Ascension airfield in April 1982
25 May 2017 - Barry Probus 1 seemed to enjoy my first rendition of Return to Ascension, so much so that they booked The Battle For Malta for next year - the 9th talk I will have presented to this organization. Over the last few weeks, I've had several emails from people who've enjoyed Shropshire Blue Volume 1. They've all asked about the progress of Volume 2. All I can say is that it is progressing and I hope to finish it in the next few months.
We were in Manchester to see our son at the weekend, which meant another visit to the Rebellion Bar for an evening of metal music. On this occasion, three of the four bands were a bit heavy for us - the genre name of Grind gives an indication of why we found some of it heavy-going. But the band Prognosis saved our night, and we really enjoyed the beer and the atmosphere again. Following this visit, it was especially sad to see the city caught up in a bombing atrocity. For once I agree with President Trump, the perpetrators really are losers.
We were in Manchester to see our son at the weekend, which meant another visit to the Rebellion Bar for an evening of metal music. On this occasion, three of the four bands were a bit heavy for us - the genre name of Grind gives an indication of why we found some of it heavy-going. But the band Prognosis saved our night, and we really enjoyed the beer and the atmosphere again. Following this visit, it was especially sad to see the city caught up in a bombing atrocity. For once I agree with President Trump, the perpetrators really are losers.
View over Ascension from Sisters Peak
10 May 2017 - I now offer a 13th talk, titled Return to Ascension Island, the tiny volcanic speck in the South Atlantic that became the staging post for the Falklands War in 1982. I visited 17 times during what was a very exciting time for the Island, and me. I also vowed to return and did so - with Geraldine - in 2016, 32 years after my last visit. We had a magical ten days. The illustrated talk is about the geology, wildlife and history of the Island, operations from there during and after the Falklands War, and my visits.
I've just visited the RAF Club in London, where Steve Dean, a flying instructor on the University of London Air Squadron when I commanded it in the 90s, was dined out after 30 years in the Royal Air Force. The dinner was attended by people from every period of his life and career, including his father. It was a glittering occasion, one I felt privileged to attend. I especially enjoyed sitting on a table with several of my old students.
Steve's next job is either a fantastic opportunity or a poison chalice. He's responsible for ensuring a memorial to the British involvement in the D-Day landings is on a hillside above Sword Beach by 6th June 2019. I wish him all the luck in the world.
I've just visited the RAF Club in London, where Steve Dean, a flying instructor on the University of London Air Squadron when I commanded it in the 90s, was dined out after 30 years in the Royal Air Force. The dinner was attended by people from every period of his life and career, including his father. It was a glittering occasion, one I felt privileged to attend. I especially enjoyed sitting on a table with several of my old students.
Steve's next job is either a fantastic opportunity or a poison chalice. He's responsible for ensuring a memorial to the British involvement in the D-Day landings is on a hillside above Sword Beach by 6th June 2019. I wish him all the luck in the world.
5 April 2017 - Apart from a few instances in previous posts, I tend not to include my holiday snaps - but - we've just returned from a marvellous walking holiday in the Aitana district of south-eastern Spain (about 30 minutes inland from Benidorm). It included the helicopter recovery of one of our party, who slipped and dislocated/fractured a wrist and gashed a leg. There was no way she could continue the walk to the nearest track, so the helicopter was called. Operated by the Fire Service, it arrived within 15 minutes and she was off the mountain 16 minutes later. After X-rays, plastering, and an overnight stay, she was released from hospital to fly home with the rest of her party 24 hours later. An impressive response, I thought.
2 March 2017 - For the next month, another of my prize-winning short stories is being read on Dave Carrington's show, Squaring The Circle, on Celtica Internet Radio. The story, Courting Disaster, is different from my usual fare, and the comedic element is certainly brought out by both the reading and the background music - by Tony and Adam Violaris, a father and son, Adam most famous for his film and television music and father, Tony, for having composed for Greek singer, Demis Roussos.
Overnight, a reviewer said of Wings Over Summer that it was, 'Quite possibly the best novel of the Battle of Britain'. I've said before that I can take any amount of flattery, and comments like that certainly make all the hours of writing worthwhile.
