NEWS... NEWS... NEWS...
Looking at the diary for 2012 we are in for another busy time. And two books now! We will be attending many of the UK events we have since the launch of SIX SPOONS OF SUGAR plus a few more.
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It was great to see men of the 101st Airborne, “Screaming Eagles” re-enactors group at the Reading Launch. Captain Dave Allaway (second from left in the back row) and Staff Sergeant Shaun Bartlett (kneeling next to Lucy Holdsworth at the front) led the team. They were all VERY popular with the girls! |
SIX SPOONS OF SUGAR LAUNCHFirst of all, let’s recap on the launch of Six Spoons of Sugar back in 2008. The book had impressed the people at Waterstones and they offered us high profile launches at the Broad Street store in Reading and Priory Meadows in Hastings. We dressed each store with flags, Dig for Victory posters and artefacts such as WWll gas masks, helmets and miles of camouflage… but what a treat it was to see so many re-enactors from Wartime Britain come along and make both events such a success. And at Hastings the Mayor, Maureen Charlesworth, paid us a visit (and bought her copy!) and our great leader Winston Churchill also popped in to wish us well! Actually, it was Robert Easterbrook, and what a good Winston he proved to be, not forgetting “Clementine“his lovely wife, of course. Click here for pictures of the launch at Reading on September 26 2008 |
Hastings Mayor, Maureen Charlesworth gets Richard to sign her copy of Six Spoons closely watched by Winston and RAF re-enactor Richard Thomson. |
Six Spoons in talks. I have been invited to give talks to groups of people of all ages and that includes schools where excited children have been all eyes and ears… I bring along the usual bits and pieces – Dig for Victory posters, flags, tin helmets and gas masks (of course). And at some schools the children help unfold the camouflage… at one school we seemed to cover everything except the Head Mistress! Great time had by all! And now I am happy to give talks about IN THE HOT SEAT and my time Down Under. Six Spoons at your local library. Six Spoons is now on the shelves of many libraries around the country; in Berkshire from Wokingham in the east to Newbury in the west and throughout Sussex too. Check with your local library and see if they have it on their shelves… and if they haven’t, ask why! |
School children get into the spirit of being an evacuee. These children are enjoying the Watercress Line at War weekend.
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Six Spoons in Oz. Last time Heather and I were in Australia, we took the opportunity of launching Six Spoons and what a success that was! I was invited onto the ABC "Conversation Hour" for celebrities and Denis Walter on his popular 3AW afternoon programme and from that we appointed the prestigious Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne while both books are also available from Eltham Book Shop - details on the page... HOW TO BUY/CONTACT Below - interior of the Shrine of Remembrance.
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The ANZACS fought alongside British troops in two world wars and IN THE HOT SEAT recognises their bravery - there are graphic, heart-wrenching tales to bring tears to the eyes in IN THE HOT SEAT. The Shine of Remembrance in Melbourne has both Richard's books on their shelves and for sale.
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Christmas comes but once a year and with it the annual Christmas party of the 101st US Airborne re-enactors here in the UK. My friends, Staff Sergeant Shaun Bartlet, left, and Captain Dave Allaway (right) know how to celebrate Christmas. It wouldn't be the same without you guys! |
A great event for railways and 1940’s fans in the Kent and East Sussex Railway 1940’s weekend. Visitors including “evacuees” pack the trains throughout the weekend and schools visit the Railway throughout the following week. Richard, Heather and Six Spoons will be in attendance. |
Colin - alias Claus Richter, one of Hitler's finest - takes a break. This was Bushey Park, 2009. |
Swindon & Cricklade “War on the Railway” weekend is the weekend not to miss. Nell’s Belles Land Army Girls are just one of the many re-enactor groups showing their mettle. |
Alice Racher is one of the wonderful girls who joined the Womens’ Land Army and helped our farmers feed the Nation in our time of need. Richard was delighted to meet her during the 2008 Brenzett August weekend – and doesn’t he look pleased… |
If you want a pair of genuine nylons you can always count on Viv the Spiv despite the austerity of war years and clothes rationing. Heather seems impressed! This was at Twickenham Big Band Ball December 2008 – but Viv attends most WWll functions. |
Captured at the Watercress Line in 2008, Jo and Rowena looking pretty good... we hope to see them back again this year. |
Our friends, Arthur and Lesley, Blitz & Peaces provide so much of the entertainment at the WWll events we go to. And don’t they do it well?! |
Aussie Rules footie star, Adam Pattison, dropped in to Readings Books on launch day to see what all the fuss was about. Big lad isn't he? What's more he says he loves the book! |
School children enjoy hearing all about being an evacuee... and trying on gas masks and tin helmets! Here we are at Upcroft School, Tilehurst, Reading. Didn't we have a great day kids??! |
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Brenzett Aero Museum has a wonderful display of items portraying the war in the air over South East England. And the Summer Show is a "must" for the whole family. www.brenzettaero.co.uk |
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Some of the events we will be attending in the coming year - 2012 May 12/13 Tilford Village at War, Rural Life Centre, Farnham, Surrey. www.rural-life.org.uk
Various indoor fairs and Christmas markets including: November 3/4 Christmas Market and Gift Fair, Trunkwell House,
Beech hill Road, Beech Hill, Reading, Berkshire. RG7 2AT.
