A new novel is in the pipeline...
It is still in the early draft stage, but I have been working on Parts 4 and 5 of the story "Snakeskin" which I thought I had completed in 2014. That story had an ambiguous ending and was never published. I now see the 2014 version as Parts 1, 2 and 3 of a longer story. The writing I am polishing and editing now takes the narrative up to 2024 and gives it a more satisfying conclusion. I hope.
More to follow during 2025 ...
UPCOMING TALKS
30th October 2024
As part of the Tolpuddle Family Lives project, there will be a second series of talks celebrating working class histories at the Tolpuddle Old Chapel during the month of October.
On Wednesday 30th October I will be talking about the real story of a mill-worker from the north of England who was convicted for his part in the Plug Riots of the 1840s, and highlighting parallels between his life and those of the agricultural labourers of Dorset. My talk will revolve around my novel “Blessèd are the Meek” which deals with Chartism, protest and the struggle for justice. I will read extracts from the book and reflect on both the political and social history of the time.
The talk, entitled “Chartism, the Plug Riots and a Nod to the Tolpuddle Martyrs”, will start at 7pm and is free of charge. The Chapel’s seating is limited, however, so places must be booked by emailing: deliverymanager@tolpuddleoldchapeltrust.org
Please come and support. Everyone is welcome.
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6th November 2024
I will be speaking about my Hydonian trilogy "One Hundred Years from Peterloo" to members of the Hyde War Memorial Trust at the Visitors Centre on Higham Lane, Gee Cross, Hyde. As we will be very close to Armistice Day, I will be paying particular attention to sections of "Cheshire Cheese and Camembert" as they relate to the events of the Great War. This is also an open event, so please check the details on Facebook and come along to listen.
A SEVENTH NOVEL IS HERE...
Cheshire Cheese and Camembert is the third and final part of what, somewhat inadvertently, has become a Hydonian trilogy.
Loosely following on from Blessèd are the Meek and Twenty-six Nil, the story takes place during the early years of the twentieth century and much of the action has moved from Hyde to Salford, and principally around the docks at the eastern end of the Manchester Ship Canal. Walter Rowbotham's best man, Charlie Knott, now a middle-aged man with a steady job, tells the story about how he, his family and his friends come to terms with the modern world and the challenges it poses, not least the conflict that grips Europe in 1914.
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There is much more about the new novel on the Books page...