Finally, a couple of nights ago, I had an email from an ex flying student of mine who now flies Boeing 787s. He was in Narita, Japan, and had just been woken up by an earthquake, which turned out to be magnitude 4.6, centred near Fukushima. (Dangerous place, Fukushima!) It reminded me that, although I've never experienced an earthquake, I have flown around Etna when it was erupting in the 80s and, on one of our walking holidays, Geraldine and I stood about half a mile from one of the fissures on Stromboli and witnessed several eruptions.
Overnight, a reviewer said of Wings Over Summer that it was, 'Quite possibly the best novel of the Battle of Britain'. I've said before that I can take any amount of flattery, and comments like that certainly make all the hours of writing worthwhile.
Finally, a couple of nights ago, I had an email from an ex flying student of mine who now flies Boeing 787s. He was in Narita, Japan, and had just been woken up by an earthquake, which turned out to be magnitude 4.6, centred near Fukushima. (Dangerous place, Fukushima!) It reminded me that, although I've never experienced an earthquake, I have flown around Etna when it was erupting in the 80s and, on one of our walking holidays, Geraldine and I stood about half a mile from one of the fissures on Stromboli and witnessed several eruptions.
25 February 2017 – I’ve mentioned the website allspitfirepilots several times. It was set up about 18 months ago by Canadian, Kurt Turchan, and since then it has grown in leaps and bounds, with hundreds – thousands - of Spitfire pilots and aircraft profiles added, some with amazing images and stories. Most of the contributions have been added by enthusiasts. I’ve even added a few myself, including Laurie Whitbread, the Battle of Britain pilot from my home town who inspired my RAF career and writing.
And now, Kurt has announced that he’s visiting the UK this summer. Starting at Tangmere, he aims to cycle round as many Battle of Britain locations as he can fit in, promoting the site as he goes. He hopes people will join him for some or all of his ride, or just meet up in a pub in the evenings for a chat. He also hopes to arrange an evening or two – perhaps at Biggin Hill and Duxord – concentrating on some of the more unusual stories on the site, and including the odd short talk by me and maybe others, plus the chance to drink beer and walk away with one of these distinctive glasses.
He’s always looking for people to add to the site, just a pilot name or aircraft number would be welcome, bare bones to which other contributors can add flesh, or you can add some detail to existing profiles. But now, he’d also love to hear from anyone interested in joining him for part or all of his bike ride, attending an event – or hosting one – or just appearing at some stage to say hello. He can be reached through the contact area of allspitfirepilots
And now, Kurt has announced that he’s visiting the UK this summer. Starting at Tangmere, he aims to cycle round as many Battle of Britain locations as he can fit in, promoting the site as he goes. He hopes people will join him for some or all of his ride, or just meet up in a pub in the evenings for a chat. He also hopes to arrange an evening or two – perhaps at Biggin Hill and Duxord – concentrating on some of the more unusual stories on the site, and including the odd short talk by me and maybe others, plus the chance to drink beer and walk away with one of these distinctive glasses.
He’s always looking for people to add to the site, just a pilot name or aircraft number would be welcome, bare bones to which other contributors can add flesh, or you can add some detail to existing profiles. But now, he’d also love to hear from anyone interested in joining him for part or all of his bike ride, attending an event – or hosting one – or just appearing at some stage to say hello. He can be reached through the contact area of allspitfirepilots
22 January 2017 - The first outing of my new talk, The Battle For Malta, seemed to be enjoyed by the Cardiff branch of the Royal Aeronautical Society on Wednesday evening. Although I had to gloss over a few lapses of memory, I too was pleased, especially when, in addition to my small fee, they decided to donate £100 to the Spitfire Society, a charity which aims to promote the memory of the Supermarine Spitfire in all its guises. If you have any interest in the Spitfire, I would recommend joining the Society, if only to receive their excellent newsletters and magazine.
I was heartened by an email I received this week from a reader. He had read Shropshire Blue three times and was on his third reading of Wings Over Malta. Because they tend to get overlooked, he was particularly fulsome about my focus on the groundcrew, who serviced the aircraft on Malta under the harshest of conditions. I can take any amount of flattery, so this was much appreciated.
And finally, Geraldine and I did a coast walk between Porthcawl and Port Talbot yesterday. I mention it because of the contrast we saw between natural beauty, industrial vigour - in the form of the Port Talbot steelworks - and industrial decay. Very sobering, as was the amount of plastic rubbish of all sorts along the tide line.