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SIX SPOONS COMES TO THE UNITED STATES It took 67 years for me to get over to the USA and personally thank the GIs who came to my village back in 1942 on the way to Normandy and freeing occupied Europe… But August 2010 I was able to take the trip – and what a trip! My wife Heather, daughter Lucy and I tied it in with the 101st Airborne 65th reunion at Indianapolis and not only did I get to shake hands with veterans who were billeted in my village, but many of the other 600 veterans at the reunion – a once in a lifetime experience. And for those that I wasn’t able to thank personally, I hope the few words I was able to make at the 501th Battalion dinner on the Friday evening conveyed my thanks to all you fine people. We were certainly made most welcome. And after the reunion we were able to visit the headquarters of the 101st at Fort Campbell courtesy of Mike Tilden and his team who drove us down to Fort Campbell. Not only did we get to see the base (and what a fantastic base it is too) but thanks to you guys we were to see much of your beautiful country on the way. PO Box 929, 32 Screaming Eagle Blvd Fort Campbell. KY 42223
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We made headlines. Harold Heffner and Richard are interviewed by Will Higgins of the Indianapolis Star.
You don't get much better than this! Dominic Caraccilo, Deputy Commander of Fort Campbell, welcomes Richard to the 101st Association reunion, August 2010. |
Oz Book "Richard took one of the last consignments of stud cattle to Australia - was paid a shilling a week on a cargo ship, the MV Port Melbourne. That gave him insurance cover - but not against a stowaway. "I'll do for you, you bastard..." The Outback beckoned and stud cattle again; he brought out the Supreme Champion at the Royal Adelaide Show. Then onto being a top-flight journalist - the Hot Seat once more. In between times he was lost on the Birdsville Track - where death waits at every turn - got to know the Aborigines and learn of the Min min lights, raced a Porsche and won his Aussie bride. There's a travel chapter that brings the reader up-to-date with the parts of Oz that Richard saw, lived and loved. Two books in one! The Hot Seat is humorous, informative and a "must" for Aussies and Poms alike." Click here to read an extract from In the HOT SEAT
RADIO INTERVIEW WITH DENIS
WALTER While in Oz, Richard was interviewed on the radio by Denis Walter. Click the forward arrow on the media player below to listen to the inteview (it may take a minute or so to download).
STOCKISTS Six Spoons of Sugar is now available from Hastings & Rother Family History Society - contact Mrs Linda Smith, 355 Bexhill Road, St Leonards on Sea. 01424 437493. E-mail: lindamarilyn.smith@virgin.net And Six Spoons of Sugar and In The HOT SEAT are stocked by Milestones Living History Museum, Basingstoke. 01256 477766. www.milestones-museum.com |
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Milestones Living History Museum All ages will enjoy exploring, experiencing and "living" our history at Milestones Living History Museum with full size streets and a 1940's sweet shop, fire station, Co-op and many more attractions. And now the book shop has on its shelves Richard's evacuee and Aussie books. A great day out guaranteed!
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