Click here for pictures of the launch at Reading on September 26

Click here to read the Reading Chronical review of the Reading launch (pdf format)

Six Spoons Out and About.  Throughout the spring and summer, Heather and I have been attending WWll events, taking in new sights, seeing new places and selling lots of copies of Six Spoons.  Not forgetting making new friends.  What great fun!

It all started at Littlecote Manor in April, moved onto the Rural Life Centre at Tilford near Farnham, Surrey (a great family day out!) then the wonderful Watercress Line where we had a ball as they say!   At the Army Show in Aldershot, home of the British Army, the wind blew and blew so much that when they announced the fly past we thought it was our tiny tent!

We’ve been to the massive War & Peace Show at Paddock Wood in Kent and by the time you read this, the Shoreham Air Show will probably be just a memory too.  In between is Brenzett Aero Museum open weekend (August 16/17) where there is an unrivalled collection of WWll memorabilia… probably the best in the country
(www.brenzettaero.co.uk)  I’ll be signing copies of Six Spoons there too.

Almost without exception we have been alongside the men from the 101st Airborne, “Screaming Eagles” Living History Group.  (www.screamingeagleslhg.co.uk)   If I knew how to salute properly, I’d be first to salute Captain Dave and his band of merry men! 

Arthur and Lesley of Blitz and Peaces will be at the launch to entertain us all. And if we don't know the words to songs that were popular in the war years, they do!

Meet lovely Jo and Rowena at the launch on September 25.

Six Spoons at School   At the Watercress Line WWll spring event, I had the privilege of telling the tale of an evacuee to many school children on the Friday - set aside as Evacuee Day.  And answering questions.  Yes, questions, questions and more questions!  What a great idea!  It has triggered the thought that if any other schools would like a presentation… just let us know.  

Six Spoons in the States!  Daniel Hines (ex-paratrooper) runs a web-site primarily directed at us old-timers and it looks like Daniel will be bringing Six Spoons to our friends in the US of A - so watch this space! One of Dan’s ideas is to track down veterans who were billeted in Berkshire during WWll before going off to fight in Normandy on D-Day.  Especially anyone who remembers the village kids – maybe even me! Now wouldn’t that be something if we could be re-united one day in your great country?  I’ve remembered my lines… “Got any gum, chum?”

Six Spoons at your local Library.  Six Spoons is now on the shelves at many libraries in the South of England including Reading, Newbury and West Berkshire plus Eastbourne, Hastings and East Sussex.  If your local library hasn’t yet got a copy – ask why!

Six Spoons launch at Waterstones.  This is the Big Event not to be missed!  The official launch of Six Spoons of Sugar is at Waterstones store in Broad Street, Reading on the evening of September 25.  There will be GI’s, our own troops not to mention the Home Guard while entertainment will be in the hands of Arthur and Lesley, Blitz & Peaces (www.blitzandpeaces.co.uk) Come and join in the fun and, if you wish, dress in your favourite style of War-time Britain.   You will be in good company!

Waterstones need to know how many will be attending so you will need to obtain your (free) tickets beforehand.  Drop Waterstones a line, the girls there will be pleased to help:  89A Broad Street, Reading, RG1 2AP.  Or phone 0118 958 1270.  Or e-mail Richard Holdsworth at Holdsworthwrites@aol.com   Don’t forget to give your full name, address and Postal Code!

Six Spoons – Buy Now!  If you can’t make it to the launch, you can buy your copy of Six Spoons (paperback or hardback) from any Waterstones store or your favourite local book shop. Just quote the ISBN number and the book should be yours within the next few days.  If you encounter any problems… let me know!

Watch this space for more News… News… News…!!

Dave Allaway (nearest camera) and Staff Sergeant Shaun Bartlett will be among the military re-enactors at Waterstones.