I was heartened by an email I received this week from a reader. He had read Shropshire Blue three times and was on his third reading of Wings Over Malta. Because they tend to get overlooked, he was particularly fulsome about my focus on the groundcrew, who serviced the aircraft on Malta under the harshest of conditions. I can take any amount of flattery, so this was much appreciated.
And finally, Geraldine and I did a coast walk between Porthcawl and Port Talbot yesterday. I mention it because of the contrast we saw between natural beauty, industrial vigour - in the form of the Port Talbot steelworks - and industrial decay. Very sobering, as was the amount of plastic rubbish of all sorts along the tide line.
1 January 2017 - Hard to believe, but here we are at the start of another year. Firstly, thanks to all those who have taken an interest in my work during 2016, and welcome to any new visitors. I hope 2017 is everything you want it to be.
Geraldine and I had a marvellous Christmas break, including family time and a magical walk in the Brecons. We we ended up among what must have been thousands of people - I'd forgotten the Tuesday after Christmas was a bank holiday - walking up Corn Ddu and Pen y Fan, the two hills in the middle photograph below. But we'd already visited the glacial lake below the hills, Llyn Cwm Llwch, where we'd spent 30 minutes in glorious isolation and eaten first lunch. On May Day each year, a secret gate used to open on the shore to reveal a passage to an island hidden in the centre of the lake. Once there, visitors found themselves in a beautiful garden and treated to a feast by the resident fairies. The only rule was that nothing could be taken back to the world of men. Of course, one visitor stole a flower and the gate has never opened since - not even for us.
Geraldine and I had a marvellous Christmas break, including family time and a magical walk in the Brecons. We we ended up among what must have been thousands of people - I'd forgotten the Tuesday after Christmas was a bank holiday - walking up Corn Ddu and Pen y Fan, the two hills in the middle photograph below. But we'd already visited the glacial lake below the hills, Llyn Cwm Llwch, where we'd spent 30 minutes in glorious isolation and eaten first lunch. On May Day each year, a secret gate used to open on the shore to reveal a passage to an island hidden in the centre of the lake. Once there, visitors found themselves in a beautiful garden and treated to a feast by the resident fairies. The only rule was that nothing could be taken back to the world of men. Of course, one visitor stole a flower and the gate has never opened since - not even for us.
8 December 2016 - This morning, I passed 20,000 book sales when Wings Over Summer clocked up its 16,669th sale. I don't suppose J K Rowling will be sweating unduly at the competition, but as a self-published and self-publicising writer, I'm over the moon to have achieved the milsestone.
Other recent events have included an article in the RAF Apprentice association magazine, the Haltonian, and a very positive review of Wings Over Malta in Spitfire, the Spitfire Society magazine. I'd recommend anyone with an interest in the aircraft to join the Spitfire Society, and to take a look at the website allspitfirepilots, which is a mine of information about those that flew it.
I have also finally finished working up my talk on the Battle For Malta, which will be presented for the first time to the Cardiff Branch of the Royal Aeronautical Society in January. My last talk of this year, From Lincoln to Tokyo, will be given to the Penarth Local History Society tonight.
Other recent events have included an article in the RAF Apprentice association magazine, the Haltonian, and a very positive review of Wings Over Malta in Spitfire, the Spitfire Society magazine. I'd recommend anyone with an interest in the aircraft to join the Spitfire Society, and to take a look at the website allspitfirepilots, which is a mine of information about those that flew it.
I have also finally finished working up my talk on the Battle For Malta, which will be presented for the first time to the Cardiff Branch of the Royal Aeronautical Society in January. My last talk of this year, From Lincoln to Tokyo, will be given to the Penarth Local History Society tonight.
23 November 2016 - It's been a relatively busy month since my last post. At the end of October, I travelled to Stratford-upon-Avon to a reunion with about 30 of my Apprentice entry on the 40th anniversary of our graduation from RAF Halton after 3 years of training to become aircraft technicians in the airframe and propulsion trades. It was a good craic. I've also given a few talks, been to a cracking gig by symphonic metal band, Delain, a talk on life, the universe and everything by Professor Brian Cox, and two autumn rugby internationals: Wales v Argentina, which Wales scraped 24-20 - and was a poor game - and Wales v Japan, which was excellent, although Wales were lucky to run out winners with a last gasp drop goal to make it 33-30. Until the weather broke over the last few days, we've had some beautiful walks, with the trees looking especially splendid this autumn. There have also been some lovely sunsets, like that pictured over Barry Island's new iconic icon. On the writing side, I'm continuing with the tales of my flying training for Shropshire Blue, Volume Two, and am close to finishing a talk on the Battle of Malta, which I'll present for the first time to the Cardiff branch of the Royal Aeronautical Society in January.
