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Waiting in the Wings
At the age of fifteen, William Hicks joined the 1st Battalion of the 27th Regiment of Foot (the Inniskillings) as a drummer in 1798. Throughout the Napoleonic Wars, they were often in the shadows, waiting for their moment of glory. Their roles varied from holding the fort against the French to acting as a decoy for Wellington in the Peninsula, participating in skirmishes and minor battles.
However, these experiences were leading up to one final triumph. Through William’s story, we gain insight into the everyday life of a foot soldier during this era: his adventures, challenges, and lessons learned as he travels through diverse lands. Each new destination offers a different climate, culture, and scenery to discover.
Join William on his journey to Egypt, Malta, Sicily, Spain, and North America, culminating in their ultimate destination: Waterloo.
£3.50 -
Waiting in the Wings
At the age of fifteen, William Hicks joined the 1st Battalion of the 27th Regiment of Foot (the Inniskillings) as a drummer in 1798. Throughout the Napoleonic Wars, they were often in the shadows, waiting for their moment of glory. Their roles varied from holding the fort against the French to acting as a decoy for Wellington in the Peninsula, participating in skirmishes and minor battles.
However, these experiences were leading up to one final triumph. Through William’s story, we gain insight into the everyday life of a foot soldier during this era: his adventures, challenges, and lessons learned as he travels through diverse lands. Each new destination offers a different climate, culture, and scenery to discover.
Join William on his journey to Egypt, Malta, Sicily, Spain, and North America, culminating in their ultimate destination: Waterloo.
£3.50 -
Reflections from the Top of the World
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain in the world. It can be climbed successfully with minimal technical skill, but the physical and mental challenges are huge. The secret to conquering Mount Kilimanjaro is to just keep going, a maxim that applies equally when facing the trials of life, such as bereavement, heartbreak, and loneliness.
Loneliness is perhaps one of the most insidious legacies of the COVID-19 pandemic. People increasingly live alone, work alone and play alone; disconnected from society through the modern cultures of home working, absolute dependence on smartphones and the ability to stream television and cinema into their living rooms on demand. These modern factors conspire to break the connections between fellow human beings, and this can render recovering from bereavement, heartbreak, and other life trials especially hard. The enforced isolation of lockdown served to strengthen and normalize human disconnection, which has arguably led to a disturbing deterioration in the nations’ mental health.
Reflections from the Top of the World presents a powerful alternative philosophy of connection, mutual endeavour, and achievement. A philosophy that does not necessarily require individuals to climb the world’s largest freestanding mountain, but one that encourages reflection on the root causes of sadness and joy. The ultimate conclusion is a convincing belief that whatever life throws you, there will always be new happiness to look forward to if you just keep going.
£3.50 -
You Won't Believe This, But ...
Jane McCulloch was once dubbed a ‘Renaissance woman’ by the great American soprano Jessye Norman, and her long career as a playwright, theatre and opera director, producer, lyricist, poet and latterly novelist is certainly testament to this.
Jane’s has been ‘a life not without incident’ – to quote her husband, the theatre director Toby Robertson. Growing up with fiercely gifted but troubled parents, she found herself with a front-row seat during a golden age of British theatre before forging her own career, running theatre companies both in the UK and abroad and working with the likes of Derek Jacobi and Judi Dench.
Inheriting her father’s ability to ‘collect’ celebrities (to the occasional exasperation of her children), Jane proves a born raconteur, describing, amongst other things, how she met Jackie Kennedy Onassis in an accidental Valium haze or managed to charm both Noël Coward and John Betjeman while still a teenager. Beyond the clear-eyed, often moving stories, however, what emerges is an inspirational tale of a woman’s fight for her survival in a very tough profession.£3.50 -
Reflections from the Top of the World
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain in the world. It can be climbed successfully with minimal technical skill, but the physical and mental challenges are huge. The secret to conquering Mount Kilimanjaro is to just keep going, a maxim that applies equally when facing the trials of life, such as bereavement, heartbreak, and loneliness.
Loneliness is perhaps one of the most insidious legacies of the COVID-19 pandemic. People increasingly live alone, work alone and play alone; disconnected from society through the modern cultures of home working, absolute dependence on smartphones and the ability to stream television and cinema into their living rooms on demand. These modern factors conspire to break the connections between fellow human beings, and this can render recovering from bereavement, heartbreak, and other life trials especially hard. The enforced isolation of lockdown served to strengthen and normalize human disconnection, which has arguably led to a disturbing deterioration in the nations’ mental health.
Reflections from the Top of the World presents a powerful alternative philosophy of connection, mutual endeavour, and achievement. A philosophy that does not necessarily require individuals to climb the world’s largest freestanding mountain, but one that encourages reflection on the root causes of sadness and joy. The ultimate conclusion is a convincing belief that whatever life throws you, there will always be new happiness to look forward to if you just keep going.
£3.50 -
God and Our Dirty Socks
God and Our Dirty Socks is a captivating exploration of everyday life, encompassing both the humorous and the poignant. From marriage and family dynamics to grief, loss, and the challenges of IVF treatment, this book delves into a wide array of topics, reflecting the intricate tapestry of human experience.
Each of the 41 chapters offers unique insights, concluding with a thoughtful reflection and a prayer. Readers may turn to this book during times of stress or uncertainty, seeking solace and guidance. Whether seeking calm, reflection, or simply a moment of respite, God and Our Dirty Socks offers a comforting presence on the bedside table, inviting readers to explore its pages and discover a sense of clarity, hope, and inspiration.
May this book bring peace of mind, serenity of spirit, and a renewed appetite for life.