22 October 2016 - One of my short stories, Courting Disaster, has just been published in the November Issue (#181) of Writers' Forum magazine. It can be read by clicking on the title in the previous sentence or through my Writing - Short Story page.
I have also finally added a piece about Laurie Whitbread, the Battle of Britain pilot from my home town of Ludlow to whom Wings Over Summer is dedicated. Titled, A Local Hero, it can be read through this link or through my Writing - Short Story page. I visited his grave this weekend on a visit to Ludlow.
Elsewhere, life goes along pleasantly. I am writing the second volume of Shropshire Blue, which is about my flying training, and also a new talk on the Battle For Malta. My son and I had a good weekend in London, including the American Football at Wembley (Indianapolis Colts v Jacksonville Jaguars), and a visit to London Zoo, where we saw (but did not release) the male silverback gorilla! Geraldine and I are enjoying our visits to the rubgy at Cardiff Arms Park - partly because Cardiff Blues are doing much better this season - and we are looking forward to attending two of the autumn internationals, Wales v Argentina and Wales v Japan. And finally, and most importantly, our grand-daughter Lara - now 19 weeks old - continues to light up our lives.
I have also finally added a piece about Laurie Whitbread, the Battle of Britain pilot from my home town of Ludlow to whom Wings Over Summer is dedicated. Titled, A Local Hero, it can be read through this link or through my Writing - Short Story page. I visited his grave this weekend on a visit to Ludlow.
Elsewhere, life goes along pleasantly. I am writing the second volume of Shropshire Blue, which is about my flying training, and also a new talk on the Battle For Malta. My son and I had a good weekend in London, including the American Football at Wembley (Indianapolis Colts v Jacksonville Jaguars), and a visit to London Zoo, where we saw (but did not release) the male silverback gorilla! Geraldine and I are enjoying our visits to the rubgy at Cardiff Arms Park - partly because Cardiff Blues are doing much better this season - and we are looking forward to attending two of the autumn internationals, Wales v Argentina and Wales v Japan. And finally, and most importantly, our grand-daughter Lara - now 19 weeks old - continues to light up our lives.
15 September 2016 - Geraldine and I have just returned from five days in Berlin. It was quite a nostalgic visit for me. On my two previous visits, the Berlin Wall was an all-pervading presence. On the first, in 1981, I flew along one of the three air corridors into the City in a Jetstream, on the final test of my flying training. The second visit was three years later when, as a Hercules co-pilot, I flew in with officers from the RAF Staff College down the back. On a fascinating trip, we got to pass through Checkpoint Charlie and spend a morning in the East, and then to fly over the whole City at 1500 feet, with the ramp and door open so that the Staff College students could look down on one of the likely flashpoints of the Cold War. On both occasions, the Wall looked suitably sinister. The attached picture of Checkpoint Charlie now makes it look more benign, unless you think the enemy is cholesterol!
10 September 2016 - My three talks at the Barry At War Weekend seemed to go down well, although the weather on the Saturday was foul and few visitors ventured onto a wet and windy Barry Island. The Sunday was much better, and busier. As you can see from the attached photograph, I put my uniform on for the first time in 11 years. Considering it had been in the attic all that time, after a dry clean, it looked as good as new, and it still fits; in fact, it was a little big! I'm not sure if and when I'll wear it again, but it was fun to do the Battle of Britain talks wearing the right 'rig'.
The event was saddened by the loss of Eileen Younghusband, another local author and public speaker who had died at the age of 95. Eileen was a WAAF officer during the Second World War and had worked in the Filter Room of the Fighter Command Headquarters at Bentley Priory, and on the teams plotting the locations of V2 rocket launch sites so that they could be attacked before they were dismantled and moved. A fascinating lady.
The event was saddened by the loss of Eileen Younghusband, another local author and public speaker who had died at the age of 95. Eileen was a WAAF officer during the Second World War and had worked in the Filter Room of the Fighter Command Headquarters at Bentley Priory, and on the teams plotting the locations of V2 rocket launch sites so that they could be attacked before they were dismantled and moved. A fascinating lady.
20 August 2016 - Wings Over Malta has just passed 1,000 sales. As mentioned in several earlier posts, its sales are slower than those of Wings Over Summer, but given that I wasn't sure whether anyone would want to read any of my books, I'm delighted that nearly 20,000 have now done so, and that the reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. I'm delighted to be doing another book signing in Ludlow's Castle Book Shop between 11.00 and 12.30 on Saturday 27th August.
One of my short stories, Courting Disaster, has one third prize in the Writers' Forum monthly short story competition. First prize still eludes me, but one day... The story will appear in Issue 181 of the magazine in November, after which I'll post it on my Writing -Short Story page.
Elsewhere, I've just completed my first restaurant review for the Cardiff Food and Drink Guide for some while. We had a lovely meal in a 16th Century malthouse that is now a quirky restaurant in Llantwit Major, called Illtud's 216 - Illtud after the Welsh saint and 216 after the number of gallons of beer that filled the wagons leaving the malthouse. In preparing for the review, I was surprised to see how many of my old reviews survive in Food and Drink Guide booklets and on their website.
One of my short stories, Courting Disaster, has one third prize in the Writers' Forum monthly short story competition. First prize still eludes me, but one day... The story will appear in Issue 181 of the magazine in November, after which I'll post it on my Writing -Short Story page.
Elsewhere, I've just completed my first restaurant review for the Cardiff Food and Drink Guide for some while. We had a lovely meal in a 16th Century malthouse that is now a quirky restaurant in Llantwit Major, called Illtud's 216 - Illtud after the Welsh saint and 216 after the number of gallons of beer that filled the wagons leaving the malthouse. In preparing for the review, I was surprised to see how many of my old reviews survive in Food and Drink Guide booklets and on their website.
10 August 2016 - It hardly seems possible, but yesterday I competed my 150th and 151st public speaking engagements, giving Shropshire to the Falklands to the Parkinson's UK Cardiff branch, and Extreme Everest to the Powerhouse Friendship Group in Llanedeyrn, Cardiff. Over the next few weeks, I intend to add a couple more talks to my list: Return to Ascension Island, and The Battle for Malta; and I'm excited at the prospect of giving 30-minute talks on the Battle of Britain and Pilots of the Battle of Britain on both days of the Barry Wartime Weekend (Barry Island Station on 3rd and 4th September). I'm also looking forward to giving a talk at the MOD Corsham Battle of Britain Anniversary Ball.
1 August 2016 - We've just spent a very enjoyable weekend in Manchester with our son. One of the highlights was an unexpected afternoon and evening in the Rebellion Bar, an alternative music venue that was hosting a free festival of metal bands. The highlight of that for us was a fantastic performance by a local band, Impavidus, who play melodic death metal. Their set was performed with tremendous energy and provided a real shot in the arm. I loved it and their EP has already enlivened a couple of otherwise dull car journeys. Another very enjoyable band was A Clockwork Opera.
12 June 2016 - This was a week with several items of news to pass on, by far the most important being the birth of our first grandchild, Lara Holly, weighing in at 7lb 4oz at 2.12pm on 7th June, the 39th anniversary of the day my wife and I met - although I'm not sure that has any bearing on anything. When it comes to newborn babies, I tend not to see what all the fuss is about. But, in the case of Lara, I have to make an exception: she's perfect, and soooo beautiful...
A few days ago, I completed an interview with fellow writer, Jan Marsh, which now appears on her website as a blog. Jan is the author of books in the Foxwood series, about a group of people co-living in a large country house. Her books, Living Space, and Foxwood - Another Year, are available on Amazon.
Another member of the Tiny Writers of Penarth, Iona Jenkins, has published her first book, The Unicorn Gate, on Amazon. A magical fantasy aimed at 9-13 year olds, it is already doing very well in the Sword and Sorcery category.
Wings Over Malta has also had a plug on another website, that belonging to 249 (Gold Coast) Squadron, the squadron Jack joins when he arrives in Malta. I sent them a piece about Wings Over Malta and it appeared on their website the same evening. So many thanks to 249 Squadron Association.
A few days ago, I completed an interview with fellow writer, Jan Marsh, which now appears on her website as a blog. Jan is the author of books in the Foxwood series, about a group of people co-living in a large country house. Her books, Living Space, and Foxwood - Another Year, are available on Amazon.