£3.50 -
They Call Me Jake – 2
“We are all wanderers on this earth
Our hearts are full of wonder and
Our souls deep with dreams”
- Romany Gypsy saying
Jakob Smith was a sometimes wild and reckless youth whose passion in life was to travel to new countries. Wherever he went, he was interested in the local history, daily life and culture of the people. During the daylight hours, he enjoyed visiting museums, religious sites, zoos and national parks.
At night, contrary to his daytime wanderings, he would enjoy drinking beer and mixing with the local people in neighbourhood bars or restaurants. He would attempt to talk with anyone despite sometimes language difficulties. Frequently these conversations took place in places of ill repute where hookers and petty criminals made up the numbers. They conned him relentlessly but their stories, true or otherwise, were often amusing and worth the few drinks they cost.
Now somewhat more mature, he looks back on such times with fond memories. So many people met only once for just a few, sometimes drunken moments, but never forgotten. Despite the odd black eye and a couple of nights spent in lock-up, was it worth it? I must say yes, as if I had my youth over, I would probably go down the same path.
The few bad times fade into obscurity, and the many good times, prone to exaggeration, just seem to get better with age.
A travel story different from most,
Entertaining, informative at times,
Jakob quite simply loves travelling,
New places and new people are his life.
£3.50 -
You Won't Believe This, But ...
Jane McCulloch was once dubbed a ‘Renaissance woman’ by the great American soprano Jessye Norman, and her long career as a playwright, theatre and opera director, producer, lyricist, poet and latterly novelist is certainly testament to this.
Jane’s has been ‘a life not without incident’ – to quote her husband, the theatre director Toby Robertson. Growing up with fiercely gifted but troubled parents, she found herself with a front-row seat during a golden age of British theatre before forging her own career, running theatre companies both in the UK and abroad and working with the likes of Derek Jacobi and Judi Dench.
Inheriting her father’s ability to ‘collect’ celebrities (to the occasional exasperation of her children), Jane proves a born raconteur, describing, amongst other things, how she met Jackie Kennedy Onassis in an accidental Valium haze or managed to charm both Noël Coward and John Betjeman while still a teenager. Beyond the clear-eyed, often moving stories, however, what emerges is an inspirational tale of a woman’s fight for her survival in a very tough profession.£3.50 -
God and Our Dirty Socks
God and Our Dirty Socks is a captivating exploration of everyday life, encompassing both the humorous and the poignant. From marriage and family dynamics to grief, loss, and the challenges of IVF treatment, this book delves into a wide array of topics, reflecting the intricate tapestry of human experience.
Each of the 41 chapters offers unique insights, concluding with a thoughtful reflection and a prayer. Readers may turn to this book during times of stress or uncertainty, seeking solace and guidance. Whether seeking calm, reflection, or simply a moment of respite, God and Our Dirty Socks offers a comforting presence on the bedside table, inviting readers to explore its pages and discover a sense of clarity, hope, and inspiration.
May this book bring peace of mind, serenity of spirit, and a renewed appetite for life.
£3.50 -
Crossing the Yellowstone
Based on diary entries, news articles, published sources, interviews, and personal memories from the author and other family members, Crossing the Yellowstone: The Saga of a Montana Ranch Family is a classic American drama of challenges met and legacies left. In 1894, Andy Mercer journeyed on horseback from Missouri to the Great Plains, with plans to homestead in the West. Crossing the Yellowstone is a love story of land, family, and one man’s dream. This narrative tells a true story set in the American West in the early 20th century, illustrating the core values of the settlers: independence, determination, and respect for the land.
Andy’s love for Florrie, an English nurse, turns tragic when she dies, leaving him alone with a motherless infant, Russell. The child grows from a lonely schoolboy to a reluctant cowboy and eventually must choose whether to stay on the family ranch or strike out in search of a different life. Despite the challenges of the drought during the Dirty Thirties and the Great Depression, Andy’s legacy has endured for three generations on the Montana ranch near the Yellowstone River.
£3.50 -
They Call Me Jake – 2
“We are all wanderers on this earth
Our hearts are full of wonder and
Our souls deep with dreams”
- Romany Gypsy saying
Jakob Smith was a sometimes wild and reckless youth whose passion in life was to travel to new countries. Wherever he went, he was interested in the local history, daily life and culture of the people. During the daylight hours, he enjoyed visiting museums, religious sites, zoos and national parks.
At night, contrary to his daytime wanderings, he would enjoy drinking beer and mixing with the local people in neighbourhood bars or restaurants. He would attempt to talk with anyone despite sometimes language difficulties. Frequently these conversations took place in places of ill repute where hookers and petty criminals made up the numbers. They conned him relentlessly but their stories, true or otherwise, were often amusing and worth the few drinks they cost.
Now somewhat more mature, he looks back on such times with fond memories. So many people met only once for just a few, sometimes drunken moments, but never forgotten. Despite the odd black eye and a couple of nights spent in lock-up, was it worth it? I must say yes, as if I had my youth over, I would probably go down the same path.
The few bad times fade into obscurity, and the many good times, prone to exaggeration, just seem to get better with age.
A travel story different from most,
Entertaining, informative at times,
Jakob quite simply loves travelling,
New places and new people are his life.
£3.50 -
Fego Tales
Fego Tales is based on a true story that explores life in a West African boarding school in Nigeria. Fego Tales is narrated through short stories experienced by the author. This book navigates first love, bullying, the mysterious Iroko trees, culture, cruelty, romance, friendship, relationship, and the difficulties of navigating a back-to-basics existence.
£3.50