Another member of the Tiny Writers of Penarth, Iona Jenkins, has published her first book, The Unicorn Gate, on Amazon. A magical fantasy aimed at 9-13 year olds, it is already doing very well in the Sword and Sorcery category.
Wings Over Malta has also had a plug on another website, that belonging to 249 (Gold Coast) Squadron, the squadron Jack joins when he arrives in Malta. I sent them a piece about Wings Over Malta and it appeared on their website the same evening. So many thanks to 249 Squadron Association.
9 May 2016 - I am delighted to announce that, after almost three years of research and writing, I have just published my second aviation novel, Wings Over Malta, on Amazon. After a few weeks trying to get publicity in the local press in south Wales and Shropshire, I will start thinking about writing the second volume of my memoir, Shropshire Blue.
And in an embarrassment of riches, this Wednesday evening at 8pm, my prize-winning story, A Scrap of Hope, will be broadcast on Dave Carrington's show, Squaring the Circle, on Celtica internet radio station. It will then be available for about a month on their archive.
And in an embarrassment of riches, this Wednesday evening at 8pm, my prize-winning story, A Scrap of Hope, will be broadcast on Dave Carrington's show, Squaring the Circle, on Celtica internet radio station. It will then be available for about a month on their archive.
28 February 2016 – Geraldine and I have just returned from nine days on Ascension Island, a tiny lump of volcanic rock in the middle of the South Atlantic 4,200 miles from the UK. The Island was the staging post for the recapture of the Falklands in April/May 1982. As a C-130 Hercules co-pilot, I flew in 17 times between April 1982 and January 1985, initially for little more than a few hours as freight bound for the Task Force or the Falklands was unloaded, but later, when I became a Hercules tanker co-pilot, for periods of two weeks, during which we flew halfway to the Falklands to give fuel to the Airbridge Hercules that flew on to the Islands. I was a keen walker and, on my days off, I loved walking Ascension’s volcanic landscape. I’d always wanted to go back, and when I found out there was an Ascension Island Travel Agency, I decided to go ahead and book. My only concern arose out of the knowledge that memory is a strange thing. Had I over-romanticized the place in the last 30 years or so? And if so, would Geraldine like it?
We flew out overnight on an RAF Voyager, the Airbus 330 tanker-cum-freighter. When the aircraft doors opened at 8.15 am, we stepped out under bright blue skies and a temperature already in the high 20s Celsius. This was the weather for the whole 9 days, a little warm for walking at times, but no other complaints. The Island seemed hotter and greener than I remembered, and the hotel driver confirmed that it had become, warmer, wetter and greener over the last 30 years.
To cut a long story short, Geraldine loved the place and we walked every day, retreating to the cooler paths on Green Mountain when those on the coast or the lower volcanic craters became too hot. We saw all the Island’s contrasting scenery and much of its wildlife, including green turtles laying their eggs and making their way back to the sea. It is a magical place.
To cut a long story short, Geraldine loved the place and we walked every day, retreating to the cooler paths on Green Mountain when those on the coast or the lower volcanic craters became too hot. We saw all the Island’s contrasting scenery and much of its wildlife, including green turtles laying their eggs and making their way back to the sea. It is a magical place.
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25 November 2015 - On Saturday, I attended a reunion dinner of the Ex-Members Association of the University of London Air Squadron, the unit on which I was a flying instructor from 1985 to 88, and went on to command from 1996 to 98. It was great to meet ex-members from the 1940s upwards, but the highlight for me was the attendance of seven students from my time as an instructor. I had a great time chewing the fat with them.
The day before, Geraldine and I completed a circular walk taking in many of the waterfalls in Glyn Neath. After several days of heavy rain, they were suitably spectacular. The highlight was walking behind the waterfall pictured, Sgwd Eira. We got soaked, but it was worth it. |
21 September 2015 - A contact in Canada has constructed a marvellous website giving details of all Spitfire pilots (allspitfirepilots.org) and their aircraft. I'd encourage anyone with an interest to have a look or, better still, add to the site, which is likely to expand to include other aircraft types, such as the Hurricane. The site is very simple to use and I've added details of Laurie Whitbread, the pilot from my home town to whom Wings Over Summer is dedicated. The developer is now interested in contacting individuals or organisations who might be interested in acting as curators to take the project forward.
14 August 2015 - I'm happy to report another second prize in the Writers' Forum short story competition. A Scrap of Hope imagines events at Peenemunde leading up to Operation Hydra, the RAF attack on the V2 terror weapon site on the night of 17/18 August 1943. The story will appear in Issue 169 of Writers' Forum, after which I will put a copy on my Writing/Short Story page.
Another example of the pleasantries that divert me from writing is my 60th birthday present from my son. We've just spent 4 days at a metal music festival - Bloodstock at Catton Park in the English Midlands. The weather couldn't have been better, and if I didn't get all the bands, some were magical. And what could be better than spending 4 days with your son, listening to music and drinking beer?
Another example of the pleasantries that divert me from writing is my 60th birthday present from my son. We've just spent 4 days at a metal music festival - Bloodstock at Catton Park in the English Midlands. The weather couldn't have been better, and if I didn't get all the bands, some were magical. And what could be better than spending 4 days with your son, listening to music and drinking beer?
Flying above Ethiopia's Great Rift Valley
11 July 2015 - During the month of July 2015, another of my short stories, Band Aid, is airing on Dave Carrington's show, Squaring The Circle, on Celtica internet radio station. Based on the true story of an eventful flight out of Ethiopia by an RAF C-130 Hercules on which I was the co-pilot, it is set in the time of the Ethiopian famine in 1984. You may or may not remember that a few days after Michael Buerk made his memorable 'biblical famine' report, two RAF Hercules were shuttling grain from Addis Ababa to rough strips in the north of the country close to feeding stations in the famine areas. The operation went on for several months. Band Aid can be read on my Writing - short story - page.
15 May 2015 - I'm still working away at Wings Over Malta, but life continues to intervene, and luckily for me, usually in the most pleasant fashion. The latest interruption was as pleasant as they come: our daughter's wedding. She and her fiancé chose the venue, The Bear Hotel in Cowbridge, many months ago and it turned out to be an inspired choice. The staff were really helpful throughout the process, from the big things, like menus, timings and room layouts, to the smaller but important things such as booking guest rooms. The couple (and Geraldine) had put so much effort into the day - making the floral displays and decorations for the wedding and reception rooms, etc - that I dreaded anything going wrong. But it all went off brilliantly, and not least because the staff of the hotel could not have been more positive, smiling and helpful.
And, as I think you can see from this picture, the couple looked radiant throughout. It was a great day.
And, as I think you can see from this picture, the couple looked radiant throughout. It was a great day.
22 March 2015 - This morning, Geraldine and I walked up Corn Ddu and Pen Y Fan with the BBC Wales weather-man, Derek Brockway, and 50 other hardy souls. As you can see from the picture of us with Derek on Corn Ddu, it was a bit cold and dreary at first. But, by the time we'd reached the top of Pen Y Fan (the summit in the background), the weather had cleared and we had beautiful views on the descent. Between us, Geraldine and I raised £416 for Velindre, the charity cancer hospital in Cardiff.
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10 December 2014 - This Monday, I went into the BBC Wales studios in Llandaff, Cardiff, to record an interview with Phil Rickman, the presenter of the BBC Radio Wales book programme, Phil The Shelf. (The sound quality of the interview he did on his phone in the Castle Book Shop in Ludlow a month ago wasn't good enough.) The interview will provide an update on the progress of Wings Over Summer (which has now sold over 12,500 copies), as it is two years since I received the good review on the Shelfstarters section of the programme which led me (eventually) to self-publish on Amazon. Phil The Shelf will air on BBC Radio Wales at 1.30pm on Saturday 20th December - repeated at 6.05pm on Sunday the 21st.
29 August 2014 - One of my prize-winning short stories, The End of the Line, a tale of loss and revenge, can be heard on Dave Carrington's, Squaring The Circle, show on Celtica internet radio station for the rest of August and most of September, when it moves to his archive page for a month.
I have also become a contributor to a quarterly free paper in my home town, The Ludlow Ledger. This month, they have included an extract from Shropshire Blue about the Powell family's annual, one day, summer holiday in Borth, a seaside resort on the west Wales coast above Aberystwyth (recently featured in the BBC Wales thriller, Hinterland). I dug out the picture opposite to accompany the piece. It shows mum, dad, younger brother, Brian, and me at a cousin's wedding in the early 1960s. I was surprised to see my dad holding a cigarette, as I only ever remember him smoking a pipe. Future editions of the Ledger may include some of my short stories.
I have also become a contributor to a quarterly free paper in my home town, The Ludlow Ledger. This month, they have included an extract from Shropshire Blue about the Powell family's annual, one day, summer holiday in Borth, a seaside resort on the west Wales coast above Aberystwyth (recently featured in the BBC Wales thriller, Hinterland). I dug out the picture opposite to accompany the piece. It shows mum, dad, younger brother, Brian, and me at a cousin's wedding in the early 1960s. I was surprised to see my dad holding a cigarette, as I only ever remember him smoking a pipe. Future editions of the Ledger may include some of my short stories.
20 July 2014 - Last night, sales of Wings Over Summer passed the 10,000 mark, with just under 6,000 in the US, a small, but seemingly growing, number in Australia and Canada, and a few in most other Amazon markets. I'm delighted and wish to pass on my thanks to all those who have bought my books, especially those that have taken the time to write such positive and encouraging reviews. Given that I published the book hoping sales would take off in the run up to the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain next year, I'm not sure now whether I've published too early (and that it has peaked), or whether it will still be selling then. I guess only time will tell.
I'm also very pleased that Shropshire Blue has passed 1400 sales, but believe the review with an excellent narrative but only one star has continued to hamper sales in the States. A Royal Australian Air Force veteran who read and enjoyed it, and saw parallels with his own training at the RAAF Radio School, put a piece in his very vibrant and entertaining association magazine (radschool.org.au). The wonders of the internet.
I'm also very pleased that Shropshire Blue has passed 1400 sales, but believe the review with an excellent narrative but only one star has continued to hamper sales in the States. A Royal Australian Air Force veteran who read and enjoyed it, and saw parallels with his own training at the RAAF Radio School, put a piece in his very vibrant and entertaining association magazine (radschool.org.au). The wonders of the internet.
An RAF headstone at Ta Qali Cemetery
March 2014 On a recent visit to Malta, I found all the Second World War museums and sites fascinating, but was particularly impressed with the Lascaris War Rooms in Valletta and the Malta Aviation Museum at Ta Qali, near Mdina. The Aviation Museum is largely run by volunteers and tends to suffer from the fact that tour guides earn more from taking their parties to the nearby Craft Village. If you're on a tour that's given time at the Craft Village, I'd suggest nipping the 50 yards across the road to the Aviation Museum. It is well worth the effort. There is a Commonwealth War Cemetery nearby, although most of the RAF graves are in the Capuccini Naval Cemetery at Kalkara - on the Three Cities side of the Grand Harbour, across from Valletta (on the way to Fort Rinella).
November 2013 - Death of Tony Iveson Sadly, the Battle of Britain veteran I interviewed during my research, Squadron Leader Tony Iveson DFC, died on 5th November 2013. I hope Wings Over Summer will stand as a fitting tribute to him and others like him.
August 2013 - Progress of Wings Over Summer
Book signing in my home town of Ludlow
Since June 2013, when Wings Over Summer became available as an e-book and paperback on Amazon, I've been amazed at its progress. I obviously hoped for a few sales, but I was aiming at it starting to arouse interest in the run-up to the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain in 2015 - a two year lead time. That it is already selling in the thousands and has received such positive reviews, both in the UK and the US, has been a source of great delight.
Book Signing I've just done a book signing in Ludlow, the town on the English/Welsh border where I grew up. There, I met Delme Whitbread, the nephew of the pilot to whom I dedicated the book. His uncle, Pilot Officer Laurie Whitbread, was killed when shot down by a Messerschmitt 109 over Rochester in Kent on 20th September 1940. Delme presented me with the photograph of Laurie you can see on the desk at the book signing. It was a very special moment for me, especially as he reiterated how delighted the family were at the dedication of Wings Over Summer. The picture now sits on my desk at home.
Book Signing I've just done a book signing in Ludlow, the town on the English/Welsh border where I grew up. There, I met Delme Whitbread, the nephew of the pilot to whom I dedicated the book. His uncle, Pilot Officer Laurie Whitbread, was killed when shot down by a Messerschmitt 109 over Rochester in Kent on 20th September 1940. Delme presented me with the photograph of Laurie you can see on the desk at the book signing. It was a very special moment for me, especially as he reiterated how delighted the family were at the dedication of Wings Over Summer. The picture now sits on my desk at home.
